best southwest elopement wedding destinations

by Baylee Cordova

Looking for the perfect place to elope? Well, you’ve come to the right spot!

The southwest and west coast is beaming with places for your dream elopement. From stunning backdrops, to adventure filled scenery, we have it ALL. But let’s talk about capturing that perfect moment.. We know you want your special day to be able to live on for generations, which is why we’re here to help. Below are a handful of places we want to highlight to help you narrow down your dream destination. These are some of Frankies favorites, and we know they will be yours too! Take a look below to see some of the places we have on our bucket list.

I AM AN ELOPEMENT AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE DESERT. I GREW UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN NEW MEXICO BUT MY ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT LED ME TO EXPLORE THE WORLD. TRAVELING IS WHAT GETS MY HEART RACING. I LOVE DOING ANYTHING THAT REVOLVES AROUND EXPERIENCING NEW CULTURES, VISITING NEW COUNTRIES, AND CREATING ART THROUGH CAPTURING THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS OF LIFE.

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I WOULD LOVE for YOU to BECAME PART OF MY TRIBE! JOIN THE COOL KIDS BY SIGNING UP TO GET WEEKLY UPDATES ON EXCLUSIVE SALES, MY LATEST ADVENTURES, TIPS & TRICKS BEHIND THE MAGIC, AND ANYTHING IN BETWEEN! THE BEST PART IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO DO SIT BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY ALL THE GOODNESS TO COME.

I'M SO IN, SIGN ME UP

Horseshoe Bend – Page, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is a section of the Colorado River that is simply magnificent and has views reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. The area came to be because of how the water has chosen to flow along the path of least resistance. The bend in the river is at a 270-degree angle which gives it its beautiful horseshoe bend shape. The beautiful river flowing around the incredible rock formations within the canyon makes it an extra special backdrop! If you love the outdoors, hiking, and amazing views this could be the ideal location for your elopement.

photo by peyton rainey

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photo by ashley taylor

Monument Valley – Arizona

Located on the Arizona-Utah border, you’ll find the most epic plains in Monument Valley with views of red sand spread out for miles across the desert. This Navajo Tribal Park is a beautiful place to declare your love surrounded by sandstone buttes, rich culture and majestic sunsets that go on for miles. Doesn’t sound glamorous enough yet? The eroded land has become a popular filming location for western films, and quite possibly your perfect elopement destination. During your visit, you and your lover can even adventure through some amazing trails and go on breathtaking tours to get you more acquainted with the native land.

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photo by amanda vaelynn

Arches – Grand County, Utah

Described as a re-rock, Wonderland Arches in the Southwest is a prime location for any couple ready to marry the love of their life. You’ll say your vows in front of beautiful rock formations, surrounded by miles of natural, artistic desert scenery. Can’t quite picture it? Imagine, walking into a national park, completely surrounded by thousands of natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, and beauty and adventure waiting to be explored at every corner. This high desert retreat has an abundance of beauty with a variety of styles, so you can ensure you’ll get exactly the vibe you’re looking for!

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Sedona – Arizona

photo by allison slater

Sedona is a beautiful little town located just south of Flagstaff, rich in glorious views across the lower end of Oak Creek Canyon. This area is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, which provides a large range of unique scenery that can give you anything from a desert feel, forest feel, or even a mix of both… the choice is yours! This location is full of various trails. Explore the deep canyons and take a famous pink jeep tour, get lost in some luxury vineyards, or horseback through the desert… Whatever it is you're looking for, this place is all about the adventure.

White Sands National Park is like no place on earth, it is located in the middle of nowhere near Alamogordo. It is easily one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dune field.

We love White Sands for its peacefulness and tranquility and overwhelming natural beauty. There are so many epic spots to say your “I dos”. I

Top inspiration for this location: XXXXXX

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photo by meg brooke

Joshua Tree, California

Now, if you haven’t heard of this popular spot yet, you’re in for a treat. Joshua Tree National Park is located in southern California, straddling Arizona and Utah. It’s known for its mystifying geological wonders, and unique Joshua trees. It’s a popular tourist destination for campers and adventure seekers. So whether you want to take a walk through some of the southwest's most magical desert landscapes or sit back and catch shooting stars during some night time star gazing, this place will truly take your breath away. Joshua tree national park is sure to wow you, and your photos are guaranteed to be the talk of the socials!

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Palm Springs, California

Last but definitely not least... Palm Springs! Of course, it’s widely popular for its surrounding Coachella Valley, and music festival but this little city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, has everything from hot springs and quaint hotels, to golf courses and spas. Palm Springs is the perfect little getaway for you and your lover to get some necessary TLC. And if all that still wasn’t good enough reasons to elope here, the shopping is nothing short of glamorous. Stroll or ride along Palm Canyon Drive, and you’ll enter into a retail world of vintage boutiques, interior design shops and trendy restaurants.