How to Avoid Crowds on Your Elopement Day

One of the most common questions I hear from couples is:

“How do we avoid crowds on our elopement day?”

If you’re dreaming of a quiet, intimate celebration—just you, your partner, and the stunning landscape you’ve chosen—it’s natural to want privacy. While you can’t completely avoid other visitors (especially in a national or state park), there are several ways to drastically cut down on the number of people you’ll encounter.

Here are my top tips for avoiding crowds and creating a more private elopement experience.

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1. Elope in the Early Morning or Late Evening

Peak hours in most national and state parks are between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you plan your ceremony for sunrise or just before sunset, you’ll not only miss the heaviest traffic—you’ll also get the most magical light for your photos. Early mornings bring a peaceful stillness, while golden hour offers that warm, romantic glow that makes elopement portraits truly breathtaking. Check out my golden hour elopement photos to see what I mean.

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2. Choose a Weekday Over a Weekend

Weekends bring in local hikers, travelers, and families, which can make even the quietest trails busier than usual. Eloping on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday will give you a better chance of having locations to yourselves. Plus, you’ll likely have more vendor availability and flexibility in your schedule.

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3. Consider an Off-Season Elopement

Summer is by far the busiest time for both elopements and tourism in national parks. If you want privacy, think about planning your celebration in spring or fall. The weather can still be beautiful, the scenery is often just as stunning, and you’ll avoid the crowds of family vacationers. Winter can also be magical if you don’t mind bundling up—and you might have entire trails to yourselves. Talk to your photographer about the best time of year to elope to plan your perfect day.

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4. Explore Lesser-Known Trails

Iconic spots are popular for a reason, and I always encourage couples to visit them while they’re in the area—but you don’t have to say your vows there. For your ceremony, consider a lesser-known Redwoods location or hidden Oregon Coast spot where you can share your vows in peace. Save the popular locations for a separate adventure day so you can enjoy them without feeling rushed or crowded.

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5. Decide How Much Privacy Matters to You

Before you start planning, think about what “privacy” means for your day. Do you want a secluded spot just for the ceremony? Or do you want the entire day to be completely private? Your answer will shape everything—from your timeline to your location choices.

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6. Work With a Photographer Who Knows the Area

Working with an Oregon Coast & Redwoods elopement photographer who knows the area is one of your biggest assets during the planning process. They’ll know which trails are hidden gems, the best times to visit, and how to pivot if your chosen spot is unexpectedly busy. Their local knowledge can make all the difference in creating the peaceful, intimate experience you’re dreaming of.

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Embrace the Day—Crowds and All

Even with careful planning, you may still run into a few curious onlookers. When that happens, try to embrace the moment. You might hear strangers call out congratulations or tell you how beautiful you look—and those small, unexpected interactions can add a joyful layer to your story.

Your elopement is about you, your love, and the promises you make to each other. If privacy is a priority, let’s start planning your elopement today to make your dream day a reality—no matter how many (or how few) people are around.

Let’s create an experience that reflects who you are and what matters most—one that’s completely stress-free and entirely yours from beginning to end.