Location Guides

Best Places To Elope

The number one question we get from couples who are interested in eloping is, “where do we elope?”  Deciding where to elope involves thinking about what type of adventure you want to go on and what scenery you’re both loving. Since we feature hundreds of elopements around the world, we found it necessary to detail which spots are the best places to elope around the world.

All these places are gorgeous to plan your elopement, and we are sure you and your partner will have an amazing time at one of our top locations. From gorgeous cascading waterfalls in the mountains to black sand beaches and caves, we have got it all under our best places to elope list! Pro tip: if you team up with an elopement vendor on our site, they’ll give you some awesome suggestions to avoid the crowds!

In this blog:

We have done all of the research for you and found the best places to elope around the world. If one of these locations seems like one of the best places to elope for you, then let us know which ones made your list. We also included some awesome information below each location, including links to some of our elopement packages and elopement guides. Follow the links included within each location to find details on elopement planning resources and exact details on how to elope in that location.

Another great thing to remember about planning an elopement is there are unlimited options when it comes to beautiful elopement destinations within each spot we mention. Our Wandering Weddings elopement vendors are pros at finding secluded spots off the beaten path for couples who want an intimate elopement ceremony. These locations also make for perfect spots to plan your honeymoon or vow renewal. Wherever you are in your planning process, we got you covered with the best places to elope in the US and in the world.

One last thing, remember to follow the rules and regulations set in place at your elopement destination. It’s our duty to leave no trace (LNT) when we visit public lands. Let’s all do our part and stay on the trail and respect the lands we are visiting.

Best Places to Elope in The US

couple dancing between red rock formations in Utah's Capitol Reef during their elopement adventure

Photo by Carissa Marie Photography featuring UTAH

For couples seeking an adventurous and unforgettable elopement experience, the United States has hundred of stunning outdoor locations to pick from. Yosemite National Park, with its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees, provides a breathtaking backdrop for an intimate ceremony. The rugged landscapes of Moab, Utah, offer red rock formations, arches, and canyons that create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. For those drawn to coastal beauty, Big Sur on California’s rugged coastline is a dreamy option, with its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and enchanting forests. Alaska’s Denali National Park is a dream with its majestic mountains and wilderness, offering a secluded and wild setting. Whether exchanging vows beneath the northern lights or on top of some of the highest mountain peaks, adventurous couples can find plenty of awe-inspiring locations across the United States to make their elopement truly extraordinary.

Ready to dive into some of our favorites? Let’s do this!

Best Places to Elope in Alaska

Juneau

As the capital of Alaska, Juneau has a lot to offer couples looking to adventure together! From Mendenhall Glacier to Tongass National Forest. Couples can plan a skiing adventure, explore a frozen lake, or take epic portraits on an icefield filled with mountainous views and glaciers. This city is also great to plan a micro wedding with friends and family since there are plenty of accommodation options within the city!

Best Places to Elope in Arizona

Arizona is the state couples pick when they want a boho or desert elopement. From the great open fields of a desert to a deep canyon, there are so many different arches, cliffs, and corners to explore.

With over 30 state parks and 23 national parks, it’s hard to pick the best of the best in Arizona. Take a look at some of the picturesque locations you can plan your wedding day below, but check out our Arizona elopement packages if you want to see more places to elope and team up with an elopement vendor in the area.

Horseshoe Bend

bride and groom portraits at horseshoe bend

Photo by Molly Grunewald

Located in the town of Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River. It’s like a secret Grand Canyon. Sunsets and Sunrises alike are epic, and the opportunity for adventure is endless. Stick to a weekday elopement to avoid crowds, and visit their website for permit information.

Top inspiration for this location: Spiritual Horseshoe Bend Elopement in Arizona.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a region of Arizona located in the North, near Flagstaff. It is famous for its peaceful vacation homes among steep red rock buttes, canyons, and pine forests. It sports numerous trails and outdoor activities for all interests and activity levels.

We love Sedona for its peacefulness and tranquility and overwhelming natural beauty. There are so many epic spots to say your “I dos”. From peaceful hiking trails to pull-offs right off the side of the road. Also, one of my favorite perks of Sedona, so many peaceful and luxurious Airbnbs for the afterparty!

Check out our Sedona elopement guide for a more in-depth guide on how to elope here. 

Top inspiration for this location: Emotional Sedona Red Rock Elopement.

Best Places to Elope in California

California is one of the most popular states to elope, and it’s easy to see why. From mountain views and redwoods to epic sunsets and sunrises. One of the best things about eloping in California is there is never really a bad time to elope! It’s beautiful year-round!

California is huge, so if you’re interested in planning a California elopement adventure, then check out our California elopement packages for more top places to elope and featured elopement vendors you can team up with.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is among one of the crowning glories of all of California. People flock in from all over the world to visit this magical National Park. Yosemite has to be one of the most beautiful national parks we have ever seen. Jagged cliffsides, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful mountain ranges are just a few of its best features. The park is also the perfect, romantic location for a mountain elopement.

If you are interested in eloping at Yosemite National Park, our Yosemite Guide goes over everything you need to know when planning your elopement there. We go over the top locations to consider in Yosemite for your elopement day, and we also cover permit information you should be aware of.

Top inspiration for this location: Unique Yosemite Wedding Photo Ideas You Can Incorporate on Your Wedding Day

 

Redwood National Forest

couple taking elopement photos in redwood national forest

Photo by Sam Starns

The Redwood National Forest in California is the perfect place for the couple looking for a peaceful, surreal experience. Giant redwood clusters stand as the tallest and some of the oldest trees on earth. Some of them growing to up to 300 feet tall, and thousands of years old. The forest is stunning, and out of this world. Get married among these ancient beasts to be reminded of how small we are, and how important the nature around us really is.

Top Inspiration for this location:  Enchanted Forest Elopement at Redwood National Forest.

Big Sur

The Big Sur is a famous coastline of the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California. It’s blue water, white caps are gorgeous as they crash on jagged, green cliffsides. Get married down at the beach at sunset, on a weekday to avoid crowds. Or exchange vows standing tall on top of the cliffs, looking down at the ocean below. Are you ready to elope here? Check out our Big Sur elopement guide. We cover permits, locations, and all the tips and tricks to eloping at this gorgeous place in California.

Top inspiration for this location: Intimate, Joyful Elopement at Big Sur & Garrapata State Park

Best Places to Elope in Colorado

If you would ask us which state is most popular when it comes to elopements, then Colorado would be at the top of our list. This state was made for adventure seekers and mountain lovers. There are also some pretty epic alpine lakes to explore and forests. Looking to plan a micro wedding? Colorado also has some amazing small venues to explore.

Are you certain you want to elope somewhere in gorgeous Colorado? We wouldn’t blame you! After checking out some of our absolute favorite locations below, check out our Colorado elopement packages to see more places you can elope in Colorado and team up with an elopement vendor! 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado is home to a lot of things: the Mile High City, Denver, craft breweries, and distilleries, and some of the best ski towns known to the US. But Colorado is most known for being home to Rocky Mountain National Park. The jagged Rockies sit in the central part of the state, sporting white-capped mountain peaks, alpine lake hikes, and scenic drives.

While you cannot have your ceremony there, photos on the famous Trail Ridge Road are the most popular, as the highest known road in the Continental United States. Up there you feel like you are the only person on earth. Visit their website for their designated elopement spots!

For detailed information about eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, check out our Rocky Mountain Elopement Guide.

Top Inspiration for this location: Rocky Mountain National Park Intimate Wedding.

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is one of our favorite places in Rocky Mountain National Park. At a little over 12,000 feet, Trail Ridge Road is one of the highest roads in the continental United States and boasts epic and stunning mountain views. Rocky Mountain National Park has so many amazing elopement locations but this is the best one. If you want an elopement that feels on top of the world, then trail Ridge Road awaits you.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s many mountain ski towns. It has the cutest downtown, with the mountains towering in the background, amazing Airbnb options, and endless elopement locations. Boreas Pass is a beautiful mountain pass with many pull-offs with stunning views. Loveland Pass is only 30 minutes away, another stunning elopement location.

Breckenridge has many shops, restaurants, and bakeries for all your elopement weekend needs. Sapphire Point Overlook, featured above, is another popular elopement ceremony spot that is both easily accessible and stunning.

Vail

Vail is another Colorado mountain town, famous for its winter and summer sports. It looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, with a beautiful downtown full of luxury restaurants and shops, hotels, and Airbnbs and the coolest Christmas market during the winter. There are also endless mountain elopements in this town. Take one of the ski lifts up to epic winter mountain views, or hike to a beautiful spot in the summer at sunrise.

Sand Dunes National Park

If you’re looking for something a little different in sunny Colorado, then maybe skip down to the desert for some epic, sand dunes action. This place will make you feel like you’re in the Sahara, with rolling hills of sand, clear skies that turn pinks and blues during sunset, and some of the best stargazing you’ll ever see. If you are looking for a unique adventure in Colorado, then the Sand Dunes are perfect for you.

Top inspiration for this location: Elopement at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

 

Garden of the Gods

If the desert vibe is what you’re looking for, then the Garden of the Gods should be your elopement location choice. Tucked away in Colorado Springs, home of Pikes Peak, one of the highest mountains in Colorado.

Garden of the Gods is desert meets lush rolling green hills. People flock from all over to the Garden of the Gods for hiking and rock climbing. It’s stunning, and there are so many options for elopements. Pro tip: have a sunrise elopement here, to beat the crowds.

Are you set on eloping here? Check out our Garden of the Gods elopement guide for more inspiration and location tips.

Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells boasts being the most photographed place in Colorado. And for good reason! It’s a beautiful alpine lake sporting colorful mountain views. The summer is the most popular time to visit this elopement location, but Maroon Bells can be a gorgeous elopement backdrop, year-round! If you are interested in a summer elopement here, then we suggest a week-day or sunrise elopement.

Best Places to Elope in Florida

Florida is known as the gorgeous sunshine state, perfect for all types of beach elopements. From quiet St. Augustine to the busy Miami beaches, there are plenty of areas to explore during your Florida elopement.

While we are going to mention some of our favorites below, feel free to jump to our Florida elopement packages to learn more places to elope and see our featured vendors in the area.

Saint Pete

Saint Pete Beach is a popular Florida beach town. A quiet, trendy, and hip beach town, Saint Pete is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tampa, while still being within an hour of the city. Home to so many breweries, boutiques, delicious farm-to-table restaurants, and gorgeous, beachside Airbnbs and hotels, Saint Pete Beach is the Florida west coast beach for the young and trendy elopement.

The beach is gorgeous, and with it being on the west side of the state, it is one of the few that boasts gorgeous ocean sunsets. The shoreline is stunning and clean, and not as crowded as surrounding west coast beaches. Say your “I dos” on the beach and then hit up a local brewery for dinner and drinks after!

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest city in Florida. Full of old buildings, historical icons, beautiful beaches and so much more, people flock from all over to visit this historical, vintage city. It has the cutest downtown full of delicious bars and restaurants, perfect for a fun night out, and endless elopement locations.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

If you want to elope in Miami, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a secluded hotel beach spot, then consider Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This park is minutes from Miami and has an epic historic 1825 lighthouse. There’s a little bit of everything at this Florida elopement destination.

Key West

When you think of Florida, what do you picture? Palm trees, and white sand beaches? Beach bars with signature rum drinks, cabanas, and crystal clear water? Well if you’re looking for the ultimate Florida experience, Key West is the place for your elopement. The beaches are pristine, and the pride the locals have in their towns makes it so much more authentic. There is an assortment of themed bars and restaurants, gorgeous shorelines, hotels, and Airbnbs, state parks for a beautiful Florida elopement.

Lake Louisa State Park

Lake Louisa State Park is a great Florida elopement location if you’re looking for something a little unique to Florida. A large, quiet state park, full of rolling hills, a little shoreline, campsites, and beautiful sunsets, Lake Louisa State Park is a gorgeous spot for a quiet elopement. This is a large, pristine park, so visit their website to see if you need permission for a small elopement here.

Best Places to Elope in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the top elopement destinations in the world. Many of our couples want to elope there, but there are so many areas to pick from that many feel overwhelmed.

We briefly go over some areas below, but our Hawaii elopement packages break down the top places to elope per each island and feature talented elopement vendors to help you along the way!

Kaua’i

Kaua’i is an adventure’s oasis! On top of its pristine beaches and its amazing resorts, it sports gorgeous, volcano hikes, beautiful waterfalls, and secret shorelines. Visit a beach at sunset for your elopement, wear a traditional lei, incorporating the beautiful culture of people who walk that very soil. This is one of our top locations to post up at a resort for a relaxing honeymoon after your elopement ceremony!

For detailed information about eloping in Kauai, check out our Kauai elopement guide. 

Best Places to Elope in Montana

Montana is one of our favorite elopement destinations, mainly for all its awesome mountain ranges, forests, sparkling lakes, and alpine hiking trails. There are also so many hidden gems worth exploring in this area.

Check out our Montana elopement packages for a more in-depth overview of different locations you can visit and elopement vendors in the area. 

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is in the heart of the Big Sky State. Home to the “Going to the Sun Road” made famous for its appearance on “The Shining” and other films, the park is everything you think of when you picture Montana. Visit their website for information about eloping there. There are so many epic hiking trails, pull-offs, and secret hideaways for your epic, mountain elopement.

Are you looking for more details on how to elope in gorgeous Glacier park? Check out our Glacier National Park elopement guide!

Best Places to Elope in North Carolina

NC is the perfect elopement destination for intimate elopements and micro weddings. From mountains to dense forests, NC has plenty to explore together.

For more top places to elope in North Carolina and to see our featured vendors in the area, check out our NC elopement packages

Linville Gorge Wilderness

If you are looking for a whimsical and boho elopement destination, then you should consider Linville Gorge Wilderness. Within the mountains of western North Carolina, you will find this special place. Here you will find steep terrains, unique rock formations, and dense forest.

Best Places to Elope in Oregon

If you’re looking for a complete escape, then Oregon is the state to elope! Oregon is easily one of the best places to elope on the west coast, and it’s so easy to see why. Filled with forests, waterfalls, and coastal hikes. There are also endless hidden gems making you feel like you stepped into a fairytale.

We mention some of our favorites below, but if you want to dive deep into everything you need to know about planning your elopement in Oregon, then check out our Oregon elopement packages. We go through more elopement locations and even list our featured vendors who specialize in that area. 

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is everything you want out of an Oregon Coast elopement. Just a few hours outside of Portland, Cannon Beach is the ideal spot to come to unwind. Epic shoreline, and waves crashing on the beautiful Haystack rock that you can run up to. We love this beach for how unique and photogenic it is. Not to mention the adorable beach town, home to delicious restaurants, seaside shopping, and amazing Airbnbs and boutique hotels. If your dream is to be a barefoot, PNW bride, then this is the place for you!

Cape Kiwanda

When you picture west coast beaches, Cape Kiwanda is that picture in your head. Cliffs with roaring waves crashing up and threatening to pull you into the sea, towering rock formations, seaside caves, and epic sunsets. Cape Kiwanda is the perfect barefoot beach to say your vows on, or throw on your hiking boots and hike up to the awesome cliffs. Just be extremely careful up on the cliffs. The rock is slippery and the ocean will swallow you up.

Oregon Waterfalls

There are over 250 waterfalls in the state of Oregon. There are waterfalls you can walk up to and ones you can just look at from a distance. Between Bend in southern Oregon and The Columbia Gorge in the Portland area; you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most epic waterfalls you will ever see. Latourell Falls is a short drive from Portland and a quick jaunt from the parking lot. An elopement at the base of this waterfall is sure to be amazing. Another great waterfall elopement location is Wahclella Falls, which has recently reopened after the Oregon fires left the hiking trail impassable. This roaring waterfall has a gorgeous pool at the bottom to dip your feet in or to trash your dress!

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is a beautiful, and slightly haunted, lake in Central Oregon. Its crystal blue water and its epic views make this the perfect place for a sunrise or a sunset elopement. The crater was formed 7,700 years ago, when an eruption caused a peak to cave in, creating the crater and this awe-inspiring beauty.

Best Places to Elope in Tennessee

Tennessee has some of the most whimsical elopement views we have seen to date. The Great Smokey Mountains is the star of this state, and there are so many nooks and crannies to explore for all types of adventurers!

Check out our Tennessee elopement packages for more tips on where to elope and featured elopement vendors to help you along the way. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Looking for a mountain elopement on the east coast? Well then look no further than the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Get lost in this quiet national park. Hikes to mountain views, waterfalls, and wildlife all await you here. Get an Airbnb and enjoy your quiet natural surroundings.

Top inspiration for this locationSmoky Mountains Adventure Elopement in Elkmont.

Snoopers Rock in Chattanooga

Tennessee elopement locations

Photo by Rafferty Photo

The view you get hiking Snoopers rock in Tennessee is a gratifying experience. This trail is a moderate hike, so it’s perfect for the adventurous couple who want to hike to their elopement destination, but not make a whole day event of their hike. This elopement destination will give you some epic views of the winding river and endless trees. This is also another good elopement destination for couples who want to bring their dogs along with them.

 

Best Places to Elope in Utah

If you want deserts, red rocks, canyon cliffs, and sparkling rivers, then Utah is calling you to elope. The landscapes in Utah are far from epic, and there are so many different areas to explore, depending on what you both want to do during your elopement day.

If you’re looking for more locations to elope in Utah and elopement vendors to team up within the area, then check out our Utah elopement packages.

Moab

Moab, Utah is the midwest’s best-kept secret. Home to two epic National Parks, and multiple state parks, towering red rock formations, scenic drives, rock climbing, and hiking for all levels, it is not hard to find your own special spot for an elopement. Seriously, the amazing thing about being here in Moab is that no matter where you are, it feels like you have the place to yourself, Like a giant playground for adults, Moab is for everyone looking for adventure, and a special elopement to call their own.

Top inspiration for this location: Desert Elopement in Utah.

 

Zion National Park

Zion National park is perhaps the crowned jewel of Utah. It’s arguably the most popular National Park in the whole state. Only an hour or so drive from Las Vegas, Zion is the epitome of epic desert vibes. People flock from all over the world to visit this pristine, amazing gem. Visit their website for a list of approved spots for weddings. Or, for just the two of you, find a remote spot in the park.

Top inspiration for this location: Canyon Elopement Inspiration at Zion National Park.

If you’re thinking about eloping in Zion, then check out our Zion elopement guide for all the details on how to start planning your elopement there. 

Bonneville Salt Flats

Bonneville Salt Flats is probably one of the best spots to elope if you’re looking for a minimalist vibe during your elopement. This area was formed when ancient Lake Bonneville dried up. Now, visitors can see unique salt deposits, giving your elopement portraits a unique look.

Top resource: 5 tips when planning your Bonneville Salt Flats wedding adventure

Antelope Island

Antelope Island is the largest of ten islands within the Great Salt Lake in Utah. If you’re looking for somewhere scenic and has plenty of open space to explore. From hiking to horseback riding, there are plenty of activities you two can plan together to celebrate your special day.

Best Places to Elope in Washington State

Washington State has some of the most adventurous and romantic elopement destinations in the US. There are so many options when it comes to planning a Washington elopement. You can exchange your vows with an epic view from the top of a mountain, or you can rent an a-frame cabin and have an intimate micro wedding.

There are way too many top places to elope in Washington, so check out our Washington elopement packages to see more of our top places to elope and our featured elopement vendors in the area. 

North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is located in the northern region of Washington state, and the range stretches all the way into Canada! The North Cascades is America’s Alps or the Sea of Peaks. The mountain range stretches far and wide, flowing like the sea. North Cascades National Park is a great, epic, adventurous elopement location in Washington State. From Strenuous hikes with rewarding views to the pull-offs right from the road, this park is suited for everyone and anyone looking for a mountain elopement or intimate wedding.

It’s free to get in and dog-friendly, however for some locations, they do require a permit, so don’t forget to hop on their website and see what steps they require.

Top inspiration for this location: Full Day Elopement Adventure in North Cascades, WA

Mount Baker

Mount Baker is the epitome of Washington adventure elopement. If you are looking to go hardcore, and totally private, the Mount Baker area is a great hidden gem. Tons of off-roading, and strenuous trails that lead you to the most stunning views that make you feel so tiny, Mount Baker is for those who truly love to get their hands dirty. This is also a top location to include your dogs on your mountain elopement adventure.

Top inspiration for this location (This couple included their dog!): Mountain Wedding at Mount Baker.

 

Mount Rainier National Park

Standing at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is an active volcano towering over its surrounding mountain range. Some will say that Mount Rainier is Washington State’s icon, and we can clearly see why. Many people choose a Mount Rainier elopement because it represents Washington so well. It’s not always out, because of the typical Washington fog: such a catch 22 for such a beautiful state. However when it is, it is breathtaking, and it’s hard to look at anything else. Mount Rainier National Park is the most visited national park in the state of Washington, and for good reason. It has so many adventure elopement options, you can’t go wrong.

Top inspiration for this location: Magical Wildflower Elopement at Mount Rainier National Park

 

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park sits on the west side of Washington and stretches all the way to the coast. The east side of the park sports mountain views and alpine lakes. Hurricane Ridge is a popular place for elopements, a beautiful, epic mountain pass. And Lake Crescent is a gorgeous lake, with mountain views, campsites, and a gorgeous lodge for you to grab a room and relax before your big day. Oh, and you’ll find some of the best star-gazing spots in all of Washington here!

Finding a place to elope in Olympic national park is either super difficult or super easy, depending on if you’re a “glass half full” or “glass half empty” kind of person. It’s super difficult because you have so many options it may be hard to decide, but super easy because there is not an ugly spot in this park. Our Washington elopement vendors are your go-to resource to help you keep an eye out for “GOAT capture”!

Top inspiration for this location: Rainy Adventure Elopement at Olympic National Park

 

Snoqualmie, Wa.

Only about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Seattle, the Snoqualmie pass region is to die for. Home to Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, Rattlesnake Ledge, and many more amazing features, Snoqualmie is Seattle’s hidden gem. Surrounded by many quaint mountain towns for you to stay in, Snoqualmie is accessible and may give you more peace of mind planning your adventurous elopement or intimate wedding.

Best Places to Elope in Wyoming

Wyoming may not be the first state you think of when considering where to elope, but we can give you a few reasons why Wyoming is one of our favorites. Besides the fact that it’s remote and not as busy, there are plenty of forested areas, wildlife, and mountain ranges to appreciate.

Check out our Wyoming elopement packages for a more detailed list of our favorite spots to elope in Wyoming and the featured vendors in that area. 

Grand Teton National Park

A lot of people flock to Wyoming to visit the most visited national park in the world: Yellowstone. But a little bit of a lesser-known park in Wyoming in Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons are this rigid, unique mountain range and the park is filled with hiking, lodging, and wildlife. It’s quiet, even in the busy season, and there are so many options for a beautiful mountain elopement with this unique mountain range in the background. Get off the beaten path a little with Wyoming’s best national park!

 

Best Places to Elope in the World

places to elope in europe

Photo of Los Picos de Europa location in Spain by Cuervo Blanco Fotografía

Are you thinking about planning a destination wedding adventure? So many couples decide to plan an destination elopement and use that as an opportunity to start their honeymoon as soon as their elopement adventure is over (we wouldn’t blame them). Around the globe, there are enchanting destinations that would be perfect for adventurous couples to exchange vows. The Amalfi Coast in Italy offers a romantic backdrop of picturesque cliffside villages, azure waters, and lush lemon groves. New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, with its fiords, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, provides a the perfect landscape for your ceremony. Iceland, known for its ethereal landscapes, invites couples to say “I do” amidst glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers, creating a truly magical atmosphere. In Morocco, the ancient city of Marrakech with its vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and exotic gardens offers a rich and exotic setting. The serene beaches of Bali, Indonesia, with their white sands and turquoise waters, provide a tranquil escape for couples seeking a tropical elopement. From the majestic Swiss Alps to the sun-kissed beaches of Santorini, the world offers SO many locations where couples can plan their elopement.

Let’s get into some of our favorites!

Austria

Tirol

Tirol is also known as the “capital of the alps” with some of the highest mountains and most popular ski resorts, including Kitzbühel. Whether you want to go skiing or hiking, explore peaks like Gross Glockner and take in the beauty all around you.

Check out our Austria elopement guide for more location inspiration and tips.

Canada

Banff National Park

Banff is just… Wow. Just a six-hour drive up from Seattle and three and a half hours from Vancouver, Banff is one of the most beautiful sites we’ve seen in Canada. Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, and probably the most well-preserved one we’ve seen. Its icon is Lake Louisa, which sits in the middle of the park, a beautiful crystal blue alpine lake, with an epic mountain range towering above. Banff is 100% the place to go for an epic, Canada mountain elopement.

Greece

Santorini

I mean, can you get more coastal with Greece? Right on the Adriatic Sea, Greece is a stunning sunbleached island with a coastline for days, and some of the most stunning ancient architecture you’ll ever see. A Greek elopement could mean your toes on a black sand beach in Santorini. The options are endless.

Top inspiration for this location: Seaside Imerovigli Elopement in Santorini

 

Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and has gorgeous terrain and rich history. We love the gorgeous sunsets couples can admire, and the glorious beaches they can explore. The mountainous landscape in Crete also gives you some great vantage points, making you both feel like you are on top of the world together.

Iceland

Iceland has become the Mecca of adventurous elopements. Couples flock from all over the world to say “I do” in Iceland. And for good reason! a small, green, temperamental Island, Iceland is home to the most unique landscape you will ever see. Hundreds of roaring waterfalls, black sand beaches, canyons, glaciers, volcanoes, and all things epic, this is the very place you should go to feel the smallest. Because most of the island is uninhabitable, there is no shortage of peaceful places to go. Every hiking trail, dirt road, and landscape you come upon will make you feel like you’re the only one there.

For detailed information about eloping in Iceland, check out Iceland Elopement Packages.

Ireland

The Cliffs of Moher

elopement photos at cliffs of moher

Photo by The Martins

The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most popular destination, and for good reason. A jagged, and jarring cliffside plummeting into crystal blue water, The Cliffs of Moher is about as “Ireland” as you can get. It’s a stone’s throw from the tiny farming village of Doolin, or the more well-known party town of Galway, embrace the magic of Ireland by getting married in one of the most breathtaking locations the country has to offer! Sunrise is the best time for a Cliffs of Moher elopement to beat the crowds of people that come from all over to visit this spectacular site.

Italy

The Dolomites

The Italian Dolomites are just too beautiful for words. If you are going for a mountain destination elopement, maybe go a little out of the box with a lesser-known mountain range in Northern Italy. Located close to Florence and Tuscany, the Dolomites will take your breath away. There’s no bad time to visit, and there’s no bad place to elope. And the best part! So many amazing lodging options surround you in this area, whether you want to stay in a cute, authentic Italian village, or in a chalet in the middle of nowhere with just the mountains guiding you.

Cinque Terre

If you’re thinking about having an Italian elopement, then Cinque Terre should be on your list. Cinque Terre is comprised of five adorable towns, MonterossoVernazzaCornigliaManarola, and Riomaggiore. These fishing villages are on high cliffs, on the Italian Riviera, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We love this place in Italy because all the houses are brightly colored and there are so many adorable shops and restaurants to enjoy. Eloping here will give you such a unique experience as you roam the town’s streets and celebrate as the Italians do on your wedding day.

Check out our guide for more places to elope in Italy.

Morocco

The Sahara Desert

Now if you’re cutting to the chase and are looking for the true desert elopement, then why not think about the world-famous, Sahara Desert? The Sahara Desert is the oldest and biggest desert in the world. Rolling hills of tan sand for hundreds of miles means one of the most remote, and peaceful places possible for an elopement. What an adventure! Stay in Morocco and book a tour with a tour guide for your safety and security in this moody, and dangerous place. and say your “I dos” with the camels you rode in on in the background.

 

 

 

New Zealand

Mount Cook

Mount Cook is a gorgeous place to elope! This location is home to the highest mountains in New Zealand.  Here you will also see glorious, long glaciers, perfect for elopement portraits. If you are looking for a unique elopement destination for your ceremony with epic views, then this place is a must-see!

 

Scotland

Scotland is a gorgeous country with endless vistas, epic hills, and historical landmarks. This is not only a top place to elope, but it’s also a perfect place for couples looking to elope at a remote location. We have all the details on how to plan the perfect wedding day together in our Scotland elopement guide.

Isle of Skye

groom lifting bride off her feet in isle of skye scotland highlands

Photo by Lina Hayes

If you want to embrace the magic of Scotland in your elopement, Isle of Skye is the place for your “I dos”. I’m going to do my best to describe this place, but it’s so unique it’s going to be hard! The Isle of Skye is a remote, coastal region in northern Scotland, famous for its unique coastline and its jagged cliffsides. It’s the perfect place for a romantic elopement. Stay in one of the tiny fishing villages for a true adventure, and hike out to grand views for your I dos.

Are you thinking about eloping here? Check out our Isle of Skye elopement guide!

Best Places to Elope in South America

Patagonia

Calling all true adventurers! Patagonia awaits you! A treacherous, magical, mountainous region of South America between Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is awaiting anyone who earns it. Many hikes, climbs and treks sport rewarding and peaceful views. We love this area because it’s adventurous, off the beaten path, and not the most traditional way to do things. If you are looking for a place to say your “I Dos” with the wind yanking your hair out of its updo, and inevitably tearing the bottom of your dress, then Patagonia is there for you!

 

Switzerland

Swiss Alps

swiss alps elopement photo of bride and groom

Photo by Meltem Salb

Now, what could be better than America’s Alps? The actual Alps! The Swiss Alps are an epic Mountain Range stretching throughout Switzerland, all the way down to Italy, and all the way up into France, and even Austria. The Mountain Range is among the most famous in the world, and for good reason. It is the perfect place for an adventurous, destination elopement in the mountains!

 

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