I’m just going to start by saying, the world is a VAST and freaking awesome place.  There are ENDLESS epic locations throughout the world that are perfect for an adventure elopement. Whether you’re looking for something in the US or you’re looking to travel across the world there are so many places to choose from. With how many options you have to choose from and how big the world is I thought I’d go through my top 10 locations for an elopement. Maybe you’ll find a location you didn’t know about that looks perfect for your elopement, or somewhere that makes your mind think outside the box to get the ball rolling. Either way let’s get into it!

What It’s Like Planning an Adventure Elopement

Knowing this is probably the first time you’ve planned a destination elopement I will be a part of most of your planning.  Between timeline assistance, permit and location research, location scouting, day of support and basic coordination, marriage license, and finding other vendors I will make sure to be there to support you as you make decisions for your wedding day.  Because there typically aren’t many guests at elopements, your first elopement you’ll attend might be your own. I’ve attended many elopements now throughout my career, and my experience is at your disposal. If you have questions, concerns or need any help with planning your elopement I’m your girl!

How Pricing Works

I freaking LOOOOOVEEE traveling! For domestic travel I have a flat rate fee of $500 which would be added to your chosen package. And for international travel the flat rate fee is $1000 which would be added to your chosen package. I offer custom packaging as well, so after you inquire we’ll talk about your plan and vision. Once I have an idea as to what you’re looking for I’ll be able to send you different package options and pricings to best fit your needs. Other costs to consider are your locations photography permits and ceremony permits which vary depending on the location you choose.

My Top Ten Bucket List Locations for an Elopement

What You Need to Know for Elopements in the US

In general there’s a few things you’ll want to be aware of and do research on across the board when choosing a location to elope in the US. Things like county requirements, permits, fees, proof of divorce if previously married, and the best time of year to visit taking the weather and tourism into account. Certain states will also require info on where your parents were born as well. Do plenty of research when deciding on a location, and if you need help don’t hesitate to ask your photographer!

Epic United States Elopement Locations

The Pacific Northwest

What It’s Like

The PNW arguably has one of the most diverse landscapes out there.  With its endless amounts of national parks and incredible terrain there’s something here for everyone. Vast mountain ranges, immense and lush forests, and gorgeous lakes are just a few of the sights that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Best Time of Year 

Your best bet for the Pacific Northwest is to have your elopement sometime between the months of April and November. There’s less rain during this time period and temperatures are typically on the warmer and more comfortable side.

Epic Locations for your PNW Elopement

Olympic National Park, The California Coast, Crater Lake, and the Oregon Coast only start to scratch the surface of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

Hawaiian Islands

What It’s Like

Breathtaking beaches, stunning volcanoes, and all the lush greenery your heart could desire. The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most beautiful locations in the US to have a destination elopement at. While not continental US, meaning we’ll have to fly there, the plane ride is definitely worth it for all the fun in the sun that we’ll have.

Best Time of Year

It’s consistent weather makes it perfect for elopements year round.  March-August is typically a bit warmer while winter is a bit colder and can have quite a bit of rain. Tourist season is the main thing to keep an eye out for. Peak season is roughly December through March and July through August tend to be on the busier side as well. Off season for tourism is April through June and September through November. So if you want something a little more secluded, I suggest checking out Hawaii during its off season.

Epic Locations for Your Hawaii Elopement

Na Pali Coast, Makaluapuna Point, Ka’ena Point are a few great locations in the Hawaiian Islands for an elopement. The islands each have so many beautiful spots to offer though so do some digging to find a spot that really speaks to you.

Upstate New York

What It’s Like

Upstate New York has some incredibly gorgeous landscapes throughout making it host to some amazing locations for an elopement. Vast rolling hills, gorgeous lakes, waterfall oases and gorgeous forests make up just some of the beauty this region has to offer.

Best Time of Year

The great thing about choosing Upstate New York as your elopement location is each season of the year has its own appeal. Summertime the weather is warmer and easier to work with, Fall is beautiful with the changing of the leaves and medium temperatures, Winter snowfalls are SO beautiful, and Spring everything starts to liven up again and things start to get a little warmer.

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in Upstate New York

The Catskills, The Finger Lakes, and Rocky Mountain only start to scratch the surface of incredible elopement locations in Upstate New York.

Smoky Mountains

What It’s Like

One of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the US, the Smoky Mountains on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina truly are a thing of wonder. The vast openness of the mountain range combined with its dense forests and the blue-ish haze on its mountain peaks that the park was named after are just a few of the reasons why this place is so special and the perfect location for an elopement.

Best Time of Year

The best and busiest time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains is the summer (June-August). The highest to lowest elevations typically can have as much as a 20 degree temperature difference.  With the winters lower elevations in the 30’s higher elevations sub 20’s.  Meanwhile the summers have warmer temperatures reaching the 80’s with lower temperatures in the 60’s. If you want to avoid the busy season and go during the colder months we’ll need to plan for the weather and pack some extra layers.

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in the Smoky Mountains

Spence Cabin, Heintooga Overlook, Cataract Falls, and so many more!  For a Full List of Approved Locations in Smokey Mountains, check out the link here!

Epic International Elopement Locations

What you’ll need to know about international weddings

Take the Legalities Out of It

If you want to take a simpler approach to getting married abroad, opt to get legally married near where you live prior to your wedding day.  Sign the paperwork without a ceremony and save the rest of your wedding day for when you are at your epic elopement location.

What You Need to Know

Every country is different and their laws are different as well. We’ll need to do plenty of research before hand when planning out your elopement. During our planning process let me know where you’re thinking of having your elopement and we can research their rules and requirements prior to make sure we’re good to go once we hop on the plane.

Hiring Vendors

There are so many great websites for hiring vendors.  If you want to lower your costs, opt to stay in an Airbnb vs. a resort.  Do your research ahead of time, and if you plan to have guests at your wedding or elopement, think about hiring a local planner.  If you plan to get legally married in the location of your choosing, you’ll have to begin your planning a bit farther in advance. The processes vary from country to country so be sure to do some research ahead of time on what exactly is required to get married abroad.  For more information, visit this website!

Amalfi Coast (or Anywhere in Italy Really)

What It’s Like

The Amalfi Coast and all of Italy is SO rich in history and offers tons of diverse landscapes. Get married on the cobblestone streets of one of Italy’s oldest cities, spend your time getting married on a vineyard in the countryside or if you’re a little more on the adventurous side, consider the Dolomites (mountainous region) for your wedding day.

Best Time of Year

Late spring or summer are typically the best times of the year to travel to Italy. With warmer temperatures and less crowds, costs are going to be a bit lower, and you won’t have to be surrounded by tourists your entire trip.

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in Italy

Positano, Sorrento, Ravello, Amalfi and romantic and dreamy Island of Capri, the dolomites.

The Philippines

What It’s Like

The Philippines are home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and shorelines. If you’re looking to head to a tropical paradise for your elopement I highly recommend looking into the Philippines. Not only are they stunningly beautiful but also rich in culture and history-making your time there all the more special and memorable.

Best Time of Year

The dry season of the Philippines is when you should plan your elopement around. The dry season is from November to April with October and May being a little more dicey. June through September are when things are a little more unpredictable with rain being more common.

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in the Philippines

The Ruins in Talisay City, Lagen Island in El Nido, Imnajbu Batanes, and SO many more.

Greece

What It’s Like

Rich in culture and breathtaking architecture Greece is one of the most desired tourist spots in the world and for good reason. The country’s beauty isn’t just limited to its design and architecture though. Greece is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and even some impressive mountain ranges as well making it feel like the truly unique location that it is and perfect for an elopement.

Best Time of Year

It’s a bit of a toss-up depending on what you’re looking for. Spring through early fall is the best time weather-wise to visit as it’s the warm tropical paradise that you picture when you think of Greece. To avoid the crowds of tourists though you should look at visiting sometime in the winter months. Temperatures will be colder and you likely won’t get to tan on the beach but there will be significantly less crowds. Ultimately it’s your call though!

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in Greece

Mykonos, Athens, and Santorini are my three favorite places in Greece, but the country has a LOT of options to choose from, check out this list here!

Switzerland

What It’s Like

Switzerland looks and feels like it is out of this world. Seriously, this country’s beauty is on another level and has SO much to offer. Insane mountain ranges, adorable little villages scattered throughout, incredible lakes and rolling fields, the list goes on! Switzerland is great if you’re looking for something adventurous like climbing a mountain for your elopement or if you’re looking to elope in a log cabin penthouse.

Best Time of Year

Spring through early fall is the best time to visit Switzerland. In the summer months you’ll have to deal with more crowds and tourists but you also get the best weather. Spring and Fall are a little on the cooler side but still very much comfortable and offer a little more privacy in terms of crowds.

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in Switzerland

Swiss National Park, Ticino, Lauterbrunnen, and Creux du Van are all incredible but can’t even begin to scratch the surface of what this country has to offer!

Iceland

What It’s Like

Iceland has to be one of the most magical places on earth when it comes to natural features and attractions. There are seriously so many breathtaking locations that you might be torn when deciding on where to have your elopement. Stunning waterfalls, wide-open green fields, black sand beaches, and a natural bridge made completely out of stone are just a few of the landmark attractions in this beautiful country.

Best Time of Year

If you’re looking to miss the crowds that come with the tourist season, May and September are going to be your best months for visiting. The temperatures are on the cooler side, but there isn’t as much intense weather. Outside of those two months, September-November or February-May are also solid times to visit, there are just many more people that are typically there around that time.

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in Iceland

Reynisfjara Black Sands beach, Stone Bridge, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and although technically owned by Denmark, the Faroe Islands deserve a spot on the list as well.

The US. Virgin Islands

What It’s Like

Crystal clear waters, endless tropical beaches, and gorgeous coral reefs make up the US Virgin Islands. With St. Thomas being the most popular out of the islands, there is so much to see and experience when celebrating your wedding day in the US Virgin Islands. Hike unique coastal views and celebrate poolside while surrounded by your closest family and friends for your elopement.

Best Time of Year

April-June(peak season) is arguably the best time of year to visit and elope in the US Virgin Islands. If you do want a little bit cooler weather for your elopement though, opt for December-February (60 degrees).

Epic Locations for Your Elopement in the US Virgin Islands

St. Croix, Ram Trail Head, Johnny Horn Trail, out on the water are just a handful of the many epic elopement locations on the US Virgin Islands.

Looking to book an adventure elopement of your own? Head over to my contact page and let’s start planning your epic adventure!