There’s a lot more than you’d think that goes into finding a great waterfall location! I’ve photographed all over the world and have gotten up close and personal with some of the greatest waterfalls on the planet, so I know exactly what to look out for to get the most enjoyment out of your waterfall elopement. Things like what direction it’s facing, how secluded it is, where the light is coming from, and how close you can get without getting soaked are all super important factors.
One of my all-time favorites will always be Skógafoss in Iceland, which takes the concept of an epic waterfall to the next level. You can’t get super close without getting totally soaked, but you can snag amazing views of it even from a ways back!! It’s also known for throwing rainbows, which I love.
But there are waterfalls on all seven continents, and each of them has something different to offer! For more of my recommendations based on vibe, scenery, and what you might need on your elopement day, I have my list below!
(Not in a reading mood? I made an interactive map that you’ll love! Click here to be directly to it and filter by all your needs, all over the globe.)
Skógafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Easily one of my favorite waterfalls of all time. As mentioned above, this is a no brainer pick if you want a truly epic waterfall on your elopement day! In my opinion, waterfalls in Iceland just hit different. This one is popular for a reason… it’s super strong, known for creating rainbows, and has a bunch of really beautiful spots that you can observe it from in the distance. The hills and fields around here get super green, which gives you so many perfect places to stop and take it all in while you’re out observing without ever having to be immersed in the spray.
Best for: Waterfall and Cliff
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil
This is the largest waterfall system on Earth! Iguazu Falls is massively impressive and spans over two different national parks—one in Brazil and one in Argentina, with the majority of the falls being located in the latter. This waterfall is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with terraced tiers on both sides of a cove spouting water on either side. It’s even been featured in a ton of TV and movies! There are lofted observation decks where you can watch the water tumble down the dark basalt and catch the white rushing water next to bright green trees and light blue pools at the bottom. It’s not uncommon to catch rainbows across this area!
Best for: Forest and lots of Waterfalls!
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Manawaiopuna Falls / Jurassic Falls, Kauaʻi, Hawaii
If you’re a fan of Jurassic Park, this one may already be on your list! This waterfall is perhaps most well known for being shown multiple times in the original film, making it a true star. This waterfall is on private land, so the only way to get here is by taking a helicopter tour… which just means you get an amazing activity along with your insane views. As a bonus, because it’s private land, you’ll be dealing with way, way less people, giving you a private moment with just you, your partner, and the incredible landscape of Kaua’i.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Helicopter
Niagara Falls, Canada & the United States
If you’re thinking about eloping near a waterfall—especially in the United States—the conversation is hardly complete without talking about Niagara Falls. Arguably one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara is a spectacle no matter what side of the border you’re on and has been a tourism destination for well over 150 years. On the United States side, Niagara Falls State Park provides great places to view the American Falls, with Terrapin Point being one of the most popular to get up close to the water. If you have time to go into Canada, you can see the iconic Horseshoe Falls either by day or when it’s completely illuminated at night!
Best for: Cities, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
The front of this waterfall has been featured in TV and movies over the years, but what really makes it special is the view from behind it. You can take a path up by the water to enter the cavern behind it and get a perfect window of Icelandic scenery beyond a curtain of water. If you want to go behind the waterfall or access the hidden waterfall tucked away right next to it, you’ll need to bring good footwear and prepare to towel off after—but if that doesn’t sound appealing to you, don’t worry! There’s still a ton of super scenic spots to see this waterfall from that will keep you perfectly dry amongst the green hills instead.
Best for: Waterfall and Cliffs
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Yosemite Falls, California
Comprised of three separate sections, it’s no wonder that Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, coming in at nearly 2,500 feet. Because of its magnitude and wide range of options to see it—from short hikes to all-day treks—this falls is a fixture of the park. In the spring, full moons here can create “moonbows” that project a prism of color across the middle of the falls… quite the sight when paired with the rocky cliffs and night sky. Planning an elopement around this would be unreal.
Best for: Mountains, Cliff, Forest, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Latourell Falls, Oregon
This is a perfect pick if you want a great PNW waterfall without a ton of hiking (or just want the option to choose day-of), crowds, or rocks obstructing the water on the way down. This waterfall drops straight down nearly 250 feet into the pool below. It’s the third tallest falls in the Columbia River Gorge and shows off some impressive black basalt rocks that surround it, along with green moss and evergreen trees. Because of its single stream, you can get fairly close to this one without getting totally soaked, making it a special spot to go and explore. This is all located in a state park only 45 minutes from downtown Portland, so it’s also very easy to access.
Best for: Forest, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
These falls are truly something to behold. Victoria Falls is visible from two different countries and a huge attraction for folks from every walk of life. The falls forms a wide, solid curtain of water cascading over a massive stone cliff and into a ravine, resulting in a roaring sound and a ton of water spray. Take a river tour at sunset or a romantic helicopter ride to see things from above. Or, if you and your partner are the adventurous type, visit the Victoria Falls bridge to bungee jump together!
Best for: Waterfalls, Canyon
Best months to get married here: Year Round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Bungee-jumping
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
Falling more than 350 feet down at the end of a box canyon in Telluride, you won’t find a higher waterfall anywhere in the state! If you want your waterfall to come with an adventure on the side, you can take a 4X4 vehicle directly to this site. It also freezes completely in the winter and becomes a must-do spot for ice climbing, which could make for an incredible adventure if you and your partner are big climbers who want a new challenge to tackle on your wedding day. From below, there are great spots that you can access to say your vows right by the water.
Best for: Mountains, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4
Kvernufoss Waterfall, Iceland
Think of Kvernufoss as the cooler little sister of Skogafoss. This gem isn’t located far from Skogafoss but is tucked away and requires a quick 1 mile hike, which drastically cuts down on the number of folks who go to see it. You can catch this spot year-round and even spot rainbows around the falls on sunny days! If you’re okay with getting in the splash zone, you can even walk behind the waterfall itself for a super cool view out. In the winter this is surrounded by icicles and snow—whereas if you come in the spring and summer, you’ll get those trademark rolling bright green hills.
Best for: Canyon, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: July and August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Hāna is perhaps most known for its famous Road to Hāna, which is a standout of scenic drives on the islands. But did you know that, along that drive, there are *multiple* waterfalls that you can stop at?! Try the Blue Sapphire Pools if you want to swim underneath one or Wailua Falls if you want the chance to get closer to one. There are 18+ waterfalls here in just about 50 miles of road, so you could also make an entire day out of waterfall spotting and adventuring to find the best views before landing on a place to say your vows.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Beaches
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Camping
Rhine Falls, Switzerland
If you’re looking for a waterfall in Europe to elope at, this is the biggest one on the continent. Rhine Falls is tall, wide, and packs some serious power. The falls are at their most powerful during the summer, but even a visit in the winter is impressive! You can choose between observation decks up close to the roaring water or parks across the river. Or, if you want an even better look, hop on a boat tour of the river and falls! This is a must-see if you’re in Switzerland (or if you’re in southern Germany, given its proximity to the border!).
Best for: Forest, Towns and Waterfall
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Great Falls Park, Virginia
You will not believe how close Great Falls is to Washington D.C. or its surrounding suburbs! This is a slice of nature that manages to be located just a short distance away from the big city—you can get there in 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re exploring the Mother Gorge, seeing the falls from any of the overlooks, driving a scenic byway, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting, there are so many ways to enjoy this park. This would be a great elopement spot for folks in the D.C. area who have busy lives but want the full day in nature just for themselves.
Best for: Forest, Canyon, Waterfall, River
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rafting
Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
Sutherland Falls is the tallest waterfall in New Zealand, and there are only a handful of ways that you can see it. By far my favorite way is by helicopter! Taking flight lets you see the full nearly 2,000 feet of the falls at once in their full beauty on a scale you just can’t fathom from close up. Not to mention that a helicopter ride around Milford Sound is a pretty epic and romantic thing to do during your elopement day. If you want to get a closer look, be prepared to backpack—it’s only accessible via a multi-day hike on the Milford Track.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lake, Waterfalls
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter
Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
What makes Gullfoss stand out is the shape of the scenery in the area, as these falls plummet straight down into a canyon. This two tiered waterfall connects down to the river Hvítá, so there’s a ton of super powerful water here. You can approach the waterfall from either side of the gorge, and honestly, it’s beautiful either way! This is a stop on Iceland’s “Golden Circle” that denotes some of its most scenic stops, so transportation to and from this area is a breeze. There’s also a cafe here where you can observe the falls with a bite to eat.
Best for: Canyon, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
This waterfall is seriously impressive. It’s hard to believe it’s just 30 minutes outside of Seattle! There are two different observation decks here so that you have the chance to really take in all 270 feet of the plunge this water takes. It’s even illuminated at night, so if you run out of daylight, you can still catch the view! It’s 2x the height of Niagara Falls and one of the most visited attractions in the state, but it’s worth coming early or staying late to see the falls without the crowds. It doesn’t disappoint.
Best for: Forest, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Mount Kirkjufell is known across Iceland for its distinctive spiral peak, but one of my favorite ways to see it is from the vantage point of these falls right next to it! It feels like a primer for the Icelandic landscape—river, falls, mountain, black basalt, and green valleys all in one spot. This is a popular stop for landscape photography, and once you see the light here, you’ll get why! It would also make an amazing backdrop for portraits. The sense of place here is out of this world, and it will bring that “oh dang, we really eloped in Iceland” feeling to your wedding day long after you’ve left.
Best for: Mountains, Waterfall, Coast
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Located within Plitvice Lakes National Park, the falls here are less and after thought and more what makes the park truly special. The falls are the bodies of water that connect the 16 lakes of Plitvice, forming tumbling paths of water that make the whole spot feel like something straight out of a fairytale. There are over *90* waterfalls here, with the tallest cascading down over 250 feet! If you love waterfalls, there may be no better place to have your elopement than here. Come during spring or fall for the fullest falls! Or visit in the winter for waterfalls frozen in midair and turned to ice.
Best for: Forest, Lakes and Waterfalls
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Khon Phapheng Falls, Laos
As the widest waterfall in the world, the Khone Phapheng Falls are a great spot to elope if you want to feel truly blown away on your wedding day. The landscape here is super unreal and equally as beautiful, with unique rock formations and water tumbling from every direction you look. You could easily have a whole elopement here, as the walk into the falls is also super picturesque with paths laden with trees that you and your partner can wander down. You won’t have a hard time finding a romantic vista here to say your vows at.
Best for: Waterfall, Forest, River
Best months to get married here: October to June
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
‘Akaka Falls State Park, Big Island, Hawaii
‘Akaka Falls is nearly 450 feet of water cascading straight down out of a mossy green cliff surrounded in greenery and into a pool below. This waterfall is the definition of that lush, tropical vibe that only islands can bring. The trails here are well traversed and there are plenty of viewpoints, so it’s an easy ask to incorporate into your day if you want photos with a waterfall backdrop or just want to soak up some of that energy before you go to say your vows. In this same state park you can find Kahuna Falls, which is shorter but just as beautiful as it’s larger counterpart.
Best for: Rainforest, Cliff, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Dynjandi Waterfall, Iceland
Dynjandi cascades and tumbles down at least three different levels, forming a dramatic terrace of water. It also happens to be near about 6 other waterfalls, so you can head out on the short hike up the Dynjandi Walking Trail (only about 15 minutes!) and see them all for yourself, culminating in the namesake falls at the end. There’s no shortage of amazing spots to see this waterfall from, so no matter where you settle on, you’ll get those trademark plumes of water and dark rock.
Best for: Cliff, Waterfalls
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Cunningham Falls State Park, Maryland
This location is for those folks who love the thick, lush vibe of an East Coast forest but want to get out on the water or have some great water features at the same time. Cunningham Falls State Park is absolutely perfect for all of it! With scenic footbridges, swim beaches, boat rentals, and the longest waterfall in the state, the vibes here are serene and almost fairytale-like. In March, there’s a Maple Syrup festival if you’re looking for an activity that’s sure to make for a unique story!
Best for: Forest, Lake, Waterfalls
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Kuang Si Falls, Laos
If you were to close your eyes and picture the most romantic waterfall you can, you may come close to picturing the Kuang Si Falls. This multitiered waterfall cascades over multiple levels of smooth rocks and is surrounded by lush greenery, elevated bridges to observe the falls from, and pools that you can soak and swim in. The colors here are so gorgeous and make it easy to find a beautiful view for your elopement. The fairytale vibes here are absolutely through the roof.
Best for: Waterfall, Forest, River, Pools
Best months to get married here: October to June
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Swimming
Svartifoss Waterfall, Iceland
This spot marries two of Iceland’s best features—black columnar basalt and waterfalls. The cliff that Svartifoss emerges from is made up of hexagonal rocks, including the remains on the ground from those that have eroded and dropped off with time. This is another waterfall that you can get closer to due to its typical output of water and height of just over 60 feet. This is within Vatnajökull National Park, so you’ll also have a ton of nature nearby to explore, as this park covers over 10% of Iceland’s landmass!
Best for: Cliff, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Taughannock Falls State Park, New York
Nestled up in the Finger Lakes, Taughannock Falls is an over 200 ft. waterfall that is a must stop if you’re in the area—or a great central focus for your elopement day! Tree-lined rocky cliffs, water spray, and a gorgeous hike all make this incredibly worth it. There are also great camping sites here that overlook nearby Cayuga Lake if you want a place to take it all in in the warmer months. In the winter, the falls completely freeze!
Best for: Glaciers, Mountains and Alpine Lakes
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls State Park is 1. Massive and 2. Gorgeous. This park’s crown jewel is Fall Creek Falls itself, which clocks in at over 250 feet high, but there are at many others also in the park! Fall Creek Falls is set down into a wooded, rocky cliff, leaving the water to cascade straight down. When the water is high enough, there’s even a second waterfall at this exact spot! Other benefits to this area include a golf course, lots of camping spots, a beautiful lake, and a historic fire lookout tower. This is just over 2 hours from Nashville and Tennessee state parks are known for their accessibility!
Best for: Forest, Waterfalls, Lake, Lookout tower
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
These are a few of my favorites, but there’s over 7,000 in the world! Want to explore more and get tailored recommendations based on your ideal scenery or time of year? I’ve got you! Check out my interactive map that’s stocked with nearly 600 locations ready for you to discover!
For more advice, I’m always here to help! I guide my couples to locations that make their dreams come true while giving them jaw-dropping photos and the best experience possible along the way. I firmly believe that your elopement should feel like the best day of your honeymoon… and I’m here to make it happen for you!
Let’s get started! Click here to be taken to my contact form!
