Hey! I'm Hanna. Traditional photography isn't my cup of tea—and I'm guessing it isn't your either.
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As winter slowly starts to come to an end, there’s no better time than now to talk about the best locations for a spring elopement in the United States. Many couples believe summer or fall is the absolute best time to elope if you want those breathtaking views. But let me tell you this, if you want those stunning white peaks and meadows filled with blankets of wildflowers, there’s no better time than spring.
As the weather starts to warm up around the country, snow starts to melt, flowers start to bloom, and animals come out from their winter hiding spots to graze again. There’s nothing cooler than capturing a mountain goat in the background of your elopement photos—try to convince me otherwise. Not to mention, some of those epic desert spots have a much more manageable temperature during the spring. If you’re looking to find some of the best locations for a spring elopement, here are some of my favorites (in no particular order).
Of course, this list couldn’t be complete with out the epic, adventure-filled small town of Moab, Utah. This small town is situated in between two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands) and among endless miles of public lands. And there is no better time to go than in the spring. If you’ve ever been to the desert in the summer, then you know how hot the temperature can get. Spring allows you to have the incredible desert of Moab as your elopement backdrop without the scorching heat.
Essentially, anywhere in Arizona is perfect for springtime elopements. Just as with Moab, the temperatures in Arizona can reach well into the 100s during the summer. Eloping during the spring will give you all the breathtaking views of Arizona’s incredibly diverse desert landscape with mild weather. When you’re not worried about the heat, you can spend more time outdoors enjoying your day, rather than trying to find a place to cool off.
Palm Springs is one of California’s most famous desert towns. Sitting just outside of Joshua Tree National Park, this place is one of the most beautiful elopement destinations in the whole country. From quirky, colorful hotels to the quinntessential Joshua Trees you can find around every corner, there isn’t one place here that doesn’t have those picturesque backgrounds your looking for.
I couldn’t list off my favorite spring elopement destinations without mentioning somewhere in Colorado. The perfect candidate for this list is Breckenridge, of course. This charming ski town is not just filled with winter sports lovers, but in the spring as the snow starts to melt, it becomes a beautiful oasis for evergreen forests, wildflower meadows, and endless wildlife. There are so many beautiful trails you can hike to find some of the most jaw-dropping vista views. Not to mention, coming to just about any ski town in the off-season means much more affordable lodging.
Although definitely not on purpose, Shenandoah National Park is the only location on this list located in the Northeast. But if you want some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the U.S. in the background of your elopement, this is the place. As nature begins to awaken here in the spring, you’ll find endless wildflowers and incredible wildlife all around the park, but especially in the area known as Big Meadows. This is one of America’s hidden gems you don’t want to miss out on.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is an outdoor lovers paradise. From winter skiing to summertime activities, there is always something for everyone during every season. But spring is one of the best times to visit as the winter ski resort crowds thin out and the snow begins to melt. And let’s not forget to mention the absolutely unbeatable views of Grand Teton National Park, just outside of Jackson Hole. If you’re an outdoor lover, a spring elopement in Jackson Hole is the way to go.
Last, but certainly not least, is Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park. This national park is home to the largest sand dunes in North America and offers endless epic activities. My personal favorite? Stargazing, of course! The Great Sand Dunes are one of the best places to stargaze. Not to mention it’s also super pet friendly, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your furry family member home.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year to elope. From the first flower blooms to the wildlife slowly coming out of their winter hideouts to graze, there are endless amounts of incredible landscapes, scenes, and backdrops for your elopement. If you want to get started planning your spring elopement, contact me today!
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