THE BEST TEXAS ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS

You’re ready to plan your elopement in Texas, but this beautiful state is massive and you’re unsure of where to go. I put a list of locations below all featuring the different and beautiful Texas landscapes for your perfect Texas elopement backdrop.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TEXAS ELOPEMENT LOCATION

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Big Bend National Park - The Window

Big bend national park is probably the most popular elopement destination and for good reason. With this being one of the largest and most remote national parks in the U.S. it’s a great choice for those that want to disconnect for a while. There’s no shortage of views here, during the day you have scenic mountain views and canyons and at night you get to experience that famous Texas star-lit sky. 

I do know a few great locations in Big Bend, each offering different and unique landscapes and views while also being a ways away travel time within the park.

Permits required: Yes, Day Pass

HERE'S 3 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS:

1. LOST MINE TRAIL

This location is actually the closest of the three from the park center but is also the more difficult to access. To get to the top requires a good a hike anywhere from 1 hour to 1.5 hours would be my best guess depending on time of day, what all is being brought and the most obvious. fitness level. Lost mine trail is advertised as one of the easier hiking trails in comparison to the other more advanced trails on the park. I don’t want to scare you away but if you’re not in hiking shape prepare to to make few stops along the way up. Once at the top you get an amazing view of the mountains and surrounding area. 

- 1st half is Balanced Rock, 2nd half is Lost Mine Trail

2. BALANCED ROCK TRAIL

The real trail name is grapevine trail, but the giant blanked rock has somewhat became the unofficial name. This is the second closest location only about a 30 min drive or so within the park  from the center but also requires a good 30/45 min walk with an additional 10/15 min hike/climb towards the end. It's not difficult but it's not simple. Here you get great views as well with a dessert/rocky vibe. 

NOTE: The caliche road out there is pretty crazy, 4x4 is not “always” required but HIGHLY recommended. 4x4 vehicles with good ground clearance will work great most cars and small sedans are not recommended.

- 1st half is Balanced Rock, 2nd half Tuff canyon trail

3. SANTA ELENA CANYON

This is the furthest location from the park center or main park lodge being about 1 hour and 15 min drive or so but is also the easiest in terms of accessing and "hiking". This location offers a great view of the canyon formed by the Rio Grande. There are areas within the canyon but nothing offering views as the other two locations. The best view is at the entrance of the canyon and doesn't require much to get there. 

- 1st half Balanced Rock, 2nd half Santa Elena Canyon

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK // WHAT DO I RECOMMEND? 

• If you want something close with interesting views and minimum effort, balanced rock is your best best.
• Want something stupid easy with one giant statement piece? Santa Elena canyon is probably the best option or try Balanced Rock trail and Tuff Canyon trail. (Check out Candice and Collin up above)
• If you want the best of the best, all the views and willing to hike a good ways and definitely sweat on the way in your attire and or bring your attire to change in, then Lost mine trail is where you want to go.

BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK

Big Bend Ranch State Park is a 311,000-acre park located along the Rio Grande in Texas, spanning Brewster and Presidio counties. It is the largest state park in the state and is situated near the town of Presidio, where its main office can be found. The park features Colorado Canyon and has a similar Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem.

Permits required: Yes, Day Pass

HERE'S 2 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS:

1. HOODOOS AND BALANCED ROCKS TRAIL

You cant get an easier and more beautiful location than here. Literally, pull up to the parking area and you are already greeted with amazing views. Walk down a bit to see Balanced Rock up close and a little further to see the Rio. This could be a one stop shop for the whole session or elopement due to the variety of scenery offered by the Rio.

2. CLOSED CANYON TRAIL

Same as hoodoos trail, pull up and walk a little bit to get to the main canyon. I wouldn’t say this is a one stop shop for all you photo needs but it is definitely a good addition as it is only about a 5 min drive from Hoodoos Trail.

- 1st half Closed Canyon Trail, 2nd Hoodoos and Balanced Rocks Trail

- Engagement Hoodoos and Balanced Rocks Trail

BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK // WHAT DO I RECOMMEND? 

• Want to hit up one spot? Hoodoos Trail it is
• Both Locations are so close, why not both?

Seriously, this place is great and once we get to the area everything is so close together we might as well do both locations.

DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

Davis Mountains State Park

Do you want a beautiful Texas elopement location but don’t want to do any crazy hiking? Davis mountain state park is the perfect location for that. Here you can stay at one of their campsites or their historic 39-room motel, The Indian Lodge, which has a restaurant and a swimming pool (for Lodge guests only). There’s a few great ceremony locations to choose from but my favorite is on the cliff side at their stone overlook. The Fort Davis area is one of the best places in the world to stargaze and home to the McDonald Observatory, so if you’re a star gazer there is literally no better place in Texas than here.

Climate

Winters are often below freezing with occasional snowfall. 

Summers have hot days, usually low humidity, and cool nights. 

Temperatures drop dramatically after sunset, so bring a jacket year-round. 

Average rainfall is 18.9 inches.

Busy Season

March through Labor Day

Permits required: Yes, Day Pass

VIEW AN ELOPEMENT // SMALL WEDDING

MONAHANS SANDHILLS STATE PARK

Monahans Sandhills State Park

The spot in Texas for a desert elopement. “Ocean of sand”, sounds about right when you’re talking about 3,840 acres of sand dunes. Monahans State Park is just a half hour drive southwest of Odessa, Texas. There are no marked trails here in this “Texas-sized sandbox”, we are all free to explore and roam. Plan your desert elopement here with an infinite amount of possibilities. 

Climate

January average low is 29 degrees. 

July average high is 96 degrees. 

Average rainfall is 12.3 inches.

Busy Season

March to August

PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK 

Climate

January average low is 19 degrees. 

July average high is 92 degrees. 

Average rainfall is 20.6 inches. 

Flash flooding is a serious danger.

Busy Season

Summer months during the play season

OTHER TEXAS ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS // HONORABLE MENTIONS 

LOST MAPLES STATE PARK

With over 10 miles if trails to explore, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff, there’s something for all hikers of different experience levels to enjoy.  

Best time to visit is mid-October to catch those changing leaves

Climate

January average low temperature is 31 degrees. 

July average high temperature is 94 degrees. 

Average rainfall 35.1 inches.

Busy Season

October through November and March through May.

MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK

Climate

January average low is 37 degrees. 

July average high is 95 degrees. 

Wettest month is May, with moderate humidity year-round. 

First freeze occurs late November. Last freeze occurs early March.

Busy Season

March through November