Best Places to Elope in Northwest Arkansas
How to have an elopement in Northwest Arkansas, find the best places to elope, choose the right time of year for you, and plan an epic elopement with a photographer in NWA.
Are you looking for the best elopement or micro wedding locations in NWA? Are you dreaming of an intimate experience for you, your boo, and maybe a select few? Did you just start the planning process?
There are many amazing spots in Northwest Arkansas to elope at, from the down-to-earth vibes of Fayetteville to the breathtaking views of White Rock Mountain. Read on to learn more about my favorite elopement places in Northwest Arkansas and photo packages.
What is an elopement?
The meaning of eloping has changed in the past few decades. The original meaning of the word was for when two lovers ran away to get married, usually without parental approval. A modern-day elopement is an intimate wedding that focuses on you as a couple over the traditions of a wedding with a 300-person guest list.
Some elope without any guests at all. Other couples invite their closest family and friends for a micro-wedding. And many have a combination of an elopement and a wedding, by eloping alone first — then throwing a big party for everyone to celebrate at a later date. Micro-weddings and intimate gatherings are synonyms of modern-day elopements.
Looking to elope outside of NWA, or even the US? Check out my Iceland Elopement Guide.
Why should I choose to elope?
The first reason? You two get to make all the rules! It is your day after all. Whether you want to rent out a coffee shop for your ceremony or put on hiking boots and say your vows with amazing views. Anything can really be a ceremony venue when you are planning a small elopement.
If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of having to plan a wedding, then eloping might be the right choice for you.
Elopements have gained a lot of popularity in the past few years, especially after Covid-19. I worked with quite a few couples in 2020 who had to postpone or cancel their wedding because of the pandemic and opted to elope in backyards, state parks, and more public places. These elopements all had a DIY atmosphere and an element of adventure. I think an elopement is right for you if you have a sense of adventure, want to spend a lot of time with your partner on your wedding day, and don’t necessarily want to spend money on uncle Bob and aunt Jane that you haven’t seen in years. Eloping also allows for extended time for pictures, often in epic locations.
When to elope in Northwest Arkansas
If you’re coming in from out of state, then you might not know how erratic the weather can be here. Last year we had temperatures in the low 20s overnight in early October. That heavily affected all but the largest trees. We can also have days when it is in the mid-60s and sunny in January. Summer is a bit more stable, it is just crazy hot.
Here are general tips before we dive deeper into the topic.
Peak foliage is usually around mid-October until early November.
Most parks, trails, and other outdoor areas are green and lush by mid to late April.
December and January are great months for a sunrise photo shoot as the sun comes up around 7:30 am then.
The days before daylight savings in fall also have a 7:30 am sunrise.
Sunset during peak foliage is usually around 6:30 pm.
Weekends to avoid if you want a secluded elopement: Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. Game days for the Razorbacks can also have a lot of incoming traffic.
Winter Elopements in Northwest Arkansas (December-March)
Winter weather in NWA can be all over the place. As I am writing this at the end of January 2023, there is a snowstorm and 19 degrees outside. In 5 days it will be sunny and 60! I’ve hosted photo shoots mornings after blizzards, and the beautiful landscape here takes on a whole new look when covered in fresh snow. The best part about eloping in winter in Northwest Arkansas is that you are so much more likely to have everything to yourself and not run into a single person! Some trails and places will be harder to reach on colder days. The gothic vibes of St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable in Fayetteville are ideal for a winter elopement.
Spring Elopements in Northwest Arkansas (March-May)
Early spring is a special time here, temperatures are usually nice but mother nature typically waits until April to truly show her full colors. If you want muted colors for your day, but don’t want to wear a warm coat over your dress — then it might be a good option to go for late March. By mid-April, most of the greens are out and it is perfect before the scorching summer heat hits. April and May are fantastic, as the weather is super mild and most of the rivers, and waterfalls are full. Spring is great for outdoor elopements in parks like Devil’s Den State Park, Hobbs State Park, or Lake Fayetteville Park.
Summer Elopements in Northwest Arkansas (May-September)
Summer can be brutally warm here. Like, let’s stay inside all day kind of warm, 93 degrees after sunset. That heat can transfer all the way into late September as well. If you want to elope during summer in Northwest Arkansas, I’d highly recommend considering an inside option. Or a pool party elopement! Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista or Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs would be great options. These glass chapels are air-conditioned but make you feel submerged in the surroundings at the same time.
Fall Elopements in Northwest Arkansas (September-November)
Out of all the seasons, fall is the most unpredictable one here in Northwest Arkansas. As I mentioned, we had overnight frost in October and then we had snow early in November 2022. But we’ve also had sunny days that were closer to summer than fall. The Ozark mountains are super pretty in the fall. Peak foliage is usually around late October and stretches into November. That depends on how the weather in summer and fall is, however. If the summer is dry and fall is cold, peak foliage hits earlier and last shorter. If we get a lot of rain in summer, and fall remains warm, then it starts later and lasts much longer. I am usually fully booked for fall months in advance (as are most photographers) — so if you want all those yellows, oranges, and reds in your photos, you’d be better off starting to plan and book sooner rather than later. Most venues and places will work well in fall. The trails and parks are not as crowded but booking your vendors early is critical.
How to plan your elopement with a photographer
It could be a good idea to hire a planner to help out with your elopement, especially if you are traveling in from out of state. Photographers are usually the ones who take care of timelines and more when there is no planner so I am used to taking the lead. I can work with you on a timeline, a mood board, and securing permits when needed. I also have great connections with other vendors in Northwest Arkansas that I can recommend to you.
Marriage license in Arkansas
Arkansas has pretty loose marriage laws. If you are in a time crunch, you can apply for a marriage license and get married the same day! Not recommended though. After you get your license — you have 60 days to get married. My suggestion is to allow for at least one day between picking up your license and your elopement. Waiting in line at the county clerk is not the most romantic way to start your wedding day.
Do we need a wedding officiant, or witnesses?
The state of Arkansas does not require that you have witnesses, but I would call the county clerk’s office in the county you plan on getting married in ahead of time to make 100% sure.
“I am a registered officiant and would therefore be able to sign your license if you want to recite your vows to each other and not have an officiant. This makes it so much easier to have truly intimate elopements in remote areas.”
At least you don’t have to pay extra for witnesses or for someone to hike for an hour with you to officiate your 10 minute ceremony.
Northwest Arkansas elopement locations
Here are my favorite elopement locations in Northwest Arkansas. I have either captured elopements and/or engagement sessions at them all. I am by no means limited to these places. Please let me know if you have other locations in mind, either by getting in touch or leaving a comment.
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on the border of Fayetteville and Springdale has been in the top 5 of the best places to get married in Northwest Arkansas pretty much every year since 2009 by Cityscapes Magazine. Although the arbor and great lawn are better suited for larger weddings — the other 12 themed gardens are all available for rent. All of them would be great for an intimate elopement. My personal favorite is the Japanese garden. They also offer indoor space for up to 60-80 people. I’d recommend the Gardens between spring and fall to take full advantage of everything it has to offer.
Price range: $250-$500
Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den State Park is just 30 minutes south of Fayetteville. The park has endless opportunities for elopements. The CCC overlook shelter at sunrise or imagine exchanging vows on top of the dam that creates Lake Devil! You can also do the 30-minute hike up to Yellow Rock and have incredible views over the valley below. The park offers multiple camping and cabin accommodation options. The Beard and Lady Inn and Stonewind Retreat are two unique places not too far away either. Devil’s Den can work for elopements in any season, even in summer. The park pool is open and the valley gets shaded and cools down earlier in the day.
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, Bella Vista
Out of the many glass chapels in Arkansas, Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is my personal favorite. It is a widely popular venue for both elopements and larger weddings. The chapel can host up to 120 guests but looks equally stunning with just two people. The light inside is fantastic, softly filtered through the leaves outside and the chapel’s glass. It is a totally different experience, to be so submerged in the woods inside an architectural masterpiece. There are tons of Airbnb’s in Bella Vista and around the lakes of Northwest Arkansas for easy and nearby accommodation. Cooper Chapel is ideal any time of the year, 2-hour rentals are between $800-$1000. I shoot there multiple times a year. See more of my work from previous ceremonies.
Price range: $800-$1000
White Rock Mountain
The best part about White Rock is that photos from the mountain look like it took hours to hike up there. You can actually drive all the way up and have access to cabins and campgrounds. But make sure to reserve well in advance! White Rock is a perfect option for either an intimate elopement for just you two or a small gathering with friends, no more than 10-12 people and staying over a weekend. Spring and fall are the best seasons, summers can be too hot and the road up there can be closed during winter. Make sure to check out their website for updates on road conditions and access.
Price range: $250 for a 3 hour elopement rental and $215 per night at the White Rock Lodge.
St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable, Fayetteville
This small gothic chapel in Fayetteville is a true labor of love by engineer Lowell Boynton. St. Catherine’s was inspired by its European counterparts and had materials sourced from across the US — it was built 30-40 years ago but it doesn’t feel like that. The chapel can host up to 38 guests but I‘d say 20 is more comfortable. The spiral stairs allow for photos from above and this is one of the few remaining venues that allow actual candles! Make sure your photographer knows it is very dark in there and that they’ll need a wide angle lens with a large aperture. Entry level or semi-professional gear will not cut it in there once the chapel doors close. I like St. Catherine’s in fall and winter. This could be the perfect spot for a halloween elopement!
Price range: $350-$700
Buffalo River Elopement — Steel Creek Campground, Ponca
This one is for all the outdoorsy nature lovers. There are multiple options for elopements along the Buffalo River but the Steel Creek campground could be a great base for your weekend elopement getaway. Just over an hour east of Springdale, there are so many adventure options to explore from there. The hiking trails of course, but kayaking and floating on the river is easy from the campground. Plus, you can have the Roark bluff serve as your ceremony backdrop. See this as an opportunity to have a truly unplugged elopement as there is next to no cell service in the area, then ending your day around a campfire. The campground is tent only and I’d recommend a smaller elopement gathering, no more than 10 in your party.
Price range: $20 (overnight camping)
Historic Cane Hill College, Canehill
An old college, a small church and more buildings on the national registry of historic places make up the community of Cane Hill in western Washington County. Both the college and the church are available for rentals and would be a great for a couple into vintage things, like 1800s vintage. Both have been recently renovated. The grounds have good spots for photos, namely a few enormous walnut trees that line a path away from the college. Last but not least, you can ring the church bells after your ceremony!
Price range: $500-$700
Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is one of the premier destinations for anything art or photo related in Northwest Arkansas. Inside the museum — you can early and contemporary art — and outside there is the sculpture trail, featuring works by Louise Bourgeois. On the trail is the Tulip Tree Shelter, nestled in the woods. It provides a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony, which could be followed by portraits around the trail and museum grounds. Spring and fall are the best options for elopements at Crystal Bridges. Jessica Gorman, the museum‘s director of events should be able to guide you in the right direction if you have more elopement ideas.
Price range: $200-$2200
Lake Sequoyah, Fayetteville
A true hidden gem that’s just 10 minutes from downtown Fayetteville but feels right in the middle of nowhere. The Lake Sequoyah trail is mostly deep wooded but the western parts are more open with views of the lake. The trails have flooded in spring, so I’d recommend summer and fall if you feel Lake Sequoyah is your spot for a tiny lakeside ceremony.
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