Elopements have evolved into so much more than a secret courthouse run-away.
Instead, they have become moments of celebration with intentionality. By releasing “must dos” and leaning into desire and fun, your elopement can become anything that you want it to be. ✨
Thinking of modern elopements, seeing couples dressed to the nines on the sides of a mountain during their adventure elopement has become more popular. But, that isn’t the only way to elope.
Another creative way to elope is going to a city that you love and experiencing everything within it that you could want.
Sure, maybe you get married at the courthouse, but it no longer has to be just that impersonal administrative paperwork session that marks the celebration of your day.
Maybe you have a favorite spot to grab a slice and can’t think of a better “wedding reception” dinner, but you want to experience the glam dress of a wedding. Both are possible if you’re eloping in the city!
Atlanta offers endless options that could create the ultimate elopement experience. (PS, I’m an ordained officiant so can marry you wherever we end up! )
Keep reading to learn the best places to elope in Atlanta from urban spots to outdoor locations!
Best Places to Elope in Atlanta — Find Nature in the City
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is an iconic Atlanta spot and makes it one of the best places to elope in Atlanta.
The park is stunning with its natural beauty and its city skyline views, nothing beats it. If you’re looking to elope with no crew, this is the spot for you!
Want to see some of the magic of Piedmont Park? Check out this surprise proposal I did!
Centennial Olympic Park
Another no-crew spot in Atlanta is Centennial Olympic Park.
This park was created to wow the nations and its beauty still stands as a central mark for the city. This 22-acre park does host events, but if you want to do a quick and intimate elopement, that is possible!
Say your vows, then hop aboard the Sky View Atalanta Ferris Wheel to experience great views of the city and the park!
SkyLounge above Olympic Park
If you want a crew or even a crew celebration after your vows, check out the SkyLounge above Olympic Park.
A rooftop experience provides you with that late-night euphoric top-of-the-world experience. You can rent out the whole restaurant for your event and gives you the city-life experience while maintaining your privacy.
Credit: SkyLounge
Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast
Stonehurst Place is a bed and breakfast in Midtown Garden District.
This historic spot can offer great accommodations after your elopement or say your vows at Stonehurst Place. They offer an intimate elopement (2 guests) up to a larger crew.
This spot gives a historic and intimate feeling, without compromising the ease of location within the city. It’s within walking distance from so many awesome spots, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden!
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are an amazing spot to elope with both indoor and outdoor ceremony spots. This would be an ideal elopement location if you are wanting to be surrounded by curated nature without the unexpected of the wild.
For something extra memorable say your I Do’s (or, like the third image below, a surprise proposal!) under the twinkly holiday lights! The annual show is pretty amazing!
Images 1 & 2 Credit: Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Oakland Cemetery
Okay, this spot might be a bit unexpected, but hang with me!
Oakland Cemetery is unique, historic, and stunning in the most unconventional ways. If you’re looking to elope outside, it’s free! But if you want the security of a building, you can rent a greenhouse.
I think, for the right couple, the Oakland Cemetery can be one the best places to elope in Atlanta.
Elope at the Courthouse
The courthouse might seem like the shotgun wedding location, but it doesn’t have to be!
The courthouse has an edgy, rock-and-roll kind of feel. It can make an awesome spot in an entire elopement experience- legality at the courthouse, playful portraits in Cabbage Town, then glamping on Lake Lanier, or at a luxury tree house hidden in town to celebrate.
PSST: Check out the historic Dekalb Courthouse if you want something a little more historic. They offer rentals for a full-traditional wedding, but have options for elopements, too!
The Great Outdoors Make a Great Elopement Option
Maybe the great outdoors is more your vibe, no problem! Atlanta still offers some incredible locations right outside city limits.
If you’re looking for an elopement that takes place in Atlanta and beyond, here is a blog post of some of my very favorite adventure elopement spots in Georgia.
Arabia Mountain
Located right outside of Atlanta, Arabia Mountain is a super cool place that can host just you two and a crew! It offers wide open spaces atop a gorgeous granite summit, giving sweeping views of tree-covered Atlanta in the background.
This mountain makes a great backdrop for an elopement for you two or you with a small crew! No matter the season, this location should be on your list of best places to elope in Atlanta.
Bamboo Forest
Just 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, the bamboo forest is a surprising escape from the city.
This elopement location is spell bounding. Located on the Chattahoochee River, the bamboo forest is just that- a forest of bamboo!
If you want to elope there, you can go for the day for your ceremony (it does require a hike!) or even stay within the forest at The Alpaca Treehouse: a treehouse within the forest that offers elopement packages.
Chattahoochee River
There are 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River which you can kayak, canoe, and use small motor boats on.
The Chattahoochee National River Recreation Area has hiking and biking paths and hiking trails all around the river. Did you know there’s even some rock climbing in the area too?!?!
Imagine a light-hearted ceremony at the river’s edge in the morning, followed by a slow tube or kayak float down the river with your crew to celebrate! Adjourn to a local Airbnb or hotel for a lovely dinner, celebratory nightcap, and beautiful relaxed stay!
Boom!
This would be the ultimate, fun, low key elopement day!
The Best Place to Elope in Atlanta
What’s the very best place to elope in Atlanta? Honestly, it is the place(s) that feel best to you and your partner.
Whatever spot makes your soul light up, makes you even more excited to say “I do,” and makes you feel most like yourself.
If you’re ready to elope and want a photographer, elopement concierge, and an ordained officiant all-in-one to help create the smoothest, best elopement experience ever, I’m your gal!
I am here to help you plan your elopement, capture the memories, and legalize it (if you need that, too!) Schedule a meeting to chat and see if we would be a good fit here!
If you’d like to do some more reading for your elopement prep, check out this quick guide on eloping in Georgia.
When it comes to deciding where to elope, you need to think about what spot feels ˆrightˆ for you and your partner. You can also think practically about the choice – finances obviously do pay a part. But ultimately you have to follow your heart.
An elopement is a type of wedding. But weddings often have limitations to them – guest numbers, dates, and expected experiences. On the flip side, an elopement comes with no rules or expectations. You can do whatever you want to do wherever and whenever.
