Fall is
the
perfect time to
elope
There is reason fall is the most popular time to plan an elopement in much of the U.S. – it’s just stunning, regardless of where you are.
As a fellow autumn lover AND elopement photographer and planner with ten years of experience, I can tell you that fall elopements are the best. From the crisp air to the colorful leaves to the moody, cozy vibes, it honestly doesn’t get much better than this.
Planning your fall elopement begins with one BIG question: Where should you elope in the fall?
I’ve written this article to help you narrow down your options (and maybe give you some you’ve never even thought about!) so you can have your dream fall elopement day.
Ready to do this? Let’s go!
an elopement photographer and planner’s guide to the
the best places to elope in the fall
Telluride, COlorado
Why it’s great for a fall elopement:
Rugged, stunning mountains surround a picture perfect Colorado ski town. Telluride leans a little bougie while not being snobby and the canyon it’s located in? With the appopriately named Bridal Veil Falls at the end of it? GORGEOUS. It’s also incredibly dog friendly (dogs can even ride the free gondola that connects town to Mountain Village!). If you are looking for a little bit of luxury in Colorado’s wildest mountains, Telluride is it.
How to get there:
6 hour drive from Denver International Airport
2 hour drive from Grand Junction Airport
0 hour drive from Telluride Airport!
olympic national park, Washington
Why it’s great for a fall elopement:
I’ve planned and photographed elopements for over a decade now and Olympic National Park is, hands down, my FAVORITE place I’ve ever photographed an elopement. And it’s PERFECT in the fall. What makes is so special? Mountains, beaches, rainforests, moody vibes, and so much more. It’s also one of the easiest National Parks to elope in (no permit or reservation required) AND dogs are allowed in some parts of the park. It’s pretty quiet in the fall also, which makes it just about perfect.
How to get there:
4 hour drive from Seattle Tacoma International Airport
twin lakes colorado
Why it’s great for a fall elopement:
Twin Lakes is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado and it’s extra pretty in the fall. This area features two big lakes (hence the name!) as well as easy access to rivers, waterfalls, and hiiiiiigh alpine views (like, way above treeline) which can be accessed without a big hike. I LOVE this area for elopements in the summer and fall!
How to get there:
2.5 hours from Denver International Airport
moab, utah
Why it’s great for a fall elopement:
Moab is quite literally my favorite place on the planet and it’s a perfect place for a fall elopement for couples who want desert vibes and aren’t necessarily looking for fall colors. Moab feels like it’s on another planet with it’s red rocks, canyons, and vistas as far as the eye can see. It’s surrounded by public land (not just the two big national parks!) and is a perfect spot for an adventurous fall elopement!
How to get there:
6 hour drive from Denver International Airport
4 hours from Salt Lake City Airport
2 hour drive from Grand Junction Airport
North cascades, Washington
Why it’s great for a fall elopement:
As a resident of Colorado for almost 20 years, I’m somewhat of a mountain snob … and I can tell you that one of the BEST mountain elopement locations in the U.S. isn’t in Colorado. It’s in Washington. The North Cascades are the perfect moody, jagged mountains with locations that area easy to access and offer incredible views with or without a long hike. I’m obsessed with these mountans and I think you will be too!
How to get there:
2.5 hours from Seattle Tacoma International Airport
breckenridge, colorado
Why it’s great for a fall elopement:
Breckenridge is a super cute mountain town that’s relatively close to Denver, offers tons of lodging and restaurant options, and has a bunch of beautiful places for a fall elopement. It’s just two hours from Denver but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Fun fact: Breckenridge was the place that made me fall in love with Colorado before we decided to move here so it will forever hold a special place in my heart!
How to get there:
2 hours from Denver International Airport
Colorado National MOnument (Grand Junction, CO)
Why it’s great for a fall elopement:
Colorado is famous for it’s mountains but did you know it also has deserts? The far western edge of Colorado is more like Utah and the Colorado National Monument is it’s crown jewel. The Monument could easily be a national park but because it lacks that designation, it’s far quieter than nearby Moab’s Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Add in Colorado’s very-chill elopement laws and the Colorado National Monument is perfect for a fall elopement!
How to get there:
4 hours from Denver International Airport
30 minutes from Grand Junction Airport
need more fall elopement location ideas? get in touch!
I’d love to help you out! Since 2016 I’ve helped 100s of happy folks have wild weddings throughout the Western U.S.
I live and breathe adventure elopements and am here to help make your dreams come true!
