Trying to figure out where to say your vows? If you’re planning an elopement and feeling a little stuck on choosing the perfect outdoor setting, you’re definitely not alone. The location sets the whole vibe. It’s the place where this chapter of your love story begins, after all.

Whether you’re picturing something earthy like a forest, expansive like a desert, soft and romantic like a beach, or something else entirely, every setting brings its own kind of magic. In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of different outdoor elopement locations to help you figure out what feels most you.

Forests

Imagine saying your vows surrounded by towering trees, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, and the sound of birds singing in the background. I may be a little biased, but a forest elopement is like stepping into a magical fairy tale, offering an intimate and peaceful setting for your special day. The natural beauty of the forest provides such a stunning backdrop for your photos, and the earthy vibe can make your ceremony really feel grounded.

Pros

• Stunning natural backdrop: Minimal need for extra decorations—all the beauty is right there.
• Privacy and seclusion: Ideal for intimate ceremonies, especially if you go to a lesser-known forest.
• Fresh air and a calming environment: The benefits of getting married outdoors are endless! This includes reducing stress and enhancing the experience.
• Protection from the elements: Forest canopies offer better protection from the rain than more open areas.
• Great for photography: Soft, diffused light through the trees creates beautiful photos—and this lighting pretty much remains consistent throughout the day, so you don’t need to worry about big changes in light.
• Versatile for different themes: Whether you want an enchanting fairytale theme or a rustic, outdoorsy vibe, forests are perfect for this!

Cons

• Accessibility: Depending on the forest, you may run into challenges if you or your guests require mobility assistance.
• Weather-dependent: Rain or strong winds can disrupt plans.
• Bugs and wildlife: Potential for insect bites or unexpected animal encounters.
• Permit requirements: Some forests require permits for ceremonies and photography (but the permits are not hard to get, thankfully!).
• Limited facilities: Potential lack of restrooms and other amenities in the vicinity.

Who’s it For?

Forests can be for everyone at the end of the day. Forest elopements or intimate weddings are perfect for couples who love nature, seek privacy, and want a unique, magical setting for their ceremony. They’re ideal for those who are flexible and prepared for the unpredictability of outdoor events. If you and your partner are adventurous, enjoy an outdoor stroll, or simply want a peaceful, secluded spot, a forest could be the perfect backdrop. While there are some considerations to keep in mind, like accessibility and weather, the charm and beauty of a forest elopement or small wedding can make it a fantastic choice for many couples! (And if you’ve always had a thing for Twilight, this is probably the move for you).

Read More: Top Forest Wedding Venues in Minnesota

Beaches

Gentle sound of waves crashing. The sun is setting over the horizon. Soft sand beneath your feet as you say your vows. These are just a few things that make beaches such a beautiful setting for elopements. A beach elopement offers a backdrop that feels both relaxed and elegant. The natural beauty of the ocean (or lake) and sky creates an unforgettable setting that requires little additional decoration. 

Pros

• Stunning natural scenery: Beautiful ocean (or lake) views and sunsets.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Beaches are famous for their laid-back vibe—perfect for an intimate, relaxed ceremony.
• Minimal decoration needed: The beach itself is a beautiful backdrop.
• Great for photography: Natural light and scenic views enhance photos, especially at sunrise and sunset. It’s also great for blue hour and capturing any stars if they’re present.
• Accessibility: Many beaches are public and easily accessible.

Cons

• Weather-dependent: Wind, rain, or extreme heat can affect the ceremony.
• Sand: Can be messy, uncomfortable, or even inaccessible for some guests.
• Permits and regulations: Some beaches may require permits for events.
• Limited facilities: May lack restrooms and other amenities.
• Public space: Potential for onlookers and lack of privacy.
• Safety: Need to consider water safety, especially for children.

Who’s it For?

A beach elopement is perfect if you and your partner feel most at home by the water. Maybe you love the sound of the waves, spend your vacations near the ocean, or just want a laid-back, barefoot kind of day. Beaches offer that easygoing vibe and gorgeous natural beauty, but they also come with a few wildcards (wind, sand, seagulls—you know the deal). If you’re flexible, love being outside, and don’t mind rolling with whatever the tide brings in, the beach might be the perfect backdrop for your elopement.

Lakes

While beach and lake vibes can be similar, I wanted to create a separate section for lakes because they can offer a wide variety of experiences aside from standing on the beachy shore. Lakefront elopements or small weddings can include a range of landscapes—from sandy shores to rocky edges, lush grass, and wooded areas. The water, surrounded by nature, provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for your special day. Whether you envision a cozy gathering by the water’s edge or a more adventurous celebration with activities like canoeing or paddleboarding, a lake elopement offers a fun experience!

Pros

• Diverse scenery: Offers various landscapes, from sandy shores to grassy areas and wooded spots.
• Peaceful and serene: Calm water and natural surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere.
• Privacy: Can be less crowded than beaches, depending on the popularity of the lake and specific spots around the lake.
• Versatile: Suitable for both formal and informal ceremonies.
• Water activities: Opportunities for canoeing, paddleboarding, or swimming.
• Convenience: If you live in a land-locked state, lakes can be a lot more convenient and accessible to get to than traveling to the coast to access the ocean.

Cons

• Weather-dependent: As with any outdoor elopement or ceremony, rain or extreme temperatures can affect the celebration.
• Accessibility: Some lake areas may be difficult for guests requiring mobility accommodations.
• Terrain: Rocky or uneven ground can be challenging.
• Permit requirements: Some lakes require permits for events.
• Limited facilities: May lack restrooms and other amenities.
• Safety: Need to consider water safety, especially for children.

Who’s it For?

Lake elopements are such a great option if you’re drawn to peaceful, nature-filled settings but don’t necessarily want the beach vibes. There’s something really grounding about being near the water—whether it’s a quiet dock, a rocky shoreline, or a hidden spot tucked into the trees. If you and your partner love calm, scenic places and want your ceremony to feel relaxed, intimate, and a little magical, a lake might just be the perfect spot for you.

Mountains

A mountain elopement offers a truly breathtaking backdrop. Imagine standing at the top of a mountain with the world stretching out below you—these are the views that will make your ceremony feel absolutely unreal. You don’t need to climb Mount Everest either. There are so many mountains with different trails of varying difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone!

Pros

• Stunning views: You just can’t beat the views after a hike (and imagine getting married at that moment!)
• Adventure: Hiking to the top of a mountain (big or small) brings a sense of excitement and uniqueness to the ceremony.
• Natural beauty: Minimal decoration is needed with nature providing the perfect setting.
• Privacy: Often remote locations ensure a private and intimate ceremony.
• Great for photography: Spectacular landscapes and lighting conditions.

Cons

• Accessibility: Can be difficult for guests with limited mobility, and it may require hiking or off-road travel.
• Weather-dependent: Can be unpredictable with potential for high winds, rain, or snow.
• Safety: Rugged terrain can pose risks.
• Altitude: Higher altitudes can lead to altitude sickness.
• Limited facilities: Lack of restrooms and other amenities.

Who’s it For?

Mountains are kind of the ultimate “wow” backdrop. If you and your partner love the outdoors, crave a little adventure, and want your ceremony to feel like a private moment tucked away in something bigger than yourselves, this might be your spot. Mountain elopements are especially great if you’re into hiking, love a good view, or just want to feel fully immersed in nature. And don’t worry—you don’t have to be scaling peaks with your wedding attire in a backpack. There are plenty of mountain locations with easy trails or drive-up overlooks if a mellow vibe is more your speed. If you’re up for a little unpredictability (weather shifts and uneven terrain) in exchange for jaw-dropping scenery and a sense of total awe, the mountains might a good choice for you.

Read More: Adventure Elopement Activity Ideas

Deserts

There’s something kind of magical about the desert. The wide-open skies, the warm, earthy colors, the way the light hits right before sunset—it’s a vibe. Whether it’s rocky canyons or cactus-dotted landscapes, desert elopements offer a super unique backdrop. Keep in mind that deserts are known for their extremes. It can get super hot during the day and very cold at night!

Pros

• Photography lighting: Golden hour in the desert is unreal.
• Drier weather: Which means you’re less likely to need to worry about rain.
• Tons of open space: Lots of space also means lots of privacy.
• Neutral tones and textures: Which make for great photos!
• Quiet and peaceful: Deserts hold a kind of stillness that can make your ceremony feel incredibly grounding.

Cons

• It’s hot: Especially in the summer, deserts can get uncomfortably hot.
• Shade: Or should I say lack thereof. Shade might be hard to come by!
• Wind: This one may be surprising to some. Desert winds can come out of nowhere and get pretty wild!
• Terrain: Hiking in sand or rocky areas may not be ideal for everyone.
• It’s cold at night: While it’s super hot during the day, deserts can also get uncomfortably cold at night.

Who’s it For?

This one’s for couples who are into bold, dramatic scenery and aren’t afraid to embrace a little heat and adventure. If you love sunrises or sunset, stargazing, and want your elopement to feel super unique and cinematic, the desert might be your perfect match.

Cities

If you and your partner are city lovers at heart, getting married against the backdrop of a skyline, surrounded by vibrant energy may be for you. The nice thing about cities for elopement or wedding sceneries is that they offer a dynamic and diverse setting, depending on where you are. You can experience anything from a rooftop garden and charming city park to an architecturally stunning historic landmark.

Pros

• Diverse scenery: Rooftop gardens, parks, historic buildings, and more.
• Accessibility: Easy for guests to reach with ample transportation options.
• Amenities: Access to restaurants, hotels, and other fun things!
• Weather options: Indoor venues could be available in case of bad weather.
• Vibrant atmosphere: The energy and culture of the city add to the excitement.
• Great for photography: Iconic landmarks and unique urban landscapes.
• More options: Cities provide the opportunity to spread your elopement out over multiple locations and activities.

Cons

• Crowds: Potential for noise and surrounding strangers in public spaces.
• Cost: Can be more expensive (but not always) to reserve a city park venue or other settings.
• Permits and regulations: May have more regulations around events in a city setting.
• Parking: Depending on the location in the city, parking could be difficult to find.
• Weather: Outdoor urban areas can be affected by weather, though indoor options can mitigate this.
• Safety: Considerations for safety and security, especially in busy areas.

Who’s it For?

City elopements are perfect for couples who thrive in an urban environment and want a ceremony that reflects their love for the city around them. Couples often appreciate the convenience and accessibility of a metropolitan area and love the diverse range of options for their ceremony and celebration. If you and your partner are city dwellers at heart, a city elopement could be the perfect choice for you!

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Setting

Choosing the perfect scenery for your elopement or intimate wedding is such an exciting part of the planning process. It’s all about finding a spot that feels right for you and your partner. First, think about what kind of vibe you want for your big day. Are you envisioning a serene, nature-filled escape, or do you thrive on the energy and excitement of an urban setting? Imagine what will make you feel most connected to each other and your surroundings.

And the best part? You can even mix and match! For example, you and your partner can escape to the mountains to have your official ceremony with just the two of you and then come back to the city to celebrate with your family and friends.

When deciding which elopement scenery is right for you, here are some questions to ask yourselves:

• What scenery resonates with you both emotionally?
• How many guests will you have (if any), and what are their needs? (keep in mind that some areas, like BLM-managed land, only allow a certain number of guests, usually 15-20 max).
• What’s the weather like during your chosen season?
• Are there any accessibility concerns to keep in mind?
• Do you want something adventurous or more laid-back?

Think about logistics, too. Permits, travel, and accommodations can vary greatly between locations. And always have a backup plan for outdoor settings, just in case nature has its own ideas.

Read More: How to Make a Backup Plan for Your Elopement

Read More: How to Elope: The Ultimate Guide

Packing for Your Chosen Setting

Every outdoor elopement location provides a different vibe, and therefore, a different set of considerations when it comes to packing. Check out my elopement packing blog to get a tailored list for your chosen location!

Get Your Packing List: The Ultimate Elopement Packing List (With Printable Checklists)

Final Thoughts

No matter what backdrop you choose for your intimate wedding or elopement, it’s important to always abide by the principles of Leave No Trace to protect the environment and its precious ecosystems and preserve natural beauty for generations to come. While some settings might appeal more to you than others, at the end of the day, they can all be the perfect fit for anyone and everyone—it’s just a matter of finding the right place that meets your requirements, whether it’s for comfort, aesthetic, accessibility, or other considerations.

If you’re unsure what type of elopement setting is right for you, reach out to me! As an elopement and intimate wedding photographer, I’ve photographed celebrations in all of these settings, so I’d be happy to chat with you and offer some insider thoughts.