Top 10 Places to Elope in Texas
Texas is such a diverse and beautiful state. I have spent my whole life here and have always appreciated the gorgeous scenery on the backroads, the rolling hills in the countryside and even the big cities this place has.
Because of this, when couples want to a quick but memorable elopement, I recommend keeping it close to home. Literally. Our Lonestar State has 95+ state parks,16 national parks, natural areas and historic sites spanning over 580,000 acres of land! So, to help narrow down your search, here are some of my favorite Texas elopement locations so you can find exactly what you want for your dream elopement wedding…
Top Texas Elopement Locations
Texas Hill Country - For Wine Lovers
Big Bend National Park - For Star Gazers
Monahans Sandhills State Park - For an Arabian Nights Theme
Palo Duro Canyon State Park - For a Grand Canyon Vibe
Garner State Park - For Summer Water Fun
Guadalupe Mountains National Park - For Mountain Lovers
Lost Maples State Park - For Perfect Fall Weddings
Lake Whitney State Park - For a Close-to-Home Oasis
Big Thicket National Preserve - For a Texas Bayou Adventure
Padre Island - For Beach Lovers
The amazing lands of the Texas Hill Country is an outdoor lovers’ fantasy with endless hiking trails, lakes and rivers, camping grounds and more! Not to mention some of Texas' top vineyards. Here are some lovely spots I recommend that can be found in the Texas Hill Country: Enchanted Rock, Guadalupe State River, Colorado Bend State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, McKinney Falls, Fredericksburg, Hamilton Pool, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery.
Big Bend National Park is one of Texas’ two national parks, and is the perfect choice for a secluded and intimate location for your elopement! You don’t get as much of the crowds, and you can also get some great star gazing in since there’s less light pollution! Make sure to check out Lost Mine Trail, Balanced Rock Trail and Santa Elena Canyon while you’re there. With some of the most beautiful mountain views, canyons, desert vibes, hot springs, rivers and more - Big Bend is a great option for an elopement in Texas.
Did you know Texas has sand dunes?! The Monahans Sandhills is such magical spot for an elopement - the sand dancing in the wind is truly surreal and it’s so much fun to run around while barefoot! This location is ideal during cooler months, and there's a bonus of some fantastic activities, such as camping, horseback riding and even sledding!
P.S. You can also find some incredible sand dunes in California, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, and even Oregon!
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the country, right up there next to the Grand Canyon. There is so much amazing history to this beautiful place with lots of activities like hiking trails, biking, horseback riding, camping, "glamping," epic slot canyons, bird watching and more.
Garner State Park is one of those places that’s perfect for a wedding weekend or just a laid-back weekend with loved ones! With the Frio River nearby, you can enjoy a fun day of tubing or paddle boating. Enjoy everything the Texas Hill Country has to offer, with the scenic hiking trails, camping, canoeing, fishing, mini golf, biking, and more!
If you're looking for that ideal stunning view of mountains, canyons and desert sand dunes, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is your best bet. With epic night skies, this park features the four highest peaks in Texas and the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef. I don’t quite know what that is, but I know it’s something that would look great in a photograph. 😉 You can head to McKittrick Canyon, Frijole Ranch, Salt Basin Dunes, Dog Canyon and Williams Ranch.
Mostly known for its fall colors, Lost Maples is your ultimate jackpot for those idyllic fall scenes. Located close to San Antonio, Lost Maples State Park features wildflowers, canyons, the lovely Sabinal River and Can Creek. You’ll find over 10 miles of hiking trails, fishing, wildlife, camping, backpacking and stargazing - you can even go swimming at Medina Lake!
Another beautiful weekend getaway spot is Lake Whitney State Park. This destination is a short road trip from DFW or Waco, and it features stunning clear water, hiking, camping, fishing, swimming and boating!
At Big Thicket, with its diverse landscapes, you'll have plenty of options to choose from as a backdrop for your ceremony! Because it is a natural preserve protecting a variety of ecosystems and habitats in southeast Texas, it has over forty hiking trails, creeks and rivers, longleaf pine forests and cypress-lined bayous. You can also experience paddling at the Neches River, go backcountry camping, and visit beautiful areas like Turkey Creek, Hickory Creek, Beaumont, Beach Creek, Big Sandy Creek, Canyonlands and many more!
If you are looking for an island getaway without the hassle of flying overseas, Padre Island is the perfect place with the most beautiful stretch of Texas coastline! This tranquil destination features sandy beaches, beautiful resorts, coastal wildlife, such as dolphins and sea turtles, kite boarding and of course fishing. This is a highly recommended spot for beach elopements in Texas.
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