Dreamy Elopement Spots For Every Couple

Fairytales often culminate in a grand wedding, but for many couples, a more intimate celebration is the key to a perfect beginning. Elopement offers the chance to escape the stress of planning, focus on your love, and create a truly unforgettable memory. But where are the best places to elope and say “I do” privately?

From the breathtaking summits of the Rocky Mountains to the peace of quiet islands, this guide opens up a world of options and gives you ideas on the best places to elope.

Where Are The Best Places To Elope?

There is an elopement location that precisely embodies your love story, whether you’re drawn to the bohemian spirit of a rooftop ceremony overlooking a bustling city skyline or the rustic charm of a secluded house tucked away among towering redwoods. Here are some of the most breathtaking locations that can count as the best places to elope, catering to every couple’s nature, beach, or historical desires:

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Best time to elope: June to September

Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. Hike to a secluded viewpoint for a ceremony filled with fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery. Afterward, celebrate with a private picnic overlooking the majestic landscape.

Where to Stay: Many rustic lodges and cabins are nestled within the park, offering cozy accommodations and stunning views. Alternatively, charming towns like Whitefish or Kalispell at the park’s gateway offer a wider variety of hotels and amenities.

What to Eat: Savor Montana’s fresh, seasonal cuisine at the Glacier park grill or Raven restaurant. Enjoy huckleberry pancakes for breakfast, a hearty bison burger for lunch, and fresh trout for dinner. Don’t miss out on Montana craft beers or a glass of local huckleberry wine.

Things to Do: Besides hiking and taking in the scenery, Glacier National Park offers kayaking on pristine lakes, whitewater rafting adventures, and exploring historic chalets. In the winter, go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing for a truly unique elopement experience.

Iceland

Best time to elope: May to September for mild weather and wildflowers; September to April for the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights

This land of fire and ice offers otherworldly beauty for your elopement. Say “I do” under the breathtaking Northern Lights, or stand in awe at the cascading Gullfoss waterfall as you pledge your forever love. Icelandic elopement packages often include glacier hikes, black sand beach ceremonies, and geothermal spa dips for an unforgettable experience.

Where to Stay: Choose from cozy guesthouses in charming villages, unique eco-lodges surrounded by nature, or luxurious hotels with stunning views of glaciers or waterfalls.

What to Eat: Icelandic cuisine features fresh seafood dishes like lamb stew, Arctic char, and langoustine. Sample local delicacies like fermented shark (Hákarl) or rye bread ice cream (Skyrís) for an adventurous twist. Don’t miss out on trying a cup of cozy Icelandic coffee.

Things to Do: Explore the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, including glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs. Go on a whale watching tour, hike through volcanic craters, or visit ice caves for an unforgettable adventure.

The Maldives

Best time to elope: November to April for dry weather and calm seas

Pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows – the Maldives is a picture-perfect elopement destination. Imagine a barefoot ceremony on a secluded beach, followed by a candlelit dinner on your private deck as the sun sets over the horizon. Pure bliss!

Where to Stay: The Maldives is known for its luxurious overwater bungalows, offering ultimate privacy and stunning ocean views. Some resorts offer private island experiences for the ultimate elopement getaway.

What to Eat: Maldivian cuisine features fresh seafood dishes like curries, grilled fish, and lobster. Sample local staples like Maldivian fish soup (Mas Riha) or Roshi (flatbread) with coconut chutney.

Things to Do: Relax on pristine beaches, go snorkeling or diving in the vibrant coral reefs, or embark on a sunset cruise for a romantic experience. Many resorts offer luxurious spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Best time to elope: May to October for dry weather and pleasant temperatures

Sail away to a secluded cove in the Whitsunday Islands and exchange vows surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Charter a yacht for an intimate ceremony and spend your honeymoon exploring the underwater wonderland and the pristine islands.

Where to Stay: Choose from luxurious yachts offering overnight stays, eco-lodges nestled on the islands, or private beachfront bungalows for a romantic escape.

What to Eat: Australian cuisine offers fresh seafood dishes, delicious BBQ, and international influences. Sample local specialties like Whitsunday mud crab or barramundi (a freshwater fish). Don’t forget to try some delicious Australian wines for a celebratory toast.

Things to Do: Explore the Whitsunday Islands by sailboat, going island hopping and discovering hidden coves. Go snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Take a scenic helicopter flight for breathtaking views of the islands and the reef.

Prague, Czech Republic

Best time to elope: April to May or September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds

Get swept away by the romantic charm of Prague. Exchange vows in a historic castle overlooking the Vltava River, or say “I do” in a charming, hidden garden. Explore the city’s cobbled streets, ancient architecture, and historical landmarks after your ceremony for a truly unique experience.

Where to Stay: Prague offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming boutique hotels in the heart of the Old Town Square to luxurious castles on the outskirts of the city.

What to Eat: Czech cuisine is hearty and flavorful. Savor dishes like goulash (stew), roast duck with dumplings, and knedlíky (bread dumplings). Don’t miss out on trying a local Czech beer, a Prague staple.

Things to Do: Explore Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral. Take a stroll across the Charles Bridge, a historic landmark adorned with statues. Get lost in the charming lanes of the Old Town Square and explore the city’s many museums and historical sites.

Santorini, Greece

Best time to elope: April to June or September to October for pleasant weather and manageable crowds

Santorini, with its whitewashed houses, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, offers a picture-perfect setting for an elopement. Imagine a ceremony overlooking the caldera followed by a romantic dinner in a cave restaurant. Explore the island’s volcanic history, charming villages, and hidden beaches for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Where to Stay: Santorini offers a variety of cave hotels built into the cliffs, many with infinity pools and stunning caldera views. Boutique hotels and traditional whitewashed villas are also available for a more private elopement experience.

What to Eat: Greek cuisine is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and delicious seafood dishes. Savor Santorini specialities like fava bean puree, tomato fritters, and fresh fish. Don’t forget to indulge in a glass of Santorini’s Assyrtiko wine, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.

Things to Do: Explore the charming villages of Oia and Fira, known for their whitewashed houses and breathtaking views. Hike along the caldera rim for panoramic vistas, or visit the island’s many historical sites, including ancient ruins and archaeological museums. Relax on Santorini’s black sand beaches and take a boat tour to hidden coves and volcanic hot springs.

A Lifetime Of Adventure

Recall that eloping is about starting a journey together more than just the ceremony. Think of turning your elopement into a romantic retreat where you discover the undiscovered beauties of your destination. Imagine spending time together in hot springs under the stars, or hiking to a remote location and raising a bottle of champagne to toast to your future. The best places to elope are virtually endless.

Allow this to be the beginning of an enchanting love tale that is full of spontaneity, adventure, and a strong bond created in the enchantment of your elopement destination.