How to Choose the Perfect Elopement Location in Texas
Hot dang, it’s official and you want to be able to find that perfect elopement location in Texas! You said yes and now it’s time to start planning your adventurous, intimate elopement right here in the best state ever. You may be thinking, “ugh… Texas. If I wanted to have my wedding with a barn and cows I would have picked the millions of barn venues on every corner” but we are here to tell you THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS! Did you know we have canyons + waterfalls + mountains? Did you know in the state of Texas you don’t have to have a witness to get married and we can marry you anywhere? If you don’t quite know where to elope in Texas, this is the perfect place to start. Texas stretches into many different climates and can accommodate so many of your wildest fantasies. (my mind literally goes to Ludacris and the “What’s your fantasy” song. If you’ve been with me on an elopement you know I get down!) There is everything from lush wetlands (…that’s what she said) and rocky mountains, cascading waterfalls to rolling desert sandhills, and of course the 2nd largest canyon in the United States of America. So how do you narrow it down?
Somewhere new or somewhere nostalgic?
Do you want to check an epic location off your bucket list and explore a new place together? Or do you want to return to a nostalgic spot that holds a special meaning to the two of you? This is the first step in choosing the perfect elopement destination and we can really help you narrow your options for Texas. Maybe you want to get married at Guadalupe Mountains National Park where you fell in love hiking to the peak for the first time, you know, that moment you shared right before you thought you were going to die together because it’s the hardest climb in the state? Or have y’all been discussing a certain experience that you’re just stupid excited to do together like an adrenaline-laced river trip at Devil’s River, rock climbing at Enchanted Rock, have a roaring waterfall behind you to where you don’t hear anyone complaining about the heat? Yup, we’ve got allllll of that.
What scenery speaks to you the most when thinking of locations to elope in Texas?
If you’re a water person, do you want more of the serene, island vibe of Rockport Beach or the energy of splashing and skiing on Lake Travis or floating down the river? A freaking treehouse where you’re literally suspended in the air? (see our vow renewal in a treehouse post here) Are you craving Sahara Desert vibes close to home? Monahans Sandhills is like visiting another country with its rolling sand dunes, yes, exactly like what you see on Instagram. Maybe you love the feeling of being surrounded by the lush greenery of Colorado Bend State Park, the mist of Gorman Falls to make you feel like a baller for finding a legit waterfall in Texas. If you’re down for an intense, challenging hike, we even know some epic hidden-from-public slot canyons at Palo Duro Canyon, or the freaking Narrows in Hill Country (I will personally buy you an award if you’re able to hike with us to the Narrows). Did you know Texas even has its own salt flat beach?!
What time of year has the look you’re going after?
Definitely keep in mind the type of weather or season you naturally feel drawn to. If you want all the stunning red and gold leaves of Lost Maples and Garner State Park, late October to mid-November is usually the best time. Waterfalls like Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park run the fullest from April to around mid-September. Parks without a lot of shade like Enchanted Rock or Palo Duro Canyon are best visited outside of summer months unless you’re an early morning person who likes to be up before sunrise. Remember that Texas is huge and each part of the state has completely different weather vibes. Palo Duro Canyon is located right in tornado alley with hardly any trees and gets snow each year, while the further south you go you will see more green lush garden vibes with trees without snow. The south/southwest part of Texas will keep its colors on the trees longer than the top of Texas and the West of Texas. (Click here to see a rainy day Big Bend elopement)
Do you want the Milky Way in your photos? The best places will be Big Bend or Palo Duro Canyon. We have found that these are the best locations to get true stargazing shots.
What about crowds?
Oh, yes… the classic Sally-Sue in her volleyball shorts and sports bra walking her 300lb dog right behind your ceremony… It’s just beautiful, right? (Highly sarcastic) Let us just scream this- “Don’t forget about holidays + summer breaks!” State and national parks are more crowded during these times and may not give you the secluded feeling you’re after, especially if it’s a weekend. Generally speaking, fall thru spring are the optimal seasons in Texas for your adventure elopement, but don’t let that deter you from having a winter wedding in the desert at Big Bend National Park, or enjoying a summer elopement at the Frio River in Hill Country, which stays a crisp 68 degrees year-round! If you plan to have your elopements or small wedding on a Monday, you will avoid Salley-Sues, vs being at a location the whole world is at on a Saturday.
Still struggling to decide where to Elope in Texas?
Don’t fret! We’re Texas-born and bred women with a penchant for adventure and we’ve spent our whole lives exploring all the beauty that Texas has to offer. Like, literally we camp at these places to see what locations are best for sunrises or sunsets, or for guests that have disabilities (see the blog for physically impaired guests here), etc. One of our favorite things about our job is working with adventurous couples, just like you, and helping you plan an elopement or intimate wedding to knock your freakin socks off. We have a combined 24 years of experience and know all the hidden gems to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. We’re experts at finding the perfect location based on your personality and vision for the day. Let’s connect and see what we can dream up together!
Mountains/Rocky
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park
Davis Mountains Preserve
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Canyons
Santa Elena Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park
Boquillas Canyon
Eagle Nest Canyon
Desert
Monahans Sandhills
Salt Basin Dunes
Ernst Tinaja
Waterfalls
Cattail Falls
Gorman Falls
Krause Springs
Falls Creek
Pedernales Falls
River Falls Ranch
Caves/Narrows
“The Narrows” – Hill Country
Sunday Canyon Slots – Palo Duro Canyon
Cave at Eisenhower State Park
Cave without a Name – Hill Country
Lakes
Eisenhower State Park
Lake Travis
Amistad National Recreation Area
Possum Kingdom
Blue Hole Regional Park
Jacobs Well
Inks Lake State Park
Rivers
Seminole Canyon State Park
Caddo State Park
Devils River State Natural Area
Garner State Park
Guadalupe River State Park
Ocean/Beach
Sal Del Rey
Rockport Beach
Malaquite Beach
Forest/Wooded
Sam Houston National Forest
Huntsville State Park
Palmetto State Park
Cypress Valley Treehouses
