With summer at its peak, my favorite August elopement locations in the US tend to be higher elevation or northern wilderness areas. These tend to be places where snow doesn’t melt until July some years, and where summer takes its time arriving. By August, regions like Alaska, Glacier National Park and northern Washington state finally thaw out and welcome warm weather!
If you’ve chosen an elopement date in August, or are wondering which areas are best in late summer, below are 4 stunning areas to consider. August is a dry month with long, warm days, when wildflowers, wildlife and mild weather are most abundant!
August elopement locations in Alaska: Denali National Park, Glacier Bay, Kanai Fjords
Due to how far north it is, summer is short and sweet in Alaska. The more southern areas of interior Alaska, near Fairbanks and Denali National Park, are not only most convenient to visit but also warmest. Temperatures can reach into the 60s and 70s during the day. In August, there is relatively little rainfall as well. You’ll still need to pack for rain and cooler weather though, since nightime temperatures can drop into the 40s and 50s.
The warm daytime temperatures are great for viewing wildlife, hiking and fishing. One thing you can’t miss if you elope in Alaska is the chance for a helicopter tour of a glacier. Imagine saying your vows on top of one of these frozen natural wonders, miles from anyone, surrounded by deep blue ice!
For those who really enjoy more physical activities, you can kayak among icebergs in Glacier Bay National Park or the Kenai fjords. A boat tour can give you up close views of tidewater glaciers calving into the sea, whale spotting, dramatic fjords, or all the above.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a great August elopement location since the rest of the year it’s buried in snow. The snowpack on the mountains tends to persist until mid June, and some years, well into July. Until the snow melts entirely, the Going to the Sun road (the main vein through the park) remains inaccessible.
Daytime temperatures reach into the 70s and 80s during the day at lower elevations. Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake and Two Medicine Lake are pristine areas to spend the long, hot days on the water boating, kayaking or fishing.
August’s sunny weather grows fields of colorful lupins and lush wildflowers. The melting snowpack continues to feed the rivers and waterfalls, making for green meadows and great white water rafting. Hiking trails and viewpoints branch off the Going to the Sun road, leaving a road trip through the park a must on your elopement day.
ALSO READ: A guide to Glacier National Park special use photo permits
Mt. Baker and the North Cascades
These two August elopement locations are distinct even though they are both part of the greater North Cascades. In fact, there is a 3 hour drive between them!
I recommend one over the other depending on what you want to do for your elopement day. Mt. Baker tends to have more variety and accessibility, with lots of shorter hikes and easy access locations great for including guests. For that reason, it’s a popular area for elopements and tourism generally. There’s lots of vacation homes and cabins nearby to stay in, and even in bad weather, the lower elevation mountains here look great with cloud cover. Some of my favorite hikes in the world are here!
The North Cascades is deeper into the wilderness areas with a more “backcountry” feel. It’s perfect for couples wanting more immersive hikes, no guests, and fewer crowds. You can do a lot of 6-10 mile day hikes here deep into the mountains. The area also has tons of pristine lakes if that is important to you.
Check out this August elopement at Mt. Baker for inspiration!
August elopements in Olympic National Park
August in Olympic National Park is as beautiful as it gets. The diversity of the area alone makes it incredible for exploring over a full day. In one park, you can see alpine summits, bright blue lakes, pacific sunsets, rainforests and tide pools. If variety is something you really value for your elopement day, then Olympic offers it all.
Warm daytime temperatures and “dry” weather make the 600 miles of hiking trails here pleasant and accessible. There are all types of hiking trails available, ranging from well maintained tourist pathways to ch
The only downside is the crowds and the Pacific Northwest weather. Even though August is a “dry” month, it’s always a bit finicky. You have to still be okay with mist, rain and fog!
Interested in finding out more about an August elopement in one of these locations?
Heya, I’m Nicole. I specialize in adventure elopements in these areas and am ready to hear all your ideas. Just fill out the contact form below to learn more:
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This blog was written, curated and researched by Mariah Arianna, copywriter for photographers and creatives.