5 US Best Cities for Elopements
Your wedding day is all about you and your partner…period. Some couples love an elaborate event, but others may choose to elope! When you opt for an intimate adventure over a large celebration with friends and family, photographs will be more important than ever. And bonus: you’ll have more resources to allocate to your dream wedding photographer! Capturing your memories with a fine art and film photography team like Peony Photography will allow you to preserve and share the memories of your vows with your friends and family for years to come. We’d love to share our five favorite cities for elopements!
What Does It Mean to Elope?
Traditionally, eloping meant escaping to be married without knowledge or permission from your parents; but times have changed. Today, the definition has seen quite an upgrade! In 2021, elopement signifies a private, intimate ceremony focused on the couple. If you’re planning an elopement, picture a very small destination wedding rather than a secret tryst. Eloping means investing in an adventure for the two of you, rather than spending big bucks on a catered affair for hundreds of people. For many couples, this can be a great option.
Where Should You Elope?
Furthermore, Eloping is designed to reduce stress and maximize delight! Choose a place that you and your partner would love to explore. Opting for a spot within the US means fewer constraints with licensing and passports, so we’re including American cities only today, but the world is your oyster when it comes to eloping!
- Austin, Texas
You’ve likely been hearing more and more people talk about vacationing (and moving) to Austin, and there are so many reasons why it’s rapidly becoming one of our favorite American cities. You won’t have to look far to find historic spots for eloping: from The Sanctuary event space featuring a treetop apartment to the historical Caswell House. From Georgetown, to Dripping Springs, to East Austin and beyond, there are sooo many amazing venues to book for a few hours to have an intimate wedding as well! We especially love Mattie’s, Prospect House, Commodore Perry Estates, Villa Antonia….okay I could just keep going! One of our Peony weddings was held at Chapel Dulcinea in Dripping Springs. It’s a favorite because it was stress free and just about the couple! And that’s what marriage is all about!
- New York City, New York
Who wouldn’t love to feel like the couple in an iconic romantic comedy? Getting hitched in Central Park is a great way to be sure to get you and your partner feeling like movie stars on set. Best of all, since the park is a public space, it couldn’t be easier to find a spot and just get married! Also, no complicated permitting required. You could also walk around the city, take a subway together and get creative, or view the city atop Rockefeller Center or The Edge! Just don’t forget your photography team to capture your fine art quality shots!
3. San Francisco, California
California has a thousand options for any couple! Whether you consider yourself adventure lovers or beach-goers (or a little of both), California boasts a beautiful coastline and mountain ranges for all your elopement needs! How amazing is it that we have such an incredible landscape and weather here in the United States! California never disappoints! We especially love San Francisco City Hall with its sunlit white marble or even the hills surrounding the city! After a quick 10 minute hike downhill, we found the sweetest cove called Black Sands Beach. We can never get enough of this gorgeous state!
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
There’s always the classic! Eloping in New Orleans will be forever nostalgic. If you and your partner love the nightlife, the food, and the music of this historic city, why not say your “I do’s” there?! Many wedding venues cater to spur of the moment elopements and there is never a shortage of scenery!
One of the best New Orleans traditions is having a second line in the city!
- Moab, Utah
We’re not featuring Utah for its cities though, amiright?
Lastly, Utah is easily one of our favorite elopement spots! For the couple who loves an active, outdoor adventure, Moab is ideal for eloping. Just picture you and your partner against a stunning red rock backdrop, and you’ll have a good idea why so many people choose Utah. Everything about the mountainous landscape is perfect for saying vows at any time of day! Bring your hiking shoes to get the best shots too!
Not into hiking? Drive out to the Bonneville Salt Flats right outside of Salt Lake City, UT!
Whatever location you choose, we would love to create fine art photography to preserve your day forever! If you’re planning an elopement or a traditional ceremony, Peony Photography is here to support you. Contact us to talk about your plans, and we’ll make sure you are ready for the big day.