The best time of the year elope is super dependent on what you want to see and do. This pertains mostly to couples who want to spend their days out in nature.

So if you’re planning an outdoor elopement and wondering when is the best time to elope, this info will help you! Whether you’re dreaming of alpine peaks, sun-drenched deserts, wildflower-filled meadows, or iconic National Parks, this guide breaks down the best time of year to elope—month by month. We’ll cover everything from the best months to elope in the mountains, deserts, and National Parks, to key factors like trail access, weather patterns, and scenic highlights like fall colors and wildflowers. If you’re not sure when to plan your elopement, this post will help you choose the best month for your dream location and vision.

What is the Best Time or Month to Elope?

The best time to elope depends on where you’re going and what kind of scenery you want. Different places look their best during different seasons. Some spots are only easy to reach during certain months, especially in the mountains.

If you’re dreaming of mountain views, many high-up trails don’t open until summer (late summer, like mid-July.) Snow can stick around through June. Wildflowers often peak in July and August. If you go too early, roads and trails might still be closed. If you go too late, fall snowstorms can sneak in.

Deserts are the opposite. Summer is too hot to hike safely. The best time to elope in the desert is Spring and fall. Wildflowers bloom early in the year. National Parks each have their own best months too. Yosemite is great in May. The best time to elope in Olympic is best in July or August. Think about the views you want, and then choose the month that gives you the best chance at seeing them.

The Best Months to Elope in the Mountains

The best month for a mountain elopement is September (in my experience,) but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure it fits what you’re looking for! In many mountain areas, the weather starts to cool down in September. But the trails are still open, the skies are usually clear, and the summer crowds have gone home. This is a great choice for couples who want less foot traffic. A lot of mountains receive a ton of crowds in the peak summer seasons.

July and August are the best time to elope for access and wildflowers, but they’re the busiest months. You’ll see more people on the trails, especially around popular spots like the North Cascades, Rocky Mountains, and the Tetons. These months are warm, which can be nice, but less private.

If you want quiet, pretty colors, and cooler air, September is hard to beat!

Absolute Best Months to Elope in the Desert

The best months to elope in the desert are March, April, May, October, and November. These times bring cooler temperatures, golden light, and fewer crowds than peak tourist season. Desert summers are dangerously hot and should be avoided for most outdoor elopements.

In the spring, you might see wildflowers bloom across places like Joshua Tree, Moab, and Sedona. This is also when waterfalls are at their peak, and when the desert is the most green and lush. Mornings and evenings are especially beautiful.

Another one of the best times to elope here is the Fall. The air is crisp, and the colors can be soft and dreamy. You want have the wildflowers or rushing water, but you’ll get the most privacy. Summer can seem tempting, but don’t risk it. Some areas reach over 100 degrees by mid-morning. Spring and fall let you explore safely, enjoy the views, and actually be outside without overheating!

Best Time to Elope in National Parks

The best months to elope in National Parks depend on the type of scenery you want. Like mountains and deserts, every park has its own best season. You’ll also want to think about crowds, weather, and trail access.

In parks with mountains—like Glacier, Yosemite, and Grand Teton—July through early September is the safest window. Trails are open, the snow is gone, and the views are clear. But these parks are also packed during summer. If you want fewer people around, try mid-September. You’ll get more privacy and maybe even fall colors.

Desert parks are the opposite. Arches, Zion, and Joshua Tree are best to elope in spring and fall. Think March through May or October through early November. Summer here is too hot. Avoid June through August unless you’re doing a sunrise ceremony and staying near the road!

A few parks are beautiful year-round, but still have peak seasons. Olympic National Park is great in July and August when everything—from beaches to mountains—is accessible. In Acadia, October is famous for fall colors, but it’s also crowded. You can get a lot luckier with early October or on a weekday.

Crowds are heaviest in summer and on weekends. If you want quiet trails and fewer people in your photos, plan your elopement on a weekday and avoid holidays.

Best Months to Elope for Wildflowers

The best time to elope for wildflowers depends on the elevation. In lower elevation areas like the desert or foothills (think Joshua Tree National Park,) wildflowers bloom as early as March. When it comes to the mountains, they don’t show up until mid or late summer.

In places like Mount Rainier, wildflowers usually peak in late July through early August. The higher you go, the later they bloom. Sunrise and Paradise are two of the most popular areas for wildflowers, but they get busy. Weekday mornings and sunset are your best bet for privacy and good light!

If you’re eloping in the desert, March and April are usually the best months. Areas like Anza-Borrego, Superstition Mountains, and Death Valley can explode with color after a rainy winter. But the bloom changes year to year, so it’s smart to check wildflower reports before you go.

High-elevation spots like the San Juan Mountains in Colorado or the North Cascades in Washington are best in late July and August. You’ll see lupine, Indian paintbrush, and other alpine flowers along trails and ridge lines. July is the busiest and most expensive time to travel to these places. Early August is my favorite time for these locations if you want wild flowers.

Month-by-Month Elopement Guide

January Elopement

January is quiet and cold in most mountain areas. But it’s a great month for desert elopements in Joshua Tree, Death Valley, or Saguaro National Park. It’s also a beautiful time for coastal spots like Big Sur, where you’ll get dramatic skies and moody waves. Just expect some rain and cooler temps. Snowy winter vibes are my favorite in Grand Teton, where one of the main roads stays open year round.

February Elopement

February is similar to January. It’s still too snowy for most mountain hikes, but perfect for peaceful desert or beach ceremonies. Some coastal areas in California can be rainy, so always check the forecast. Valentine’s Day elopements are popular this month—just plan ahead if you want a permit or vendor support.

March Elopement

March brings warmer weather to lower elevations. It’s the start of wildflower season in places like Sedona, Anza-Borrego, and Southern Utah. Snow still covers most mountain trails, but desert spots and beaches start becoming more accessible. Rain can still hit coastal spots like Oregon and Big Sur, but early spring light is gorgeous.

April Elopement

April is one of the best times to elope in the desert. Moab, Zion, and Joshua Tree are stunning right now. Wildflowers bloom, the weather is mild, and crowds are still manageable if you go on a weekday. Mountains are still snow-covered, but coastal areas warm up a bit more. This is a great time for California’s Central Coast and Hawaii as well. In Hawaii, this is a great time of the year to avoid crowds, just watch out for Spring Break.

May Elopement

May is a transition month. Lower elevation mountains might be open, but high elevations still have snow. Yosemite waterfalls are at their peak. Coastal spots like Big Sur and Olympic National Park are lush but may still be rainy. Early May is also the tail end of desert season before it gets too hot. This is another really amazing time for Hawaii, possibly one of the quietest and cheapest times to go.

June Elopement

June brings better access to some mountain trails. North Cascades, Sequoia, and parts of Colorado start to open in the later parts of the month. It’s a great month for forests and waterfalls. The desert is now too hot for most couples. Coastal fog (called June Gloom) can hit places like Big Sur, so keep that in mind when planning views.

July Elopement

July is peak mountain season and it’s the best time to elope in mountains if you don’t mind crowds. Trails are clear, wildflowers are blooming, and the weather is warm. Great for eloping in Glacier, Grand Teton, Rainier, or the Colorado Rockies. It’s also one of the busiest months, so expect more crowds. Desert elopements should be avoided unless you’re doing sunrise or indoor options.

August Elopement

August is similar to July. It’s one of the best months for high-alpine elopements and late-season wildflowers. Think San Juan Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Glacier National Park. But it’s also hot and crowded in many places. This is not the time for deserts, but beaches and higher elevations are perfect.

September Elopement

September might be the best all-around month to elope. The weather is still nice in the mountains, but the crowds are gone. You can explore North Cascades, Grand Teton, or Glacier with way more privacy. Deserts are still hot early in the month but cool off by the end. It’s also the start of fall colors in places like Colorado and the Smoky Mountains.

October Elopement

October brings stunning fall colors and crisp air. It’s great for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Vermont, and Eastern Sierra. Desert temps are ideal again, so Utah, Arizona, and Joshua Tree come back into play. Some mountain areas may close early depending on snow, so always check access.

November Elopement

November is quiet, which can be great. The desert is still a solid choice, especially Sedona and Death Valley. Mountain passes may start to close, and fall colors fade. Coastal areas like Oregon, California, and parts of Texas work well for couples who don’t mind cool weather and moody skies. This is the best time to elope in cooler weather.

December Elopement

December is a cozy month to elope. It’s great for snow-loving couples who want a winter wonderland feel in places like Sequoia, Lake Tahoe, or Jackson Hole. Deserts and beaches are also beautiful if you want warmth. Just expect shorter days, colder temps, and fewer open trails. This is a very expensive time to travel with Christmas rates on flights and hotels. Places like Hawaii are super expensive, and packed with crowds.

Top U.S. Elopement Destinations by Season

Different places shine at different times of year. Here’s a quick look at top U.S. elopement locations by season to help you narrow it down.

Spring (March–May)

Spring is perfect for desert adventures. Moab, Zion, and the Grand Canyon have warm temps and epic red rock views. Alabama Hills is also a great option with its rugged rocks and clear skies. If you’re heading to Hawaii, spring is lush and full of waterfalls. Just check for rain on islands like Kauai. It’s also the start of wildflower season in low elevation spots.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is for mountains. Mt. Baker, Mt. Hood, and Colorado’s San Juan Mountains are all stunning now. Wildflowers are blooming, trails are open, and the views are unreal. This is also the best time for Alaska elopements, especially near places like Denali or glacier lakes. If you love greenery, check out Olympic National Park or the forests in Northern California. June works for lower elevation, for higher, wait until about mid-July.

Fall (September–November)

Fall brings cooler air and fewer crowds. It’s amazing for Grand Teton, Yosemite, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Colors change fast, so plan carefully. The Southwest deserts come back into season too. Sedona, Canyonlands, and Arches are beautiful without the summer heat. September and October are also amazing in Hawaii—calmer waters, fewer tourists, and golden sunsets.

Winter (December–February)

Winter is the time for coastal and tropical places. Big Sur and Oregon’s coast offer moody skies and peaceful vibes. Hawaii stays warm year-round and is ideal if you want color, sunshine, and ocean views. Desert parks like Death Valley and Joshua Tree are cool enough to explore again. For snow lovers, try Sequoia, Lake Tahoe, or a cozy cabin near Jackson Hole.

Tips for Choosing Your Elopement Date

Choosing the best elopement date starts with knowing what matters most to you. Is it privacy? Weather? Wildflowers? Your dream backdrop? Think about what you want the day to feel like—and we can plan around that.

If you want fewer crowds, pick a weekday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the quietest. Avoid holidays and school breaks if you’re heading to popular parks or well-known trails. Sunrise ceremonies are another great way to beat the rush.

Always check for trail access, road closures, and permits. Some places—like Yosemite or Glacier—require planning ahead. And in spots with unpredictable weather, like the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, have a backup plan just in case. You can read my full guide on picking an elopement date here.

As an elopement photographer, I help couples plan their entire day—not just the photos. From finding the right date to choosing the perfect location and timeline, I’m here to make sure everything fits what you want. If you’re still not sure when or where to elope, I’ve got you covered. Get in touch here!