Top 20 Mountain Wedding Locations
Top 20 Mountain Wedding Venues in the U.S.
(U.S. Edition 2024)
Im just going to throw it out there.. mountains wedding are the best! So, if your idea of getting married involves breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and a touch of nature's grandeur, you're in for a treat. We've scoured the United States to bring you the crème de la crème of mountain elopement locations. So, grab your hiking boots and your partner's hand, because we're about to embark on a journey to discover the top 20 amazing wedding venues in the mountains!!
Why are Mountain Wedding Venues are so amazing?
Wedding locations in the mountains are often considered amazing for several compelling reasons:
Breathtaking Scenery: Mountainous landscapes offer unparalleled natural beauty. Towering peaks, expansive valleys, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes create a stunning backdrop for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. The grandeur of the mountains adds a sense of majesty and timelessness to the occasion.
Intimate and Romantic Atmosphere: Mountain weddings often provide a more intimate and romantic atmosphere. The seclusion and serenity of the mountainous surroundings create a private setting, allowing couples to exchange vows in a tranquil and personal environment. The peaceful ambiance of the mountains contributes to the overall romantic experience.
Versatility in Seasons: Mountain wedding locations offer versatility in terms of seasons. Whether it's a snow-covered winter wonderland, a vibrant display of wildflowers in the summer, or the warm hues of autumn, mountains provide a picturesque setting year-round. Couples can choose a season that resonates with their vision for the perfect wedding.
Connection to Nature: Mountains symbolize the raw beauty of nature, and choosing such a location for a wedding allows couples to connect with the natural world. The sounds of rustling leaves, the scent of pine trees, and the crisp mountain air contribute to a sensory-rich experience that enhances the overall celebration.
Adventure and Exploration: For couples who enjoy adventure, mountain wedding locations provide opportunities for exploration and unique activities. From hiking to mountain biking, couples and their guests can partake in outdoor adventures before or after the ceremony, creating lasting memories in addition to the wedding festivities.
Epic Photo Opportunities: Mountains offer a myriad of stunning backdrops for wedding photography. The changing light throughout the day, the play of shadows on rugged terrain, and the reflections in mountain lakes create dynamic and visually striking images. Photographers often find mountainous landscapes to be a canvas for capturing timeless and awe-inspiring moments.
Mountain wedding locations offer a unique blend of natural beauty, intimacy, and symbolic significance that makes them truly amazing and memorable settings for couples to begin their marital journey.
Top 20 Mountain Wedding Locations (2024)
North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park is a pristine wilderness characterized by snow-capped peaks, including the iconic Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Glacially carved valleys reveal stunning alpine lakes with crystal-clear, turquoise waters, such as the famous Diablo Lake. Lush old-growth forests and wildflower meadows add vibrant hues to the landscape, while majestic waterfalls, including Colonial Creek Falls, cascade down rocky slopes. The park's diverse ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to alpine environments, create a harmonious tapestry of natural beauty. This was an easy choice to make on the top list of wedding venues in the mountains.
Check out this North Cascades Elopement Guide!
Mount Baker National Forest
Mount Baker National Forest is a haven for natural beauty, with the majestic Mount Baker standing tall as the centerpiece. Snow-capped peaks and glaciers dominate the landscape, creating a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest is adorned with alpine meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and dense evergreen forests, providing a diverse and stunning backdrop. Crystal-clear mountain lakes and cascading waterfalls, such as the Baker River Falls, add to the scenic allure of this Pacific Northwest gem. With epic locations like Artist Point, Fire lookouts and accessible mountain wedding venue views, how can you not consider these views for your intimate ceremony.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is defined by the iconic presence of the towering Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano draped in glaciers. Its snow-covered peaks create a stunning backdrop for lush meadows adorned with colorful wildflowers during the summer months makes this elopement and adventure wedding location one of most popular places to say your vows. Majestic waterfalls, like the powerful Christine Falls, cascade through dense evergreen forests. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from subalpine meadows to old-growth forests, all while enjoying panoramic views of this iconic Pacific Northwest landscape.
Learn more about eloping at Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood, the crown jewel of the Oregon Cascades, is a breathtaking sight with its iconic snow-capped summit. Towering over lush forests, the mountain creates a stunning contrast against the green landscape. Glacially carved valleys reveal picturesque alpine meadows, adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the summer.
Bend Oregon
Bend, Oregon, is surrounded by captivating scenery, offering a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is framed by the Cascade Range, with the iconic peaks of the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor in the backdrop. The Deschutes River meanders through the region, creating scenic landscapes perfect for hiking, biking, and river activities. Lava Butte and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument showcase the area's volcanic history, providing unique geological features and panoramic vistas. My favorite thing about Bend for an adventure elopement location has to be how close you can be to their town (the best breweries and just a cool vibe!) yet escape into the mountains or desert within about an hour! Imagine your sunrise elopement with breakfast burritos in the mountains, paddle boarding, soaking in a hot spring, sunset vows and ending the night at a string lit brewery to celebrate.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a spectacular natural wonder, renowned for its towering granite cliffs, notably the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome. The breathtaking Yosemite Valley is cradled by these monumental formations. This is one of the best mountain wedding venues in the United States - I mean have you seen sunrise at Glacier Point or Sunset at Taft? DREAMY!! Then you have Yosemites majestic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, cascade down granite cliffs, creating awe-inspiring vistas. The park's diverse ecosystems range from giant sequoia groves in Mariposa Grove to alpine meadows, offering visitors a rich tapestry of landscapes to explore. Have you even seen a chapel in the mountains before? Yosemite has one! Check it out here.
Sierra Nevadas, California
The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is a stunning geological masterpiece, stretching approximately 400 miles across the western United States. Its iconic granite peaks, such as Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay and Mammoth Mountain, showcase the range's dramatic topography. High alpine lakes, like Convict Lake, June Lake and Lake Sabrina, dot the landscape, reflecting the towering peaks above making this a backpackers dream wedding venue! The Sierra Nevada is also home to ancient sequoia groves, including the famous General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, adding a touch of natural grandeur to this majestic mountain range.
Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Thinking of a wild experience for your adventure wedding? The Kenai Fjords in Alaska offer a mesmerizing landscape of icy wonders and pristine wilderness. Towering glaciers, such as the Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier, flow majestically into the sea, creating a stunning display of blue ice and calving events. The rugged coastline is adorned with sheer cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop for marine life like seals, sea lions, and whales. The fjords are also a haven for birdwatchers, with puffins and bald eagles soaring against the breathtaking backdrop of icy fjords and snow-capped mountains.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park in Alaska is a breathtaking wilderness dominated by the towering presence of North America's highest peak, Denali. The mountain's snow-covered summit, reaching 20,310 feet, is a majestic centerpiece visible from nearly every corner of the park. Vast tundra expanses, pristine alpine meadows, and winding rivers provide a stunning foreground to the grandeur of Denali. Wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep, roam freely in this untouched landscape, completing the picture of a truly wild and awe-inspiring natural sanctuary.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a masterpiece of alpine beauty, characterized by majestic peaks, pristine lakes, and expansive meadows. The iconic Trail Ridge Road takes visitors to elevations over 12,000 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Emerald-green alpine lakes, such as Bear Lake and Dream Lake, reflect the rugged peaks, while wildflower-filled meadows burst into vibrant colors during the summer months. The park's diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to high alpine tundra, create a rich and dynamic landscape for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Making this hands down one of the best elopement and wedding locations in the mountains.
Ouray, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado, known as the "Switzerland of America," is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Towering peaks, including those of the San Juan Mountains, create a stunning backdrop for this charming town. The dramatic Box Canyon Falls, where the Uncompahgre River cascades through a narrow gorge, adds to the natural allure. Nestled in a high alpine valley, Ouray offers visitors panoramic vistas, hot springs, and a picturesque setting for outdoor adventures and weddings. If you’re up for a fun 4x4ing adventure for your wedding day - this is the place!!
Telluride, Co.
Telluride, Colorado, boasts stunning scenery nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, including Ajax Peak and Ingram Peak, the town is embraced by breathtaking alpine vistas. The iconic Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, adds a touch of majesty to the landscape. In every season, from the snow-capped winter wonderland to the vibrant wildflower-filled meadows of summer, Telluride offers a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking the charm of a mountain town.
Breckenridge , Co
Breckenridge, Colorado, is framed by the stunning vistas of the Tenmile Range, providing a spectacular backdrop for this charming mountain town. The town's historic district, nestled against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks, exudes a timeless charm. Peaks like Quandary Peak and Peak 8 surround Breckenridge, offering a breathtaking panorama for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. From alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers in summer to pristine snowy landscapes in winter, Breckenridge is a scenic haven for those seeking the allure of the Colorado Rockies.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte, Colorado, is a haven for natural beauty, surrounded by the striking peaks of the Elk Mountains. The town is enveloped by expansive wildflower-filled meadows, earning it the nickname "Wildflower Capital of Colorado." Crested Butte Mountain, with its distinctive red and green slopes, provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures year-round. Whether blanketed in snow during winter or bathed in the vibrant hues of summer, Crested Butte offers a picturesque setting for those seeking the quintessential Colorado mountain experience.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a visual masterpiece dominated by the majestic Teton Range making this an ideal location for a wedding in the mountains. The iconic Grand Teton rises sharply above pristine alpine lakes, such as Jenny Lake, creating a dramatic and breathtaking scene. Glacially carved canyons, like Cascade Canyon, showcase the rugged beauty of the landscape, while the Snake River meanders through picturesque valleys. With its towering peaks, crystalline lakes, and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton National Park stands as a pristine testament to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the American West.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana is a pristine wilderness defined by its stunning mountainous landscapes and pristine lakes. The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking views of glacier-carved valleys, sheer cliffs, and alpine meadows. Glaciers, such as the Grinnell Glacier(my fav!) and Jackson Glacier, dot the rugged terrain, adding to the park's frozen allure. Couples looking to for an elopement or adventure wedding location in the mountains that’s accessible, you’ll find a ton here! Don’t let a lot of the hikes fool you though, although they may look long - many of the trails are mild in elevation gain, still making them easily accessible if you’re bringing guest along. With its towering peaks, crystal-clear waters, and diverse ecosystems, Glacier National Park stands as a natural masterpiece that captivates visitors with its unspoiled beauty.
Learn more about eloping in Glacier National Park here!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is a picturesque sanctuary known for its mist-covered peaks and rich biodiversity. Towering peaks, including Clingmans Dome, offer sweeping views of the surrounding misty valleys. The park is adorned with cascading waterfalls, such as Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls, creating serene and captivating landscapes. Lush forests, vibrant wildflowers, and the ethereal haze that gives the mountains their name collectively contribute to the park's enchanting and timeless beauty.
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York boast a diverse and captivating landscape of rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests. Towering over the region, Mount Marcy stands as the highest point in the state, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The region is dotted with mirror-like lakes, including Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, providing stunning reflections of the mountains. With its charming alpine villages, scenic trails, and shimmering waters, the Adirondacks offer a tranquil escape into the heart of nature's grandeur.
Waialeale, Hawaii
Waialeale, located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, is renowned for its spectacular scenery and holds the title of one of the wettest spots on Earth. The mountain's summit is often shrouded in mist and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Numerous waterfalls cascade down its steep slopes, creating a picturesque display of cascading water against the vibrant green backdrop. The diverse ecosystem and ethereal mist contribute to the mystical and enchanting atmosphere of Waialeale, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Banff National Park, Canada (close enough!)
Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies is a visual masterpiece of towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and pristine wilderness. I couldn’t leave this off the list - lets call it a bonus-close-enough-to-the-u.s.! The iconic Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, reflects the stunning beauty of its surroundings. The famous Moraine Lake, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is a jewel-like alpine lake that captivates visitors with its vibrant blue waters. With glaciers, rugged landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Banff National Park stands as a majestic sanctuary that showcases the breathtaking views. Seriously imagine saying your vows next to the blue waters Moraine Lake?
Want more mountain wedding + elopement inspiration? Check out these real love stories below!
Your Mountain Chasing Elopement + Adventure Wedding Photographer
Not to toot my own horn, but an elopement photographer will be one of the most important things you can add to your Mountain Wedding Adventure! Not just because of the photos that will let you relive the best day of your life, but because they’ll be your guide throughout the planning process!
As an elopement photographer, my job is to help couples plan a day that’s perfect and unique to them. this includes location recommendations, permit info, vendor recommendations, and everything you’ll need to plan your day. If you’re ready to start planning mountain adventure wedding or elopement, contact me!
Mountain Wedding + Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
Unlimited Support from phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
All planning tools from custom elopement guides & questionnaires to help you figure out exactly what you want your day to look like
Personalized elopement location recommendations if you’re still trying to deciding where to go
Local Vendor recommendations, talking the best hair, make up and florals to fun activities and excursions
Custom Elopement planning guide personalized and filled with all resources, tips, tricks and things I’ve learned about planning the perfect elopement day
Online gallery high resolution images and printing rights
Sneak peeks of your photos within two days of your elopement
Creative GIF’s + Double Exposures are included in every gallery, lets get creative
Travel fees for myself are already included no matter where you decide to get married