Say "I do" with a View: The 10 Best Places in the World to Elope
Eloping couple (Photo:Thinkstock)
Weddings have become such over-the-top affairs that many romantic and adventurous couples have opted to take the plunge in more intimate settings. From classic locales like Las Vegas to historic backdrops like Florence, Italy, these are the top 10 best places to elope.
A view of the San Jacinto Mountains from palm Springs (Photo: Thinkstock)
Where: Palm Springs, Calif.
It can play out like a movie: A couple madly in love takes off to the desert to marry with Mother Nature providing the decorations. The Viceroy Palm Springs can make this dream come true with its Midnight Elopement package for $4,000, which includes a ceremony, floral arrangements, and dinner for you and up to eight guests.
Little White Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas (Photo: Courtesy of Little White Wedding Chapel/Twitter)
Where: Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Well, not when you get legally hitched. But, if you’re sure you’ve found the one, then follow in the footsteps of Britney Spears and Demi Moore and get married at the famous Little White Wedding Chapel, which offers packages starting at $55. Looking for a classier affair? The Bellagio offers an all-inclusive deluxe wedding package starting at $2,000.
Related: Say ‘I Do’ at These Most Searched DestinationWeddings
Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence, Italy (Photo: Thinkstock)
Where: Florence, Italy
Kim and Kanye may have had a lavish affair in this ancient city, but with stunning architecture and historic churches, you can have a dramatic wedding without the bridezilla hassle. It’s easy for foreigners to obtain a marriage license, and numerous companies like Getting Married Italy can help you translate all of the necessary details for your big (or little) day.
Eloping in Big Island, Hawaii (Photo: Thinkstock)
Where: Big Island, Hawaii
For couples with an adventurous spirit and luxurious lifestyle, Hawaii is the place to go. The Four Seasons Hualalai has an elopement package that provides everything a bride and groom could want: musicians, florist, photographer, and even a massage. Bonus: Your honeymoon is built right in!
Get married on the beach in Costa Rica (Photo: Thinkstock)
Where: Costa Rica
With so many secluded beaches and an easy marriage license process (only need passports and two nonrelated witnesses), this is the perfect locale to say,”I do.” The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort has three packages; the simplest one includes a basic ceremony for $1,500, and the more elaborate Small Gatherings package includes seating for up to 10 guests, unique décor options, and private dining for $4,500.
Eloping in Montana (Photo Thinkstock)
Where: Montana
If fishing, horseback riding, and hiking sound like the perfect getaway, why not add a wedding with your beloved to create the ultimate escapade? The Ranch at Rock Creek, a Relais & Chateaux property, offers a slice of raw western adventure with the romance of a wedding under the big sky. With a population fewer than 1,000, it’s no wonder actress Kate Bosworth walked down the aisle at this resort to ensure total privacy.
Exchange vows in Mexico. (Photo: Courtesy of Secrets Huatulco Resort and Spa)
Where: Mexico
Only good stories come from hopping over the border, so add a wedding to your repertoire. The wedding-friendly country makes getting married as easy as taking a tequila shot (You need to be in the country for three days, have your passports, get a blood test by a local clinic, and sign a document stating that you’re single). Many resorts encourage this spicy behavior such as Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, which offers three wedding packages starting at less than $1,000.
Related: Five Great Destinations For Gay Weddings
Get hitched with Park City, Utah as your backdrop. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Where: Park City, Utah
It might be hard to get alcohol in Utah, but it’s certainly not hard to get married. With no waiting periods or resident requirements, you can elope among the rugged mountain ranges or quirky galleries along Main Street. The Sky Lodge is the perfect place to be carried over the threshold because most rooms have multiple private whirlpools perched on terraces with incredible views.
Eloping in St. Croix (Photo: Lindsay Kammerzelt/Courtesy of Buccaneer Resort)
Where: U.S. Virgin Islands
With crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches, there’s no need to waste time on decorations and details in the Virgin Islands. The Buccaneer Resort in St. Croix, which was featured on ABC’s “The Bachelor,“ offersthe Elope to Paradise wedding package for less than $2,000, which includes a ceremony, the necessary paperwork, and photography.
Elope in laid back Key West, Florida. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Where: Key West, Fla.
If laid back and perhaps a little quirky describes you and your significant other, then Key West is ideal for your “I do’s.” Themes like pirate ship, underwater, sea creature, and Hemingway complete with a Papa look-alike officiant are just a few of the ways to celebrate your unique style in style.
WATCH: The best part about eloping to Costa Rica is starting your honeymoon right away:
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