Best Places to Elope

If you have decided to have an adventurous elopement or intimate destination wedding, then I’m so excited for you and this adventure! Now comes the hard part… where are the best places to elope?!! 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an elopement location: 

Sentimental

First and foremost, pick a spot that is meaningful to you and your fiancé. Please do not just pick the place that you see all over Pinterest, or the place that everyone on Instagram is eloping at. The most romantic places to elope are going to be the locations that are most meaningful to you and your partner.

For example, choose somewhere that you both have traveled to before and loved. Otherwise, you could choose a place that’s on both of your bucket lists so you can experience it together for the first time.

Whatever you do, make sure that you don’t feel pressured into a spot because it’s where everyone is going or where your family/friends want you to go. Pick a place that holds meaning and significance to you two, then you’ll have a more sentimental elopement.

Private

When you’re saying “I do,” you don’t want flocks of strangers or tourists passing by, gathering around, or heaven forbid- taking pictures!! You want to be in the moment, with zero distractions, and totally present with your partner. 

For this reason, I strongly recommend selecting a spot that has minimal foot traffic. Otherwise, you can at least picking a day of the week that is less busy in this spot. For example if you choose to get married on a beach, then a Saturday or Sunday is not the best day to do that. Your elopement photographer should be able to help recommend the best places and times of day to avoid the crowds.

Weather

Definitely keep in mind the climate of the destination you choose, as well as the time of year you’ll be getting married there. The weather in certain destinations can vary drastically, so make sure you don’t pick Florida during hurricane season or Costa Rica during rainy season. Do your research and set yourself up for the best possible chances of having good weather.

Geography 

Finally, if you are choosing to invite family and friends, then make sure the spot is not too complicated to access. If the transportation is confusing or the spot is so remote that people will have a stressful time trying to get there, maybe reconsider your location. Or, reconsider inviting guests! If you are inviting elderly guests and eloping in the mountains, make sure you don’t stray too far from the trailhead so that your guests don’t have to worry about hiking up.

Keep these things in mind when planning, and do your best to consider all factors before landing on a place to elope.

If you’re still totally lost, I’m sharing below a few elopement locations that I highly recommend!

Whether you’re wanting to elope on the beach, mountains, or somewhere totally exotic, here and some of the best places to elope around the world.

Destination Wedding & Elopement Locations

Top Places to Elope in the United States

• Arizona; Grand Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Horseshoe Bend, Saguaro National Park
• California; Yosemite, Big Sur, Malibu, Napa Valley, Joshua Tree, Channel Islands, Redwoods National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon
• Florida; Everglades, The Keys
• Hawaii; Waimanalo Beach, Waialae Beach, Haleakala National Park, Hilo Bay, Puako, Makena Cove
• Maine; Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Cape Elizabeth Portland Lighthouse, Otter Cliffs
• Michigan; Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Black Rocks, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Traverse City (full list of Michigan elopement locations here)
• Oregon; Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, Canon Beach
• Utah; Bonneville Salt Flats, Arches National Park, Moab, Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon
• Washington; Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach

Best Places to Elope in Europe

• Iceland; Dyrholaey Sea Cliff, Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Black Sand Beach
• Italy; Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Lake Como, Capri, The Dolomites
• Greece; Santorini, Mykonos
• France; Bordeaux, Charente, Provence, Riviera, Paris, Nice
• Switzerland; Lauterbrunnen, Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva
• Portugal; Porto, Douro Valley, Madiera Islands, Cascais
• Croatia; Dubrovnik
• Spain; Mallorca

Best Elopement Locations in Africa

• Morocco; Chefchaouen, Marrakech
• South Africa; Cape Town, Camps Bay, Elgin Valley

Top Places to Elope in Australia / Fiji / New Zealand

• Australia; Queensland, Whitsundays, Blue Mountains, Magnetic Mountains 
• Fiji; Taveuni, Royal Davui,  Highlands 
• New Zealand; ​Wanaka, South Island
• Bora Bora

Best Places to Elope in the Caribbean

• Costa Rica; Costa Verde, Manuel Antonio Beach, Arenal Volcano
• Puerto Rico; Puerto Hermina, The Ruins, Punta Cliffside, Old San Juan
• St Lucia; Sugar Beach
• Jamaica; Negril, Montego Bay

Elopement Location Questionnaire

If you still aren’t sure where to elope, then fill out my inquiry form and I’ll send you my Elopement Location Questionnaire! This questionnaire will assess what things you’re hoping for in your elopement, and based on your responses I’ll share with you a few personalized elopement location recommendations.

More Elopement Planning Tips

Here’s a few more articles that you’ll love:

• How to Elope Without Hurting Feelings- If you’re wanting to elope without offending family, check out these tips!
• How to Write Your Wedding Vows– How to write personal, original vows for your wedding or elopement.

Or check out my Planning Tips page for more wedding and elopement advice. Happy planning!!