(Photographer approved)
Dreaming of a wedding day that’s less about tradition and more about adventure?
Eloping in 2026 is the perfect way to craft a celebration that feels true to you — intimate, emotional, and set somewhere unforgettable. As a destination wedding and adventure elopement photographer, I’ve captured love stories across deserts, forests, beaches, and mountaintops. So if you’re newly engaged and searching for where to elope in 2026, here my top places to elope in 2026 — complete with travel tips, best seasons, and photography insights to make your day unforgettable.
5 Top places to elope in 2026 destination wedding
1. The Pacific Northwest: Where Forests Meet the Sea
Best for: Moody romantics, nature lovers, and forest dreamers
Top spots: Olympic National Park, Cannon Beach, Mount Rainier, Columbia River Gorge
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is pure cinematic magic. Picture misty coastlines, towering evergreens, and waterfalls cascading through mossy trails. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a foggy beach or in the shadow of Mount Rainier, this region offers endless beauty.
Photographer tip: Embrace the weather. Cloudy skies create soft, flattering light — perfect for romantic, moody portraits.
Best time to elope: June–September for sunshine, or late October for cozy autumn vibes.
2. Sedona, Arizona: Sunset and Red Rock Romance
Top spots: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Sky Ranch Lodge, Yavapai Vista
Few places glow like Sedona at golden hour. The red rock cliffs, desert trails, and peaceful energy make it ideal for couples who want to feel grounded yet adventurous. Sedona remains one of the best places to elope in 2026. It’s easy to reach, offers luxurious stays, and has endless golden-hour photo locations that feel otherworldly.
Photographer tip: Plan your ceremony 60–90 minutes before sunset — the red rocks light up with color that looks straight out of a painting.
Best time to elope: March–May or October–November for perfect temps and fewer crowds.
Bonus! Check out this Venue! Sky Ranch Lodge in Sedona
3. Mexico: Best places to elope in 2026 for Beachfront Luxury and Vibrant Culture
Best for: Beach lovers, cultural adventurers, and relaxed luxury
Top spots: Riviera Maya, Tulum, Baja, Puerto Vallarta
From barefoot beach vows to elegant courtyard ceremonies, Mexico is the ultimate destination for couples who want their elopement to double as an unforgettable trip. Mexico’s mix of turquoise coastlines, lush jungles, and colorful colonial towns make it one of the best places to elope in 2026.
Photographer tip: Schedule portraits around sunset to avoid harsh light, and plan a “day-after” adventure session at cenotes or nearby villages for variety.
Best time to elope: November–April during dry season for clear skies and perfect weather.
Bonus! Check out this Venue! Secrets Puerto Vallarta
4. Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Charm Meets Coastal Elegance
Best for: Lovers of history, architecture, and timeless romance
Top spots: Downtown Charleston, Magnolia Gardens, Folly Beach, Cypress Gardens
Charleston’s pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, and moss-covered oaks set the scene for a classic yet relaxed elopement. Whether you’re saying “I do” beneath oak trees or walking hand in hand through the historic district, this Southern city offers endless charm.
Photographer tip: Charleston’s weather can shift quickly — choose a venue with covered patios or flexible indoor options for portraits.
Best time to elope: March–May or October–December for mild temps and fewer crowds.
Bonus! Check out this Venue! The Carolina Girl
5. Southern Utah: For the Wild-Hearted Explorers
Best for: National Park lovers, red rock explorers, and adventurous souls
Top spots: Zion National Park, Moab, Bryce Canyon, Escalante
Southern Utah has quickly become one of the best places to elope in 2026, and it’s easy to see why. Southern Utah is a dreamscape of red rock canyons, sandstone arches, and wide-open skies. For couples wanting an adventure elopement, few places compare. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden overlook or stargazing under the Milky Way, every moment feels cinematic.
Photographer tip: Avoid crowds by eloping on BLM land near Zion or Moab — I’ll help you scout the perfect private location.
Best time to elope: April–June or September–October for comfortable temps and golden light.
Bonus! Check out this Venue: The Red Earth Venue
Choosing the best places to elope in 2026 for your wedding
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for where to elope in 2026 — and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re drawn to ocean cliffs, red rock canyons, or lush forest trails, your location should feel like you.
When choosing your elopement destination, consider:
- The kind of scenery that feels most meaningful
- Accessibility for you and any guests
- Weather and season for your ideal look
- Local marriage license or permit requirements
As your destination elopement photographer, I’ll help you plan logistics, location-scout, and create a timeline that allows space to slow down and savor every second.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement in 2026?
Your wedding day should feel like an adventure — not a production. Whether you’re envisioning desert skies in Sedona, ocean cliffs in Big Sur, or European romance in Lake Como, these are truly the best places to elope in 2026. Each destination offers its own kind of magic — and the photos you take there will forever reflect that spirit of adventure and intimacy.
📸 Let’s make it happen: Inquire here to start planning your destination elopement photography experience.
