10 of the Best Places to Elope on the East Coast

When it comes to choosing an elopement location, don’t overlook the east coast! On this side of the country, we’ve got stunning scenery, from rocky beaches to charming towns to mountain peaks. There are so many options for beautiful places to tie the knot, all waiting to be the setting for your adventure! In this guide, we’ll talk about 10 of the best places to elope on the east coast, to help you find the perfect one for you.

The Best Places to Elope in the Mountains on the East Coast

If you’re dreaming of eloping in the mountains, surrounded by snow capped peaks, here are a few of the best places to elope on the east coast for you.

The Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes are a group of eleven long, narrow lakes in Upstate New York. This area is absolutely stunning for elopement, whether you want to exchange vows by the water with mountains in the backdrop, or take a short hike out into the nature that surrounds the area. There are several state parks to choose from, like Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

A national park is the perfect setting for couples who love nature, and Shenandoah National Park offers sweeping mountain vistas and peaceful trails through the forest. There are stunning overlooks, cascading waterfalls, and so many places to choose from for an intimate ceremony.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are an incredible getaway in nature, and the perfect place to elope in the mountains any time of year. You can have your ceremony in front of a waterfall at Bushkill falls, get married at Lake Wallenpaupack for a peaceful lakeside elopement,  or drive to the summit of Camelback Mountain!

The Best Places to Elope on the Beach on the East Coast

If you love the ocean, and want to exchange vows with the sound of crashing waves behind you, the east coast has a lot to offer! 

Acadia National Park, Maine

One of the best places to elope on the east coast is Acadia National Park. The park offers a lot of different views, including mountains, and has a really breathtaking coastline! This isn’t the place for a sandy, palm tree covered beach though – the shoreline is moody and rugged, with rocky outcroppings in the water and dramatic views. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is an amazing beach elopement location, with sandy beaches, quaint villages, and coastal charm! You can have a quiet sunset ceremony, stay at a cozy bed and breakfast, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this seaside town.

The Keys, Florida

If you want to elope on the beach, the Florida Keys are basically paradise! The turquoise blue water, palm trees, and the diversity of adventures on each island is truly incredible. You can snorkel and dive, take a boat out on the water, explore the islands, and so much more.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a 200 mile stretch of islands off the coast of North Carolina, with wide sandy beaches. It’s a gorgeous place to tie the knot on the beach, with the islands offering unique views, like rolling dunes on Corolla Island, or rugged shores on Hatteras Island. In this area, you’ll also find iconic lighthouses and quaint coastal villages!

The Best Places for an Urban Elopement on the East Coast

If your perfect elopement day looks more like exploring the city, trying local restaurants, and being surrounded by urban hustle and bustle, there are a lot of elopement locations on the east coast that would be amazing for you!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston seriously has it all! Cobblestone streets, historic mansions, lush gardens, and Southern hospitality. It’s a truly incredible place to elope on the east coast! You can visit the iconic Rainbow Row, a row of 13 brightly colored houses that have a unique history. Close to town is Folly Beach, so you can say your vows by the water then explore the town!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In the west of Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh, a really charming city with a lot of history. There are museums, gardens, and natural beauty! From Mount Washington, you can see the Pittsburgh Skyline, or you can exchange vows at the Phipps Conservatory, where lush botanical gardens create a stunning backdrop.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a gorgeous place to elope if you want both urban charm and natural beauty! Newport is famous for the Gilded Age mansions with lavish interiors and perfectly manicured gardens, many of which are open to the public for tours. There’s also the downtown area, which has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and modern boutiques and restaurants. The main street is Thames Street, lined with shops, galleries, and eateries. For nature views, the famous Cliff Walk is a path that winds along the coast, with incredible views of the ocean. The dramatic scenery makes for a perfect place to elope!

Elopement Packages on the East Coast

Your elopement is a story waiting to be told – you’re setting off on one of your biggest adventures yet! As an elopement photographer based on the east coast, my job is to make sure that your elopement day feels true to you, and that your photos are all about showcasing the laughter, the tears, the real emotions of your wedding day. Whether you know the perfect spot already, or you’re just starting on your elopement journey, I’m here to help – we’ll talk, I’ll get to know you, and I’ll make sure that we find the perfect place for you to tie the knot and begin your marriage.

If you’re ready to start the adventure, contact me to learn more about elopement packages!