The Adventure Bride's Guide to Folklore Era Inspired Elopement Locations — Dye the Knot Adventure Weddings & Elopements

Hey Adventure Brides!

I had a fun conversation with my bestie the other day about ways to incorporate one’s favorite Taylor Swift era into their wedding day, and I honestly just had to share.

During the inquiry process, I always ask potential couples what their hobbies & fandoms are, and more often than not, Taylor Swift is on the list for one or both members of the couple. Whether you are getting “Lover” played for your first dance in the sunset or basing your dress choice off of one of her iconic looks, Taylor Swift has undoubtedly influenced the wedding industry in many ways.

So today I thought it would be fun to discuss my top 10 adventure elopement location recommendations for my girlies in their Folklore Era planning their adventure wedding. Here they are!

Olympic National Park - Washington, USA

For some of the most enchanting forests, Olympic National Park, located in Washington state USA, is one of the best places to go! The forest is filled with beautiful moss-covered trees, which creates a simply magical atmosphere for an intimate ceremony, and definitely goes along quite well with Taylor’s Folklore Era aesthetic.

The park’s rugged coastline offers dramatic sea stacks, crashing waves, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, providing a stunning backdrop for a romantic elopement with a woodland aesthetic beside the sea.

2. Big Sur - California, USA

Big Sur, California is home to the most majestic of all trees - the redwoods. Towering high into the sky, these coastal redwoods cast a dappled light onto the forest floor, giving the opportunity for an ethereal look to your elopement photos - perfect for the adventure couple in their Folklore era!

The dramatic cliffs of Big Sur overlook turquoise waters of the Pacific, offering a breathtaking backdrop with some secret and secluded spots for your intimate adventure elopement ceremony surrounded only by nature’s beauty.

Sunrises and sunsets at Big Sur are some of the prettiest in the United States, and as an elopement photographer, my recommendation is to go at one of these times when the lighting is most magical!

3. Acadia National Park - Maine, USA

The mysterious forests of Maine are filled with gnarled trees, moss-covered rocks, and meandering trails which really fits into the Folklore era of mystery and wonder.

Along Acadia’s rocky coastline, couples can exchange their vows against the backdrop of crashing waves, rocky cliffs, and panoramic ocean and woodland views which really showcases the wild and untamed beauty of the state.

4. Cape Breton Highlands National Park - Nova Scotia, Canada

Dense forests of spruce and fir trees that blanket the rolling hills and rugged mountainsides characterize the romantic Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada. This gorgeous land is beautiful in any season, and provide a serene and secluded setting for an intimate folklore elopement.

The park’s coastline is made up of dramatic sea cliffs, secluded coves, and sweeping scenes over the Atlantic Ocean, which offers a breathtaking backdrop for your coastal woodland ceremony. (This location in autumn is definitely giving off some strong Evermore vibes as well!)

5. Mendocino - California, USA

Mendocino, California may not be the first place that comes to mind when you decide on a woodsy but coastal elopement location, but here couples can wander amongst the towering redwood trees and lush ferns, giving a fairytale aesthetic to their elopement photo session.

Charming coastal buildings line the seashore with rocky headlands, offering activities for before and after your adventure wedding ceremony, and gives a sweet coastal hometown aesthetic similar to what Taylor describes in her Folklore album.

6. Great Otway National Park - Victoria, Australia

For a slightly dreamier location, Australia’s Great Otway National Park is home to a dense rainforest with moss-covered ancient trees and fern-covered gullies. Cascading waterfalls add to the magic of this mystical place, making this an underrated but unforgettable location for an adventure elopement.

Within the park, the coastline features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, private coves, and a stunning lush contrast to the land, providing couples with a magical setting for a seaside ceremony.

Australia is also a wonderful place to have a honeymoon, with tons of attractions and activities for couples to do together!

7. Isle of Skye - Scotland

The magical Isle of Skye is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, misty mountains, emerald valleys, and windy moors - all of which evoke the same sense of mystery and enchantment portrayed in Folklore.

Skye’s coastline is dotted with cliffs, pristine beaches, and archaic coastal communities, giving the sweet homelike aesthetic a couple looking for Folklore vibes for their wedding may be searching for.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tennessee & North Carolina, USA

Deep forests populated with ancient hardwood trees create a lovely place for couples looking to elope in a wooded and mountainous region. The magical atmosphere is reminiscent of a land filled with folklore, and rich collection of forgotten tales.

The area is full of activities for the honeymooning couple amongst the misty valleys and towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, and provide a majestic backdrop for an intimate elopement ceremony surrounded by the beauty of nature.

9. South Island, New Zealand

Enchanting landscapes, pristine lakes, and beautiful coastlines offer a wealth of folklore-inspired elopement locations. Couples can wander through towering and ancient forests, explore hidden waterfalls tucked away in secluded valleys, and exchange vows in front of snow-capped peaks.

The rich culture and mythology of the area add an extra exotic layer to the folklore theme - the Maori traditions being rich in storytelling and artwork.

Beautiful bays, sea caves, and jaw-dropping sunsets greet eloping and/or honeymooning couples seeking romance in South Island, NZ. Plenty of activities and adventure await, including Fiordland National Park, glowworm caves in Waitomo, and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

10. Cape Lookout State Park - Oregon, USA

Hemlock & spruce forests surround the beautiful Cape Lookout State Park lighthouse, creating a serene and tranquil world for eloping couples and their intimate ceremonies.

The park’s coastline is adorned with dramatic cliffs, soft & sandy beaches, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Couples can wander along windswept shores and explore tide pools teeming with marine life, watch the sun go down while snuggling on the beach, and point out their favorite constellations as the stars come out.

Plenty of trails with panoramic overlooks are available as well for the couple ready to hike and get a natural ombre on the bottom of their dress! This gem of a park is a great choice for an epic elopement!

So there they are! My top 10 locations that give Folklore era vibes for eloping couples!

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did compiling the information to share, and hopefully this will help narrow down some scenic spots for your upcoming ceremony!

Till next time!