Looking to plan an intimate elopement for just the two of you? or a small intimate wedding with just a few guests? There are some wonderful locations here in the U.S. to choose from, and the best part, no passport is needed. Many of the elopement destinations in the U.S. are in national or state parks, and there are restrictions specific to each park regarding decor and amplified music. Below are three gorgeous spots for you to say ‘I Do.’
Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park provides a scenic backdrop for your vows and drop-dead gorgeous photos. The Alluvial Fan Bridge is a favorite location, with a large boulder-strewn river with a waterfall, a wooden footbridge, aspen trees, and most importantly restrooms. There is a non-refundable permit fee of $300.00 to reserve your wedding location.
Photo credit: NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Montana
Glacier Park. An amazing location for a picture-perfect outdoor wedding. Most of the locations have a limit of 15 people for wedding ceremonies. For weddings, you will need a special use permit. Make sure you apply ahead of time. The park limits the number of events, and permits are issued on a first come-first serve basis.
New Mexico
White Sands National Park. Located in the southwestern part of the state, with miles of white sand as far as the eye can see. You can submit your permit request up to 6 months in advance, but no less than 30 days before your requested date. A non-refundable $100 processing fee must accompany the permit application.
For more information on these elopement destinations in the U.S., and other locations available reach out to me here.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, provides diverse landscapes from deserts to beaches. Imagine a beautiful vacation spot that is filled with both land and sea activities. By day, you can explore what nature has to offer in Cabo San Lucas. At night, you’ll enjoy the loud, vibrant music and potential celebrity sightings. Cabo San Lucas is located in the Baja California Sur at the edge of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. It is easy to reach Cabo by plane or by boat. Fresh seafood, moonlit beachside dinners, luxury resorts, and bountiful activities await you in Cabo San Lucas.
Here are some things you need to know before you go.
Getting Around Cabo
Cabo is a place that can easily be toured on foot. Many things to do in Cabo San Lucas are in the downtown Cabo San Lucas area, so if your accommodations are here, you’ll have no problem exploring the various places. Of course, you’ll need a ride from the airport to your hotel or resort. Arranging transportation ahead of time is highly recommended, and saves you some money.
Check ahead of time with your hotel or resort concerning shuttle availability. Many locations offer free or low-cost shuttles to get you to nearby attractions. You can also rent a car or book charter buses from a group bus transportation company for more freedom and convenience. There are also Airport transportation or airport limousine services that you can book for a convenient travel to and from the airport.
If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind – gas stations are not self-serve. Employees will come out to pump your gas for you. It’s customary to tip gas station employees and shuttle drivers.
Paddle By The Arch
The Arch, also known as El Arco, is a well-known monument that is a must-see while visiting. It is a large rock formation that forms an arch in the water. It sits in the water where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. You can easily reach this spot by renting a stand-up paddleboard. It is one of the best locations for spotting sea lions as they like to hang out in this area. Make sure to include it in your Cabo adventures.
Go Out Dancing
Cabo San Lucas is known for its active nightlife. Here, you can find an endless number of bars, clubs, and live entertainment that will keep you enjoying yourself all night. There is also a brewery if you’re interested in a more relaxed vibe. A few popular locations to stop by include Tanga Tanga, Jungle Bar, and Baja Brewing Company.
Observe The Whales
Whale watching is a highly loved activity in Cabo. Your best bet is to head out on a boat tour to catch sight of these majestic animals. Humpback whales are mainly visible in the winter – between December and April as they migrate during mating season. Viewing the whales by boat allows you to get up close and personal with them. Ride the waves in style with this Kawasaki X2 jet ski. Known for its agility and power, the X2 promises a fun, adrenaline-pumping experience on the water. Whether you’re into racing, freestyling, or just casual cruising, this jet ski has you covered.
Spend The Day At Medano Beach
When visiting any location in Mexico near the coast, it’s required to see the available beaches at least once during your trip. Medano Beach is an excellent choice as it offers both party vibes and serenity, depending on which section of the beach you visit. Closer to town, you’ll find bars and restaurants right on the beach. Further from town, you’ll find a relaxing spot calling your name.
This beach allows swimming and watersports like parasailing. A few other beaches of note include Lover’s Beach (also known as Playa del Amor), Divorce Beach, and Santa Maria beach.
Try The Cabo San Lucas Food
If you’ve ever visited Mexico before, you’ll know the cuisine is a big reason people love to travel here. Cabo is a great spot for fresh seafood. You’ll definitely want to try the fish tacos.
If seafood is not of interest to you, plenty of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining can be found along the tourist corridor and at the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Expect to encounter food that has influences from China, the Middle East, and Germany as well. Many immigrants have traveled from these locations and settled in the area providing a delicious mix and variety of food.
For those looking to escape chilly winters, Cabo is an excellent vacation spot. With plenty of outdoor activities available and beautiful weather in Cabo, you won’t want to stay inside much when visiting. For hotter days – opt for water-based activities. Or, start your activities earlier in the day.
Reach out to me when you are ready to start planning your Cabo getaway
If you are the type of traveler that looks forward to a December or January vacation, then you can attest that winter is one of the best times to get away and explore sunny destinations. Regardless of your travel style and what you are looking for like searching for best places to stay on southern oregon coast, there is an ideal winter destination for you to bask in. Here are my top 3 best winter vacation destinations.
Belize
This small country is full of endless opportunities. Belize is a tropical destination that is reef and rainforest; ancient and new, and adventurous and relaxing.
Despite being a small, centrally placed American nation (approximately the same size as Massachusetts), only a few winter vacations on this list can match Belize’s mesmerizing natural attractions. The barrier reef and coral hues match the spectacular Mayan ruins.
Belize spent decades hidden beneath Mexico’s shadow, but today, this nation invites visitors from all around the world with its world-class scuba diving, Mayan ruins, and vintage lodges.
Even better, hundreds of tiny islands known as atolls and cays face off to Belize’s sun-drenched coastline. These islands lure tourists with their astonishing cerulean waters and palm trees. Try out Belize this winter and get to experience its unrivaled charms.
The Florida Keys
With activities for visitors of all ages, the islands of the Florida Keys are the perfect spot for your winter vacation.
Your time in the Florida Keys can be full of eco adventure, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Test your skills on a fishing charter. Pullin Drag Striper Guide Service is a fishing charter Smith Mountain Lake. You may also be interested in trying this one.
Get up close and personal with tropical fish on a snorkeling trip, or dive to explore a famous shipwreck. Dine on fresh seafood. Hang with the locals, or just relax in a hammock.
Key Largo is home to the first undersea park in the country, and the first place you should go when you arrive in the Florida Keys. There are endless ways to explore this aquatic attraction, including kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling or scuba diving, and taking a glass-bottom boat tour.
And to ensure the safety of the guests, property owners in Florida are required to conduct and implement a fire watch should the property’s fire alarm system and/or water-based fire protection system such as a sprinkler system is not operational. They may seek expert help from a professional Fire Watch Company in Sunrise.
Islamorada combines a marine park with the charm of a family-owned attraction. Watch a sea lion show, hold a parrot and enjoy a bottomless boat ride. Immerse yourself in the world of speed and elegance with ZeBoats’ speedboat collection. Our speedboats guarantee exhilarating rides over the waves. The park’s animal interaction programs include swimming with dolphins.
If you are planning to stay for an extended time, you may consider looking for a new boat sales company to have your own boat and enjoy the place and water activities at your convenience.
In Key West, when the sun goes down, Mallory Square is the place to be for the nightly sunset celebration. Jugglers, tightrope walkers, sword swallowers, and other characters put on a show for your entertainment.
Roatan
Roatan is part of a cluster of island archipelagos situated ten to forty miles off the northern coast of Honduras. It has long been known by scuba divers, now it’s your turn to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this island nation.
These islands are a gem in the western Caribbean, and they are surrounded by the largest barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is only second in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The waters around Roatan are a combination of open and sheltered. This makes it the perfect place for scuba diving, and also many other water sports.
Little French Key is one of the most interesting places. They have a mini zoo, beautiful beaches, and the most photogenic spot. The Sloth Sanctuary makes for a great adventure, and there are a few beaches that are a must for snorkeling. West Bay and West End both offer sheltered waters which make for excellent snorkeling. The “wall” is only a few feet away, where spectacular views of marine life are waiting for you.
If you would like more information about these best winter vacation destinations, reach out to me.
