Looking to ditch the traditional wedding chaos for something more intimate, adventurous, and all about you? Eloping on the West Coast might just be your perfect answer! Whether you’re chasing dramatic cliffside views, intimate beaches, or stunning mountain views, the West Coast offers some of the best elopement places for an unforgettable day! Below, I’ve rounded up my Top 6 Coastal Elopement Locations that will have you saying “I do” with jaw-dropping backdrops at some of the best West Coast wedding venues! 

Best West Coast Elopement Locations

1. Big Sur, California

With its beautiful ocean views, towering cliffs, and dreamy sunsets, Big Sur is an iconic spot for couples who want a dramatic and romantic setting. Whether you’re eloping on the cliffs at sunset or down by the beach with crashing waves, Big Sur offers endless opportunities for stunning photos.

Best Elopement Spots in Big Sur:

• Bixby Creek Bridge (That bridge you’ve seen all over Instagram!)
• McWay Falls (An epic waterfall that drops right into the Pacific.. It’s pretty magical!)
• Garrapata State Park (For a more secluded vibe!)

Why You’ll Love It: Big Sur brings that wild, free-spirited vibe with breathtaking ocean views, making it one of the most stunning places to say “I do.”

Photos by Melissa Ergo

2. Yosemite National Park, California

If you’re dreaming of tying the knot surrounded by towering waterfalls, rugged mountain views, and peaceful meadows, Yosemite National Park is the perfect spot! From Glacier Point to Yosemite Falls, every inch of Yosemite is packed with breathtaking views!

Best Elopement Spots in Yosemite:

• Glacier Point (Unreal panoramic views of Half Dome and the valley)
• Yosemite Falls (The tallest waterfall in North America—yes, please!)
• Mariposa Grove (For those giant Sequoias that’ll make you feel small in the best way)

Why You’ll Love It: It’s one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the U.S., and every corner is postcard-perfect, perfect for an adventurous elopement! 

Photo by Aimee Flynn Photo

3. Oregon Coast, Oregon

If you love misty mornings, rocky cliffs, and hidden coves, the Oregon Coast should be high on your list! With charming coastal towns and miles and miles of beaches, this is the ultimate elopement location for couples looking to mix relaxation with unmatched beauty!

Best Elopement Spots on the Oregon Coast:

• Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock is a total showstopper)
• Cape Kiwanda (Golden cliffs and unbelievable ocean views)
• Ecola State Park (Where the forest meets beach vibes)

Why You’ll Love It: The Oregon Coast is perfect for couples wanting a laid-back, beachy elopement with a bit of Pacific Northwest magic. Plus, it’s a dream for anyone wanting those wild, wind-swept elopement photos!

Photos by Celebrate Again

4. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Looking to say your vows with a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop? Mount Rainier National Park is where alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and towering peaks create a picture-perfect elopement setting that feels like a storybook! If you’re the adventurous type, Rainier’s epic hiking trails are a bonus!

Best Elopement Spots at Mount Rainier:

• Tipsoo Lake (Alpine lake with insane views of Mount Rainier)
• Paradise Meadows (Wildflowers in summer, snow in winter— a perfect year-round elopement destination!)
• Reflection Lake (For those glassy, mirror-like shots of the mountain that feel ethereal )

Why You’ll Love It: It’s all about the drama—Mount Rainier offers unparalleled natural beauty, perfect for couples wanting an adventurous and peaceful mountain elopement getaway! 

Photos by: Between the Pine

5. Durango, Colorado

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path mountain location, Bayfield, Colorado is the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed! Located near the San Juan Mountains and not far from the well-known town of Durango. Bayfield features beautiful landscapes, pine forests, and crystal-clear lakes that make for a peaceful, intimate setting for your elopement day! 

Best Elopement Spots in Durango:

• Vallecito Lake (Crystal clear water with stunning mountain reflections)
• Pine River Valley (Quiet and perfect for a rustic, nature-filled ceremony)
• San Juan National Forest (Ideal for adventurous hikes and secluded vow exchanges)

Why You’ll Love It: Bayfield is perfect for couples who want a secluded, peaceful spot surrounded by nature. Its hidden charm gives you those mountain vibes without the crowds, making your day even more romantic! 

6. Santa Barbara, California

For the couple who loves a touch of elegance mixed with coastal charm, Santa Barbara is your spot. Known as the American Riviera, it offers a little bit of everything—beautiful beaches, charming vineyards, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Perfect for those who want their elopement to feel timeless with a hint of glamor! 

Best Elopement Spots in Santa Barbara:

• Butterfly Beach (Romantic beach vibes with jaw-dropping sunsets)
• Santa Ynez Mountains (For a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards)
• Lotusland (A storybook garden that feels like a fairytale)

Why You’ll Love It: Santa Barbara is perfect for the couple who loves a touch of luxury. Whether you’re drawn to the beach or the vineyards, it brings elegance to a laid-back California setting.

Photos by Maria Arriviello

Head to my Instagram and let me know which one of the West Coast elopement locations is your favorite!

Eloping on the West Coast offers endless possibilities for creating a wedding day that’s as unique as your love story. Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” by the ocean in Big Sur, under the trees in Yosemite, or with a mountain view in Mount Rainier or Bayfield, there’s a spot for every couple.

Need help deciding on the perfect spot or want some more info on these West Coast elopement locations? I’m here to make your dream elopement come to life! Let’s plan something epic and make those once-in-a-lifetime memories together!

Planning your West Coast elopement on Pinterest and want to save this blog for later? Hover over your favorite photos in this blog, and press, “save.” Your support means the world to me!

West Coast Elopement Photographer | Queanna Lynn Photography 

Hey there! I’m Queanna, a Destination Wedding and Elopement photographer that is based in New Mexico. I am always up for an adventure out of state! I’m all about capturing the raw and authentic moments that leave a lasting impression in your memory. Think we would be a great fit together? Get in touch, here!