In a recent national survey, it was found that 62% of engaged couples are considering an elopement and when it comes to deciding where to elope, there are countless places couples can choose. To help couples pick the ideal place to celebrate their nuptials with a few lucky friends & family, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 50 best places to elope in the U.S. based on average cost, number of photographers & videographers, planners and officiants.
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SO, WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO ELOPE IN THE U.S.?
Overall, Sonoma, California was ranked as the top elopement destination in the United States, followed by stunning mountain locations of Aspen and Vail, Colorado. On the East Coast, Lenox, Massachusetts, the popular retreat in the western end of the state, sits near the top of the list as does New York’s famous Hamptons. Other notable elopement spots include the coastal cities of Palm Beach, Florida, Santa Barbara, California and Newport, Rhode Island.
TOP PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE U.S., RANKED
If you’re looking for the most popular and accommodating place to elope in the U.S., stunning Sonoma in California’s wine country is the spot for you.
With more than 80 venues, and hundreds of professional wedding planners and photographers to make your day extra special, this gorgeous West Coast town (not a far drive from San Francisco) has scenic vineyards, extraordinary coast and mountain landscapes – all in all a spectacular place to capture and celebrate your love. Don’t sleep on North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park when it comes to scenic vistas for your wedding or pictures! When it comes to cost, the average spend is about $11,693 in this area for a wedding of 50 people – almost a third less of the average American wedding cost of $29,000 in 2023.
For an adventurous elopement wedding location, consider the stunning ski country of Aspen, Colorado. With over 60 venues along with plenty of wedding planners and photographers, Aspen offers the ideal setting to make your special day extraordinary in a location known for its breathtaking mountains and overall allure.
Make sure to check out the wonder that is the Maroon Bells, twin peaks gracing the grandeur of the Elk Mountains range. Their majestic peaks rise to meet the heavens, with breathtaking untouched valleys, these summits stand as the most photographed mountain in America. The picturesque vistas and mountains of Aspen create the perfect setting to honor and celebrate your love.
In terms of expenses, couples typically spend an average of $9,780 for a wedding of 50 guests in this area, making it an ideal location for an intimate celebration.
Continuing the trend of marvelous mountain vistas for an unforgettable elopement, consider Vail, Colorado – a short road trip from Denver.
This picturesque ski town boasts more than 70 wedding venues and a network of 50 wedding planners to craft your dream wedding. Vail provides a breathtaking backdrop for your special day, surrounded by its stunning natural beauty. For those craving an adrenaline rush, consider exploring Ice Climbing in East Vail. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with the rugged beauty of frozen landscapes while enjoying stunning views. As expenses go, couples typically spend an average of $9,499 for a wedding of 50 guests in this area, making Vail’s breathtaking beauty a bargain for its value.
If you’re envisioning an elopement among stunning fall foliage and historic homes, look no further than Lenox, Massachusetts.
A two-hour drive from Boston, Lenox provides an array of photographers and wedding planners to bring your scenic dreams to life. Those who have an appreciation for architecture and history can enjoy the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, great for those hoping to experience the enchantment of New England.
With gorgeous estates setting the stage for your special day, a wedding accommodating 50 guests in this area typically costs around $12,185. Lenox’s captivating fall colors and historic estates create an unparalleled backdrop for your unforgettable celebration.
For an elopement amidst the grandeur of vineyards, turn your sights to Napa, California. Beyond its astonishing venues, the heart of wine country boasts over 200 wedding planners and photographers.
Let the rolling hills and vibrant vineyards paint the backdrop for your unforgettable day. Napa Valley’s picturesque setting offers an unparalleled scene for your celebration amidst the beauty of lush vineyards. Make sure to explore the serene Muir Woods, adjacent to Napa, where towering redwood trees create a tranquil atmosphere. Wander through the winding trails offering stunning hillside views— a photo opportunity from paradise.
To have your wedding in the heart of wine country, it will cost around $11,693 for you and your 50 guests.
Consider the Hamptons, New York, for a refined beach elopement experience. With a wealth of available wedding planners and photographers, this destination offers an ideal setting for an intimate celebration by the shore. Beyond its sun-soaked beaches, the Hamptons provide a sophisticated retreat (not far from The Big Apple), allowing couples to exchange vows in a serene and picturesque environment. Make sure to include the Montauk Point Lighthouse for a touch of coastal elegance. At sunset, this beacon casts a mesmerizing aura over the rugged shores, adding a touch of breathtaking beauty to the landscape. Transform your wedding day into a peaceful getaway at this distinctive destination with an average cost of $16,505 to celebrate your love with 50 of your closest family and friends.
Palm trees swaying in the breeze and crystal clear waters tipify the stunning backdrop of Palm Beach. It’s not just a beach; it’s the ultimate elopement destination – a 90 minute drive from the Miami airport and only a 15 minute drive from Palm Beach Airport. With an array of talented wedding planners and photographers, to create and capture your perfect wedding. Palm Beach offers the canvas to craft your dream wedding amidst its white sand beaches. If you are looking to explore while in the area make it a priority to consider the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden. A haven where artistry meets the legacy of historic homes, this enchanting garden harmonizes the splendor of human creativity with the embrace of nature’s beauty, all within its serene confines. Imagine an intimate ceremony with 50 guests, all at the cost of $7,241, making your beachside elopement a scenic steal in Palm Beach.
The drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara boasts Mediterranean-like weather, picturesque coastlines so you can easily imagine the abundance of dreamy wedding venues. This stunning city is also home to over 300 wedding planners and photographers, providing an extensive array of options to tailor your dream elopement. Utilize your photographers expertise by seeking out the Mediterranean feel that Arroyo Burro Beach has to offer. This beach is a locals favorite known for its beautiful cliffs adding on to its scenic appeal. With an average spending of $9,498 for a wedding hosting 50 guests, Santa Barbara offers an enticing state-side Mediterranean escape, setting the perfect scene for your special day.
Naples, hailed as Florida’s jewel on the Paradise Coast, boasts a stunning 9-mile coastline adorned with private, picturesque beaches. This hidden gem less than an hour from Fort Myers offers a diverse pool of wedding planners and photographers, each with unique skill sets to cater to your wedding needs. While in the area take time to visit Keewaydin Island as it is celebrated by beach lovers and boaters alike for its overall natural beauty. For a celebration centered in this paradise coast gem, anticipate a cost of $7,789 for 50 guests. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and embrace the Sunshine State for your unforgettable day.
Newport, Rhode Island, epitomizes the Gilded Age with its mansions, graceful sailboats, and a vibrant waterfront downtown. This city proudly showcases its stunning aesthetics, accentuated by an abundance of talented wedding photographers capturing its beauty. While in Newport enjoy the city’s 3.5 mile cliff walk as the salty air and waves crash around as you explore Gilded age architecture. For those dreaming of a classic wedding for 50 guests, Newport offers an affordable luxury at an estimated cost of $7,683. Surrounded by elegance, it’s a great deal for a celebration steeped in sophistication.
METHODOLOGY
Using Carats and Cake, Wedding Spot and U.S. population data, we assigned more than 50 U.S. destinations a score based on which destinations would be most ideal for an elopement based on population density, number of wedding locations, wedding photographers & videographers, planners and officiants to then organize and rank. Data is accurate as of November 13, 2023.
Sources:
1. Brides, How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in the United States?
