15 Best Mountain Elopement Locations Worldwide

Getting married in the mountains is undoubtedly one of the COOLEST ways to tie the knot if a traditional wedding venue isn’t your thing. I’m so, so glad that adventure elopements have become more popular in recent years, because I’m not sure anything could really beat exchanging your vows on a mountaintop, at sunrise, with 360-degree views of an epic mountain range around you. . . brb drooling over here. But planning a mountain elopement also comes with its own unique challenges, and it’s important to make sure you know exactly how to plan and prepare for a safe, stress-free outdoor adventure!

That’s why I’ve compiled all of my firsthand knowledge and experience into this one guide, walking you through exactly how to elope in the mountains, and sharing 15 of the most beautiful places to elope in the mountains worldwide. Whether your dream day takes place in the rugged wilderness of Montana or the breathtaking backcountry of Italy, you can trust that I’ll be right there with ya to make it all happen.

Why Elope in the Mountains?

I honestly didn’t even think I should add this section at first, because isn’t it obvious why you’d want to elope in the mountains?

The incredible views, the fresh mountain air, the alpine lakes, the glaciers. . . there’s no world where a mountain elopement would ever be a bad thing.

But every couple is SO unique, and what works for one couple might not work for you—or just might not be the vibe you’re looking for! So I figured I’d share a few of the reasons why I personally adore a mountain elopement, and why it might be the right option for your big day.

The views. . . duh

Need I say more on this one? The views you get to admire on your elopement day if you get married in the mountains are to DIE for.

Whether you elope on top of a mountain and get crazy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, or you elope at the base of a mountain and have amazing mountain ranges featured as your ceremony backdrop, it’s pretty dang hard to beat views like those.

Plus, there’s no need to bring any intricate decor or equipment to make your elopement beautiful—the mountains will do all the hard work for you.

Peace + quiet

Mountain elopements are a dream come true for couples who would rather elope in the tranquility of nature, rather than a traditional wedding venue or a big city. There’s something so perfect about the peaceful, laid-back nature of being in the mountains that fosters a beautiful atmosphere for elopements—it gives you the opportunity to be fully present in the moment, and really embrace the beauty around you as you reflect on the super special day you’re experiencing together.

If saying your vows out in the middle of the wilderness with nothing but mountains, trees, and maybe a little bit of wildlife as your witnesses, then a mountain elopement is for you, my friend!

Choose-your-own-adventure

I think that when couples hear the phrase “mountain elopement,” they might automatically assume that their elopement has to entail some crazy long, challenging hike to the summit of a massive mountain—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The beauty of eloping in the mountains is that it’s a totally choose-your-own-adventure experience: you could pick a ceremony location that requires a 10-mile hike or an overnight backpacking trip to access, or you could find a gorgeous drive-up spot with a quick 15-minute walk on flat terrain!

It’s totally up to you the level of adventure you’re looking for, and there are SO many options to choose from based on your physical ability, hiking experience, guests’ abilities, etc. The sky’s the limit! (or rather, the summit is the limit I guess??)

15 Best Places to Elope in the Mountains Worldwide

Now that you’re totally convinced that you should elope in the mountains (right?), where in the world should you actually go? I’ve got a list of 15 epic mountain elopement locations that will help you find the perfect place, whether you want to elope in the rugged mountains of the western US or the remote valleys of Peru.

1. Glacier National Park, Montana

We’ll start out with one of the most iconic national parks in the US, Glacier National Park—very well-known for its incredible mountain landscapes and dreamy wilderness. Spanning Montana’s Rocky Mountains and going all the way up to the Canadian border, Glacier has more than 700 miles of hiking trails to explore, and some of the best backpacking opportunities in the country. You’ll find an abundance of glaciers, alpine meadows, vast valleys, breathtaking alpine lakes, and all kinds of scenic overlooks, ranging from super easy drive-up access to challenging treks through the mountain peaks.

2. Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is THE cutest mountain town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, known for its incredible views, endless outdoor recreation, and world-class alpine skiing. It’s the perfect destination for couples craving a laid-back, authentic mountain experience out in the high country, featuring a free gondola that takes you between Telluride and Mountain Village, spectacular views year-round, and a super charming town to explore. The area is a total dream for anybody who loves to explore the outdoors, whether you’d rather hike a famous peak, tube down a river, or cycle through the mountains!

3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Obviouslyyyy RMNP had to be a part of this list; it’s only one of the most renowned national parks in the country, with some of the best mountainous landscapes you can find. Located in northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 250,000 acres of diverse alpine environments, including lush wildflower meadows, glacial lakes, towering peaks, jagged cliffs, and plenty of wildlife along the way. There’s truly something for everybody in this park, from thrilling hikes to peaceful walks, amazing sunrises to jaw-dropping sunsets, short trails to lengthy adventures. And did I mention that RMNP is a world-class rock climbing destination, too?

4. Ouray, Colorado

The entire state of Colorado is unbelievably beautiful, but Ouray is a true gem of Southwest Colorado. Often called the “Switzerland of America” for its views of the snow-capped San Juan Mountains and high elevation, Ouray is such a gorgeous town with access to alllll the mountain adventures you could dream of: stunning hikes, scenic drives, mountain biking trails, rock climbing routes, and plenty of winter activities such as ice climbing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. If you elope on a chilly day, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the chance to soak in a natural hot spring in the middle of the snowy mountains!

Love the idea of rock climbing on your elopement day? Check out my full list of the best rock climbing elopement locations, including Ouray!

5. Yosemite National Park, California

I mean, everybody knows Yosemite is one of the top elopement destinations in the country (world?), right? The massive Sierra Nevada mountains, iconic granite cliffs of El Capitan, and grassy meadows at the base of it all. . . with nearly 1200 square miles of beautiful landscapes, you’ll never run out of epic mountain views at Yosemite. You’ll have access to over 750 miles of hiking trails to choose from, as well as all sorts of scenic backpacking treks, biking trails, rock climbing routes, and even horseback riding trails! Nothing beats spending a day or two exploring some of the most spectacular destinations in California, all in one big national park—especially because Yosemite is stunning no matter the time of day, the lighting, or the weather.

6. Sierra Nevada, California

If you’re searching for some of the world’s best rock climbing and skiing opportunities, look no further than California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. Spanning the eastern edge of the state, the Sierras offer tons of incredible opportunities for hiking, backpacking, climbing, wildlife watching, and wildflower viewing, all especially gorgeous and unique thanks to the high altitude of the mountain range. You’re probably familiar with a few of the hot spots in the region such as Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, and Mammoth Lakes—but there are also SO many hidden gems worth exploring a little further out of the way!

7. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

We’ve all heard of Yosemite and Tahoe, but I feel like the mountains of Wyoming don’t get nearly as much credit as they should. Summer in the Tetons is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, with bright blue skies, vibrant wildflowers, lush greenery, and clear visibility of the jagged mountain peaks—not to mention the gorgeous warm weather that’s perfect for outdoor rec! I’ve got a few secret locations up my sleeve that are more off-the-beaten-path, and way less busy than some of the main hotspots around the park—so no need to worry about big crowds during your ceremony. There are definitely plenty of options to choose from + make sure you get the vibe you’re going for!

If this sounds like your kinda vibe, I’ve got an in-depth Grand Teton Elopement Guide that you won’t want to miss. Spoiler alert, though: you’re gonna fall in love immediately.

8. Hatcher Pass, Alaska

Let’s head a little further northwest, shall we? Alaska needs to be on your list of possible locations when it comes to eloping in the mountains, because let me tell you: the mountains of the Last Frontier are UNREAL. Hatcher Pass is this insanely beautiful mountain pass through the Talkeetna Mountains, offering vast alpine tundra perfect for skiing, hiking, or simply driving through. It’s one of the most popular recreation areas in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and is only a 90-minute drive from Anchorage! There are so many unforgettable ways to spend your time exploring Hatcher Pass, including tons of gorgeous spots for a picnic, wildlife watching, berry picking in the summer, and sightseeing. Cross your fingers for a clear enough day to be able to see the Alaska Range, Pioneer Peak, and the Chugach Range all from one viewpoint!

9. Banff National Park, Canada

Time to venture outside of the US for these final few mountain locations, starting with Canada’s first-ever national park. Spanning a large region of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is an unreal elopement destination for adventurous couples—like, truly, one of the very best. With miles and miles of rocky peaks, emerald glacial lakes, dense greenery, and a quaint mountain town, there’s no better place to access the outdoors and explore one of the most magical alpine environments on the planet.

10. Torres Del Paine, Chile

I fell head over heels in love with Patagonia the moment I visited for the very first time, so it wouldn’t be right to make this list without including it. Torres Del Paine is a national park that lies on the Chilean side of Patagonia, and is home to absolutely otherworldly beautiful alpine terrain—the natural colors, textures, and shapes found throughout the park truly makes you feel like you’re on another planet. It’s hard to put into words just how spectacular these Patagonian landscapes are, with such vibrant green & blue lakes, pink alpenglow, rich green hills. . . it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your senses. 10/10 recommend exploring the extensive 4×4 trails, and checking out the incredible golden aspen trees in the fall!

Want to learn more about what it could look like to elope in Patagonia? Read through this guide & be sure to save it to come back to later!

11. Dolomites, Italy

Northeastern Italy is a bucket list destination for many travelers, so it only makes sense that the Dolomites have become a super popular elopement location in recent years. Forming a section of the Southern Limestone Alps, the Dolomites (also known as the Dolomitic Alps) comprise 18 different peaks that feature some of the most insanely magical mountain landscapes in Europe. From the deepest of the extensive valleys to the highest of the towering cliffs, every inch of the Dolomites offers extraordinary natural beauty, whether you’re most drawn to the winding trails that lead up to the craggy mountain summits or the endless colorful wildflowers that cover the meadows. The Dolomites are a total dream come true for adventurous eloping couples, for sure!

12. Sacred Valley, Peru

If you’ve ever heard of Machu Picchu, the iconic ancient city in the Andean highlands of Peru, this is the region where it’s located: the Sacred Valley. Located just north of the Inca capital of Cusco, this valley stretches across 37 miles of mountainous farmland, and is home to an abundance of Spanish colonial villages, world-class hiking trails, and scenic views as far as the eye can see. In fact, Sacred Valley is where you’ll find the world-famous Inca Trail, a 4-day trek that takes you to Machu Picchu! There are also plenty of easier day hikes as well as epic locations for ATV tours, mountain climbing, and even ziplining through the steep mountain valleys.

13. Himalaya Mountains, Nepal

Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you climb Mount Everest on your elopement day—there are other beautiful (and way more accessible) mountains in Nepal! The Himalayas are a huge mountain range that stretches across South Asia, a large part of which span the northern region of Nepal. These mountains are actually super fascinating for many reasons, one being that the Great Himalayas (the highest part of the range where Everest is located) create a climatic barrier between the monsoonal Indian plains, and the Tibetan high desert. Many of the world’s highest mountains are found in the Great Himalayas, which are all covered in snow year-round and overlook crazy huge glaciers. As long as you prepare properly for the potential extreme conditions of this mountain range and find a trek that’s accessible & realistic for you, you’ll have a true once-in-a-lifetime elopement experience exploring this wild and rugged region!

14. Chamonix, France

Chamonix, or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, is an enchanting resort region near where France, Italy, and Switzerland join. The dreamy town is located at the base of Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in Western Europe!), and is most known for its epic mountaineering opportunities, insane scenery, and cozy ski town atmosphere. I would say it’s one of the more luxurious locations on this list for sure, perfect for couples who want a bit of a higher-end mountain adventure but still want plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning wilderness.

15. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

We’ve covered the Italian Alps and the French Alps, so we have to end this list with somewhere in the Swiss Alps, of course! The wildly picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen boasts soaring cliffs, vast views of the Bernese Alps (specifically the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch mountains), and more than 70 beautiful waterfalls. It’s a gem of a town and will definitely give your elopement a bit of an enchanted fairytale vibe, if that’s what you’re going for! Plus, it’s only a 3-ish hour (very scenic) train ride from Zurich.

Mountain Elopement Packages

When you elope in the mountains, it’s super important to have an experienced photographer by your side who can lead the way. Instead of just taking photos of your day, you’ll want someone who can:

Help you create a smooth timeline & additional backup plans/locations
Provide vendor recommendations in the area
Book your accommodations & activities for you
Drive you around on the big day so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views

Safety is key for any elopement in the wilderness, but especially mountain elopements in unpredictable environments—and with a mountain elopement photographer like me in your back pocket, you’ll feel incredibly confident and fully prepared heading into your grand adventure.

Check out my all-inclusive mountain elopement packages to see if we’d be a good fit, and if the answer is a big hell yes, then you can reach out here to get the ball rolling! Can’t wait to see which of these awesome locations ends up being the perfect one for you.

Not quite sure where you want to elope, or what kind of scenery you’re looking for yet? These guides might help you out:

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I’m Sarah, an elopement photographer traveling around the United States in my campervan.

I spend months at a time at each location I travel to, diving deep into the local elopement market in that area, so I can bring the important information to you from the comfort of your home.

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