Top 20 Worldwide Mountain Elopement Locations

November 18, 2022

Out of all the phenomenal places we get to visit with our couples, mountains have to be one of our top favorite types of landscapes to explore. What could be more epic than saying your vows in the middle of a spectacular mountain range, with jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and/or a bright blue glacial lake glistening in the sunshine behind you? That’s why we compiled a list of the top 20 worldwide mountain elopement locations to help you choose out of all the incredible destinations you have available to you. Ready to fall in love with every single location and have a hard time choosing one?🤣

Table of Contents:

Mountain Elopement FAQ’s

What is a mountain elopement?

A mountain elopement is simply when a couple holds a small, intimate elopement ceremony in the mountains! Mountain elopements have become incredibly popular in recent years, as couples have realized they can get married wherever they want to (as locations permit, of course), including smack dab in the middle of an epic mountain range – because why not?! There’s nothing more magical than exploring a new location via day hike into the mountains, stopping at the peak for a mountain top elopement ceremony, and hiking back down with a few breaks for couples portraits on the way. 

What are the best mountain elopement locations in the world?

Although there are SO many epic mountain elopement locations both in & outside of the U.S., here’s our list of the 20 best mountain elopement locations in the world:

  • Estes Park, Colorado
  • Boulder, Colorado
  • Telluride, Colorado
  • Winter Park, Colorado
  • Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado
  • Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
  • Denali National Park, Alaska
  • Chugach Mountains, Alaska
  • Zion National Park, Utah
  • Yosemite National Park, California
  • Glacier National Park, Montana
  • Kauai, Hawaii
  • Big Island, Hawaii
  • Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
  • Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming
  • Dolomites, Italy
  • Banff, Canada
  • Alps, Switzerland
  • Salzburg, Austria
  • Pyrenees, Spain/France

Keep reading for more details on what it would look like to elope at each of these locations.

How do you elope on a mountain?

It’s simple: to elope on a mountain, pick the mountain or mountain range you want to elope at, choose your date, obtain the necessary permits, hire your vendors, plan your activities, and then do the dang thing! It’s important to get the permits you need, as many of the most popular mountain elopement locations are within a state or national park that may require a special wedding permit, as well as a park entry fee. Make sure to also get your marriage license for the state/country you’re eloping in!

Do you need a permit to elope on a mountain?

If the mountain elopement location you choose is part of a state or national park, it’s likely you’ll need a permit. Some state parks only require permits for large groups, but it’s important to do your research and double-check if you aren’t sure. All national parks in the U.S. do require a Special Use Permit for legal elopement ceremonies held within the park.

Top Worldwide Mountain Elopement Locations

It was super hard to narrow down this list to only 20, but we did it! Like we said, obviously there are so many more incredible mountain locations in the world. But we grouped together all of our personal favorite worldwide mountain elopement locations that we’ve either taken couples to, or would love to take couples to in the future.

For each location, we’ve included 3 of the most popular hikes in the area, as well as the best time of year for your mountain elopement. Keep in mind that the best time of year is based on the warmest months so you can enjoy access to all trails without worrying about snow at higher elevations. However, if you DO want to elope when it’s snowy so you can take advantage of epic skiing opportunities, the best time of year for you will obviously be during the winter instead!

1. Estes Park, Colorado

We’re starting this list off with a ton of Colorado locations – we work with couples super often in Colorado, so we may be biased! But it’s truly one of the most incredible states for mountain elopements, or really any outdoor adventure elopements. Estes Park is a mountain town in northern Colorado right at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by rugged mountain wilderness & tons of epic hikes!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Estes Park, Colorado:

Best time of year for your Estes Park elopement: July-September

2. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is another mountain town in northern CO, nestled in the foothills of RMNP, with stunning views of the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountains as well as some of the best skiing opportunities in the country.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Boulder, Colorado:

Best time of year for your Boulder elopement: July-October

3. Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is a mountain town known for its colorful homes, historic buildings, and, of course, its pristine location amid forest-covered peaks & some of the best mountain views in the U.S. The entire town is SO picturesque and provides you with a blend of both urban & suburban feels!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Telluride, Colorado:

Best time of year for your Telluride elopement: June-August

4. Winter Park, Colorado

If you’re looking to elope at one of the top skiing destinations in the country, Winter Park is it!! With a world-renowned ski resort, magical nighttime views with the town lit up & snow-covered mountains all around you in the winter, and hundreds of nearby trails, it’s pretty dang hard to beat Winter Park.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Winter Park, Colorado:

Best time of year for your Winter Park elopement: June-July

5. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado

Okay this is the LAST Colorado location on the list, promise! Located along the Continental Divide in north central Colorado, the Indian Peaks Wilderness is an underrated yet absolutely phenomenal area within the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. It’s an awesome destination for backpacking, day hiking, and fishing, with 20 miles of trails and plenty of wildlife everywhere. 

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Indian Peaks, Colorado:

Best time of year for your Indian Peaks elopement: June-August

6. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Oh Mount Rainier, one of the most iconic mountain destinations in the whole country. Famous for its picturesque wildflower meadows in the summer, endless trails for every level of hiker, and adorable woodsy A-frame Airbnbs, every mountain-lover will fall head-over-heels for Mount Rainier as soon as they step foot in the national park boundaries.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement at Mount Rainier, Washington:

Best time of year for your Mount Rainier elopement: July-August

7. Denali National Park, Alaska

Saying your vows with North America’s tallest peak chillin’ in the background? Yes, please! Denali is the highest mountain peak in the country, and the national park is pretty much a playground for every outdoor-adventure-lover, with endless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, biking, and mountaineering.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Denali, Alaska:

Best time of year for your Denali elopement: May-July

8. Chugach Mountains, Alaska

If you’d rather stay closer to the Anchorage area of Alaska, you’ll def want to make your way to the Chugach Mountains. The mountain range encompasses nearly 20,000 square miles of land in southern Alaska, and is home to more than 60 of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers! Who wants to come with us to elope on an ancient Alaskan glacier??

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in the Chugach Mountains, Alaska:

Best time of year for your Chugach Mountain elopement: June-August

9. Zion National Park, Utah

Want to elope in more of a desert landscape – but still have mountain-esque scenery? Look no further than the spectacular Zion National Park in Utah!! Zion is one of the most glorious national parks in Utah for a reason, showcasing the ever-famous southwest Utah landscapes full of ast canyons, steep red cliffs, forested trails, and stunning river views. I swear you will NEVER want to leave this desert paradise once you step foot in it and see the magic with your own eyes!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Zion, Utah:

Best time of year for your Zion elopement: March-April, October-November

10. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite has become one of the most popular adventure elopement destinations for a reason – maybe because, oh, I don’t know. . . its EPIC hiking opportunities, jaw-dropping cliffs, and breathtaking views?! Especially once the sun starts to drop, there’s truly nothing like golden hour at Yosemite with the light dripping over the insane scenery and showing off the most amazing colors. 

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Yosemite, California:

Best time of year for your Yosemite elopement: May, September

11. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park will forever be one of our favorite mountain elopement locations in the U.S., simply because it offers some of the most diverse scenery you could ask for – from melting glaciers to lush alpine meadows to vibrant blue lakes, Glacier has it all.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Glacier National Park, Montana:

Best time of year for your Glacier National Park elopement: June-September

12. Kauai, Hawaii

We can’t even count how many times we’ve been to Kauai at this point – and we’re not stopping anytime soon! Kauai is nicknamed the “Garden Island” for its abundance of vibrant green mountain landscapes, but it’s also got some of the most pristine white (and even black!) sand beaches in the country. The scenery is incredibly diverse whether you’re in the lush green mountains, the colorful canyons, or the sunny beaches.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement on Kauai, Hawaii:

Best time of year for your Kauai elopement: April-June, September-December

We freaking love Hawaii SO much that we put together a whole separate guide for our fellow Hawaii-lovers, with a Comprehensive List of the Best Places to Elope in Hawaii! Check it out for a full list of our favorite places to elope on each island.

13. Big Island, Hawaii

The Big Island is a little different – yes, it has the same gorgeous rolling green hills as Kauai, but it ALSO has super epic volcanic landscapes. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a crazy cool place to elope if you want a mountain-esque landscape that’s super unique and has a ton of rich history behind it!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement on the Big Island, Hawaii:

Best time of year for your Big Island elopement: April-June, September-November

Okay okay ONE more Hawaii resource for ya – if you have no idea how to start planning your Hawaii elopement, look no further than our Complete Hawaii Elopement Guide, where we walk you through the permits you’ll need, we give you tons of fun ideas you can take for your big day, and so much more.

14. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The Grand Tetons were a no-brainer to include on this list, since they’re home to some of the most extraordinary mountain landscapes, jagged peaks, and overall alpine terrain ready for you to explore. Fun fact – they’re one of the “youngest” mountain ranges in the country, and have tons of opportunities for incredible outdoor adventure, from mountaineering to hiking to backcountry camping. The alpenglow over the jagged peaks of the Tetons at sunrise & sunset is seriously the most magical sight to witness!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in the Grand Tetons, Wyoming:

Best time of year for your Grand Tetons elopement: June-July

15. Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

Have you ever heard of the Bighorn Mountains? They’re so underrated as an elopement location in Wyoming because Yellowstone usually takes the top spot on the list – but they are absolutely STUNNING. They’re a sister range of the Rocky Mountains and offer a super diverse landscape, with rolling hills, glacial valleys, vast grasslands, and vibrant alpine meadows. You’ll enjoy nearly 200,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness and more than 1,000 miles of trails to explore!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming:

Best time of year for your Bighorn Mountains elopement: July-August

16. Dolomites, Italy

Ahhh the Dolomites are a literal dream come true for any couples looking for an absolutely epic, insane place to have their mountain elopement. I swear the Dolomites were literally taken out of a storybook fairytale and brought to life – the diversity of the landscape is insane, providing the wildest jagged mountain peak views, vibrant blue-green alpine lakes, lush valleys, and phenomenal options for adventure. If you choose ONE mountainous location to visit during your trip to Europe, let it be the Dolomites!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in the Dolomites, Italy:

Best time of year for your Dolomites elopement: May-June

17. Banff, Canada

Banff is uber-famous for being one of the most spectacular mountain destinations in the world, and we have to say – we 1000% agree. You will never see anywhere with such picturesque, straight-off-a-postcard scenery, full of rich colors, vibrant lakes, outdoor hot springs to relax in, a billion miles of hiking trails (not really, but it seems like it), and SO much more. No matter what level of adventure you’re looking for, Banff seriously has something for everyone.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Banff, Canada:

Best time of year for your Banff elopement: June-August

18. Alps, Switzerland

How could we create this list of the best worldwide mountain elopement locations without mentioning the Swiss Alps?? They’re famous for a reason – the Swiss Alps are one of the best destinations for skiing in the WORLD, with postcard-esque views literally everywhere you look. From ancient castles to alpine lakes to phenomenal mountain peaks at every corner, outdoor-lovers will have the time of their damn lives in the Swiss Alps.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in the Swiss Alps:

Best time of year for your Swiss Alps elopement: July-August

19. Salzburg, Austria

If you’re looking for a destination that’s rich in history, full of culture, and also has stunning mountains nearby, Salzburg is the place. The streets are lively and super fun to experience, everywhere feels so romantic, and you have access to some pretty dang beautiful mountains & alpine lakes.

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in Salzburg, Austria:

Best time of year for your Salzburg elopement: June-August

20. Pyrenees, Spain/France

Finally, the Pyrenees is a mountain range bordering France & Spain, and offers an incredible variety of alpine villages, hilltop castles, and even ancient caves that you can visit. You’ll have tons of opportunities for hiking, no matter what level of challenge you’re looking for, and will also be able to enjoy the unique local culture!

Best hikes for your mountain elopement in the Pyrenees:

Best time of year for your Pyrenees elopement: September-October

Mountain Elopement Packages

Now that you’ve got a whole list of the top worldwide mountain elopement locations, we’re guessing you’ll want a photographer + videographer to actually document your adventure at one of these phenomenal destinations! If you want a pair of pretty rad humans who are ready to pack their hiking bags, help you plan your dream elopement experience + plan fun adventures, and document your private ceremony in the middle of the mountains, look no further 😉 We’re T & Corey, a photo + video duo who loves NOTHING more than going on mountain elopement adventures with our couples. You can take a look at what we offer here, and contact us here if you’re ready to start planning your dream mountain elopement – we can’t wait!!

SHARE THIS STORY

RELATED POSTS

8 Most Beautiful Tropical Elopement Destinations in the U.S.
8 Most Beautiful Tropical Elopement Destinations in the U.S.
12 Best Luxury Resort Elopement Packages in the U.S.
12 Best Luxury Resort Elopement Packages in the U.S.
Best Places to Elope in Yosemite National Park
Best Places to Elope in Yosemite National Park
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @elopewithtkm
Copyrights ©TKM Co 2022 | All Rights Reserved