BUH-BYE BORING WEDDINGS.
Let’s face it, those dried pampas grass bouquets, barn venues, and mix matched bridemaids dress trends are going to go out of style soon. All of it will. As we evolve and change, so does our wedding style. But, the one thing that will never go out of style is the beauty of earth! I mean it! Have you ever heard anyone say, “I just got back from the Rocky Mountains, but honestly they’re just not as pretty anymore.” NO. Because earths natural beauty will always be breathtaking. Having an adventurous, outdoor wedding or elopement is becoming increasingly popular. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it also is more affordable (adios venue costs) and it’s more intimate and romantic as well.
Whether you’re having a hiking elopement with just you and your lover or a wedding surrounded by your family and friends, choosing to have an outdoor wedding is always a good idea. The world is your oyster and you can truly choose to have your wedding or elopement anywhere. But, in my professional opinion, here are the best places to have an outdoor wedding or elopement in the United States.
- Big Sur, California: The Big Sur coastline is basically what California dreams are made of. Seated right on Highway 1, this coastline is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. You’ve probably seen a car commercial or two that was filmed here. It’s THAT good. You’ll find beautiful redwood trees, wildflower covered hills, and secluded rocky beaches. There’s truly something beautiful to took at all around. The best time for an elopement or outdoor wedding here is Winter, Spring, and Fall.
- Yosemite National Park, California: I mean…. you really cannot beat Yosemite. If you’re looking for dramatic mountain views YOU GOT IT. On top of allll of that, you also have amazing meadows, huge forests, and crystal clear lakes. This place pretty much steals the heart of every single person that goes and it’s easy to understand why. I recommend having an outdoor wedding here in the warmer months, May-October. The best views in the park are at higher elevations and due to large amounts of snow and ice, the roads to those locations are closed in the winter.
- Hawaii: Palm trees, lush green peaks, canyons, crystal clear waters, rocky shorelines, and soft sand between your toes? Hawaii has it all! While there are many different islands in Hawaii, they’re all so beautiful and I couldn’t pick just one. Each one is unique and everyone has a favorite. The one you choose completely depends on your preferences, but I always recommend doing a little island hopping between them. If you’re looking for a more secluded ceremony, I recommend eloping or having a wedding here in the spring, April-June. While, many beach destinations are least crowded in the winter, that could not be more opposite for Oahu. Mainlanders flee from the cold to enjoy the warm weather and beautiful views in Hawaii. Winter is also prime surfing season for the state. There are various famous surfing competitions. Accommodations are more expensive due to the influx of visitors. Here are some of my favorite islands and what each of them have to offer.
- If you’re looking for incredible beaches, clear waters, and amazing hikes, then Oahu is the one.
- If you’re looking for flowing lava, watching the sunset from the highest point in the world, and secluded beaches, then the Big Island is for you.
- Maui offers beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and shopping, and lush forests.
- Kauai is a gem. It has Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the pacific, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful beaches. Truly unique!
- Utah: There are soooo many national parks and beautiful views. A truly underrated state. I’ve never been to an area that had so many unique landscapes to offer. It’s covered in snow capped mountains, deep canyons, and salt flats. Here are my favorite parks and areas to get married at in Utah.
- Arches National Park: Pictured above. Arches has beautiful dramatic landscapes, with snowcapped mountains in the background. I mean… SO INSANELY BEAUTIFUL.
- Zion National Park: Zion is known for it’s steep red cliffs and slot canyons. Truly so unique and beautiful. So many incredible views here, every direction you look.
- Lake Powell: Park of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Lake Powell is part of Utah and Arizona. It’s full of scenic overlooks and orange cliffs. Lake Powell has something for everyone: boating, rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
- Bonneville Salt Flats: 30,000 acres of white salt crust. I know, I know… it sounds odd, but it’s truly one of the most impressive and appealing places in the U.S. Truly so unique and beautiful.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Helloooooo boho brides. This one is for you. Joshua Tree is characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. It’s named for the Joshua trees in the area. At Joshua tree you’ll find some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen. I recommend having a wedding ceremony here in the Spring or Fall. Joshua Tree experiences extremely hot summers. So the Spring and Fall are much more enjoyable.
- Glacier National Park: Picture beautiful Rocky mountains that were carved out by glaciers, alpine lakes, and wait for it…. the northern lights!! Yepp, Glacier National Park has so much to offer for a wedding or elopement. It’s nestled in Montana and offers truly one of a kind views. I recommend getting married here in July, August, or September. Higher elevations are closed off during the off season due to large amounts of snow and ice, making some of the most beautiful areas of the park impossible to explore.
- Rocky Mountains, CO: Filled with gorgeous mountains, forests, and alpine tundra. It’s one of the most popular national parks in the country, and for good reason! This place will take your breath away. I recommend June-September when the snow is mostly melted! You’ll be able to access more areas of the park and you’ll feel much more comfortable in a wedding dress.
- North Cascades National Park, WA: Located in Washington. North Cascades National Park is a PNW dream. It features beautiful turquoise alpine lakes, snow capped mountains, rivers, and valleys. This park is not one to forget. North Cascades is at a very high elevation. Snow hangs around some trails until July. I recommend getting married here mid-June though mid-September.
- Lake Tahoe: Repeatedly voted America’s Best Lake. Lake Tahoe is the perfect spot for an outdoor wedding or elopement. Surrounded by snow capped mountains and features crystal clear waters, Lake Tahoe is truly an adventurers dream. The best times to get married in Lake Tahoe are March to May and from September to November, but the area welcomes visitors throughout the year thanks to the wide variety of attractions and activities. It’s a HUGE skiing and snowboarding area in the winter.
- Mount Tamalpais, CA: This mountains is full of deep canyons, redwood forests, and oak meadows. It offers a nearly 360 degree view of the San Francisco Bay Area. Truly a dream! You can get married in Mount Tamalpais during any time of the year. But, I’d recommend May-September for the most comfortable temperatures. Expect wind and fog for an elopement or wedding here. The fog is so common in the Bay Area that they’ve even given it a name, Karl.
No matter the outdoor location, Jaycee Marie Photo + Video is more than happy to serve you and capture your special day! We specialize in smaller, intimate weddings and elopements. We thrive in the great outdoors and love when our couples choose to make that apart of their day.
Here’s a little more information about how our process works from inquiry to the big day: