Best Places to Elope in Winter

Top Winter Elopement Locations in the U.S.

If you’re ready to get married this winter but you’re worried about finding somewhere ideal for elopements, then this is for you! There are a handful of destinations in the U.S. that are sunny and warm year-round, making them the perfect winter elopement locations. I’m sharing below my personal favorites and some of the best places to elope in winter!

As an elopement photographer, I keep a lot of things in mind when recommending elopement locations. I consider not only the weather, but also the lighting, accessibility, and amount of foot traffic or tourists. You’ll want your elopement destination be ideal weather, well-lit, easy to access, and private in order to have a meaningful vow exchange.

Based on all of the above factors, here is my list of the best places to elope in winter!

Phoenix, Arizona

If you’re wanting sunshine, mountains, desert and cacti as the setting for your elopement, then Arizona is the perfect place! Phoenix stays sunny and warm all winter long, and it has several desirable elopement locations. A few of my favorite Phoenix elopement locations are Lost Dutchman State Park and Saguaro Lake.

San Diego, California

Another one of the best places to elope in winter is San Diego. Their mild weather year round cannot be beat, and the views that the coast offers are priceless. There is also so much to do and see in this city that you and your guests will have plenty to explore! The best places to elope in San Diego are Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Hawaii

One of my all-time favorite destinations for elopements is obviously Hawaii!! The beauty with eloping in Hawaii is that there is so much variety between the beaches, green mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, red rock canyons, and more. Of all the islands, my personal favorites for elopements are Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. For more details on how to elope in Hawaii, check out my Hawaii elopement guide here.

Key West, Florida

If you’re wanting a tropical elopement location in the U.S., go to Key West! You’ll be transported to a tropical island with white sandy beaches and leaning palm trees. My favorite spots for elopements and intimate weddings in Key West at The Moorings Village, Cheeca, and Isla Bella Resort.  

Palm Springs, California

For desert, boho elopement vibes, get married in Palm Springs! You can choose from intimate wedding venues in Palm Springs like the ones listed here, or take a short drive to nearby destinations like Joshua Tree National Park and Imperial Sand Dunes for an epic vow exchange. You can’t go wrong with the weather, the views, and the night life in Palm Springs.

Rosemary Beach, Florida

If you’re wanting a European themed elopement, then check out Rosemary Beach! This is the closest you can get to having a European elopement without leaving the U.S. Their quaint streets and European architecture will transport you to a quiet town in Greece or the South of France. Plus, their year-round sunshine makes it one of the best places to elope in winter in the U.S. Rosemary Beach Inn offers great elopement packages and several gorgeous ceremony sites.

Malibu, California

For wineries, mountains, and ocean front views, elope in Malibu! I love everything about Malibu, and it offers so many places to elope in the winter. Specifically, I love Cielo Farms Winery, El Matador State Beach, and Point Dume Natural Preserve.

Best Places to Elope in Winter

I hope this article was so helpful for you, and maybe you learned something new about the best places to elope in winter in the U.S.!

Here are a few more articles that you might love:

• Elopement Location Questionnaire– If you are hoping to elope but you aren’t sure where in the world to go, then fill out my inquiry form and I’ll send you my Elopement Location Questionnaire! This questionnaire will assess what things you’re hoping for in your elopement. Then based on your responses, I’ll share with you a few personalized elopement location recommendations.
• How to Elope Without Hurting Feelings– Tips on how to incorporate family and friends into your elopement.