The Top Places to Elope in the Fall

Last Winter I wrote blogs for you all on the top places to elope in the Spring and Summer. With this year passing by and many folks having to make adjustments to their wedding or elopement plans due to Covid, I figured it was time to tell you the top places to elope in the Fall and Winter. Eloping in the fall can be great because the temperatures are more moderate and a lot of areas will have less travelers.

Arizona Fall Elopement Locations

Shocker right?! Lol, just kidding. Just like Spring, the Fall in the desert is magical! The fall is so beautiful in Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Temperatures here in the desert can be brutal in the summer but once October hits the desert is perfect. Not only are the temperatures perfect for hiking, but the desert takes on a different look. If you time things right you can be in Sedona when the fall leaves are changing to yellow by the river. Or you can see all the aspens turn color in Flagstaff on the mountains. Even the Lake Powell area is great in the fall. Even though there are not any trees to see the foliage change there, the temperatures are perfect and you dont have to worry about all of the summer boat tourists. The nights can get pretty chilly in the fall, perfect for cuddling by a campfire making smores after getting married!

In the state of Arizona to get married you need two witnesses and an officiant to perform the ceremony. You need to make an appointment with the local clerk office to pick up your marriage license before getting married, if you live locally you can currently get it mailed to you.

Some other desert areas to consider for a fall elopement are:

Zion National Park
Moab, Utah - desert and plentiful aspen mountains!
Monument Valley (currently closed due to Covid-19)
Joshua Tree National Park

Learn more about eloping in Arizona, Sedona or Moab!

Yosemite National Park Fall Elopement Locations

Yosemite is pretty magical year round, but in the fall it is even better! There tends to be less visitors in the park during the fall, meaning less trial traffic, more parking and campsites available. The road to Glacier and Taft point, which are two major elopement locations in the park, are still open in the fall but close early to mid November. Besides these points in the fall, you could consider the valley floor or Yosemite Falls for your fall elopement in the park. You may even catch some snow if you elope in the fall, but typically the snow will not accumulate until November, so September to October is a great time to plan your elopement in Yosemite!

Yosemite is in California, therefore, you need an officiant and one witness to make it official. However, you can have two witnesses sign if you have the desire to do so. There is no waiting period, but you will need to go to the local clerk office.

The Grand Tetons Fall Elopement Locations

Yes, I know it is called Grand Teton National Park, but it just feels right to say THE Grand Tetons. If you are looking for a fall explosion of color, you have come to the right place. Fall in the Tetons is almost like spring everywhere else, the animals become active looking for berries and mating so if you’re wanting to see elk, deer, moose or a bear on your elopement day keep your eyes open. The fall leaves will be the prettiest between September to mid October. Seeing snow capped mountains, stunning yellow leafed trees, lakes and animals on your elopement day sounds like a dream to me. Don’t forget to check out the Jackson Hole area for a place to camp, book an experience, stay or dine!

In the state of Wyoming you need an officiant and two witnesses. You can not get married in the state’s courthouse or offices, so you must legally perform the ceremony at the elopement location :)

Colorado Fall Elopement Locations

Colorado is vast with mountains with endless trails to enjoy the foliage! Some of the best spots in the fall are (but not limited to) Maroon Bells, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte and of course, Rocky Mountain National Park. The peak of the fall leaves in Colorado depends on which area you choose to elope and the years rainfall, temperatures and other elements. Anywhere in the northern part of the state you want to visit late September to early October. If you are in the central or southern part of the state the best time is mid to late October. One of my personal favorite places to capture Fall elopements in Colorado is in Ouray along the Yankee Boy Basin and surrounding areas. You can off road or hike in this general location for fall leaves and epic mountain views.

In the state of Colorado you can self-solemnize. Therefore, you do not need an officiant or witnesses, but you can have them there if you wish. Something really special about the state is your dog can sign their paw print with an ink pad on the paperwork!

North Carolina

Alright, we are taking it back to my home state here. The Eastern states are known for an enormous amount of fall foilage. North Carolina in the fall takes on a whole new aspect with all of the fall colors and perfect temperatures. The best areas to elope in the fall in North Carolina are Asheville, Max Patch, the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Most areas will see the peak of the fall leaves around Mid October, but lower areas in the mountains will see the peak a week or so later. Grand Father mountain, is the tallest in the state and will be there first to spike in color. Some things you can do on your elopement day in NC to enjoy the colors or on your trip in general is to go on a horse back riding, hike to one of the many waterfalls, go on a hot air balloon, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, ride the train through the Great Smokey Mountains, or enjoy one of the many small mountain towns for a beer, food or shopping. The great thing about North Carolina is the weather will be more temperament than the larger mountain ranges we have spoken about in Wyoming, California and Colorado.

In the state of North Carolina you need an officiant and two witnesses as well!