Painless logistics with stunning backdrops…what more could you ask for? Here are the five easiest states to get married in.
You have found your perfect person and are ready to spend the rest of your life together… that’s the hard part. I believe that the “getting married” portion should be easy! However, in many states, officially tying the knot can be a challenge with numerous hoops to jump through and boxes to check.
If you are you excited to make it official without all of the logistics, this article is for you. Below is a list of the easiest states to get married in. The fact that they are also some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring states in our nation may have you more excited to say “I do” than ever before.
The Easiest States to Get Married In #1: Colorado
Did you know…“purple mountain majesty” refers to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains? One look at the front range in Colorado and you will understand exactly why. Not only is Colorado a gorgeous state, but it is also one of the easiest states to get married in.
Colorado law does not require a blood test, witnesses, or a waiting period in order to get married. Furthermore, a couple can self solemnize their own marriage. New to the term? Self solemnizing is the act of marrying yourself without a judge or officiant present. This can be especially beneficial to couples searching for a very unique off-the-grid elopement location where it is just the two of you present.
The Best Places to Get Married in Colorado
Feeling inspired by the thought of saying “I do” at 8,000 feet? If you feel at home on the ski slopes or curled up near a fire, the Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek could be the definition of your dream elopement or wedding. But if iconic rock formations and brilliant blue skies are more your thing, the Garden of the Gods is one of the most dynamic places to get married in the entire state. Finally, if you feel loved most intently in nature, then the Estes Park Resort with its stunning backdrop of rugged mountains may be exactly what you need. (Not to mention the elk that make their way through the town each year!)
The Easiest States to Get Married In #2: Idaho
Continuing with the theme of the easiest place to get married with the most epic and intimate backdrops, Idaho is next on the list! While Idaho does not allow self solemnization, Idaho law only requires an officiant to sign your married license. (So if your photographer is ordained you can basically have a self solemnizing ceremony!)
Similar to Colorado, Idaho law does not require witnesses, blood tests, or a waiting period. What makes Idaho different? The jagged Sawtooths stretching into the endless Northern sky, or perhaps the winding sunlit rivers. For those who feel connected to the earth through bright sunsets and windswept plains… Idaho may be the best place to get married for you.
Did you know I’m an elopement photographer + planner?
My name is Autumn and I’m an elopement photographer that helps couples elope in the mountains of Idaho. I’ve photographed 65+ elopements and hiked 100’s of miles in Idaho’s backcountry.
Learn more about me
The Best Places to Get Married in Idaho
Curious about the best places to say your vows in beloved Idaho? McCall is a sleepy mountain town in winter and bustling in summer. Not far from Boise, this is a popular summertime destination filled with outdoor adventures and activities. For small-town flavor mixed with stunning nature views in the heart of the Sawtooths, Stanley, Idaho is an epic elopement location for the wild at heart. And finally, the Salmon River flows from central to Western Idaho, and right through the town of Riggins is an incredible place for a ceremony. Known as “The River of No Return” and its striking landscapes, this is the ideal location for those who love adventure.
Want to see some Idaho elopements?
Real Elopements | Stanley Elopement
A Redfish Lake Wedding with a Dog of Honor | Stanley, Idaho
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Real Elopements | Stanley Elopement
An Idaho Wedding Adventure With An Epic Alpine Lake
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The Easiest States to Get Married In #3: Wyoming
Another one of the easiest states to get married in with some incredible outdoor venues is our beloved Equality State: Wyoming. Like Idaho and Colorado, Wyoming law doesn’t not require a blood tests or a waiting period. However, it does require two witness and an ordained officiate to sign you marriage license. You can either bring along loved ones to fill the witness requirement or hope to meet a few hikers along the trail!
And if the ease of getting married here isn’t enough to inspire you, the landscape sure will. From rustic, untouched plains to a true western feel, Wyoming can feel like going back to a time when love felt like getting your boots a little dusty.
The Best Place to Get Married in Wyoming
They don’t call it grand for nothin’! Grand Teton National Park is one of the most scenic and inspiring wedding and elopement venues in the world… and it’s right there in our own Wyoming. Squaretop Mountain is another favorite that provides amazing views, along with the chance to find an intimate and hidden place in the wilderness. For a wedding that won’t be soon forgotten, check out the Jackson Hole Resort. It is venues like these that make our heart race, not just the love that is being expressed, but the beauty surrounding that expression.
The Easiest States to Get Married In #4: Utah
I’m sure you know Utah for its epic State Parks and incredible rock formations. But did you also know it is another one of the easiest states to get married in? While Utah law does require two witnesses to be present to make a marriage official, they do not require a waiting period or a blood test.
Utah does tend to get crowded within the national parks, so it is important to plan your adventure (whether that be a destination wedding or an intimate elopement!) ahead of time. But jumping through the hoops of a complex wedding logistics process will be one thing you can cross off your list.
The Best Place to Get Married in Utah
The Zion National Park website put it best: “Zion is a marriage of light and stone, desert and water, ancient and contemporary… The serenity of the park affects all who take the time to experience wonder,” making this one of the best places to get married in Utah. The Salt Flats are another breathtaking location, certain to create some incredible photos and memories. Finally, we can’t go without mentioning Arches National Park! While this location does require advanced planning, you are sure to make your vows at one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.
The Easiest States to Get Married In #5: Montana
The final state on our tour of the easiest states to get married in Montana! The Big Sky State laws do not require witnesses or a waiting period, but they do require a blood test before you’re able to say “I do.”
From the rolling hills to the star-littered sky, Montana will most definitely take your breath away. And with the ease of getting married, it is no wonder this state is last on our list.
The Best Place to Get Married in Montana
Glacier National Park is the perfect backdrop for a rustic Montana elopement or wedding. (And there are several intimate locations within the park where you can grab your first kiss!) Flathead Lake is another favorite for adventurers and beauty seekers alike. Finally, if you are looking for something off the beaten path and into the heart of God’s country, the Idaho-Montana border cannot be beaten. Elk Lake Resort is one of those places that combines the friendly blue skies of Montana with the wild wonder of Idaho for a ceremony you could only dream of.
Finding Your Perfect “I Do” Location
Did you know I help couples plan their elopements? I am also a photographer and licensed officiant for the State of Idaho. If you are looking for an easy and amazing state to elope in definitely give Idaho a Google!
