Waterfall Wedding Venues
When you picture your perfect elopement day, what’s the scenery in the background? Is it the classic deserts of Arizona, the mountains, a moody coastal vibe, or maybe a roaring waterfall?
If your heart is where the water is, I have great news: there are some seriously incredible waterfall wedding venues all throughout the United States. From wildly popular, easy-to-get-to locations in national parks to some waaaay off the beaten path and requiring challenging hikes, there’s a waterfall for every adventurous couple.
How to Plan a Waterfall Wedding
Planning a waterfall wedding is truthfully not much different than planning any other elopement or even a more traditional wedding — except that you could argue there’s (a LOT!) less stress involved! Start the planning process by asking yourself…
Where exactly do you want to get married? Remember, there are no hard-and-fast “rules” here, so go all-in and pick your dream waterfall destination!
What activities do you want to do on your wedding day? See above! This is your day and it can look however you want it to, so imagine what the ideal day looks like for you two and start taking actionable steps to put it into motion. Aside from the main attraction (the waterfall!), the sky’s the limit: off-roading, riding in a hot-air balloon, hiking, whitewater rafting… your day, your adventure.
Do you want to invite guests? Or just the two of you? Just like a “traditional” elopement (as if there’s such a thing!), it’s 100% up to you whether or not you have guests in attendance. If you do decide to invite guests, keep in mind that you may need to choose a location and activities to accommodate some of them.
Do you want someone to officiate your ceremony? Or self-solemnize? You don’t necessarily need to worry about this from a legal standpoint for a commitment ceremony, so that may help make your decision easier. It is still an important aspect in terms of the logistics and planning, of course, but it’s helpful that you don’t have to worry about the laws regarding officiants or self-solemnization with a commitment ceremony.
Planning an elopement can be broken down into 5 stages – I created a super-thorough Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist covering the five stages of elopement planning. Here are the highlights:
Stage 1: Dream and Brainstorm.
Make this fun and consider having a brainstorming date night! Did you know that you can pretty much get married at any waterfall? The hardest part of your planning will just be narrowing it down to where! I personally recommend Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Montana, or Hawaii to give you a classic waterfall wedding look — however, there are beautiful waterfalls just about everywhere!
Stage 2: Research and Logistics.
Start doing research to see what’s actually feasible. Will you need a permit? Does the waterfall you have your heart set on flow year-round, or is it only seasonal? Can you drive up to it, or will you have to hike?
Stage 3: Make choices and start booking.
Narrow down options and book your favorite vendors. At this time, you’ll also need to acquire any permits needed to make your waterfall wedding a reality.
Stage 4: Finalize details and get ready.
Confirm everything (twice!) and start prepping to GET MARRIED!
Stage 5: Be present and enjoy!
You planned YOUR perfect day, so be sure to relax and take it all in.
The early stages of planning is a great time to contact a professional elopement photographer who can offer guidance on the best times of year, expectations, legal considerations like permits, etc.
Waterfall Wedding Venues in Each State
If you know you absolutely want to get married under a waterfall but you don’t know exactly where just yet, this section is just for you. Every single US state has at least a couple of incredible waterfall wedding venues!
Alabama
Holmes Chapel Falls, Sipsey Wilderness
A short hike (less than half a mile round-trip!) takes you to this hidden gem in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest.
Other notable waterfalls: DeSoto Falls, Noccalula Falls
Alaska
Nugget Falls, Juneau
This incredible 377-foot cascade is one of the most memorable waterfall wedding venues, right near the famous Mendenhall Glacier.
Other notable waterfalls: Horsetail Falls, South Fork Eagle River Falls
Arizona
Mooney Falls, Havasupai
Seeing this turquoise blue waterfall requires an extremely hard-to-get permit and a grueling 10-mile one-way hike, but it’s well worth it!
Other notable waterfalls: Cibecue Falls, Fossil Creek Falls
Arkansas
Cedar Falls, Petit Jean State Park
One of the most photographed spots in the entire state, the 95-foot cascade tumbles down a cliff into a shaded grotto.
Other notable waterfalls: Twin Falls of Richland Creek, Neil Compton’s Double Falls
California
Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
This jaw-droppingly beautiful, multi-tiered 129-foot waterfall flows year-round, making it one of California’s best waterfall wedding venues.
Other notable waterfalls: Kings Creek Falls, Alamere Falls, Rainbow Falls
Colorado
South Fork Mineral Creek Falls, San Juan National Forest
One of the state’s most scenic waterfalls (which says a LOT!), nestled near Silverton and some other lovely Colorado mountain towns.
Other notable waterfalls: Hanging Lake (permits required in the summer), Continental falls, Rifle Falls
Connecticut
Great Falls, Canaan
Also called Canaan Falls, Great Falls is in the heart of Canaan’s Falls Village along the Housatonic River, and most impressive in the spring.
Other notable waterfalls: Day Pond Brook Falls, Burr Falls
Delaware
Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington
A walk along the river in this beautiful state park reveals several small cascades tumbling over the cliffs. Come in October for peak fall color!
Florida
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
Florida’s crystal-clear springs are better known as hotspots for manatees, so the three manmade falls here come as quite a surprise!
Other notable waterfalls: Falling Waters State Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Georgia
Cherokee Falls & Hemlock Falls, Cloudland Canyon State Park
Two is better than one, at least when it comes to waterfall wedding venues. A short but tough hike brings you to two beautiful cascades.
Other notable waterfalls: Toccoa Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, Helton Creek Falls, Amicalola Falls
Hawaii
Waikani Falls, Maui
Hawaii has so many waterfall wedding venues, it’s hard to pick one, but this 70-foot stunner along the Road to Hana is a top contender.
Other notable waterfalls: Twin Falls, Puaa Kaa Falls, Waimoku Falls, Rainbow Falls
Idaho
Fall Creek Falls, Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Just an hour from Jackson Hole, this waterfall has multiple cascades and pools that all drop straight into the Snake River.
Other notable waterfalls: Ritter Island, Shoshone Falls, Moyie Falls, Niagara Springs
Illinois
Jackson Falls, Shawnee National Forest
Calling all adventurous Midwestern couples! This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by boulders and bluffs popular with rock climbers.
Other notable waterfalls: Ferne Clyffe Waterfall, Wildcat Canyon, Thunder Bay Falls, Cascade Falls
Indiana
France Park Falls, Logansport
About 1.5 hours north of Indianapolis, this waterfall is near hiking and biking trails, campsites, fishing, and a crystal-clear swimming hole.
Other notable waterfalls: Cataract Falls, Big Clifty Falls, Williamsport Falls
Iowa
Dunning’s Spring, Decorah
If you’re looking for waterfall wedding venues in Iowa, check out Dunning’s Spring, an impressive 200-foot fall right outside of downtown!
Other notable waterfalls: Malanaphy Spring Falls, Big Springs Park
Kansas
Prather Creek Falls, Chase State Fishing Lake
This three-tiered, multi-cascade waterfall in the Flint Hills may make you wonder if you are, in fact, in Kansas anymore.
Other notable waterfalls: Greary Falls, Santa Fe Lake Falls, Cowley Falls
Kentucky
Cumberland Falls, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
One of only a few places on Earth where you can see a moonbow, this is one of the most unique waterfall wedding venues!
Other notable waterfalls: Bad Branch Falls, Dog Slaughter Falls, Eagle Falls
Louisiana
Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area/Clark Creek Natural Area
Straddling the Louisiana-Mississippi state line, this scenic wooded area has up to 50 small waterfalls, ranging from 10-30 feet high.
Maine
Moxie Falls, West Forks
At over 90 feet tall, Moxie Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in all of New England!
Other notable waterfalls: Houston Brook Falls, Screw Auger Falls, Gulf Hagas, Angel Falls
Maryland
Muddy Creek Falls, Swallow Falls State Park
Maryland’s tallest waterfall is easy to reach and especially beautiful in autumn, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.
Other notable waterfalls: Great Falls of the Potomac, Falling Branch Falls
Massachusetts
Tannery Falls, Savoy Mountain State Forest
12 cascades within one square mile make the aptly-named “waterfall country” one of New England’s best waterfall wedding venues.
Other notable waterfalls: Bish Bash Falls, Gunn Brook Falls, Campbell Falls
Michigan
Miners Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
On the shores of wild Lake Superior, fast-flowing Miners Falls is the area’s most powerful, reached via a short 0.6-mile hike.
Other notable waterfalls: Douglas Houghton Falls, Agate Falls, Sable Falls
Minnesota
High Falls, Grand Portage State Park
There are tons of waterfall wedding venues to choose from in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but the state’s tallest (120 feet!) is one of the best.
Other notable waterfalls: Ramsey Falls, High Falls, Gooseberry Falls, Minneopa Falls
Mississippi
Tishomingo State Park, Tishomingo
Did you know the Appalachians run through northern Mississippi?! Due to the large rock formations, this park features several waterfalls!
Other notable waterfalls: Farris Falls, Clark Creek Falls, Scutchalo Falls
Missouri
Big Piney Trail, Paddy Creek Wilderness
Widely considered the best hike in Missouri, Big Piney is a 16-mile backpacking trail leading to a main waterfall and several smaller ones.
Other notable waterfalls: Dogwood Canyon Falls, Hickory Canyons
Montana
Running Eagle Falls, Glacier National Park
In the lesser-visited Two Medicine area, Running Eagle Falls is one of Glacier’s most accessible waterfall wedding venues.
Other notable waterfalls: Virginia Falls, Triple Falls, Florence Falls, Woodbine Falls
Nebraska
Smith Falls, Smith Falls State Park
63-foot-tall Smith Falls is Nebraska’s highest waterfall, along the Niobrara River, an officially-designated National Scenic River.
Other notable waterfalls: Snake River Falls, Stair Step Falls, Horseshoe Falls
Nevada
Third Creek Waterfall, Incline Village
On the north shore of Lake Tahoe, this small but very picturesque 25-foot cascade flows year-round.
Other notable waterfalls: Hunter Creek Falls, Galena Creek Falls, Big Falls, Ice Box Canyon Waterfall
New Hampshire
Crystal Cascade, Pinkham Notch
Often overlooked as people summit Mount Washington, this is one of the most underrated waterfall wedding venues in New England.
Other notable waterfalls: Rocky Gorge & Lower Falls, Arethua Falls, Glen Ellis Falls, Beaver Brook Falls
New Jersey
Paterson Great Falls, Paterson
An entire industrial city was planned around this 77-foot waterfall, now protected in Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
Other notable waterfalls: Silver Spray Falls, Buttermilk Falls
New Mexico
Sitting Bull Falls, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area
A true oasis in the desert requiring a short hike, Sitting Bull Falls tumbles 150 feet into a pool (and perfect swimming hole!) below.
Other notable waterfalls: Nambe Falls, Folsom Falls, Jemez Falls
New York
Rainbow Falls (Ausable Chasm), Adirondacks
Nicknamed Rainbow Falls for the frequent rainbow appearances, this waterfall is a popular destination in the Adirondacks.
Other notable waterfalls: Kaaterskill Falls, Taughannock Falls, Chittenango Falls, OK Slip Falls
North Carolina
Whitewater Falls, Nantahala National Forest
NC has tons of waterfalls, but Whitewater Falls is the state’s tallest at over 400 feet! It’s also tough to reach, making it an unspoiled gem.
Other notable waterfalls: Crabtree Falls, Dry Falls, Mingo Falls, Silver Run Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Catawba Falls
North Dakota
Mineral Springs, Sheyenne River State Forest
North Dakota’s only waterfall, Mineral Springs is a must-see! Get there via a fairly easy and scenic 2.2-mile hike.
Ohio
Ash Cave Waterfall, Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills has many options for waterfall wedding venues, but enormous, horseshoe-shaped Ash Cave is perhaps the most unique.
Other notable waterfalls: Hayden Run Falls, Dundee Falls, Brandywine Falls, Cedar Falls
Oklahoma
Turner Falls, Arbuckle Mountains
The crown jewel of Turner Falls Park, this 77-foot waterfall creates a perfectly clear swimming hole (and several natural caves nearby!).
Other notable waterfalls: Natural Falls, Price Falls
Oregon
Toketee Falls, Umpqua National Forest
In a state renowned for its dozens of majestic waterfalls, Toketee stands out for its distinct basalt columns and striking blue water.
Other notable waterfalls: White River Falls, Proxy Falls, Koosah Falls, Multnomah Falls, Tamanawas Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Marion Falls
Pennsylvania
Angel Falls, Loyalsock State Forest
A scenic one-mile hike takes you not only to 70-foot Angel Falls, but Gipson Falls as well, a smaller but equally pretty waterfall.
Other notable waterfalls: Raymond Skills Falls, Sullivan Falls, Jacoby Falls, Silverthread Falls
Rhode Island
Stepstone Falls, Arcadia Management Area
Tiny but mighty, Stepstone Falls is aptly named. The gently tiered waterfall appears to create a series of “steps” over a flat ledge.
South Carolina
Twin Falls, Sunset
Also commonly called Reedy Cove Falls, Twin Falls earns its name with two distinct cascades, reached via an easy 15-minute hike.
Other notable waterfalls: Brasstown Falls, Blue Hole Falls, Yellow Branch Falls, Lee Falls
South Dakota
Spearfish Falls, Spearfish Canyon
A short hike takes you to this stunning cascade in postcard-perfect Spearfish Canyon, one of the state’s best waterfall wedding venues.
Other notable waterfalls: Roughlock Falls
Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls State Park
I visited here as a child, and its beauty has always stuck with me. Photos just don’t do this massive, powerful 256-foot waterfall justice!
Other notable waterfalls: Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, Bald River Falls, Twin Falls, Carmac Falls, Greeter Falls
Texas
Hamilton Pool Waterfall, Travis County Park
Close to Austin, this gorgeous waterfall flows over a cliff into a box canyon, creating a popular swimming hole. Reservations are required.
Other notable waterfalls: Gorman Falls, Westcave Preserve Falls, Krause Springs
Utah
Lower Calf Creek Falls, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Well off the beaten path in southern Utah, reaching Lower Calf Creek Falls requires some effort, but the reward is well worth it!
Other notable waterfalls: Adams Canyon Waterfall, Stewart Falls, Battle Creek Falls, Timpanogos Falls, Donut Falls
Vermont
Bingham Falls, Mt. Mansfield State Forest
Due to its easy half-mile hike and proximity to picture-perfect Stowe, this is one of Vermont’s most popular waterfall wedding venues.
Other notable waterfalls: Moss Glen Falls, Lye Brook Falls
Virginia
Cascade Falls, Cascades Day Use Area, Jefferson National Forest
There’s a reason this moderate 4-mile (round-trip) hike to the waterfall has near-perfect reviews. You can also swim in the falls’ pool!
Other notable waterfalls: Little Stony Falls, Falling Spring Falls, Great Falls National Park
Washington
Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park
Far from the iconic moody coastline, 200-foot Palouse Falls is a lush oasis in barren, desert-like far southeastern Washington.
Other notable waterfalls: Snoqualmie Falls, Marymere Falls, Panther Creek Falls, Wallace Falls, Iron Creek Falls
West Virginia
Cathedral Falls, New River Gorge National Park
Tucked into one of the newest (and most scenic!) national parks, Cathedral Falls is one of the area’s most accessible waterfalls.
Other notable waterfalls: Falls of Hills, Bush Creek Falls, Sandstone Falls, Douglas Falls, Blackwater Falls
Wisconsin
Big Manitou Falls, Pattison State Park
Flowing down from a whopping 165 feet, Big Manitou Falls is Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall, as well as one of the tallest east of the Rockies.
Other notable waterfalls: Copper Falls State Park, Cascade Falls, Willow Falls, Potato River Falls
Wyoming
Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
Fun fact: Lower Falls is more than twice the height of Niagara Falls! The park’s tallest and most famous waterfall is a stunning 308 feet.
Other notable waterfalls: Undine Falls, Fall Creek Falls
Waterfall Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include my travel to anywhere in the United States (no hidden or extra fees!), customized location scouting and research, permit assistance, personalized vendor recommendations, unique-to-you + your location activity suggestions, and a customized elopement timeline for your one of a kind day. Every elopement gallery also includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share your gallery with your family + friends to relive the day with you!
4 Hour ~ $3,000
Perfect for the couples who want to take a more simplistic approach to their elopement day. Typically this package is ideal for capturing getting ready, a short hike to ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5,000
Perfect for couples wanting a day of adventure like a long hike, off-roading, or traveling to multiple locations. This package is best for telling the complete story of your elopement day. Typically couples who elope just the two of them select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their reception captured as well. Your reception could look like pizza at your airbnb around a fire with your parents + siblings or a private chef serving you a 3 course meal on a table decorated in florals.
12 Hour ~ $7,000
Perfect for couples looking for complete coverage of their elopement story. This package offers the ultimate storytelling experience. From waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after dawn. Couples who are eloping just the two of them will select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their full day with their guests documented.
Multi-Day ~ $9,000
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you’re wanting to elope in one epic location and also experience another epic location the following day. An example of this would be eloping at a waterfall in Yellowstone National Park and the following day, whitewater rafting, driving 4x4’s to locations off the beaten path, saddling up for horseback riding, or hiking in the surrounding mountains or even to another amazing waterfall in the area!
Ready to Say “I Do” to the Perfect Waterfall Wedding?
Wherever you are in the planning process, I’d absolutely love to chat with you! I’m happy to answer all of your questions and, to be honest, I always love hearing about couples’ wedding visions! Contact me today and let’s talk about it!
