Top 12 Epic Places for a Rock Climbing Elopement

Table of Contents:

• My #1 Tip for An Epic Rock Climbing Elopement
• Rock Climbing Elopement FAQ’s
• Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata, & Canyoneering: What’s the Difference?
• Top 12 Locations for a Rock Climbing Elopement
• 5 Tips for A Safe + Unforgettable Rock Climbing Elopement
• Rock Climbing Elopement Photographer

If you’re dreaming of an elopement day full of adventure, thrill, and exhilarating experiences, then you’ve found yourself in the right place: welcome to my guide to planning an epic rock climbing elopement! Climbing has quickly become one of my biggest passions in recent years, and there’s nothing I love more than being able to share that passion with couples craving an adventurous elopement day. In this guide, I’ll teach you everything there is to know about planning a rock climbing elopement, from the best type of rock to climb, to the top locations you should consider, to my #1 tip to ensure your day is epic. In fact, why don’t we just start off strong with that tip, shall we? 😉

My #1 Tip for An Epic Rock Climbing Elopement

It should come as no surprise to anyone that my #1 tip for planning an epic rock climbing elopement is hiring the right photographer. This is important for any type of elopement, yes, but it’s especially crucial when your day involves adventures like rock climbing that require logistical planning, practical experience, and safety knowledge + education. 

I’ve been climbing outside and on multi-pitch routes since February 2023, with the 5.6 SW Corner of Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree being my very first climb ever! Since then, I’ve been climbing in spectacular places like Yosemite—including rappelling off of Taft Point with 3,000 feet of exposure below me. My hands still get sweaty thinking about it! Acadia National Park, Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming (including Devils Tower) have been some of my favorite domestic climbing destinations, and I’ve even been lucky enough to climb in Guatemala and Spain.

While you could definitely just hire any old adventure elopement photographer and hope that they’ll be able to get good angles from the ground beneath you as you climb, my biggest recommendation is to hire somebody with actual, real-world climbing experience. Not just a photographer who thinks it would be cool to photograph a rock climbing elopement, but one who knows the practicalities of it, who knows how to climb with you to capture the best shots, and who knows how to support you through the experience! 

Safety is always my #1 priority, even if it means sacrificing an epic photo for the sake of staying safe and avoiding too much risk. It’s important to note that I’m not a certified guide; however, I can absolutely recommend guides if that’s something you’re interested in.

Rock Climbing Elopement FAQ’s

Next, let’s dive (or rappel, maybe?) into a few questions you might have about the logistics of planning a rock climbing elopement!

Do we need outdoor climbing experience to have a rock climbing elopement?

Nope! All you need for an unforgettable rock climbing elopement is a certain level of being stoked and ready for an adventure. If you only have indoor climbing experience, your elopement day is the perfect opportunity to take it outside and go somewhere epic! Trust me, it’ll be a million times cooler than staring at the gray wall of your rock climbing gym that you already know like the back of your hand.

Can you help us find specific routes?

Absolutely, I have a handful of routes to take couples on that would make for incredible elopement locations and am fantastic at scouting out routes at new locations. These routes are saved for couples I’m working with, so if you want to become one of those couples, please reach out and we’ll make it happen!

What is the best type of rock to climb?

There’s not really a “best” type of rock to climb, but granite and sandstone tend to be great for beginners, as they offer good grip, a variety of routes, and the opportunity to get familiar with basic climbing techniques. These, as well as limestone, are generally the most common types of rock found, and are what you’ll find at most of the locations featured in this blog post.

Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata, & Canyoneering: What’s the Difference?

Before we get into the best rock climbing elopement locations, I wanted to touch on three types of climbing adventures that you might consider for your elopement day: via ferratas, rock climbing, and canyoneering.

Rock climbing, also referred to as sport climbing, is the most popular type of climbing you’ll see, involving a harness attached to a rope that allows you to climb up a rock face. You’ll have a partner holding a belay system on the ground to stop your fall, and your equipment will consist of climbing shoes, a helmet, slings, and quickdraws. There are all kinds of different climbing routes (single-pitch vs. multi-pitch, top-rope and lead climbing, etc.), which we can definitely chat about when planning your elopement, but the most important thing to know is that you’ll be climbing routes that are already equipped with bolts where you can clip your rope in!

If rock climbing sounds a little too intense for you, consider a via ferrata route, which is an amazing way to still get a bit of exposure without being as physically demanding. Via ferratas are more secured climbing routes that often include climbing aids and anchors such as ladders, metal rungs, or bridges, which make it much easier and safer for beginner climbers to reach a summit. You’ll clip into steel cables or railings along the way, which will help keep you safe if you fall, and you can easily hold onto your cables as you go. 

Canyoneering is another climbing method that is much less physically demanding than rock climbing, involving more exploring and hiking-type adventures rather than scaling a massive wall or cliff. You’ll typically start with a hike to wherever you’ll be canyoneering, and then using anchors, ropes, and a friction device to descend down a canyon! This might involve scrambling to get out of an area, swimming through a bit of water, or making your way through narrow spaces, all of which are exciting parts of the canyoneering adventure. The Southwest is really the only region of the U.S. where you can go canyoneering, whereas there are many more opportunities to rock climb across the country.

Looking for other rock climbing alternatives that are just as adventurous and exhilarating? Scroll through my list of 20 Bucket List Adventures to Have on Your Elopement Day!

Top 12 Locations for a Rock Climbing Elopement

Ready to find the perfect rock climbing elopement location for you? Remember that the location you choose depends on the type of climbing you’d like to do, as well as your climbing experience—so be sure to chat with your photographer (who hopefully has real-life experience) to figure out what routes are right for you!

1. Moab, UT

Rock type: Sandstone

Climbing in Moab is such a vibe. I will truly always be obsessed with the wild experience of summiting desert towers in a national park, or being able to look out over the Colorado River from way up high. The majority of the routes in Moab are trad routes (where you place your own bolts/gear onto the rock face), although there are definitely sport routes (where you use pre-drilled bolts) if you know where to look! Indian Creek isn’t technically in Moab, but I count it since it’s only about an hour south and offers incredible climbing opportunities.

Feeling drawn to the otherworldly landscapes that Moab has to offer? Don’t miss my Ultimate Moab Elopement Guide, where I dive deep into planning your dream day in this incredible area!

2. Acadia National Park, ME

Rock type: Granite

Like I said before, I’m obsessed with desert climbing. But when I first climbed at Acadia National Park, I had a moment where I listened to the waves crashing below me, and as I looked around, I thought “This might be the most beautiful place I’ve ever climbed.” Climbing in Acadia just above the ocean is a pretty unreal experience, with nearly 300 climbs available for climbers of all abilities. And if you love the idea of this type of elopement day adventure but aren’t quite ready to go climbing, Acadia has a pretty sick via ferrata that could definitely give you a similar adrenaline rush without as much physical effort!

Acadia is one of my all-time favorite elopement locations, climbing opportunities aside. Visit my Acadia National Park Elopement Guide to learn about all the best places to elope in this breathtaking park.

3. Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Rock type: Granite

As the home of my first ever climb, Joshua Tree will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s without a doubt one of the most popular climbing destinations in the country, offering over 8,000 climbing routes and options for every level of climber. It’s an amazing place for beginner and intermediate climbers who want to gain experience and traverse the iconic rocks of the southern California desert, all while celebrating their newlywed status. The vast desert views and stunning sunsets are absolutely magical to witness mid-climb, whether you’re checking out a low-effort route for beginners or something a little more challenging.

Want to see what else Joshua Tree has to offer for your adventure elopement? I’ve got a comprehensive planning guide here!

4. Smith Rock State Park, OR

Rock type: Basalt

Smith Rock is Oregon’s top climbing destination for sure, boasting a collection of the best sport climbing routes in the entire United States. With over 1,500 routes, you’ll never run out of climbs to check out in this gorgeous state park—whether it’s your first or your hundredth time visiting! Plus, the high desert landscapes of central Oregon are wildly beautiful to experience firsthand, with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, gargantuan basalt columns, and dramatic cliffs + hillsides everywhere you look.

5. Ouray, CO

Rock type: Granite

Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly sport climb, a one-of-a-kind ice climbing adventure, a thrilling canyoneering experience, or a scenic via ferrata, Ouray is the dream place to climb in Colorado—in fact, it’s even been nicknamed the Switzerland of America for its breathtaking alpine landscapes! Ouray’s via ferratas are known for their exhilarating combination of rock climbing and hiking, and the soaring granite cliffs attract climbers from all over the world. Like I said, you can even take your adventure a step further (or colder) and try out a crazy cool ice climb once winter hits the mountains of Colorado!

6. Alabama Hills, CA

Rock type: Granite

The Alabama Hills is such an underrated location on its own, but as a climbing location, it HAS to be on your list of potential options. Climbing season lasts pretty much the entire year in the Alabama Hills thanks to the beautiful weather at the base of the Sierra Nevadas, so you’re not limited to certain seasons like you might be in Moab or Ouray. A lot of the established routes and granite rocks in the Alabama Hills are actually quite similar to those in Joshua Tree, as is the gorgeous weather! You also get the bonus of stunning snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance, which are super cool to see at the same time as the rocky desert landscapes.

7. Sedona, AZ

Rock type: Sandstone

The vibrant red sandstone cliffs of Sedona are probably some of the most recognizable in the country, and not only do they offer magnificent desert views—they also boast an incredible, world-class variety of climbs! With unique geology and spectacular rock formations that tower over the southern end of the Colorado Plateau, these massive sandstone towers offer routes for everybody, from low-effort bouldering to higher elevation basalt climbing. It’s important to be aware of how soft and fragile the sandstone around Sedona is, as it can easily be damaged forever if you don’t follow proper climbing protocol. You never want to climb in Sedona after the rain, or when the ground is damp whatsoever!

8. Kings Canyon National Park, CA

Rock type: Granite

Kings Canyon is a wildly underrated climbing spot in California—think epic, towering granite walls of Yosemite caliber, but you have the entire national park to yourself. Whereas Yosemite gets an average of 4 million visitors every year, Kings Canyon only gets nearly 700,000. . . the difference is WILD, and gives you the opportunity to enjoy so much more peace and quiet as you climb and enjoy the views! I almost didn’t want to include this spot because it’s a hidden gem that would prefer to stay hidden, but it’s also too good to keep it a secret from you. So, I’m telling *you*, but will you promise to keep this secret between you and me??

9. Ten Sleep, WY

Rock type: Limestone

After just one summer of climbing on Wyoming’s limestone, I was a total convert. Sure, it can be a bit sharper on the hands than granite, but Ten Sleep in particular is such a fun spot. Situated in a gorgeous canyon with walls on each side, there are SO MANY routes to choose from ranging in routes right next to a waterfall to coming straight out of rushing creek. This is also a great place to send a harder grade you’ve been working towards, and get that adrenaline rush that comes with completing a difficult challenge after so much effort.

10. Idyllwild, CA

Rock type: Granite

The town of Idyllwild is home to two of southern California’s most renowned crags, Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks. Both offer mainly trad routes with a few rare sport routes, with Suicide being the smaller of the two rocks just a 30 minute hike from the parking lot. The two crags together offer over 500 routes, with quite a few that are newer to the area, and offer routes between classes 5.10-5.9.

11. Yosemite National Park

Rock type: Granite

I honestly thought long and hard as to whether to include Yosemite on this list. Obviously, Yosemite has such strong ties to the culture and history of climbing in the U.S, and if you’re stoked on Yosemite, I absolutely support you in having your rock climbing elopement here. But as your friend, I must inform you of the likelihood that climbing in Yosemite will be a gunk show of people, unless you know where to go. There’s a good chance that you’ll have to wait in lines on the classic guided routes, but if you have the right photographer with you who’s super familiar with Yosemite (like yours truly), it’s definitely possible to get away from the crowds at least a little bit!

12. Mallorca, Spain 

Rock type: Limestone

Ever heard of deep water soloing? Allow me to introduce you to the magic of DWS, which is a form of free solo climbing where you’d fall safely into deep water beneath you. If you’re like me and constantly battling your fear of falling while climbing, deep water soloing adds a whole separate dimension to that. When I was in Mallorca, it was SO FUN watching all the climbers around me attempting to send their route and repeatedly falling into the perfectly clear water—it really takes a level of fear out of it and allows you to just go for it! 

If you’re doing your rock climbing elopement in Mallorca, I would highly recommend turing your elopement into a two-day adventure: get married on day 1, and do a deep water soloing boat tour on day 2, complete with champagne and a catered picnic. Deep water soloing about crystal turquoise waters is an experience you’ll NEVER forget.

5 Tips for A Safe + Unforgettable Rock Climbing Elopement

I wanted to give you a few final tips to ensure you have an incredible rock climbing adventure elopement that feels exciting, safe, and like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll never forget!

1. Safety always comes first

I mentioned this earlier, but safety will ALWAYS be my top priority during rock climbing elopements. I know it can be easy to want to do anything to get “the shot;” to get that epic photo of you and your partner hanging off the edge of a mammoth rock face in the middle of nowhere—but if it’s not safe, we’re just not gonna do it. You can trust that I’ll always keep your safety front of mind, and will never encourage you to do anything you’re not comfortable with or that doesn’t feel within your abilities. I promise you, we can get stunning photos whether you’re doing a beginner route near the base of a cliff or you’re trekking to the top of a summit on a more difficult route!

2. Choose comfort over style

When it comes to your outfits, I recommend prioritizing comfort over style. Yes, it would look epic for you to be wearing your elopement attire as you climb! But if that’s going to hinder your safety or your ability to climb in any way, you’re better off wearing your comfiest climbing clothes. You want to be sure you can move freely and safely at every turn, and if your dress/suit is going to restrict you, let’s opt for different clothing that feels better! Climbing shoes are a must, though, even if you do wear your elopement outfits.

3. Flexibility is key

Just as with any outdoor adventure elopement, flexibility is going to be your best friend on your big day. We can plan as much as we want to, as carefully as we can, but we’ll never be able to predict the conditions you’ll be climbing in. You’ve gotta be willing to adapt as needed day-of if the weather isn’t good for climbing, or if we need to change locations/routes for any reason at the last minute—if you’re ready for anything, then you’ll be able to enjoy and embrace your experience no matter what the details look like!

4. Do your research ahead of time

When picking your elopement location, make sure to look into any permits or passes you’ll need in order to climb, park your car (if applicable), and have your ceremony. This is something I’ll be happy to help you with as your photographer, so you don’t need to worry about figuring it out on your own. 

5. Leave No Trace

Finally, it’s super important to follow Leave No Trace principles anytime you’re exploring the great outdoors, but ESPECIALLY when you’re rock climbing and literally using the precious earth to get you where you need to go. In addition to the regular LNT principles that are geared toward minimizing your impact, you’ll also want to get familiar with climbing ethics—REI has a great article that you can read here. A few key points include knowing your climbing area, being aware of how you approach, and cleaning your route.

Rock Climbing Elopement Photographer

Are you ready to start planning your rock climbing elopement now that you’ve seen what an incredible experience it can be?! I’ve already told you why it’s so important to hire a photographer with real-world climbing experience, so it’s a good thing you’ve found one already in me. Reach out here and let’s chat about which location is perfect for your unique adventure, yeah?!

P.S. I’ve included a few photos of my past climbs below, including one of my all-time favorites on top of Fisher Towers—that summit is SPOOKY and looks really, really cool in pictures.

If you’re obsessed with the idea of eloping in the desert (rock climbing or not), here are the Top 23 Most Beautiful Desert Elopement Locations in the World!