I was born and raised in Colorado, eloped in the Andes, and I’ve photographed in every country of the Alps—so when I tell you these are the best mountains, you can trust my word. I’m a mountain connoisseur (some would say snob, I say enthusiast) and I’m picky about my peaks! I know which to go to for dramatic photos that still balance scenery with experience so that you can have the best wedding day possible.
As a general rule, it’s hard to beat the Alps, whether you’re seeing them in Switzerland, Italy, or any of the five countries they span. Gondolas give the peaks and passes super easy accessibility, so you can see great views with no hiking. Plus, you get great ski towns and alpine lakes here!
But if traveling to Europe isn’t in the cards for your elopement or you’re looking for something stateside, don’t worry—there are tons of stellar mountain views that you can get to no matter where you’re at! For more of my favorite picks from both hemispheres, read on!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
With sixty different peaks that reach over 12,000 feet in elevation, the highest continuous paved road in the US (12,183 feet), and its own 14er, the major thing that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer is accessibility. Because the mountains are everywhere here, it’s super easy to find a great spot to look out over or an adventure to embark on. You can drive up into the tundra or directly to alpine lakes here. The variety of scenery and how easy it is to travel to and around is what makes this spot so popular!
Best for: Mountains, Lakes and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome, El Capitan, Taft Point, Liberty Cap, Cathedral Peak, Mount Dana… so many spots in this park are genuinely iconic to mountain lovers and nature newbies alike. This whole park is granite carved out by powerful glacial erosion over thousands of years, leaving behind dramatic valleys, unique outcroppings, and distinctive peaks that you genuinely will not find anywhere else. If you want mountain views but also want to make sure you see some other types of scenery in your day—like, say, giant sequoia forests or incredible waterfalls—then Yosemite could be the perfect spot to look.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall and Canyon
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia is a world-famous destination, shared between Chile and Argentina along South America’s southern tip. There’s no shortage of national parks in this region—Conguillio National Park sits just outside the largest city on the Chilean side, Temuco. Further south, you can find the legendary Torres del Paine National Park, which boasts opportunities to see glaciers and icebergs as well as distinct towers made out of jagged rock. Punta Arenas is a colorful fishing town in very southern Patagonia that provides access to the Strait of Magellan, Isla Magdalena and all of its penguins, and travel options to Antarctica. Or go straight to Cape Horn, another popular stop in the area that is settled on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, to say your I Do’s on the “end of the world” with the rough waters of Drake’s Passage below you.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall and Canyon
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Boating, Kayaking, Stargazing, Camping
Dolomites, Italy
I’ve photographed in every country of the Alps, so you can trust me when I say, these are well worth the stop. This area has a super Bavarian feel compared to the rest of Italy and the clash of cultures adds something really unique and special. Plus, because there’s gondolas everywhere, you can still get super wild-feeling, epic mountain views without needing to hike for hours (granted, if you want to do that, the hikes here are amazing, too). There are also more roads here than in other parts of the Alps, so driving over mountain passes and stopping by multiple incredible, in-your-face beautiful mountain peaks in one go is totally possible.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lakes and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
The Atlas Mountains have been around for hundreds of thousands of years and are so geologically important that some say they’re how we named the Atlantic Ocean! The highest of these peaks is Mount Toubkal, where the hike to the peak will take you 2 days and a guide is legally required. That being said, it’s also often doable for folks who want to try! That being said, you can still catch great mountain views with no climbing required. Try checking out the Ourika Valley for wildflowers in spring, waterfalls, and rolling green hills.
Best for: Mountains, Desert and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Himalayas, Nepal
While the Himalayas stretch over three countries, the ones in Nepal house with of the world’s tallest mountains—like the ever famous Mount Everest, topping out at over 29,000 feet. If you want to be a part of the hustle and bustle of climbers preparing for their Everest treks, you can venture into Namche Bazaar, which is also one of the closest observation points for the mountain (and already at nearly 12,000 feet in elevation!). Or take to the skies on a helicopter tour and get a birds eye view of some of the best views this planet has to offer. If you want the views without the strain of some of the world’s most challenging peaks, you can also check out areas like Pokhara that offer short hikes with jaw-dropping sights of the Nepali Himalayas along the way. You won’t see sights like this anywhere else, so this is sure to be an elopement location that you will remember for the rest of your life. The ultimate adventure on the ultimate peaks.
Best for: Mountains and Glaciers
Best months to get married here: March to June and September/October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter
The Remarkables, New Zealand
From the name, you can likely guess at just how epic this range is. The Remarkables is skiing paradise, with both expert runs and dedicated space for beginners. The range is visible from Queenstown, looking like it’s rising straight out of the ground and reaching into the sky. Whether you’re up on the mountains themselves or settled at a lower elevation with a great view, they’re an inseparable part of the scenery in this area. No matter what your speed is as a couple, you can find something here… from mountainside spas to hiking trails around alpine lakes.
Best for: Mountains and Lakes
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter
Selkirk Mountains, Canada
For incredible peaks with a fraction of the fame of larger ranges, checking out the Canadian part of the Selkirk Mountains could be a perfect fit. This little sister to the Rockies starts in Idaho but stretches north into British Columbia, where it hits some of its highest peaks, like Sir Sandford. What I love about this particular stretch of mountains is that it’s right next to major parks like Banff and Jasper—meaning you can get really similar views with half of the tourists. Try a spot like Valhalla Park or Goat Range Park.
Best for: Mountains and Lakes
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Pyrenees Mountains, France
This chain of mountains perfectly sits on the border of France and Spain and is a stand-out option for anybody who wants that European mountain vibe while still being able to get to the sea easily later! They’re also great for those looking for similar energy to the Alps with less crowds, more trees, and less extreme peaks. The Pic du Midi has a world-class observatory, cable car, and jaw-dropping panoramic views of the ridges and valleys all around you.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Ask any Coloradan where the best mountains in the state are, and they will point you in the direction of the San Juans. It’s not just height that makes for a great mountain view (though 13 of Colorado’s 50+ 14ers are right here in this range), it also has to do with the terrain around the peak and how you get there! Telluride and Ouray have some of the most extensive 4X4 networks in the nation from old gold mining trails, so driving into truly epic mountain passes is an easy ask here. If you want fall colors with your peaks, this is the perfect spot (I can help you time this juuuuust right.)
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lakes, Hot Springs and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking, Camping, Stargazing
South Tyrol, Italy
If you’re looking to elope near the Dolomites instead of directly on top of them, you should look to South Tyrol! Here you can get perfect views of the mountains in the background while also wandering through vineyards, down rolling green hills, and around turquoise alpine lakes with shorelines dotted with wildflowers. And, if you ever do want to get closer to the action, the Dolomites are incredibly accessible from here. But from the vantage points you’ll have, you can see every point and peak of this mountain that was once a prehistoric coral reef.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lakes and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping, Stargazing
Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand
The Waitakere Ranges and the regional park of the same name are special for their proximity to the coast, giving you beautiful views of both mountain and shoreline at the same time, with ridges and cliffs overlooking the sea, lined with thick vegetation and sea stack rocks. The black sand beaches are a huge draw here, with varying backdrops for you to say your vows against. There are also tons of stunning waterfalls to find in this area, buried amidst rock and rolling green hills.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall, Coast and Beach
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Torres Del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine is an epic national park and a great way to see Patagonia. There’s a good reason this is a must-stop for most people in the area. The main feature of the park is the Cordillera del Paine, thick towers of granite that rise up vertically from the mountains. You could embark on a multi-day backpacking tour of the park on the W trail, staying at either refugios (mountain hostels at campgrounds with fully operational restaurants) or staying in a tent. Getting married at the end of the 40+ mile stretch would be a memorable way to cap off your trip and start your marriage feeling super accomplished. Grey Lake is a popular destination here, with bright blue icebergs from the Grey Glacier floating in the waters. Layer up and go kayaking around both!
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall and Canyon
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Stargazing
Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Peru
Sacred Valley is a great spot to elope in—I know this, because I did it, myself! The mountains in this stretch of the Andes get up to 19,000 feet in elevation, leading to crazy cloud inversions and legitimately breathtaking views. This area is also packed with Incan architecture, including stone steps in the cliff sides and hidden archways. The valleys are deep and green and the rock formations are super interesting and make for a great backdrop! Lodging options give you your pick of pace, and you can camp as easily as you can find a luxury resort to stay in. At night, the stars here are truly incredible. For a next-day activity, you can also check out nearby Machu Picchu or the city of Cuzco.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Cities
Best months to get married here: October to March
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Glamping
Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawaii
In the heart of the island of Maui, the sunrises here are so popular that they require a permit system. That’s the kind of beauty you’re getting into in this park. The summit of the namesake volcano is over 10,000 feet—and you can drive right up to it before hopping out and exploring above the clouds. Sunset catching and stargazing into the night sky here are also more than worth the trip.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfalls and Desert
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Tetons are some extremely impressive mountains! This area is great for any couple who LOVES to hike and is especially inspired by steep jagged mountains, pristine lakes, and enjoys being surrounded by a lot of wildlife. I love the western feel of Jackson Hole, and all of the areas to explore and play outside here.
Best for: Mountains and Lakes
Best months to get married here: July to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Canoeing, Camping
Kamniško Sedlo / Kamnik Saddle, Slovenia
Hills full of green sprinkled with wildflowers, towering white rock formations that reflect the sunlight, perfectly teal lakes in tucked away spots, thick forests, and views from above the clouds. That’s what you can get with an elopement in the Kamnik Saddle. Camping is prohibited up here, but you can stay in the picturesque lodge built into the hillside, perfectly settled between Planjava and Brana. This is a half-day hike for most people, making it a great place to elope if you love a good trail. This area isn’t far from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, making it a great place to stay before or after exploring the saddle!
Best for: Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Mount Aspiring, also called Tititea, is one of the country’s tallest peaks at just under 10,000 feet. Looking at its rocky, triangular shape and snow covered body, it’s super easy to see why this mountain range is known as the Southern Alps. For those with an adventurous spirit, you can try out activities here like heli-skiing for a super unique way to get up close and personal with the gorgeous mountains in the park! Or if you like the idea of getting in the air but don’t necessarily want to ski, you can also take a tour of the parks glaciers by helicopter. There are no bad ways to enjoy this super stunning corner of the Earth.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Lakes
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter, Camping
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
For an epic peak and fields of wildflowers under your feet, it’s gotta be Mount Rainier National Park. There are SO many good views of the mountain in this park, and when the mountain is out, everyone around knows it’s going to be a great day. Mt. Rainier is not only the tallest peak in the lower 48, it’s also the most glaciated, so standing anywhere in its presence can be truly awe-inspiring. Part of what makes this 14er seem so impressive is the altitude you’re looking from. For example, in Rocky Mountain National Park, you may be looking at Longs Peak from 7,000 feet. But in Mount Rainier National Park, you’re looking at a mountain that’s even taller than that from about 1,600 feet. There’s so. Much. Mountain.
Best for: Mountains and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Zermatt, Switzerland
If having a huge mountain as grand as the Matterhorn in the background of your wedding day photos sounds like something you’re looking for, this would be a perfect spot for you. Zermatt is famous for being a great ski town, combining traditional Swiss mountain village energy with a luxury spin that makes everything feel extra special for something like an elopement. The highest open-air railway in Europe also runs through here and provides another super fun and unique way to get up into the peaks and get incredible views of the mountains around you without needing to have mountaineering skills ready to go.
Best for: Mountains, Glacier, Wildflowers and Lakes
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Aconcagua, Argentina
As the highest peak in the western hemisphere and the second tallest mountain in the world (second only to Everest!), Aconcagua is a mountain that will form a lasting memory. This mountain clocks in at over 22,000 feet in elevation, so while you won’t be submitting this peak on your elopement day (unless you’ve logged about 20 days of serious climbing beforehand), hiking part of this historic mountain on your wedding day would be a super cool thing to say you spent your day doing!
Best for: Mountains, Desert and Glaciers
Best months to get married here: January and December
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Denali is the tallest mountain in North America, clocking in at 20,310. Even if you don’t happen to have the time or skill to summit it (it can commonly take over 2 weeks!), there’s still so much to see here, and even being in the presence of one of the world’s Seven Summits can make your elopement super memorable. Helicopter tours can get you into some super memorable vistas pretty quickly. Even just driving down Denali Park Road will give you amazing views of the peaks and valleys of this park.
Best for: Mountains, Glacier, Wildflowers and Lakes
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Ski-plane
Chamonix, France
Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe, is primarily responsible for giving Chamonix its reputation for world-class mountains. All over town, cable cars are waiting to whisk you off to various peaks and ski areas, taking you from the picturesque village to seriously stunning mountains in the blink of an eye. There are also glaciers here to explore, like the Mer de Glace, which is the largest glacier in the country and accessible by train and cable car (as is the ice tunnel right next to it!). If you love seeing mountains as much as you love skiing down them, this could be the perfect place for you and your partner to elope.
Best for: Mountains, Glacier, Wildflowers and Forest
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Mount Olympus National Park, Greece
Mount Olympus is the highest point in the country and the stuff of literal legend. The tallest peak on the mountain is named Mytikas and is hikeable for those looking for a mythical summit to conquer on their wedding day. But you don’t have to be a Greek mythology fan to appreciate everything this park has to offer. From some outlooks, you can see all the way out to the Aegean Sea! This is a spot that has entranced humans for centuries, and when you’re standing on a lookout at sunset, surrounded by golden hills, you’ll feel connected to every single one of them. If you love the idea of a dose of history with your amazing views, this could be just the spot.
Best for: Mountains and Forest
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Schilthorn/Birg, Switzerland
These twin peaks are connected by something called the “Thrill Walk,” a glass and steel walkway that takes you over stunning valleys for those unafraid of heights. These are some of the highest peaks in the region and blockbusters have filmed at the rotating restaurant on top of Schilthorn (so you know that this area is up to the challenge of feeling special enough for your wedding day!). Even during summer, these mountains will stay snow-covered, which forms a super dramatic and breathtaking backdrop against the summery rolling green Swiss hills.
Best for: Mountains and Glaciers
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Ben Nevis, Scotland
This mountain is the highest point in all of the British Isles and Gaelic legend says that it’s also home to a divine queen of winter. There are many paths up to the top of Ben Nevis, and most of them are doable in a day—so if climbing a mountain is on your to-do list for the day, this is a solid option. You can also get to the top via a mountain gondola or by driving to the top, so don’t feel like you have to miss out on great panoramas of the Scottish Highlands if mountain climbing doesn’t sound like it would fit into your day! Sights off the mountain include wide valleys, shimmering lochs, and cloud inversions.
Best for: Mountains and Coast
Best months to get married here: May to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Chugach National Forest, Alaska
If you’ve ever wanted to spend your elopement day taking a helicopter to mountaintops and huge sheets of ice, this is going to be perfect for you. This massive wilderness area is super wild, with no towns or roads. I like to compare it to Patagonia, if Patagonia managed to have a lot better weather. There are over 50 glaciers here that you can easily heli to—from right near Anchorage all the way to Prince William Sound.
Best for: Mountains, Glaciers, Waterfall, Lakes and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter
Mount Cook, New Zealand
Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, clocking in at over 12,000 feet in elevation. It can be submitted if you’re a pair of serious climbers and want an insane feat to always say that you conquered on your wedding day. If that’s not your speed, though, there’s plenty of other beauty to find on the mountain! Helicopter tours of glaciers or hikes at lower elevations are great ways to take in the scenery without having to bust out the ice picks.
Best for: Mountains and Glaciers
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter, Rock Climbing
Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain is an iconic feature of the South African coast, rising up in a solid plateau above Cape Town. The feature gets its name from the distinct cloud layer that forms on top of it, looking like a table cloth draped over a large stone table. You can hop on the aerial tramway to the top—including options to rent a private cable car!—and soar up to 3500 feet to get incredible views of the coast from the top. Go for a hike or have a private dinner indoors with incredible food and amazing sights. This is a great pick for any elopement day style.
Best for: Mountain, Clouds, City, Coast
Best months to get married here: Year Round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Cable car
Glacier National Park, Montana
If you are looking for the perfect place to have a mix of gorgeous scenery and lots of wildlife– look no further. This park is extremely popular for good reason– it is a colorful, unique, mountain-filled, wildlife-overflowing, magical place. Don’t let the popularity scare you though– there are still plenty of places to find some peace and quiet and take in the views.
Best for: Mountains, Glacier, Lake, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: July to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Nausori Highlands, Fiji
The Nausori Highlands are on the western side of the island, right outside of Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. This area will give you elevated peaks over the valleys of the island, with perfect 360 views of rolling hills and interesting plateaus. These mountains aren’t snowy and rocky—they’re lush, green, and full of life. Ridge hikes here are particularly rewarding when it comes to the scenery!
Best for: Mountain, Forest, Island
Best months to get married here: Year Round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Need more options? Want to explore something different? My interactive map is stocked with nearly 600 locations for you to choose from! Filter by scenery, activity or season and see results all over the globe.
There are plenty of spots to elope in the world, but only one of your wedding day. You don’t have to do this alone—I’m here to help! From planning to scouting to making sure your elopement is exactly what you want, you can count on me to be your personal wish-granter-miracle-worker-hype-woman-best-friend through the entire process.
Let’s chat! Click here to send me a message to get started.
