It seems like fall is everyone’s favorite season. Between the end of scorching summer days to the annual arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, everybody loves fall. It also means that fall is the busiest time of year for those of us who help folks get married in wild places! Being such a transitional month, eloping in the fall can also be a bit of a challenge – especially when it comes to deciding WHERE to elope! I’ve put this list together to help you figure out the best spots for your fall elopement.

Colorado

There was no way Colorado wasn’t going to be first on this list! I’ve been based in Colorado for the last 14 years and know just how magical this place is in early fall! After Labor Day weekend, most of the tourists have gone home, the days have just started to cool off, and the snowy ski season is (usually!) just a faint glimmer off on the horizon. The aspens usually begin to change in mid-September and by the first week of October they have usually dropped their leaves. Fall is a perfect time for a hiking elopement as most of last year’s snow is gone – and this year’s hasn’t shown up yet! Curious about how to elope in Colorado? Check out the guide!

Moab, UT

Fall is the PERFECT time of year to run off to the desert and there is no better place to do it than Moab! Moab’s giant red rock formations, national parks, ample hiking, world class mountain biking, and all around breathtaking scenery make it the perfect spot for an adventurous fall elopement. Moab’s fall weather is PERFECTION. Grab a hotel or AirBnB or, even better, glamp it up at Under Canvas and have an epic elopement!

Washington

Washington state is known for its moody weather (which, I’m going to be honest, I LOVE!) but early fall is actually a great time to elope before things get too dark. If you’re thinking about eloping in the mountains of the North Cascades, on a beach or in a rainforest, or somewhere in Mt Rainier National Park, early fall is a perfect time to do just that! Wondering how to elope in Washington? I have a guide for that!

Sedona, AZ

With beautiful red cliffs, bright green trees, and a thriving art community, Sedona is a beautiful spot for a fall elopement with desert vibes and jaw-dropping scenery! If you want to go hiking, mountain biking, or for a Jeep adventure, Sedona’s got you covered! Add to that the fact that it’s a quick and easy drive from Phoenix and it’s the perfect spot for your desert elopement.

Iceland

I LOVE Iceland in September! Why? You get lots of daylight for daytime adventures … but also enough darkness for a chance to see the northern lights. In September Iceland’s daylight hours are pretty close to those in the continental U.S. so you won’t be dealing with Midnight Sun (which is awesome but takes away your chances to see the lights!) or the endless dark of winter. By September, many of the tourists have headed home and fall is settling in. If you want to visit any of Iceland’s more popular locations, this is a great time! Curious about eloping in Iceland? Check out the guide!

Kauai

In a state made up of beautiful islands, Kauai takes the cake. The Garden Island has lush forests, beautiful beaches, tons of waterfalls …. and less commercial development than it’s neighbors. When the weather has turned on the mainland and many of the best fall elopement locations have turned into winter elopement locations, Kauai is waiting to welcome you into her warm, tropical, embrace! Seriously, this place is MAGICAL.

Oregon Coast + Waterfalls

If you’re dreaming of rocky coasts (or the waterfalls of Iceland … without actually having to go to Iceland), put Oregon on your list! Early fall is a good time to elope in Oregon before the dreary winter sets in. Oregon is a great location to mix together a lot of different vibes into one epic day – from waterfalls to beaches to forests, Oregon in fall has it all!

Northern California Coast + Redwoods

Early to mid-October is a great time of year to elope on the coast of Northern California. While the winters can be rainy, this part of fall is typically milid and dry. Get married on the beach at Point Reyes National Seashore or somewhere along Humboldt County’s wild Lost Coast. This can also be a beautiful time of year to visit the Redwoods … without all the tourists!

Need help planning your fall elopement? Get in touch! Since 2016 I’ve helped couples just like you elope in wild places around the western United State and Iceland and I’d love to help make your dreams come true!