Top 10 Places to Elope in the World

Congrats you decided you want to elope! Now comes the fun part of deciding where in the world your love is going to take you. I put together a list of the top 10 places to elope in the world. The best part of eloping is not being limited to a venue and having the beauty of nature as your backdrop. If you’re up in the air on your decision here’s a list of some of the most beautiful places in the world I have photographed elopements in or have personally traveled to. The best part of doing a destination elopement is you can extend your stay for your honeymoon and make it well worth your time. There’s no better way to start off your marriage then creating memories in a beautiful place in our world.

If you want more insight on the best places to elope in these countries please reach out. I’ve personally hiked and explored them all so I know places that you can hardly find on the google even. Need help planning your elopement? Contact me!

The top 10 places to elope in the world:

1. Iceland

Iceland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world and one of the most sought after countries to visit. That’s for a good reason. The nature of this place is breathtaking in every direction you look. From there summer to their winter, Iceland is so unique with the possibilities of activities for you elopement. From exploring beautiful waterfalls, mountains, the Highlands, and more during the summer to being able to explore glaciers and ice caves in the winter, you will be blown away by your elopement experience here!

2. New Zealand

If there’s one country in the world I wish I had more time exploring it’s New Zealand (and I spent a month there). New Zealand is packed full of beauty from beautiful green rolling hills in the North Island that make you feel like your in Hobbiton, stunning beaches straight out of Narnia, to the dramatic mountain ranges of the South Island, and the iconic Milford Sound. New Zealand is a nature adventurers paradise. Even their ancient forests create a whimsical paradise. I’ve never explored a country where everyday felt like the best day of my life. I might be biased but this has to be my favorite place on earth. If you haven’t been I know you’ll be just as in love with New Zealand as I am. It’s the perfect place to have an epic adventure elopement paired with a honeymoon of a lifetime.

3. Montana

Montana is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Out of all the national parks I’ve explored in the US, Glacier National Park has to be my favorite. The mountains will take your breathe away when you first see them here. Pictures can’t even show you how grand they truly are. Glacier truly has it all. Whether you want to be more adventurous and hike around the park on their many trails or just drive up to some of the world’s most beautiful locations for your photos. Along the way make sure to keep an eye out for bears, moose, foxes, and many more animals as you explore the area.

You can read more about Montana and getting married in this beautiful state in this blog post. Read about how to elope in Glacier National Park here. Scroll to the bottom of the blog post to read about Glacier.

4. Hawaii

Hawaii is personally one of my favorite places in the US. From incredible mountain hiking, pristine beaches, romantic waterfalls, and every activity you can dream of. Your adventure elopement will be full of incredible memories the entire time your on the islands. There’s 4 main islands to choose from here and each one has their own unique characteristics. Here’s a short summary of them all:

1. Kauai: this island is the quietest island of the four. It is the least developed and full of beautiful beaches, mountains hikes, and the famous Napali coast. They even have their own Grand Canyon here called Waimea Canyon. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever been and my personal favorite island.
2. Oahu: this island is one of the most developed in the Honolulu area and full of shopping and city activities. However you can easily escape into the quieter areas on the north side that are full of incredible mountain hikes, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. This island is my personal favorite for their mountains and hiking.
3. Maui: this island is a mix of developed and rural. The west side of the island around Lahaina is more developed and full of tourism. Theirs incredible beaches here and places to snorkel. Haleakala National Park is one of the most unique places on earth and I highly recommend experience and sunrise or sunset here. You’ll never forget it. The east side of the island (the road to Hana) is very rural and quieter. With beautiful unique beaches and access to the southeast side of Haleakala National Park it’s a great place to explore and escape the crowds.
4. Big Island: I’ve never personally been to the Big Island but it’s full of beautiful beaches and unique landscapes. From waterfalls to volcano areas you’ll be sure to find many beautiful locations to explore.

You can read more about different locations on these islands here.

5. California

California is one of the world’s most traveled to places and for good reason. From beautiful coastlines, world class mountain views, and some of the best national parks in the states there’s something for everyone. California is home to Death Valley National Park, Redwoods National Park, Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and many more. They also have tons of wilderness areas you can explore that aren’t as crowded. You won’t be disappointed if you choose to elope in California. You just have to decide which part of nature best fits your love story.

6. Switzerland

Unfortunately I didn’t get into photography until after my trip to Switzerland so I don’t have any photos to share. But I’ve never been to a country so full of beauty. The mountain towns are full of charm that will have you feeling like your lost in a romantic fairytale. There’s no better place to escape the world and get lost in nature. The mountains are so grand and the hikes are breathtaking. From Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Zermatt, and many more your adventure elopement will be absolutely epic and full of jaw dropping photos.

7. Australia

Everyone always dreams of going to Australia and for good reason. The people are incredible, the beaches are breathtaking, and the weather is perfect. Australia is the perfect place to elope especially if your a beach person. They have the most incredible shorelines in the world. From amazing sea stacks and cliffs to pure white sand beaches you’ll be able to find the perfect spot. Australia also has some incredible hiking and inland places to explore so don’t just get caught up in their beaches. You will absolutely fall in love with Australia and be dreaming of the day you get to return to this beautiful country.

8. Minnesota

You might be thinking Minnesota? Really? But here me out. Minnesota’s North Shore along Lake Superior is one of the most beautiful places on earth for the outdoorsy couples. From epic cliff locations like the one above to incredible hikes that take you through the Superior National Forest. If you want to make your trip extra special be sure to plan your elopement around our Fall colors that are world renowned. People come from all over the world to explore this area during peak Fall season. I have spent almost 10 years hiking and photographing Minnesota’s North Shore so I can help you choose locations that are away from the busy crowds and sure to leave you in awe.

9. Oregon

Oregon is one of the most diverse states in the US. From beautiful alpine lakes, to glacial blue waterfalls, and epic sandstone cliff coastlines there’s something here for everyone. The mountains in Oregon are world class from Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, the Three Sisters, and many more there’s plenty of alpine places to explore. Lavender fields bloom during the summer and make for beautiful photo locations with mountains in the background. Oregon’s coastline is one of the prettiest in the world. With different places like Cape Kiawanda, Cape Perpetua, and Bandon Beach it’s so unique and you won’t be disappointed. The sea stacks are a marvel to behold.

10. Italy

I mean do I really need to say anything about Italy. There’s a reason this country is deemed one of the most romantic places in the world. From the rolling hills around Tuscany, to the grand mountain peaks of the Dolomites, and down to the epic coastline of the Amalfi Coast. Italy’s beauty is ever flowing. How amazing would it be to start your marriage together with the adventure of a lifetime. Spend 10-14 days in this incredible country covering everything it has to offer would be a dream and the best part, there’s so many other incredible countries surrounding it to further adventure.

Conclusion for Top 10 Places to Elope in the World

These are the top 10 places to elope in the world and exchange your vows with one another to begin your marriage with the adventure of a lifetime. I’ve traveled to everyone of these countries with the exception of Italy (however I do have some pretty incredible connections in Europe and Italy is the next country on my list). If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and say YES to a once in a lifetime experience, then I would love to help plan and photograph it for you. Send me an inquiry through my form below or reach out through my website here to learn more. I can’t wait to meet you and plan the adventure of a lifetime.

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