Top 5 Places to Elope in Texas

An elopement in Lake Houston Wilderness Park

Thinking about eloping in the Lone Star state and need some location inspiration? I’ve got you covered with a list of five of my favorite places to get married in Texas. There’s a little something for everyone, from peaceful treelined lakes to magical desert views, so be sure to read all the way through to find a spot for your Texas elopement.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park

Located right inside the city of Houston is a park that covers roughly 4,800 acres of outdoors fun. Lake Houston Wilderness Park offers a variety of activities that include 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, 13 miles of horseback riding trails, treelined creeks for kayaking, and of course a few camping spots. This area is gorgeous year-round and there are plenty of good spots to say your vows throughout the park.

There are several lodging options available to rent around the beautiful lake and most of them can accommodate up to 6 people. This park is perfect for couples who are looking to elope or have an intimate wedding somewhere that’s outdoors but still close to the city (or inside of the city in this case). Here you can choose between primitive camping or something a little more comfortable like a cabin. My pick would be the lakeside A-frame shelters which are really popular and get reserved pretty quickly. If you’re inviting a few guests to your small wedding and they don’t want to stay out in the woods with you, there are plenty of hotels nearby.

The cabins on Lake Houston

McKinney Falls State Park

Here’s another great option for couples who want the outdoors experience but don’t want to stray too far away from home. McKinney Falls State Park is only 13 miles from the state capitol of Austin. As the name suggests, the main feature of the park is its unique waterfalls. Say your vows on top of the limestone ledges as Onion Creek flows around you.

McKinney Falls has 81 campsites or 6 cabins to choose from and like the previous park, you can rent a group hall for a small gathering. There is plenty of shade for the summer months and swimming is allowed if you wanted to take a dip and cool off. Eloping couples can hike and bike nine miles of trails or choose to fish in the park’s creeks, no license required. McKinney Falls is also dog friendly so this spot is ideal for couples who want to bring along their four-legged friend.

McKinney Falls

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

The next spot on the list is a giant pink dome just north of Fredericksburg. Enchanted Rock is a popular hiking destination right in the heart of Texas, and for good reason. The 425 foot dome is an easy summit through some great scenery and is especially gorgeous during sunrise and sunset. Though the park can get crowded due to its popularity, there are plenty of spots for couples to say their vows in private.

Besides hiking and camping in this part of the texas hill country, you can also go rock climbing and stargazing. There aren’t any cabins available as most of the overnight options inside of the park are primitive camping areas, though showers are available for you to use. The park is close to both San Antonio and Austin, so there is plenty of lodging available for those who want to opt for something a little less primitive to get ready. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, day-use areas and the loop trail.

View on Enchanted Rock

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Tucked away in the panhandle of Texas is the second largest canyon in the country. This rugged canyon is easily accessible from Amarillo and offers adventurous couples a variety of activities and locations to choose from. Breathtaking views can be found everywhere in the park with its red colored mountains and unique rock formations. No matter where you choose to have your ceremony in the park, you can’t go wrong.

For a true western experience, cowboys and cowgirls can go horseback riding through 1,500 acres of land that are specifically set aside for equestrian use. Couples who don’t want to rough it in primitive campsites will be excited to find newly available glamping options on the canyon floor or opt for a cabin up on the canyon rim. The park also has two pavilions available for rent which would be perfect for couples who want to have a small wedding. Dog parents will be happy to know that dogs are allowed.

Couple climbing to the Lighthoust in Palo Duro Canyon

Big Bend National Park

The only national park on this list is also the largest. Big Bend is in fact larger than the state of Rhode Island, but it’s also the most difficult park on this list to get to. If you want to get away from it all and have a truly private elopement with your partner, you can’t go wrong with Big Bend and it’s more than 800,000 acres of land. The park has so many different sceneries to choose from, so there’s something here for any couple, including getting married under the glow of the Milky Way as the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park.

Choose your own adventure in Big Bend National Park with over 200 miles of hiking trails, 150 miles of dirt roads for off-roading fun, and 100 miles of paved roads for scenic driving. Other activities include stargazing, mountain biking, backpacking, horseback riding, and kayaking in the Rio Grande River. As with most national parks, pets aren’t allowed on trails, but other than that, Big Bend is truly an adventurous elopement dream.

Dancing at the South Rim in Big Bend National Park

Now that you’ve read through my list, I hope that I’ve helped you answer your question about where to elope in Texas. Wherever you decide to elope in this great state, be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles so that the next couple can enjoy what Texas has to offer. Did your favorite spot make it on this list? If not, let me know so others can check it out! Don’t forget to visit my website for more photos, and if you’re still looking for a photographer for your elopement, find out If I’m a good fit for you, here.