The 10 Best Underrated Places to Elope

To help you plan your perfect day, here’s a guide to the 10 best places to elope for couples who want to leave the stress behind and celebrate their love in an unforgettable way that not everyone is flocking to.

If you’re dreading the idea of a big, traditional wedding—being the center of attention, playing host to people you barely know, and getting caught up in the stress of planning a day that doesn’t feel authentically you—you’re not alone. Many couples are choosing to elope because they want something more intentional, adventurous, and intimate.

Eloping isn’t about running away; it’s about creating an intentional wedding day that truly reflects what matters to you as a couple. Whether that’s saying your vows on a mountaintop, in a quiet forest, or by the sea, eloping gives you the freedom to escape the chaos and focus on the moment.

1. Palo Duro Canyon, Texas

If you’re searching for a location that feels grand yet intimate, Palo Duro Canyon elopement—known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”—is a stunning option. Its vibrant red rock formations, vast open skies, and quiet trails make it perfect for couples who want to focus on each other without the distractions of a big crowd.

Why Elope Here?

• It’s remote and peaceful, so you can avoid the pressure of being the center of attention. Especially the private property that piggy backs off the State Park. STUNNING!
• The canyon’s stunning natural beauty creates a backdrop that’s far more memorable than a banquet hall.
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer visitors.

Visit Palo Duro Canyon Weddings + Elopements

2. Big Bend National Park, Texas

For couples asking, “Where can we elope that feels truly private?” Big Bend National Park is one of the most secluded and awe-inspiring elopement locations in the U.S. Its rugged desert landscapes, dramatic mountain views, and quiet trails offer the perfect escape from the chaos of a traditional wedding.

Why Elope Here?

• No guests to manage, no distractions—just you, your partner, and the beauty of nature.
• Say your vows under a sky full of stars, far from the city lights.
• Best time to visit: Fall and winter for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Visit Big Bend National Park Elopements

3. Alaska Elopements

If the thought of a big, bustling wedding makes you want to run for the hills (or glaciers), Alaska is calling your name. This wild and remote destination offers endless opportunities for an intentional elopement. Imagine saying your vows on a glacier, beside a serene lake, or in the shadow of snow-covered mountains. Alaska is definitely one of the best top places to elope

Why Elope Here?

• Alaska’s untouched wilderness guarantees privacy and a distraction-free day. I mean, glaciers, helicopters, forests, what’s not to love
• No need to play hostess—this is your day, on your terms.
• Best time to visit: Summer for long daylight hours or winter for a snow-covered wonderland.

4. Barbados

For couples who want to escape the pressure of hosting a big wedding, Barbados offers the perfect mix of relaxation and stunning scenery. Trade the banquet hall for a secluded beach or a cliffside ceremony overlooking the turquoise waters.

Why Elope Here?

• No seating charts, no awkward small talk, no stress—just you, your partner, and the sound of the waves.
• Easy access to luxury resorts for a stress-free experience.
• Best time to visit: Winter and spring for sunny weather and fewer crowds.

5. Iceland

If you’re looking for one of the most unique elopement locations in the world, Iceland delivers. With its black sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and steaming geothermal pools, it’s a destination that feels as far away from a traditional wedding as you can get.

Why Elope Here?

• You’re not the center of attention—nature is. The landscapes are so awe-inspiring, they take the focus off you.
• Say goodbye to the stress of planning a big event and hello to adventure.
• Best time to visit: Summer for lush greenery or winter for the Northern Lights.

6. Ireland

For couples who don’t want to spend their wedding day entertaining distant relatives or worrying about timelines, Ireland offers a romantic and relaxed alternative. Its rolling green hills, ancient castles, and windswept cliffs create a sense of timeless beauty, perfect for an intimate elopement.

Why Elope Here?

• No pressure to cater to guests—just a quiet, meaningful ceremony in a magical location.
• Endless options for locations, from historic ruins to scenic cliffs.
• Best time to visit: May through September for mild weather.

Redwood Forest, California

If the thought of a big crowd watching you say your vows makes you anxious, the quiet serenity of the Redwood Forest is the perfect solution. Surrounded by towering ancient trees, you’ll feel grounded, peaceful, and completely present in the moment.

Why Elope Here?

• No noise, no chaos—just the calming sounds of nature.
• A ceremony among the redwoods feels sacred and intentional, far from the traditional wedding hustle.
• Best time to visit: Late summer or early fall for golden light and fewer tourists.

 Florida Beaches

For couples who want a low-key, stress-free elopement, Florida’s beaches provide a beautiful and accessible option. Say your vows with your toes in the sand, without the pressure of planning a big event or entertaining a crowd.

Why Elope Here?

• You can focus on each other—not on playing host to a room full of people.
• Florida’s laid-back vibe makes for a relaxed and enjoyable day.
• Best time to visit: Winter and spring for sunny, pleasant weather.

9. Isle of Man

Tucked away between England and Ireland, the Isle of Man is perfect for couples who want a unique, off-the-beaten-path elopement. Its rugged coastlines, charming villages, and historic castles offer a sense of adventure without the stress of a big production.

Why Elope Here?

• A quiet and private escape from the expectations of a traditional wedding.
• Breathtaking scenery that feels personal and meaningful.
• Best time to visit: Summer for long, sunny days.

10. Norway

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that’s all about adventure and simplicity, Norway offers some of the most incredible elopement locations in the world. From dramatic fjords to glacial valleys, this destination is ideal for couples who want to leave the stress behind and focus on what matters most.

Why Elope Here?

• No need to worry about entertaining guests—this is your adventure, your way.
• Epic landscapes create a wedding day that’s as unforgettable as it is intentional.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the Midnight Sun or winter for the Northern Lights.

Why Eloping Is the Best Choice for Couples Who Crave Simplicity

Eloping isn’t just about skipping the big wedding. It’s about reclaiming your wedding day and focusing on what really matters: your commitment to each other. By choosing one of these incredible elopement locations, you’ll avoid the stress, the expectations, and the pressure of tradition. Instead, you’ll create a day that’s meaningful, intentional, and 100% true to who you are as a couple.

Ready to ditch the chaos and plan your perfect elopement? As a seasoned adventure elopement photographer (since 2006, how crazy is that?!), I’m here to help you find the perfect destination, capture every moment, and make your day truly unforgettable. Let’s plan your stress-free wedding adventure today!