You can take your love to new heights when choosing to elope in the mountains. Mountain elopements are becoming increasingly popular as the breathtaking views create a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony (and for the photos!). The U.S. has some of the best places to elope, but if you want to profess your love surrounded by the natural beauty of a mountain range, we’ve rounded up some of the top locations for a mountain elopement.
Five of the top U.S. mountain locations for eloping
1. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
On the border of Tennessee and North Carolina is the Great Smoky Mountains. This range surrounds the most visited national park in the United States and it isn’t hard to see why. From the dense forestry to the iconic mist (hence the name Smoky), there’s an ethereal quality to the landscape that makes for a magical wedding setting. The Great Smoky Mountains are also home to a range of waterfalls, wildlife, and rivers, creating the perfect place for a mountain elopement.
With rental car centers in Tennessee, including Nashville Airport and at both major airports in North Carolina: Charlotte Douglas Airport and Raleigh Durham International, you can head straight to the Great Smoky Mountains and begin the adventure of a lifetime.
2. Cascade Mountains, Oregon
Extending from Northern California through Oregon and Washington, the Cascade Mountains have volcanic peaks, lakes, and waterfalls making a beautiful backdrop. High alpine areas feature glaciers and glacial valleys, adding an extra layer of natural beauty to this stunning location. If you opt to elope in winter, the higher elevations of the Cascade Mountains will be covered in snow – perfect for a white wedding. In spring, a variety of wildflowers bloom, so no matter the time of year you choose to elope, the Cascade Mountains will provide all the beauty you need in an outdoor venue.
At SIXT, we have locations across Oregon, including a rental car center at Portland Airport. Upon landing in The Beaver State, simply hop into your rental car and be on your way to an elevated elopement in the Cascade Mountains.
3. White Mountains, New Hampshire
From serenity to scenery that will take your breath away, the White Mountains in New Hampshire is a great option for a mountain elopement. With unique rock formations, the Presidential Range peaks and rivers and lakes, the White Mountains are enriched with history and diverse landscapes making it the perfect mountain setting to say “I do.”
The White Mountains are just a three-hour drive from our rental car center in Boston Airport.
4. Sierra Nevada, California
Home to some of the highest peaks in the United States, the Sierra Nevada mountain range in eastern California is a great spot for a mountain elopement. A culmination of granite peaks and clifftops, meadows, alpine lakes, and coniferous forests, make the Sierra Nevada mountains a truly stunning landscape. Boasting some of the most famous waterfalls in the world, including Yosemite Falls, this Californian mountain range is a top pick to elope up high.
We have rental car locations throughout California, so no matter whereabouts in the state you’re landing in or starting from, we can provide you with a premium vehicle worthy of two newlyweds.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
As one of the nation’s highest national parks and with distinct seasons, no matter what time of year you decide to elope, Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal location choice. From the summer bloom of wildflowers to snow-covered landscapes in winter, you can have the wedding backdrop of dreams. Waterfalls and alpine lakes take the romance to new heights as there is beauty to be found in every corner of Rocky Mountain National Park. To get to the Rocky Mountains with ultimate ease we have numerous rental car locations in Colorado, including Aspen Airport, Vail Airport, and Denver Airport.
Getting to the mountains by rental car
The weather and terrain are important factors to consider when traveling to your mountainous destination. With a rental car from SIXT, we offer optional add-ons including GPS navigation to find your way to your chosen mountain range to rental cars with four-wheel drive, so you can drive to your nuptials with peace of mind that your vehicle is well-equipped for the conditions.
Always check routes and weather conditions before you travel and be aware that marriage license laws and requirements differ by state.