I’ve lived in a lot of truly beautiful states. Utah among them, which is mega popular for eloping couples for good reason. In the last six years, I’ve come to truly appreciate the hidden beauty of Missouri. She might not be the first place you think of when you’re planning your perfect ‘I do,’ but she truly is a beautiful place if you know where to look.
When I first moved here after my own wedding, I knew absolutely nobody. So to pass the time while my husband was at work, I would take myself out on drives anywhere and everywhere. I wanted to know my new home like the back of my hand and all of the hidden treasures she has to offer. My husband was born and raised in the area, and I would come home and tell him where I had explored that day, and I swear I did so much exploring in that first month that I was showing him fun new places.
Mark Twain National Forest
Missouri is truly not given enough credit where credit is due when talking about natural beauty. Missouri is home to Mark Twain National forest which spans over 1.5 million acres of public land to explore. The forest is broken up into 9 sections across Missouri. Making it easy to access the forest from multiple parts of the state depending on where you’d like to elope. The forest is home to beautiful rivers, lakes, streams, and caves. The Mark Twain National forest also offers a number of water activities, including boating, canoeing, and fishing. With many campgrounds located beside the forest’s scenic waterways making for the perfect getaway for an intimate elopement.
For all my exploring in this underrated state, I personally think the crown jewels are its amazing state parks. Missouri has so many state parks (57), it honestly blows my mind they aren’t talked about more. They are all so different geographically, ranging from cool rock formations and castle ruins to waterfalls. It’s honestly hard for me to pick a favorite. So I’ll show you a couple of my top contenders to showcase why you don’t need to travel far and why Missouri is underrated when it comes to eloping.
1.Elephant Rock State Park (Belleview MO)
I absolutely adore Elephant Rocks State Park for so many reasons, but especially considering I grew up in Utah surrounded by giant rock formations. Elephant Rocks just feels like Missouri’s version of Arches National Park to me, just on a smaller scale. This location is an absolute knockout that I will recommend a hundred times over, especially for a sunset ceremony. The giant rocks sit in the middle of a paved one-mile loop. You get 95 feet of elevation gain once you’re up by the rocks, giving you the prettiest panoramic view of the surrounding trees and hills. Sunset here is absolutely breathtaking, considering that it gets great dark sky conditions and is widely praised for being a great spot for stargazing the Milky Way and viewing meteor showers.
2. Haha Tonka State Park (Camdenton MO)
Ha Ha Tonka is a fantastic state park with 14 trails covering over 15 miles of terrain. Unlike Elephant Rocks State Park, I find Ha Ha Tonka to be much more wild. While Elephant Rocks is a completely paved loop, Ha Ha Tonka is mostly dirt trails with inclines and rocky paths. The park has several different alcoves worth stopping to take in and enjoy, from 1900s castle ruins and a view of the Lake of the Ozarks to a scenic and private stream perfect for exchanging vows and listening to the sounds of nature.
State Park Permit Process
One of the reasons I love the state parks so much is that the parks department is super easy to work with when it comes to getting a special use permit. One thing that really sets me apart from other photographers is that I will never risk it for the biscuit. If you’re going to elope on land owned by the state, I am double and triple checking that everything is legal. So you don’t have to worry about a ranger stopping your elopement because someone thought, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ The last thing you want to deal with on your elopement day is getting hit with a big fine. When it was easily avoidable by filling out a form.
The best part is that most of the parks don’t charge for a special use permit, unlike other states like Utah that are very strict with the permitting process, limit you on where and when you’re allowed to elope, and charge hundreds just for permission
The legal side is made easy
The legal side of eloping in Missouri is made so easy, which is what every couple wants to hear when it comes to planning their day.
Both applicants must go to the recorder of deeds to apply for their marriage license. This can be in any county and does not need to be the one you live in or that you plan to elope in, which is super handy. Another really nice thing that Missouri does is that there is no waiting period from the day you pick up your license. You can pick it up and elope that same day. If you want to plan ahead and get your license in advance, the license is good for 30 days from pickup, giving you a nice window of time to get it before your elopement date.
Who can preform the ceremony
You do need an ordained officiant to legalize your ceremony. Lucky for you, I am ordained and will perform your ceremony for you if you’re wanting to keep your day as small and intimate as possible. For my couples who are still wanting to include friends and family in their day, you could absolutely have one of them get ordained to perform the ceremony as well, or hire someone.
You will need two witnesses to sign your license. This can be friends and family, or anyone random on the trail. I am also happy to sign your license if I’m not already ordaining the ceremony.
Your officiant will be responsible for returning your license to the county within 15 days of your elopement. One less thing for you to worry about while you’re off on your honeymoon or enjoying newlywed bliss.
Missouri has the best activities
Not only is Missouri easy to elope in and beautiful, but it is also underrated for eloping when it comes to planning out activities to include in your day. Choosing to elope in the Midwest unlocks a whole new roster when it comes to badass activities, since we get all four seasons. The activities you build out for your day can truly make or break your elopement.
For a full-day elopement, I encourage my couples to pick 3–4 activities to fill their day. In the absence of activities, your day will feel like an all-day photoshoot, which is not the vibe we are going for. Having activities will give you both a chance to unwind and truly soak in your day together. Pick activities that you already enjoy or that are on your collective bucket list.
One of my favorite activities to recommend to couples is to set time aside at the end of your elopement day to wind down together at your Airbnb. This can look like having a bonfire and roasting s’mores and hot dogs, or relaxing in a hot tub while stargazing. The activities for your day can be as intense or chill as you’re wanting. You don’t have to go on a long hike to have a badass elopement day. Here are some suggestions for a fun-filled elopement for any season.
Spring activities
- bike riding
- pottery painting
- hiking
- kite flying
Summer activities
- Swimming
- floating
- stargazing
- fruit picking
Autumn activities
- hiking
- bonfire
- horseback riding
Winter activities
- skiing /sledding
- board game cafe
- ice skating
The Airbnbs have midwestern charm
I’ve stayed in my fair share of accommodations during my travels, and one thing I am always on the look out for are unique stays that add a bit of whimsey or awe to my stay. I also apply this rule when it comes to stays I suggest to my couples.
Us mid-wester folk have a knack for turning ordinary places into a truly special base camp for your elopement.
These are some the coolest/unique stays I’ve found around the state
- The Glade Top Fire Tower in Bradleyville, Missouri
- The Silo in Bonne Terre, Missouri
- Enchanted forest Treehouse in St Clair, Missouri
- The Station in Fredericktown, Missouri
- Tree house in Sunrise Beach, Missouri
Sample timeline
7am Get ready
8am first look
8:30 head to ceremony location
9am hiking
9:30 am vows and private ceremony
10am portraits
10:30-12:30 boating on Lake of the Ozarks
1pm lunch at a local brewery
2pm horseback riding
3pm 8 hour coverage ends
How I help plan your elopement
With me in your back corner. Planning your elopement is made easy. I’ll be with you from A to Z of the planning process. No more questioning where to say “I DO” or where you should stay, eat, or what activities to fill your day with. You get access to my custom guides and hand picked list of vendors. Sure to make your day as magically as you’re envisioning. Stop stressing and let’s chat!
XOXO, Alyssa
