Beautiful and Free Elopement Locations for a Ceremony
Eloping gives you the freedom to craft a day that is uniquely yours, free from the constraints of traditional wedding venues. You can save money by getting married in beautiful outdoor places.
These locations show off your love for nature. The U.S. has many places to elope for free or at a low cost. You can find everything from tall mountains to wide deserts. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best FREE places to elope in a few states.
Where to Elope for Free in the U.S. (or almost for Free)
BLM Land
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees vast stretches of public land across the U.S., much of which is open for elopements at no cost.
However, regulations can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with the local BLM office regarding any necessary permits or restrictions.
Many BLM lands provide incredible landscapes for an intimate ceremony, including desert vistas, rock formations, and secluded mountain areas.
National Forests
National forests offer some of the most stunning and accessible locations for elopements, often without the need for a permit—unless your group exceeds 75 people.
Each national forest has its own set of regulations, so reaching out to local rangers will ensure you comply with their guidelines. From alpine lakes to lush forests, these locations are the perfect elopement spots.
State Parks
Unlike national forests, state parks require a special use permit for weddings. While they aren’t always free, they tend to be more affordable than traditional venues, and the stunning landscapes make them well worth the small fee.
Each state park has different pricing and regulations, so be sure to check with park officials before finalizing your elopement plans.
National Parks
National parks are among the most popular intimate elopement destinations, offering iconic backdrops like towering peaks, pristine lakes, and breathtaking cliffs.
However, most national parks require a ceremony permit fee. One notable exception is Olympic National Park in Washington, where ceremonies with fewer than five people do not require a permit.
As of now, this is the only national park we know of with this policy, so be sure to verify the permit requirements for your elopement.
Note: Although pricing can change every year, we've never seen any permit go over $300 in State Parks or National Parks. So if you are willing to spend a bit more money for your ideal location, National Park wedding venues can be a great option for your day!
Free Places to get Married in Washington State
Mount Baker
Mount Baker is famous for its majestic alpine scenery, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and wildflower meadows. It's a stunning location for elopements, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Permits & Fees: For groups of fewer than 75 people, special use permits are usually not required. However, groups must remain under 12 people, including any vendors (such as photographers or officiants).
While a special use permit may not be mandatory, it's highly recommended to submit a Group Application Form to notify the National Forest Service about your plans. This helps maintain records of public land use and is free to submit.
Accessibility: Accessible year-round, though weather conditions may make travel difficult in the winter months. Ensure your elopement location is accessible given current weather conditions and road closures.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is a diverse and picturesque location, with everything from lush temperate rainforests to dramatic coastal cliffs. Its landscapes offer a variety of backdrops, making it a versatile choice for elopements.
Popular areas include Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, and Rialto Beach.
Permits & Fees: No permit is required for groups of fewer than five people. However, for larger gatherings, a special use permit may be necessary.
The park charges an entrance fee (currently around $30 for a 7-day vehicle pass), but there's no additional charge for smaller groups under the permit threshold.
Accessibility: The park is open year-round, but some roads or areas may be closed in winter due to weather conditions. Always check road conditions before planning your trip.
Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass is known for its easy access and stunning mountain views, ideal for a quick adventure elopement.
The area features alpine lakes, towering trees, and, of course, views of the Cascade Mountains.
Permits & Fees: No permits are required for small gatherings, though parking in the winter may require a Sno-Park Pass, which is typically used for parking in designated winter recreation areas.
Accessibility: Accessible year-round, with roads maintained for winter use. However, weather conditions can impact road access in winter, so plan accordingly.
Washington Pass Overlook
Washington Pass offers incredible panoramic views of the North Cascades, including jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and glaciers. It’s one of the most scenic spots along the North Cascades Highway.
Permits & Fees: As of 2025 there are no permits required for small groups but you do need to contact the ranger for an approval letter.
Parking may require a Northwest Forest Pass, which costs around $30 annually and covers parking at several locations in Washington's national forests.
Accessibility: Open from late spring to mid-fall.
Free Places to Get Married in California
Alabama Hills
The Alabama Hills are a unique and stunning area near Lone Pine, California. The landscape is filled with striking rock formations and incredible views of Mount Whitney, making it a popular spot for intimate ceremonies.
Permits & Fees: No permit is required for small groups, typically under 25 people. There is also no parking pass required for visitors.
Accessibility: The area is open year-round and accessible via a network of dirt roads, though conditions can change with the weather.
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its dramatic rock formations, including the iconic rock arch, and its distinctive purple sand. It’s one of the most beautiful and iconic beaches on the California coast, offering a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding.
Permits & Fees: A parking fee is required to access the beach, typically around $12 per vehicle. While a permit is not necessary for small ceremonies, a special-use permit may be needed for professional equipment or large setups.
Accessibility: The beach is accessible year-round, though it can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. It’s recommended to visit early in the day or during off-peak seasons for a more intimate experience.
Free Places to get Married in Oregon
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge offers epic waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic views that make for an incredible elopement setting. Popular locations include Multnomah Falls, Oneonta Gorge, and several other stunning waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Permits & Fees: Some locations in the Gorge may require a day-use permit or parking fee (typically $5 to $10), especially for well-known spots like Multnomah Falls.
Accessibility: The Gorge is open year-round, but during the summer, it can become crowded. Visiting during the spring or fall can provide a quieter experience.
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast features secluded beaches, sea stacks, and dramatic cliffs, making it a perfect setting for a coastal elopement. Some of the most popular spots include Cannon Beach, Bandon, and Samuel H. Boardman State Park.
Permits & Fees: Parking fees may vary depending on the location, but many coastal parks charge small day-use fees. A special-use permit may be required for professional photoshoots or larger gatherings.
Accessibility: The coast is accessible year-round, though weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock is known for its towering cliffs, unique rock formations, and scenic desert landscapes. It’s an ideal location for couples seeking a rugged and dramatic backdrop for their ceremony.
Permits & Fees: A day-use fee is required for parking, typically around $5 per vehicle.
Accessibility: Smith Rock is open year-round, though summer can be hot and crowded. Early spring or fall is an excellent time to visit for mild weather and fewer tourists.
Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake, located near Bend, Oregon, offers a serene and picturesque setting for an elopement.
Surrounded by stunning mountain views, the area features lush meadows, calm waters, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for couples looking for a lakeside wedding.
The lake is popular for kayaking, paddle boarding, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Cascade Mountains.
Permits & Fees: The day-use area is free to access, though parking fees may apply depending on the location and time of year (typically around $5 per vehicle).
Accessibility: The road is open from late may to November
Free Places to Get Married in Colorado
San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains offer some of Colorado’s most dramatic peaks, with rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas.
Permits & Fees: No permit is required for small groups, and there are no parking fees.
Accessibility: Accessible year-round, though high-altitude locations may be challenging to reach in the winter months due to snow.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is famous for its red rock formations and sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a stunning and iconic location for a wedding with a dramatic backdrop.
Permits & Fees: No permit is required for small gatherings, but parking is limited, especially during peak seasons.
Accessibility: Open year-round, but it can get crowded during the summer months.
Free Places to get Married in Utah
Moab
Moab is home to iconic red rock arches and desert landscapes, perfect for couples seeking an otherworldly wedding experience. Popular locations include Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
Permits & Fees: No permit is required for small groups, but some areas within the state and national parks require a permit & parking fees.
Accessibility: Accessible year-round, though summer can be very hot, so spring or fall is ideal for a comfortable experience.
Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats offer a surreal and minimalist landscape, perfect for a unique and striking elopement.
Permits & Fees: No permit is required, and there is no parking fee.
Accessibility: The area is accessible year-round, though weather conditions can impact accessibility during the wet season when the flats are covered in water.
Factory Butte
Factory Butte is a remote and rugged desert location with dramatic formations and otherworldly landscapes.
Permits & Fees: No permit is required, and there is no parking fee.
Accessibility: The area is accessible by 4x4 vehicles, so be sure to plan accordingly for rough terrain.
Eloping in a free or low-cost location allows you to focus on what truly matters—your love and the adventure of a lifetime.
Make sure to check the latest regulations for permits and fees before setting your plans in stone. Now, go find your dream location and start planning the perfect elopement exprience!