Growing up in Colorado—a totally landlocked state—I developed a special appreciation for lakes. They were our biggest water sources and my favorite ones were always nestled high in the mountains, only accessible via hike or 4X4 drive. There’s nothing quite like getting to hop on a boat with epic mountain scenery nearby!
Bear Lake is one of my personal favorites for elopements, because it’s in my backyard national park and is a great example of something that looks like a high alpine lake without a ton of hiking to get there! It even has its own parking lot and clearly marked path. It’s also absolutely gorgeous.
Great Lakes, blue glacial lakes, famous lochs, and more are all included in my list below, which hops all over the world. Generally speaking, I think there’s a lake for everybody, so take a look at my picks to find yours!
Or, want to go straight to results that are only based on your ideal scenery and season? Head to my searchable map to filter through 600+ locations! Click here to go to it.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California
Though most of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline is on the California side, the eastern side located in Nevada is full of gems! Sand Harbor would be an epic spot for a ceremony, with a crescent shaped beach and a viewpoint that lets you get lake-worn rock, evergreen trees, that impossibly blue water, and the mountain all in one photo. Or stop at Logan Shoals Vista for a quick (half a mile round trip) paved walk to an incredible overlook out onto the lake with the mountains behind it. This area is full of resorts to make your stay feel luxurious or prime camping spots if you want to be out in nature! If you’re into casinos, you’ll only find those on the Nevada side of the lake.
Best for: Mountains, Rocks
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Camping
Lago di Braies, Italy
Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee) is a gorgeous alpine lake in the Dolomites with bright teal waters, towering mountain views, and thick banks of evergreen trees. Anywhere in the Dolomites is going to land you with some serious mountain scenery, but the water is the real star here. You can rent a wooden row boat for the two of you (and your lucky photographer) to get out and explore a bit, paddling through the cold water under the shadow of the Seekofel peak.
Best for: Alpine Lake, Forest, Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Row boat
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Not far from the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this national park in Croatia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes in the name are a series of 16, known for their bright, incredibly teal color. Those lakes are then surrounded by bright greenery and dozens of cascading waterfalls that only add to the magic of this spot! There is an Upper Lakes and a Lower Lakes, both of which have amazing hiking and walking trails. If you want to take a short break, there’s a boat that will give you a quick ride from one side of the lake to the other! With wide planked paths through the scenery and bright limestone cliffs, this is an easy spot to say “I do” in.
Best for: Forest, Lakes and Waterfalls
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah
Eloping on a lake is romantic, but how about taking it one step further and getting hitched on a houseboat? Set on 185 miles of deep blue water, surrounded by red rock canyons and hidden coves, I can’t think of a more fabulous place for water-loving couples to elope by a lake than at Lake Powell! Say your vows on deck, and then head up to Alstrom Point for next-level views, cruise through Glen Canyon, find the best cliff-jumping spot, or simply float in the lake with a drink in hand. With a houseboat as your base, the whole of the lake lies at your fingertips.
Best for: Desert, Slot Canyons, Lake, Canyons, Rock Arches
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Houseboat, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Helicopter
Loch Ness, Scotland
Your elopement might be just the two of you, but there’s always space on the guest list for one more, so how about the mythical monster that calls this place home – Nessie? Even if she doesn’t make an appearance, eloping at Loch Ness in Scotland still offers you mist-shrouded hills, deep dark water, and castle ruins that look straight out of medieval times. Urquhart Castle has mind-bending views over the loch, while Falls of Foyers gives you a tucked-away waterfall backdrop. And if you’re up for it, you can speedboat, kayak, or even take a post-vow swim. Be warned, though: it’ll be cold!
Best for: Loch, Mountains, Forests and the Loch Ness Monster
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Camping, Kayaking
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Bear Lake nails the alpine lake vibe without making you hike for miles to get there. This half-mile loop in Rocky Mountain National Park is flat, wheelchair accessible, and right off the road, so no need to haul up a mountain for the views. Quiet little nooks along the shore make for an easy, scenic spot to say your vows, with reflections of pine trees and snow-dusted peaks on the water. Perfect! Summer and fall get busy, but spring and winter are totally underrated – fewer crowds, crisp air, and that perfect high-elevation glow.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Alpine Lake
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Lake Vaihiria, French Polynesia
As the only natural lake on the island of Tahiti, Lake Vaihiria is definitely something special. This would make an incredible ceremony spot for a couple who wants a lot of different scenery all in one background—from verdant hills, to lush jungle and trees, to the beautiful lake stretched out in the middle. To get the most out of this spot, it’s a great idea to grab a guide and a 4X4!
Best for: Rainforest, Mountains, Lake
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4
Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana
Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park is famous not just for its snow capped mountain surroundings or its history as a glacial lake, but the bright colors of the rocks in the clear waters that many online compare to fruity cereal. You can stay inside the park in the lodge located on the shores of the lake, built in a traditional Swiss chalet style. Aside from the lake, there’s also a bunch of hiking trails and hidden waterfalls around here that are perfect to duck out on as well as the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road that will take you on a scenic tour around the park.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfalls, Alpine Lake
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Camping
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
Chunks of bright blue ice float through Jökulsárlón, bobbing, cracking, and shifting as they break off from the glacier. Some are the size of ice cubes, others bigger than a bus, and they all slowly drift toward Diamond Beach, where they wash up on jet-black sand and glow like scattered crystals. Boat tours weave through the lagoon, taking you right up to the icebergs while seals slink between them, and you’ll soon see that the ice never stays the same for long. One moment, it’s glowing electric blue, the next, it’s flipped over to reveal a glassy, crystal-clear underside. What an unbeatable winter elopement destination!
Best for: Mountains, Lake, Glaciers and Icebergs
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking
Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Laguna Colorada is, without a doubt, one of the most unique lakes in the world. The waters here are BRIGHT red—hence the name alluding to how colorful it is! You can even see it from space. The waters are incredibly calm here, which also perfectly can sometimes perfectly mirror the sky and surrounding hills. For a couple looking for a really memorable elopement site and seriously stand-out photos, this is a great pick! This is also located super close to the Uyuni Salt Flat, so if you’re seeing one, you can make an easy stop at the other. Come in the summer for tons of flamingos!
Best for: Mountains, Desert and Red lake!
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Lagoa do Fogo, Azores, Portugal
Sāo Miguel is an island in the Azores islands, far from mainland Portugal. Lagoa do Fogo is a beautiful crater lake in the middle of it all, untouched by development thanks to protective construction laws. The entire area is actually a nature reserve! There are a few different options for hikes into the area, some that let you see the lake from above and some that will take you onto its sandy shores. Either way, you’ll get views of evergreen trees by beautiful teal waters and dramatic hills formed by the volcano. Visit during May or September for the best combination of weather and traffic.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Beaches
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is situated in the Julian Alps and is straight out of a storybook. Bled Island sits in the middle of the bright teal waters of the lake with a historic church that looks castle-like from its perch. Row in on a wooden boat and then stop by the cafe to reward yourself with views of the lake out of huge picture windows and a reviving snack of coffee, fresh pastries, and gelato. If you need a dose of actual castle vibes to round out your fairytale, you can explore Bled Castle, which has stunning views and iconic red roofs. Vintgar Gorge is also nearby for exploring, taking you on wooden boardwalks through it, lined with lush greenery on either side and a clear turquoise Radovna Valley river running under foot (this also brings you to Triglav National Park!).
Best for: Forest, Mountains and Lake
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., and it’s got the insane neon-blue water to prove it. Formed inside an ancient volcanic crater, it’s completely surrounded by sheer cliffs and craggy peaks, with viewpoints so good your jaw might just hit the floor, regardless of whether you drive there or hike up for the reward. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, hiking and swimming in summer, and some of the best stargazing in the country year-round… this is Oregon’s most dramatic lake, and it certainly doesn’t do off-seasons.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Crater
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Lake Lucerne is a pretty peak Swiss Alps experience—you can wake up in an alpine village, get out on the water, and spend your morning gazing up at the peaks around you. But there are also so many ways to make your time at this lake unique! One idea I love for an elopement is the sauna boats here—you can take them out with just the two of you and park somewhere beautiful before spending a few hours switching between taking plunges into the cold lake water and warming up in the wood stove powered sauna. You’ll be fully connected with nature and Swiss culture while also feeling relaxed and celebrated.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Alpine Lake, Cities
Best months to get married here: May to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Sauna Boats
Finger Lakes, New York
Spread out over 11 lakes and 14 counties, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is romantic, idyllic, and perfect for any couple whose happy place is on or by the water. This is also a great area for wine lovers, with a robust network of vineyards, wine trails, and even breweries and distilleries. You can also easily find rocky gorges, waterfalls, and thick foliage. Some spots like Watkins Glen State Park have all three! This is an incredibly picturesque spot for an elopement, especially in the spring and fall.
Best for: Forest, Waterfalls, Vineyards, Lakes
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Wine Tasting
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
This is one of the least visited national parks, but that’s all the more reason to come and see it! The reason for its low visitor numbers is due to Isle Royale only being reachable via boat or seaplane. You can stay in the park, either by camping by land or boat, or by staying at a lodge on the grounds. If you’re diving fans, you can spend part of your elopement exploring the shipwrecks of the island (there’s over ten!). The park is only open April through October, so plan accordingly. Rock Harbor, with its iconic white lighthouse and turquoise waters, would make a great spot for a ceremony.
Best for: Forest, Shipwrecks and Islands
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Seaplane/Floatplane, Camping
Moraine Lake, Canada
Moraine Lake is one of the most showcased gems in Banff. With its bright blue color from glacial silt, thick forests of evergreen trees on either bank, and surroundings of striated rock faces and peaks, it’s a striking sight from any angle. If you’re a climber, you can get up even higher above the lake for an aerial view! Or if you prefer to have your feet on the ground, you can rent a canoe and take it around the lake on a quiet paddle. If you want to sleep in the park, you can stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge, a 4 star hotel with great views and its own guided hikes and canoes.
Best for: Mountains, Alpine Lake and City
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Rock Climbing
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
This area is tens of thousands of years old and is the deepest lake in Central America. Lake Atitlán is an ecological wonder and a place of pure beauty. The water is a beautiful shade of blue and sits in the shadow of several peaks, so you have a great view in any direction you look. With so much surface area, there are many towns located on its banks that you can stay in or visit, with plenty of companies offering ferry services or boat tours! Paddling on the waters is also popular and could be a great elopement day activity if you’re looking to get out on the water on your own.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and towns
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is all glamor, the kind of place that demands sipping champagne in oversized sunglasses – and nothing’s stopping you. Glide across the water in a classic Riva boat for the VIP treatment, or grab a kayak to paddle past grand villas, quiet inlets, and hills that roll straight into the lake. Wandering old stone footpaths to hidden beaches, dipping your toes in the water, and pretending you live here is all part of the joy of eloping in this spot. Oh, and wrapping up the day with fresh pasta that Nonna would approve of and local wine strong enough to leave an impression is non-negotiable.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Towns
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida
Rainbow Springs is pure old-school Florida magic, where too-clear-to-be-true springs are best explored on glass-bottom kayaks. Here, as you lazily float downstream past moss-draped cypress trees and bubbling freshwater vents, everything feels untouched by time. With the water staying a perfect 72°F year-round, this place is just as good for a swim in winter as it is in summer! Finding a quiet spot by the water to say your vows with nothing but birdsong and flowing springs in the background is the kind of setting that makes an elopement here feel straight out of a dream.
Best for: Springs, Forest and Waterfalls
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling
Oeschinen Lake, Switzerland
Oeschinen Lake is a scene straight out of your wildest mountain dreams. The water is a shade of turquoise so intense it looks edited, and the fact that it’s framed by towering limestone cliffs and snow-dusted peaks only adds to its awe-worthiness! In summer, rowboats drift aimlessly across the water at the kind of slow, peaceful pace that makes you want to stay forever. In winter, everything freezes over, turning the lake into a skating rink straight out of a snow globe. The only question is: which version suits your elopement best?
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Alpine Lake
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Row boat
Lake Minnewanka, Banff, Canada
Located in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka offers visitors 360 panoramic views without being more than a 15 minute drive from town. Mount Costigan forms a sloped giant of a peak that you can see from anywhere on the lake, making it feel like one of those tiny alpine lakes on a grand scale. Visit during the summer for great paddling opportunities and sunset boat cruises… or in the winter for true ice skating! This is definitely a popular spot in the summer, so if you don’t feel like getting up early to beat the crowds, try visiting during the shoulder seasons.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Alpine Lake
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Lake Bachalpsee, Switzerland
Lake Bachalpsee is most famous for its incredibly calm waters, which form a perfect mirror surface of the surrounding scenery. In addition to looking absolutely beautiful in person and in your photos, there’s a lot of symbolism to be found from eloping in a place that reflects the beauty in two perfectly equal sides. You’re also totally surrounded by the Bernese Alps, so there’s no shortage of stunning views in any direction.
Best for: Mountains, Alpine Lake and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Lake Michigan, Michigan
Lake Michigan is MASSIVE—the second largest of the Great Lakes by surface area. That means that there’s no shortage of beautiful elopement spots around here! Including secluded areas where you’ll be totally by yourselves. It shares shoreline with the likes of Chicago, northern Indiana, and the eastern side of Wisconsin, but 560+ miles of it is just Michigan. Whether you’re exploring the main land or the famous Upper Peninsula, it’s hard to go wrong with the clear waters and gorgeous beaches of this ocean-like lake. To get you started, check out Holland, Mackinaw City, Beaver Island, and the Seul Choix Light.
Best for: Beach, Forest, Cities and Lake
Best months to get married here: June to July
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Lake Pehoé, Chile
The Torres del Paine National Park is a bucket list item for many nature lovers, and many who come specifically seek out Lake Pehoé. The color of this lake can be seen from satellites, with a blue-green hue so distinctive that it stands out from the scenery. Between the beautiful waters and the distinctive towers of rock that gave the park its name right behind it, it’s easy to understand why folks flock here. But that also means that it’s got perfect energy and a once-in-a-lifetime view for an elopement spot! This lake is one of the most iconic sights in the entire park.
Best for: Glaciers, Mountains and Alpine Lakes
Best months to get married here: December & January
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Lake Geneva gives you Alps-meets-Riviera energy with just the right amount of luxury thrown in. The Swiss side is where you’ll find vineyard-covered hills, fairytale castles, and lakeside villages that feel straight out of a movie. Geneva itself brings the five-star hotels and Michelin-star meals, but for something more intimate, take a boat across the lake and say your vows on a hidden stretch of shoreline with the mountains behind you. Afterward, grab the old school romance of this place with both hands, kicking back with a bottle of Swiss white as you watch the sunset. Cheers!
Best for: Mountains and Cities
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda is the largest lake in all of Italy! That means lots of space for you to spread out on your elopement day and find a moment to yourself. There are tons of options to enjoy the water here—like the sandy, tree-lined beach Lazsie or a hired sailboat charter to watch the sun go down on the lake. There are even historic ruins here, giving you great castle-on-the-water vibes for your wedding day! There are also great towns to stay in and enjoy all around the perimeter of the lake, so you never have to choose between great views of the water and a beautiful place to rest.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Towns.
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Whether you’re looking for something tropical or to paddle with icebergs, lakes can be an amazing piece of scenery to base any elopement around! But if the choices are feeling overwhelming, you can also check out my interactive map to narrow it down. Filter by scenery feature, season, and even activity to get tailored results from a database 600+ strong.
I’m also always here to help! I help my couples by providing everything that they need to have an epic elopement and designing a bespoke experience that feels like the best day of their honeymoon. You can count on me for expert planning help, off-the-beaten-path locations, and your own personal Google for all things elopement related!
If you’re ready to get started on a wedding day that puts you and your partner at the center, let’s get in touch! Click here to go to my contact form and let’s talk about how we can turn your wildest dreams into a day you’ll remember forever.
