So a Mountain Elopement is Your Dream


But where should you start?? This guide is here to offer you a base point for planning your adventure in the perfect mountain location for YOU. From the wild last frontier of Alaska, to the La Sal Mountains that rise above the Utah desert, the United States is full of dream mountain elopement locations to choose from. If you'd like to start dreaming up YOUR perfect elopement in the wild, be sure to reach out!

Aerial view of winding turquoise lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rugged terrain in a dramatic Alaskan landscape.

Alaska - Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Denali National Parks


Ahh, Alaska. The Last Frontier. Remote, wild, and a true DREAM of a location for your mountain elopement.


If you'd like to remain closer to Anchorage (and maybe get in some whale & glacier sightings while you're at it!), Kenai Fjords truly has it all. The nearby town of Seward even has several helicopter & plane outfitters to choose from if you'd like to get closer to all of the action!


For a bit of a journey further into Alaska's Interior, check out Denali National Park! Because of the relatively high visitorship (I mean hello, tallest mountain in North America), this is an area that has strong infrastructure both in & out of the park, while still allowing quick access to more remote area that are less heavily utilized.


If you really want to go big, head to my favorite part of Alaska - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. If you aren't traveling in by helicopter or plane, there are only two roads that allow access directly into the park The southern road leads straight to the historic mining towns of Kennicott & McCarthy, with access to the Kennicott Glacier. The northern road is much less frequented, and offers quick access to jaw-dropping views, wildlife viewing opportunities, and SOLITUDE.

Campfire burns brightly against snowy mountain backdrop during blue hour.
Rugged mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks and rocky terrain under cloudy skies.
Snow-capped mountain peaks tower above a pristine stream flowing through a rocky valley.
Misty mountain vista overlooking a turquoise alpine lake winding through valleys.
Vibrant rainbow arches across a stormy mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks.
Snow-dusted mountain peaks rise above golden alpine meadows under puffy white clouds.
A powerful waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff face surrounded by dense forest.
Two hikers observe the mountainous landscape from a hiking trail summit.
Rolling alpine meadows lead to snow-capped mountain peaks under a clear blue sky.
Lone hiker stands on mountain trail overlooking dramatic fjord and mountain ranges.
A misty mountain trail curves alongside a winding road below in a dramatic mountain landscape.
Two people stand together overlooking a misty mountain valley at sunset.
Historic red wooden buildings perched along a rushing mountain stream in a forest setting.
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Washington - North Cascades, Olympic, & Mt. Rainier National Parks


Washington has no shortage of GORGEOUS elopement locations. My personal favorites are in the North Cascades, and areas like Mt. Baker National Forest don't even require a permit! These mountains are called the American Alps for a reason - think the drama of jagged peaks, but with a much shorter flight than the one to Switzerland.


This is also the supreme location for winter mountain elopements. Not only do you have Hurricane Ridge Road in Olympic National Park that is typically open in the winter, but you also have magical winter wonderland spots like the mountains surrounding the Bavarian town of Leavenworth!


Washington Elopements:

Majestic snow-capped mountain peak reflects in serene lake surrounded by evergreen forest at golden sunset.
Scenic mountain landscape with silhouetted evergreen trees and layered misty peaks beneath a blue sky.
Mount Rainier towers over Eunice Lake surrounded by evergreen forests under a partly cloudy sky in the Pacific Northwest.
A solitary snow-covered tree stands majestically on a winter hillside against a moody gray sky.
A serene mountain lake reflects blue skies and snow-capped peaks in the distance on a cloudy day.
Majestic snow-capped mountain peak rises above evergreen forest and rocky terrain in warm sunlight.
Winding snowy mountain ridge with dark exposed rock formations against a misty grey sky.
A winter wedding couple embraces on a snowy mountain slope with dramatic snow-capped peaks in the background.
Rustic white building reflects in calm river waters surrounded by snowy winter landscape and bare trees in mountains.
Snowy mountain peaks reflect perfectly in the crystal clear blue waters of a pristine alpine lake.
Snow-covered mountains and slopes under an overcast sky create a dramatic winter landscape.
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Colorado - The San Juans, Rocky Mountain & Great Sand Dunes National Parks


Did you know that Colorado holds more than just the dramatic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park? Don't forget that the San Juans in southern Colorado offer peaks reminiscent of something you might see in the Dolomites of Italy, along with swaths near Telluride that can only be described as, well, indescribable!


Colorado Elopements:

Personal Colorado Adventures:

Snow-capped mountain peak glowing orange at sunset with silhouetted pine forest in the foreground.
Rocky mountain stream with rushing water flows through golden fall foliage and evergreen forest in Colorado wilderness.
Rocky mountain cliffs illuminated by golden sunset light against a vibrant pink and blue cloudy sky.
Scenic mountain landscape with winding river and snow-capped peaks reflected in calm water at Rocky Mountain National Park.
A dramatic rock formation towers above winter aspen trees at sunset in Colorado's wilderness.
Moonlit mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks and valleys against a dusky sky in winter.
Snow-covered Rocky Mountain peaks stretch across the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Golden sunlight illuminates an autumn mountain landscape with dried grass and yellow foliage in a wilderness valley.
Snow-capped mountain peaks rise above autumn colored slopes in a rugged mountain landscape.
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Utah - Moab & the La Sal Mountain Ranges


I know, I know. When you think Utah, You typically think "desert," right? But did you know that Utah has some STUNNING mountain landscapes? Just outside the bustling adventure town of Moab sits the La Sal Mountain Range. You can spend a day in both the desert AND the mountains here, or even go all out and spend one full day in each landscape!

Dramatic red rock formations and desert landscape under cloudy skies at Arches National Park in Utah.
A snowy dirt road leads toward a majestic mountain peak shrouded in moody winter clouds.
Dramatic rock formations and towering buttes stand against stormy skies at Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
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Vermont/New Hampshire - White Mountains & Stowe


When talking about mountain destinations in the United States, most minds jump to the more western states (and for good reason!). However, that's no reason to discount the East Coast! Up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire & near Stowe, Vermont, there are more gentle mountain views that are especially striking in fall! Don't skip out on these locations, especially if you're in need of a location closer to the eastern seaboard.

Misty mountain landscape with golden autumn foliage and bare trees against fog-covered slopes in moody weather.
Fall foliage displays vibrant orange and yellow colors across rolling hills in the Vermont mountains under cloudy skies.
A white church with a tall steeple stands against autumn foliage and mountains in Stowe, Vermont near a winding river.
Misty foggy morning over rocky shoreline with evergreen trees along calm water's edge in moody landscape.
A winding road through autumn trees with vibrant orange foliage leads toward distant blue mountains under a cloudy sky near Stowe, Vermont.
A misty autumn hiking trail winds uphill through bare trees with exposed rocky terrain and scattered fallen leaves.
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Oregon


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A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff face surrounded by evergreen forest and autumn foliage in moody lighting.
Evergreen trees and mountains create a scenic landscape view under cloudy skies in a mountainous wilderness area.
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Wyoming - Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks


Wyoming plays host to one of the most well-known National Parks in the world - Yellowstone (that's right, folks, not just the name of a hit TV show). And right alongside Yellowstone? The Great Tetons! Two jaw-dropping, mountain-laden National Parks, offering virtually limitless opportunities for the kind of views you see in the movies.

Montana - Bozeman & Glacier National Park


One word. GLACIER. Glacier National Park, that is! If the stunning views of Glacier aren't enough to get you to want to hop a plane and fly to Montana, don't forget the more accessible mountainous regions around Bozeman, along with its proximity to Yellowstone National Park.