9 Unique Elopement Locations for UNCONVENTIONAL COUPLES
Your elopement isn’t just a ceremony—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in your love story. And what better way to start that chapter than in a location that feels like it was made just for you? Whether you’re dreaming of a windswept coastline, a mountain vista, or a historic landmark, the right setting can turn your elopement into an experience you’ll never forget. Let’s explore some truly unique elopement locations that are perfect for couples who want something extraordinary.
Elopement in Cannon Beach, Oregon
1. Cannon Beach, Oregon
If the idea of saying your vows with the sound of waves crashing and the iconic Haystack Rock in the background gives you goosebumps, Cannon Beach is calling your name. This stunning spot on the Oregon coast is the epitome of Pacific Northwest beauty. Picture this: you and your love, hand in hand, with the endless ocean stretching out before you and the misty sea breeze weaving through your ceremony. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic coastline or the lush forests nearby, Cannon Beach is a dream come true for nature-loving couples.
2. Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin
Looking for something with a touch of elegance and history? The Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison is a gem that combines grandeur with intimacy. Imagine exchanging vows beneath the Capitol’s stunning dome, surrounded by the intricate details of this Beaux-Arts masterpiece. Or, step outside for a ceremony on the beautifully manicured grounds, with the city’s lakes as your backdrop. It’s a location that offers timeless beauty and a sense of significance—perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel as grand as their love.
3. Brookings, Oregon
Brookings, tucked away on the southern coast of Oregon, is like a secret paradise. Known for its warmer, sunnier climate, this charming town offers a blend of rocky cliffs, serene beaches, and lush greenery that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re drawn to a quiet beach ceremony or want to explore the nearby state parks, Brookings has that perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. It’s the ideal spot for couples who want to escape the ordinary and find a little slice of coastal heaven.
4. Port Angeles, Washington
Nestled between the rugged beauty of the Olympic Mountains and the tranquil waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Angeles offers endless possibilities for your elopement. Whether you envision a ceremony on the shores of the Dungeness Spit or high up on Hurricane Ridge with panoramic mountain views, this location has it all. The surrounding Olympic National Park is a playground for nature lovers, offering everything from mossy forests to cascading waterfalls. If you and your partner are all about immersing yourselves in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Port Angeles is the place to be.
5. Cape Disappointment, Washington
Don’t let the name fool you—Cape Disappointment is anything but disappointing. Located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, this spot is all about dramatic, windswept cliffs, dense forests, and historic lighthouses. It’s a location that feels mysterious and moody, perfect for couples who want their elopement to have a touch of adventure and intrigue. With its rugged beauty and rich history, Cape Disappointment offers a unique, intimate setting for your vows.
6. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
If you’re captivated by misty mountains and ancient forests, the Great Smoky Mountains are calling. This national park, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, is a haven of natural beauty, with rolling mountains, old-growth forests, and serene streams. Whether you choose a secluded cove, a mountaintop overlook, or one of the park’s many waterfalls as your ceremony spot, the Smokies offer a peaceful and majestic setting that’s perfect for an intimate, nature-filled elopement.
7. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Tiny Wedding in Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia
There’s something magical about the desert, and Joshua Tree National Park is a place where that magic comes alive. With its striking Joshua trees, otherworldly rock formations, and expansive desert vistas, this park offers a backdrop that’s as bold and unique as your love. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet solitude of the desert or the vibrant colors of a sunset ceremony, Joshua Tree is ideal for couples who want an elopement that’s anything but ordinary.
8. Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia
For a truly off-the-grid elopement, Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia offers a landscape that’s like no other. This high-altitude plateau is known for its sweeping vistas, rocky outcrops, and a mix of northern and southern plant species that make it feel like a world of its own. It’s rugged, wild, and beautifully untamed—perfect for couples who want to exchange vows in a setting that feels both intimate and adventurous.
9. Positano, Italy
If your dream elopement involves romance, culture, and breathtaking views, Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the place to be. This cliffside village is famous for its pastel-colored houses, narrow winding streets, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Imagine eloping in a charming Italian church or on a terrace overlooking the sparkling water, followed by a feast of authentic Italian cuisine. Positano is all about romance and elegance, making it the perfect spot for a luxurious, unforgettable elopement. Want to see it in action? Check out Jayme and Abby’s Positano elopement.
Your elopement is a chance to start your forever in a place that feels truly special—a place that reflects who you are as a couple and the journey you’re about to embark on together. Whether you’re drawn to the wild cliffs of Cannon Beach, the historic charm of Wisconsin’s State Capitol, or the romantic allure of Positano, Italy, these unique locations offer something for every couple. So, go ahead and choose a spot that speaks to your heart, and let it be the perfect setting for your love story.
Hi, I’m Milly— your Traveling, elopement photographer.
Want more insight on a location or a personalized recommendation from someone that gets it? Let’s talk.