Even though summer elopements are definitely a thing in Las Vegas despite the heat, there are plenty of summer elopement locations where you can stay cool. Maybe you didn’t know but you can elope anywhere, not just in Las Vegas? Although it may seem like it’s too easy to get married in Las Vegas, which it is, there are plenty of vendors in all of these locations that are easily available to help you with your elopement. Including us. These are all of our favorite Summer elopement locations and a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
Southern California
Not too far away from Las Vegas is a beautiful place called Southern California where you’ll find famous places like LA, San Diego, Orange County. Between these 3 locations are numerous beaches, forests, deserts, cities, hiking trails, coves, caves, everything. Most importantly, these locations are mostly cooler to venture in the Summer. Roaming any of these cities for your elopement or even finding personal vendors who will come to you will be too easy for your adventure elopement. I’ve included a few ideas for your own Summer elopement in these locations.
Camp and Kayak Catalina Island
Off the coast of Southern California is an island called Catalina Island. Here you can camp and kayak and really escape the real world. It’s only a 45 minute ferry ride to get here and honestly there’s plenty to see, which makes it the perfect place for a multi-day adventure elopement.
Say Your Vows on the the Cliffs of this Bougie San Diego Town
La Jolla is home to the University of California, San Diego, Black’s Beach (a famous nude beach), some of San Diego’s most pristine caves and coves, as well as some of the most expensive real estate. It happens to be one of the most beautiful places to elope too. With Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp about 20 minutes down the road, it’s a fun option for partygoers and lounge lovers. And since California is 420-friendly, you can book an Air BnB with a balcony, and enjoy a blunt at your wedding while you people-watch down below.
Say Your Vows with a View at Griffith Park Observatory
You can see the Hollywood sign from here and a sunrise elopement guarantees you’ll have a beautiful view during a more quiet time of the day at this busy Los Angeles tourist attraction. You can hike up to the Griffith Observatory if that’s your thin. Take in the sights of the bustling city while you say your vows quietly with a view of the Hollywood sign. Head down for a boozy brunch and then head to Malibu for a viewing of The Getty Villa.
Northern Calfornia
The beautiful, cooler part of California where you’ll find wine in Napa, seastacks, Yosemite, the Redwoods, Big Sur, Monterey, the Bay, and so much more. Because of all of it’s nature, even near the cities, it’s the perfect place for outdoor lovers to throw a beautiful elopement.
Rent a VRBO in Monterey with all the amenities and say your vows on a rocky beach
Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel-By-The-Sea – All beautiful places for cliffside, rocky beach, or sandy toes type of elopements. Get ready at your VRBO. You can even invite your limited guests back to your VRBO for a meal prepared by a private chef. Take advantage of the fire pit and gather together for an acoustic crooning jam session.
Say your vows in a redwood grove near Santa Cruz. Take a train to down to the boardwalk and ride some rides together to celebrate your wedding day!
Santa Cruz is famous for its redwoods, banana slugs, and beachfront property. Because of this, it’s a lovely place to enjoy an adventure elopement. You can catch a train from the Redwoods right to the sandy beach where you can party it up on the boardwalk. There’s plenty to see from the rides and so many locations to venture into once you’ve arrived.
Have a city elopement in the Bay and take a boat ride to kiss under the Golden Gate Bridge. Then take your guests on a foodie tour around the city and a few drinks to cap your evening.
Not every adventure requires the remoteness of the great outdoors. Adventures can also be in the city, especially one like San Francisco, where you can enjoy a little forest action but feel safe with luxe restaurants right around the corner. With boats, trains, helicopters, and trollies to board everywhere, it’s a beautiful place to take a foodie tour, take a cool mode of transportation on your very own tour, and have fun with a few close folks.
Montana
Montana is one of those places that has all the nature. There’s lots of water. There are big open spaces everywhere. The sun sets late throughout the Summer. It’s the perfect place to find a swimming hole to jump into right after your elopement. You can spot wildlife and waterfalls on the same day. Most importantly, it’s cool and comfortable outside all day long. Camping elopements are encouraged here. Hiking is plentiful. It’s the perfect place for a true outdoor adventure elopement.
Minnesota
Although our first visit there happened to be the hottest day of the year, Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes. So it makes for a perfect summer elopement spot. Even in the middle of the twin cities, there’s plenty of water to enjoy an outdoor adventure elopement. Immerse yourself in jungle-like surroundings in the middle of St. Paul. Play and explore in a sculpture garden. Head out to Duluth for waterfalls and Lake Superior. You can even fly out to a no-car island in the middle of it and have your ceremony there.
Alaska
Ugh! Alaska is my favorite elopement location. If you head out to Juneau, you’ll have access to a tiny downtown area that boasts lots of history. This tiny town hosts many cruise-goers all year long. In the summer, Juneau is a gorgeous location surrounded by forests, lots of eagles, and perfect weather. You can take a helicopter to explore a glacier or have a dog sledding experience. Hike to a waterfall and see a glacier down the lake. I heard that in the winter, you can ice skate on the lake right next to the glacier. Believe it or not, there are rainforests in Juneau and they’re too beautiful not to explore. With so much remote land, jaw-dropping views, and so much potential adventure, Alaska is the perfect place for a unique summer elopement.
