One of the biggest questions couples have when they start planning their elopement is:
“Where do we even go?”
You know you want the mountains.
You know you want something beautiful.
But beyond that… It can feel like there are too many options.
And here’s the truth,
Choosing your location is one of the most important parts of your entire elopement.
Because your location doesn’t just sit in the background.
It shapes how your day feels.
It affects the pace, the experience, the kind of moments you’ll have together, and the way your photos come to life.
So instead of starting with where, I always guide couples to start somewhere else first.
Start With How You Want Your Day to Feel
Before you look at a single location, ask yourself this:
What do we want this day to feel like?
Not look like—feel like.
Do you want:
- something quiet and private?
- something adventurous and a little challenging?
- something slow and relaxed?
- something big and dramatic?
Because the truth is, two locations can both be “beautiful”…
but feel completely different when you’re actually there.
This is the first step in narrowing things down in a way that actually makes sense.
The Landscape Matters More Than You Think
This is a huge part of how I approach elopements.
The landscape isn’t just something you stand in front of, it’s part of the experience.
So when you’re thinking about where to elope, it helps to get specific about what kind of scenery you’re drawn to.
Do you picture:
- jagged mountain peaks rising behind you
- a quiet alpine lake
- wide open meadows with soft light
- forested trails surrounded by trees
- desert cliffs and dramatic overlooks
Each of these creates a completely different atmosphere.
And once you know what kind of landscape feels right to you, it becomes so much easier to narrow things down.
Hiking vs. Easy Access (There’s No “Right” Choice)
One of the biggest decisions couples make is how accessible they want their location to be.
Some couples love the idea of:
- hiking into a secluded spot
- earning the view
- having a more tucked-away experience
Others want:
- a short walk or easy access
- something beautiful without a big physical effort
- a relaxed, low-stress day
Both are completely valid.
Your elopement doesn’t have to be extreme to be special.
It just has to feel like you.
Privacy vs. Iconic Views
This is another trade-off that’s helpful to think through early.
Some well-known locations are popular for a reason they’re incredible.
But they often come with:
- more people
- less privacy
- a slightly more structured experience
On the other hand, more tucked-away locations often offer:
- quiet
- space to slow down
- a more personal feel
Neither is better.
It just comes down to what matters more to you:
having that iconic view, or having the space to fully take it in.
Season Changes Everything
A location that looks perfect in July might not even be accessible in April. A trail that feels quiet in the fall might be busy in the middle of summer.
Season impacts:
- road access
- snow levels
- wildflowers
- fall color
- crowds
- weather patterns
This is why your location and your date usually go hand in hand.
If you already have a season in mind, that helps narrow things down quickly.
If you’re flexible, you’ll have more options to work with.
Are You Bringing Guests?
If you’re including family or friends, your location needs to work for more than just the two of you.
Things to think about:
- how far guests have to travel
- accessibility (walking distance, elevation, terrain)
- parking
- ceremony space
- overall comfort
You can absolutely still have a beautiful outdoor elopement—it just means the logistics matter a little more.
Time of Day Matters More Than Most People Expect
Lighting plays a huge role in how your day feels.
And it’s not just about photos. It changes the entire experience.
- Sunrise tends to be quieter, softer, and more private
- Sunset tends to be warmer, more dramatic, and golden
Some locations are better at sunrise.
Others really shine at sunset.
This is something I help guide couples through when we’re planning, because it makes a huge difference in how the day unfolds.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at this point—that’s completely normal.
This is exactly where most couples get stuck.
There are so many beautiful places, and it’s hard to know what actually fits.
And honestly, this is one of the biggest ways I help.
Not just by sending a list of locations, but by helping you:
- narrow down what actually fits your vision
- match that to real places that make sense
- think through the experience, not just the view
- create a plan that feels easy and not overwhelming
Because choosing your location shouldn’t feel stressful.
It should feel like the beginning of something really exciting.
The “perfect” elopement location isn’t about finding the most popular place or the most dramatic view.
It’s about finding a place that feels right for you.
A place where you can slow down, be present, and actually enjoy the day as it’s happening.
And when you choose your location with that in mind, everything else starts to fall into place.
Planning Your Elopement and Not Sure Where to Start?
This is what I help couples with every day, figuring out where to go based on what they’re drawn to, how they want their day to feel, and what kind of experience they want to have.
If you’re feeling stuck or just want a little guidance, you can reach out here and I’d love to help you start narrowing things down.
