Destination Weddings & Elopements | Extraordinary Places to Say I Do

From the Pacific Northwest to the Florida Keys, a little inspiration for couples dreaming of getting married somewhere unforgettable.

10 Extraordinary Places for a Destination Wedding or Elopement

There's something exciting about the idea of getting married somewhere completely different. Maybe it's a quiet stretch of coastline in the Pacific Northwest, a mountain town in Colorado, or a rooftop overlooking New York City. Maybe it's a place you've visited a dozen times, or somewhere you've been looking for an excuse to go.

And that's part of the appeal of a destination wedding or elopement. You're not limited to the venues in your hometown, or even the state you live in. You can choose a place because you love its architecture, its landscape, its atmosphere, or simply because being there makes you happy.

Of course, choosing a destination comes with a few extra considerations. A ceremony on a remote mountainside is a different undertaking than a wedding at a resort in Palm Springs. Weather, travel, accessibility, and even the time of year can make a big difference. But those details don't have to take the fun out of planning. They're simply part of finding the right place.

As a photographer, I've had the opportunity to explore and photograph people in some remarkable places, and I've come to appreciate just how much a location can contribute to the photographs. Not every beautiful setting makes sense for every wedding, though, and that's worth talking about too.

So, whether you're imagining a small ceremony with just the two of you or bringing your favorite people along for the weekend, here are eight destinations worth considering. Each offers something a little different, and perhaps one of them is exactly what you've been looking for.

Pacific Northwest

Wild coastlines, towering forests, and dramatic skies.

There's a certain kind of beauty in the Pacific Northwest that's hard to find anywhere else. Along the Oregon and Washington coasts, enormous cliffs rise above the Pacific, evergreen forests stretch toward the water, and the weather can change the entire appearance of a landscape in a matter of minutes. One moment you're standing beneath blue skies, and the next, a layer of fog rolls in and everything looks completely different.

For couples who love the outdoors, it's an incredible setting for a destination wedding or elopement. Imagine exchanging vows overlooking the ocean, celebrating at a secluded coastal lodge, or gathering with a handful of family and friends at a beautiful property surrounded by towering trees. Places like Cannon Beach and the Olympic Peninsula offer dramatically different scenery, often within a relatively short drive of charming coastal towns.

Of course, the Pacific Northwest has a personality of its own when it comes to weather. Summer generally brings the best chance of warmer, drier conditions, but even then, coastal fog, wind, and unexpected rain are part of the equation. Having a backup plan, particularly for an outdoor ceremony, is worth the effort.

But for couples who don't mind a little unpredictability, that's part of what makes this region so appealing. You don't need perfect blue skies to have an extraordinary setting. Sometimes the clouds and fog are what make it unforgettable.

Palm Springs, California

Palm trees, poolside cocktails, and architecture straight out of the 1960s.

Palm Springs is one of those places where the architecture is every bit as interesting as the landscape. Set against the San Jacinto Mountains, this desert city is known for its midcentury modern homes, beautiful resorts, towering palm trees, and a design aesthetic that's unmistakably its own. It's colorful, a little nostalgic, and effortlessly stylish without taking itself too seriously.

For couples drawn to modern design, Palm Springs offers some wonderful possibilities. Picture a ceremony in the courtyard of a midcentury estate, a weekend celebration at a boutique resort, or an intimate gathering with the mountains rising behind you. Parker Palm Springs is a particularly beautiful example, with its distinctive design, lush gardens, and playful personality. The architecture creates incredible opportunities for photographs, especially when you combine those clean lines and bold colors with the softer light of the desert.

Of course, there's one thing you can't overlook when planning a wedding in Palm Springs: the heat. Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable seasons for outdoor celebrations, while summer temperatures regularly climb well above 100 degrees. Even in the cooler months, it's worth considering the time of day, particularly if you're planning an outdoor ceremony or portraits.

And while the city is known for its architecture and resort atmosphere, the surrounding desert is worth exploring too. Joshua Tree National Park is roughly an hour away, offering an entirely different landscape for couples drawn to something a little more rugged.

Palm Springs is a wonderful choice for couples who appreciate good design, beautiful scenery, and a wedding weekend that feels as much like a getaway as a celebration.

Colorado

Mountain towns, alpine landscapes, and views that are hard to beat.

There's something about Colorado that makes you want to get outside and explore. Maybe it's the mountains rising above the little towns tucked into the valleys, the alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer, or the way the landscape changes so dramatically from one part of the state to another. From the rugged San Juan Mountains in the southwest to the high country around Summit County and the wide-open landscapes of the Flat Tops, there's an incredible variety of places to consider.

For couples dreaming of a mountain wedding or elopement, Colorado offers just about every possibility. You could exchange vows at a beautiful mountain lodge, gather with family and friends at a resort overlooking the peaks, or plan a small ceremony surrounded by alpine scenery. And you don't necessarily have to hike miles into the wilderness to find an extraordinary setting. Some of Colorado's most beautiful mountain views are surprisingly accessible.

The time of year makes a big difference here. Summer brings green valleys, wildflowers, and generally more accessible mountain roads and trails. Fall can be spectacular, particularly when the aspens begin changing color, although the window for peak foliage can be surprisingly short. Winter offers an entirely different experience, but snow, road conditions, and limited access to certain locations require additional planning.

Altitude is another consideration, especially if you're bringing guests from lower elevations. Even relatively easy activities can feel more demanding at 9,000 or 10,000 feet, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains during summer. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, a little flexibility with the schedule and a reliable weather backup can make a big difference.

What I love about Colorado is that you can visit the same area in different seasons and have two completely different experiences. Whether you're drawn to a quiet mountain town, a dramatic alpine backdrop, or a weekend surrounded by friends and family, there's no shortage of beautiful places to make it happen.

Big Bend, Texas

Wide-open desert, rugged mountains, and some of the most extraordinary scenery in Texas.

Big Bend is one of those places that can completely change the way you think about Texas. Far from the rolling hills and oak trees of Central Texas, the landscape opens into an enormous stretch of desert, rugged mountains, and winding roads that seem to disappear into the distance. It's remote, a little wild, and unlike anywhere else in the state.

At the heart of it all are the Chisos Mountains, rising dramatically from the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. Depending on where you find yourself, you might be surrounded by towering canyon walls, looking out across miles of desert, or standing high in the mountains watching the last light of the day settle over the landscape. And the colors are incredible. Soft earth tones, deep reds, golden grasses, and mountains that seem to change color as the sun moves across the sky.

For couples drawn to something a little adventurous, Big Bend offers a setting that's hard to replicate. An intimate ceremony with the mountains in the distance, a small gathering at a beautiful desert property near Terlingua, or a quiet elopement surrounded by the remarkable landscape of West Texas could all be extraordinary experiences. The historic Gage Hotel in nearby Marathon is another beautiful possibility, with its distinctive West Texas architecture, gardens, and inviting atmosphere. There's also something appealing about making a weekend of it, exploring the area, enjoying the little restaurants and unusual accommodations around Terlingua, and spending time somewhere that feels genuinely removed from everyday life.

Spring and fall are especially beautiful times to visit, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for exploring the desert. And after the sun goes down, Big Bend has another surprise waiting. With remarkably dark skies and very little surrounding development, the stars can be absolutely spectacular.

What makes Big Bend so memorable isn't just the scenery. It's the sense of space, the quiet, and the feeling that you've traveled much farther than you actually have. For couples who love the outdoors and want a destination that feels completely different, it's a remarkable place to consider.

Costa Rica

Lush rainforests, tropical coastlines, and a whole lot of adventure.

Costa Rica is one of those places where you can spend the morning exploring a rainforest and the afternoon watching the sun disappear over the Pacific. It's an extraordinary mix of tropical beaches, mist-covered mountains, waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. And there's an energy to the place that's difficult to describe until you've experienced it for yourself.

For couples dreaming of a destination wedding somewhere tropical, Costa Rica offers far more than a beautiful beach. Along the Pacific coast, you'll find boutique resorts, secluded villas, and spectacular ocean views, particularly around Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula. Farther inland, the area surrounding La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano offers an entirely different setting, with tropical gardens, natural hot springs, and rainforest-covered mountains. And for couples who love the outdoors, the country's national parks and wildlife add another dimension to the experience.

There's something particularly appealing about turning a wedding into a few days of exploring. Imagine gathering your closest friends and family at a beautiful coastal property, spending an afternoon on the water, or waking up to the sounds of the rainforest before your ceremony. Costa Rica has a way of making the entire trip feel like part of the celebration.

The country's tropical climate is worth keeping in mind, particularly when deciding between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The drier months along much of the Pacific coast generally run from December through April, while the greener months bring frequent rain and especially lush landscapes. And depending on where you travel, the scenery and weather can be remarkably different.

What makes Costa Rica such an appealing destination isn't simply the beaches or the mountains. It's the combination of natural beauty, adventure, and the opportunity to spend a few unforgettable days somewhere completely different.

Miami, Florida

Pastel-colored buildings, Cuban coffee, and a city that doesn't believe in early bedtimes.

Miami has a personality that's entirely its own. It's a colorful mix of tropical landscapes, beautiful beaches, striking architecture, and an unmistakable Latin American influence. From the pastel-colored Art Deco buildings of South Beach to the palm-lined streets of Coconut Grove, the city offers an incredible variety of settings, often just a short drive from one another.

For couples drawn to a wedding with a little energy and personality, Miami has plenty to offer. Imagine an intimate ceremony in a lush tropical garden, a celebration at a waterfront estate overlooking Biscayne Bay, or a weekend gathering at one of the city's beautiful boutique hotels. Historic properties like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens bring an entirely different atmosphere, with European-inspired architecture, elaborate gardens, and views across the water.

And then there's Miami Beach. Beyond the obvious appeal of the ocean, there's something wonderful about the architecture, the colors, and the contrast between the historic buildings and the modern city surrounding them. The Art Deco Historic District, in particular, offers a backdrop that feels distinctly Miami, especially for couples who appreciate design and a little vintage character.

Of course, part of the appeal of a destination wedding is everything that happens beyond the ceremony itself. Miami makes it easy to turn a wedding into an extended weekend, with incredible restaurants, lively neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and no shortage of things for guests to explore.

While Miami enjoys warm weather throughout much of the year, the cooler, generally drier months from late fall through spring are particularly appealing for outdoor celebrations.

What I love about Miami is the contrast. Tropical gardens and historic architecture, colorful neighborhoods and beautiful waterfronts, relaxed afternoons and lively evenings. It's a destination that can be sophisticated without being stuffy, and full of personality without trying too hard.

New York City

Iconic architecture, rooftop views, and a city full of possibilities.

There's nowhere quite like New York City. The energy, the architecture, the people, the constant movement. It's a place where you can turn a corner and find yourself on a beautiful cobblestone street, walk a few blocks and be surrounded by skyscrapers, or step into a quiet garden and almost forget you're in one of the busiest cities in the world.

And when it comes to weddings, New York offers just about every atmosphere imaginable. Picture an intimate ceremony in a beautiful historic townhouse, a rooftop celebration overlooking the Manhattan skyline, or an elegant evening in one of the city's remarkable old hotels. For couples who prefer something a little less traditional, there's Brooklyn, with its converted industrial spaces, waterfront venues, and incredible views back toward Manhattan.

One of the things I love about New York is how much variety you can find within a relatively small area. The tree-lined streets of the West Village feel completely different from the bright lights of Midtown. Central Park offers winding paths, stone bridges, and beautiful gardens, while neighborhoods like SoHo and Tribeca bring their own distinctive architecture and character. Even the simplest walk through the city can turn into an opportunity for some extraordinary photographs.

And then there's everything that comes with spending a weekend in New York. Incredible restaurants, Broadway shows, museums, neighborhood cafés, and countless places to explore. For couples bringing family and friends along, the city becomes part of the experience, giving everyone something to enjoy well beyond the wedding itself.

New York is beautiful in every season, although each brings a completely different atmosphere. Spring fills the parks with blossoms, fall brings beautiful color and cooler temperatures, and winter can make the city feel almost cinematic, particularly around the holidays.

Perhaps the best thing about getting married in New York is that you don't have to choose between something intimate and something extraordinary. Sometimes it's a small ceremony, a beautiful restaurant, and a walk through the city afterward that make the whole experience unforgettable.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Historic courtyards, colorful architecture, and baguettes. Lots of baguettes.

New Orleans isn't a city that tries to impress you. It just does. There's music drifting out of neighborhood bars, balconies overflowing with greenery, colorful old buildings, and beautiful courtyards tucked away behind walls you might otherwise walk right past. It's a city with an incredible amount of character, and the longer you explore, the more interesting it becomes.

For couples considering a destination wedding, New Orleans offers something wonderfully different. Imagine exchanging vows in a secluded French Quarter courtyard, celebrating beneath the oak trees of a historic estate, or hosting an intimate dinner in a beautiful old restaurant. I've had the pleasure of photographing a wedding at Margaret Place, where the historic architecture and intimate courtyard feel right at home in New Orleans. The city's architecture brings so much to the experience, from ornate ironwork and weathered brick to grand staircases, shaded galleries, and gardens that feel almost hidden from the streets outside.

And then, of course, there's the music. Few cities can turn a wedding celebration into something quite like New Orleans. A brass band leading a second-line parade through the streets, guests waving handkerchiefs, and a newly married couple dancing their way through the French Quarter is about as memorable as it gets. It's one of those traditions that makes a wedding feel connected to the place itself.

Beyond the French Quarter, neighborhoods like the Garden District offer a completely different side of the city, with magnificent historic homes, towering live oaks, and quiet residential streets. And with its remarkable restaurants, jazz clubs, and distinctive local culture, New Orleans gives guests plenty of reasons to stay an extra day or two.

Spring and fall are especially appealing, when the weather is generally more comfortable for outdoor celebrations and exploring the city on foot.

What makes New Orleans so special is that the atmosphere isn't something you have to create for a wedding. It's already there. The music, the architecture, the food, the people. For couples who want a celebration with genuine personality and a little spontaneity, it's hard to imagine a more fitting place.

The British Virgin Islands & Caribbean

A little island hopping, a lot of turquoise water, and a perfectly good excuse to stay another week.

There's something about the Caribbean that makes you forget what day it is. Maybe it's the impossibly clear water, the little boats anchored just offshore, or the fact that the most pressing decision of the afternoon might be which beach to visit next. Every island has its own personality, and that's part of what makes this corner of the world so much fun to explore.

The British Virgin Islands are a wonderful example. With islands like Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke scattered across beautiful turquoise water, the experience feels as much about traveling between places as it does about arriving at any one of them. You might spend the morning exploring the enormous granite boulders and hidden pools at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and finish the afternoon watching sailboats drift across the horizon.

For couples imagining a Caribbean wedding, the possibilities go well beyond a ceremony with their toes in the sand. Picture a small celebration at a hillside villa overlooking the water, an intimate gathering at a beautiful island resort, or a few unforgettable days aboard a chartered sailboat with your closest friends and family. On Virgin Gorda, Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers a secluded beachfront setting overlooking one of the island's most picturesque bays. There's something especially appealing about a wedding where the destination becomes an adventure everyone shares.

And the Caribbean offers plenty of variety beyond the BVIs. Puerto Rico combines beautiful beaches with the colorful streets and centuries-old architecture of Old San Juan. Curaçao brings its own distinctive character, with brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings, rocky coves, and brilliant blue water. Each offers a completely different atmosphere, even though they share that unmistakable Caribbean setting.

What I find so appealing about these islands is how naturally a celebration can become a vacation. Long lunches overlooking the water, afternoons spent snorkeling, evenings gathered around a table with nowhere else you need to be. You don't have to fill every hour with activities. Sometimes the best part is simply being there together.

And whether you're drawn to the quiet beauty of the British Virgin Islands, the history and energy of Puerto Rico, or the colorful charm of Curaçao, the Caribbean offers some pretty remarkable places to begin married life.

Big Sur, California

Dramatic cliffs, winding coastal roads, and the Pacific Ocean stretching as far as you can see.

There's a stretch of California coastline where Highway 1 winds along the edge of the Santa Lucia Mountains, with the Pacific Ocean hundreds of feet below and one spectacular view after another around every bend. This is Big Sur, and it's one of those places that somehow manages to be even more beautiful in person than it is in photographs.

What makes this part of the coast so remarkable is the contrast. Rugged cliffs plunge toward the ocean, redwood forests fill the canyons, and secluded beaches sit tucked between enormous rock formations. On some mornings, fog drifts through the mountains and settles along the shoreline. By afternoon, the sun might break through, turning the water a brilliant shade of blue. It's an extraordinary landscape, and one that never seems to look quite the same twice.

For couples imagining a wedding along the California coast, Big Sur offers an experience that's both dramatic and surprisingly intimate. Picture a ceremony overlooking the Pacific, a celebration at a beautiful coastal retreat surrounded by redwoods, or a small gathering at a hillside property with the ocean stretching out below. Alila Ventana Big Sur is a stunningly beautiful example, with its beautiful natural surroundings and intimate wedding settings that feel right at home along this remarkable stretch of coastline.

And part of the appeal is simply getting there. The drive along Highway 1, the overlooks, the little places to stop along the way, and the nearby coastal towns of Carmel and Monterey make the journey feel like part of the occasion. It's easy to imagine spending a few days exploring the coastline, enjoying long dinners overlooking the ocean, and taking the time to appreciate just how beautiful this part of California really is.

Big Sur isn't a place that needs much embellishment. The landscape does most of the work. For couples who love the ocean, the mountains, and the idea of getting married somewhere that feels wonderfully removed from the ordinary, it's hard to imagine a more extraordinary setting.

Choosing the Right Destination for Your Wedding or Elopement

There's a big difference between visiting a place on vacation and planning a wedding there. That doesn't mean a destination wedding has to be complicated, but there are a few things worth thinking about before you settle on a location.

Start with the kind of experience you want. Are you imagining a quiet ceremony with just the two of you, a weekend with a handful of close friends, or a larger celebration where everyone travels together? A remote mountain retreat might be perfect for an intimate elopement, while a resort or historic hotel may make more sense when you're bringing fifty guests along.

The time of year matters, too. Summer in Palm Springs is a very different experience from summer in Colorado, and the rainy season in Costa Rica can look quite different depending on which coast you're visiting. Even within the same destination, the weather, scenery, and accessibility can change considerably throughout the year.

Then there are the practical details. Some national parks and public lands require special permits for ceremonies, while private properties may have restrictions on events or outside vendors. Travel arrangements, accommodations, and how easily your guests can reach the location are all worth considering. And if you're planning an outdoor celebration, having an alternative in case the weather doesn't cooperate can save a lot of unnecessary stress.

One thing I'd encourage couples to consider early is photography. If you've chosen a destination because of its incredible scenery or architecture, give yourselves enough time to actually enjoy and explore it. Some of the photographs you'll appreciate most may happen away from the ceremony itself, whether that's along a coastal road, wandering through an unfamiliar neighborhood, or catching the last light of the day somewhere overlooking the mountains.

You don't have to figure everything out at once. Sometimes the best place to start is simply choosing somewhere you're excited to visit, then building the celebration around what makes that destination special.

Wherever You Decide to Go…

One of the things I enjoy most about photographing weddings is seeing how different every celebration can be. Some are big, lively weekends filled with family and friends. Others are wonderfully simple, with just a couple of people, a meaningful location, and a few hours to enjoy it all.

And that's what I love about the idea of getting married somewhere away from home. You have the opportunity to create an experience that's as much about the place and the people you're sharing it with as it is about the wedding itself.

So whether it's a mountaintop in Colorado, a courtyard in New Orleans, or a little island in the Caribbean, I hope something here has given you a few ideas.

And if you're dreaming about getting married somewhere extraordinary, I'd love to hear what you have in mind.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR WEDDING OR ELOPMENT