Best Places to Elope in the South

Because it ain’t all out west.

Finding that perfect elopement location can be difficult, especially when everyone and their momma is saying to go out west.  As a born-and-raised southerner & an elopement photographer, I wanted to put together a list of the best places to elope in the south for my adventurous couples and share them with you too.  Together we’ll walk through the best places to elope in the south while leaving out all the cliches!  You deserve unique and meaningful southern elopement destinations that fit you and your relationship perfectly.

Let’s look at why these best places to elope in the south should be serious contenders for your elopement location.

#1 | Proximity

Not everyone wants to travel across the country to find beauty for their elopement experience.  A lot of folks may tell you that heading to the Northeast or out West will give you the best assortment of options for your elopement location.  However, we know the south has just as much beauty to offer especially if you have the right photographer to help you location scout (aka me lol).  These best places to elope in the south might be right under your nose without you even realizing, and we’ll be stoked to help you find somewhere to elope in the south that doesn’t require a ton of travel.

#2 | Weather

The south truly has 4 seasons.  Most southern states experience the fullness of spring, summer, fall, and winter with the occasional light winter.  This makes the south an optimal place to elope as you can use these best places to elope in the south nearly year-round with the right planning.  We’ll have locations on our list of the best places to elope in the south that will be perfect for each season, no matter your elopement date. 🙂

#3 | Cultures & Food

You don’t hear about couples eloping to California or Colorado for food, do you?  Nope!  But you most definitely hear about couples making their way down to New Orleans or over to Georgia for some yummy comfort food.  I’m a Mississippian who is well traveled, and I know for a fact that southern food is talked about world-wide.  Why wouldn’t you want to experience the flavors and hospitality of the south when searching out the best places to elope in the south?

Let’s get into the nitty gritty!  Where are the best places to elope in the south exactly?

The Best Places to Elope in the South:

// Toccoa Falls, Georgia 

Toccoa Falls is a single drop waterfall found in the town of Toccoa Falls, Georgia and is the highest single drop waterfall found east of the Mississippi at 186 feet.  This spot would be perfect for an elopement with family as the falls are only a quick walk from nearby parking and have ample room for guests gathered at your ceremony.

// Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina ends up on our list of the best places to elope in the south, because it’s surrounded by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.  North Carolina elopements are trending upward, and it is vastly due to this unique mountain town.  Asheville is known for its breweries and easy access to the mountains–a combination we personally love!  A lot of eloping couples elope at sunrise and then hop back down the trail to brewery hop in the afternoon and evening with their families!

// Big Bend National Park, Texas

Now we know there’s beef over if Texas qualifies as the south, but we’ll include it in the club for this Big Bend National Park location.  Texas ends up on our list of the best places to elope in the south because of its distinct landscape and seclusion.  Eloping at this national park will give you all the privacy you need and a stellar place to explore.

// Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia

If you want to feel like you’re eloping in Utah, Providence Canyon State Park would be a great option for your elopement!  This canyon is made up of red walls and rock figures, making it look like you’ve made a trip to Arizona!

// New Orleans, Louisiana

We couldn’t help ourselves with this one.  With seriously tasty food, a vibrant culture, and a poppin’ music scene and nightlife, New Orleans should be on your list of best places to elope in the south!  It’s not just for city folks either.  New Orleans is nearby marsh landscapes offering you plenty to explore, and you’ll be able to get out of the city easily if you’re looking for some chill vibes and a gorgeous location.

Contact us about your elopement in the south by hitting that nice lil orange button or keep scrolling to check out a few more of the best places to elope in the south!

// Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Sweet, sweet Virginia ends up on our list of the best places to elope in the south because of those sweet rolling mountains.  These are some of the oldest mountains in the country, and thus, have a gentle green roll that beautifully displays in the easily accessible panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley!  Eloping in Shenandoah National Park is a win-win!

// Lake Jocasse, South Carolina

Lake Jocassee is on our best places to elope in the south list because of the lake’s crystal blue water.  You’d be hard pressed to find water this blue surrounded by mountain peaks anywhere in the US, and this hidden gem is positioned perfectly near South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee so it can be your case camp to explore during your elopement.  The lake also has massive boulders hiding along the shore that can only be found by kayaking–an adventure you should do during your elopement!

// Chattanooga, Tennessee

A quaint mountain town like Chattanooga, Tennessee is on our list of the best places to elope in the south because its downright funk.  Downtown Chattanooga is a mere 15 minutes away from tons of hiking trails, so it is the perfect mixture of adventure and relaxation.  We’d recommend staying in one of their Bed and Breakfasts during your stay and eating at Uncle Larry’s Catfish (you can thank me later).

// Dismals Canyon, Alabama

If you want to escape to a mossy canyon with multiple falls, potential stream crossings, and rugged hillsides, Dismals Canyon should be on your list of the best places to elope in the south.  This canyon has so much more than meets the eye, and there is always more to explore if you’re willing to get that dress and suit a little dirty during your elopement. 😉

// Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs, Arkansas makes our list of the best places to elope in the south, because it is known as the spa capital of the Quachita Mountains.  You’ll easily find private, romantic cabins tucked away in these mountains within a short distance of this spa town.  You’ll be able to hike and find some nice rest and relaxation during your elopement.

// Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Kentucky

Wanna be super unique?  Get married in a cave!  Carlsbad Caverns National Park makes our list of the best places to elope in the south because nowhere else will you find such ample space to elope in a cave.  With the main cave being 8.2 acres, you’ll have plenty of room to commit yourselves to one another in one of the most unique landscapes the US has to offer.

// Jockey’s Ridge State Park, North Carolina

If sand is your thing, we’d recommend Jockey’s Ridge State Park in North Carolina.  This is the tallest active sand dune in the eastern US!  Meaning your views will be spectacular as you traipse across the sand during your elopement.  Bonus:  there is an island with wild ponies nearby that you can check out during your stay.

// Cummins Falls, Tennessee

This is one of the south’s most popular swimming holes and for good reason.  The multi-layered falls are massive and offer a lot of power behind them.  This would be perfect for an eloping couple such as yourselves who don’t mind a little spray from a waterfall or getting up early to elope and avoid the crowds.