If you’re dreaming of starting your marriage surrounded by mountains, alpine air, and epic views, you’re in the right place. Mountain elopements are my bread and butter. They’re fun, flexible, a little wild, and honestly the perfect way to start a marriage if the outdoors is your happy place. Here are my absolute favorite mountain elopement locations (in the U.S. and beyond), what they look like and what you can expect when you elope there.

When Is the Best Time to Elope in the Mountains?

Generally, summer through early fall (July–October) is the sweet spot for most mountain locations. Trails are clear, the weather is the most reliable, and you get long days with gorgeous light. Summer brings the easiest access and wildflowers, while fall shows off golden aspens and cooler temps that make hiking way more comfortable.

Spring is stunning too, especially if you love waterfalls or snow-dusted peaks, but it can be tricky because higher-elevation trails are often still thawing out, but the waterfalls are out of this world! Winter is completely doable and incredibly beautiful, but you’ll need to be ready for cold temps, snow, and flexible plans (especially in places like Colorado, Yosemite, and Iceland where storms can change things fast).

If you’re looking for the most stress-free experience across all mountain elopement locations, mid-summer through early fall is almost always the safest bet.

1. Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite is like the Disneyland of mountain views, except instead of rides you get granite walls, huge waterfalls, and sunsets scientists probably should study. It’s stunning, accessible, and ridiculously reliable for good photos. The valley gives you epic views with hardly any effort, which makes it amazing for couples who want dramatic scenery without needing to summit a mountain before breakfast. But if you do want to work for it, the park has plenty of high-country trails where the air gets thinner, the crowds drop off, and the views somehow get even better. Across the seasons you’ll see roaring waterfalls in spring, wildflowers and warm light in summer, and crisp, golden cliffs in the fall. See this blog for tips on eloping here.

2. Lake Tahoe (California / Nevada)

Lake Tahoe is basically a giant bowl of alpine goodness. The water is so clear it looks fake, the granite boulders belong in some kind of outdoor museum, and the beaches make you forget you’re standing at 6,000+ ft. You can be up on a windy mountain ridge one minute and shooting at the lake 20 minutes later, which makes Tahoe perfect for couples who want a mix of dramatic overlooks and cozy shoreline moments all in one day. Summer gives you warm evenings and easy access to just about everything, while fall brings cooler temps and some of the best alpenglow in the Sierra. And Tahoe is a veritable winter playground if you’re looking for snowy magic. No matter the season, Tahoe delivers the kind of variety that makes every elopement feel a little magical. Check out this guide on how to elope here!

3. Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion is where the desert meets the mountains in the most dramatic way possible. Towering sandstone cliffs glow at sunrise, slot canyons twist through the landscape, and the whole place feels like you accidentally wandered into a National Geographic episode. One of the best parts about eloping here is the variety, you can be tucked between narrow canyon walls one minute and standing on a massive overlook the next, with miles of red rock stretching out behind you. The red cliffs, green cottonwoods (or yellow in the fall!), and bright blue sky all layered together is the perfect contrast.

4. Colorado 

Colorado is basically the choose-your-own-adventure version of mountain elopements. Want turquoise alpine lakes? Wildflowers at your feet? Golden aspens lighting up a valley? A 4×4 road that leads to a view so big it doesn’t look real? Colorado has all of it, sometimes even within the same zip code. The weather keeps things interesting (afternoon storms are a thing), but with smart planning and a couple of backup options, it’s one of the most dependable and rewarding mountain states to elope in. Summers are dreamy with long days and colorful meadows, fall brings those iconic aspens, and early winter can surprise you with the prettiest, softest snow. Whether you’re exploring the San Juans, RMNP, Crested Butte, or Breckenridge, Colorado always delivers something epic.

5. Grand Teton National Park 

The Tetons are the mountain range that turns anyone into a mountain nerd. They’re sharp, dramatic, and almost look unreal in person. They rise straight out of the valley with no foothills to soften them, which makes every angle feel epic and breathtaking. You get jagged peaks, reflective lakes, wide-open meadows, and tons of wildlife. Sunrise here is legendary, the mountains glow in warm pinks and oranges that feel downright magical.

6. Iceland

If you ever wanted to feel like you’re eloping on another planet, Iceland is the place. One minute you’re on a black sand beach with waves crashing like thunder, the next you’re standing beside a massive waterfall, and five minutes after that you’re in a moss-covered lava field wondering how this is still Earth. The scenery changes fast, and so does the weather (wind, mist, sunshine, repeat) but that’s all part of the experience. Summer brings endless daylight and glowing green cliffs, while fall and winter bring moodier skies, quieter trails and if you’re lucky, the northern lights. Iceland is unpredictable, wild, and unbelievably worth it. Check out more from this Iceland elopement!

7. New Zealand 

New Zealand combines the world’s most epic mountain landscapes into one effortlessly cinematic country. You get crystal-clear alpine lakes, massive peaks, glacier-carved valleys, lush fjords, and seasonal lupine fields (yes, please!). The light here is stunning year-round, and the scenery can shift from cozy and serene to dramatic and jaw-dropping depending on where you go. It’s one of the places I distinctly remember gasping out loud at how ridiculously epic and awesome the views are. Whether you’re hiking to a viewpoint, wandering a lakeside trail, or hopping in a helicopter to a secluded ridge or glacier, New Zealand has something for every adventurous couple.

How to Pick Your Mountain Elopement Location

Choosing the right mountain backdrop isn’t necessarily about finding the most epic place, it’s about finding the one that feels like you two. Here’s how I help couples narrow it down:

Think about how you love to spend time outside.
Do you want an easy stroll to a viewpoint, a sunrise hike, or an alpine lake that requires a little effort? Knowing your comfort level helps us pick a location you’ll actually enjoy, not just one that looks great on Pinterest.

Consider the type of scenery that fills your cup.
Are you more drawn to towering granite walls, bright red rock, wildflower meadows, or sparkling lakes? Every mountain range has its own vibe, and choosing one that feels like home will make your photos feel more authentic.

Pick the season that matches your vision.
Mountains change dramatically throughout the year: summer wildflowers, fiery fall aspens, or snow-dusted peaks and waterfalls in early spring. If you already know the vibe you want, we can choose a destination that shines at that time of year.

Factor in travel and logistics.
How far do you want to travel for your mountain elopement? Do you want to keep it in the U.S. or make it a true destination elopement? Will you be driving or flying? Some locations require permits, timed-entry reservations, or flexibility for weather, while others are simpler. I’ll help you weigh all of this so nothing catches you off guard on your day.

And if you’re torn between a few options, don’t worry! Helping couples find their perfect mountain match is one of my favorite parts of the process.

Ready to Start Planning Your Mountain Elopement?

If your heart’s already pulling you toward the peaks, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s one of these epic mountain locations or another destination you’ve been dreaming of, I’m here to help you plan a day that’s completely you. Wild, intentional, and unforgettable.

Reach out here, and let’s start dreaming up your mountain elopement together.
Your best adventure yet is closer than you think.