Destination Elopement Guide | The Best Countries to Elope In

Jul 31

The Best Countries to Elope In

Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Destination Elopement

From Your Destination Elopement Photographer

One of my favorite things about eloping is that there are no rules! You can get married in your backyard, or you can hop on a plane and fly across the globe. If you’re dreaming of an epic wedding day, traveling internationally can be an amazing way to combine that with your honeymoon, and spend some time exploring! here are some of the best countries to elope in, and some tips for choosing just one for your intimate destination wedding.

Let's adventure together!

How to Choose a Country to Elope In

Needless to say, there are a lot of countries to choose from - so how do you decide?

THINK ABOUT SCENERY

The first step I recommend is thinking about what kind of landscape you imagine yourself in, and what you picture yourself doing on your elopement day. Do you want to sip Mai Tais and spend a week relaxing on the beach? Do you want to hike and explore and see as much as possible? Do you want your elopement ceremony to be up in the mountains, or deep in the jungle? Dream big - and talk with your partner to figure out what feels right.

Once you’ve come up with a vision of your elopement day and what kind of scenery you want to be immersed in, think backward and come up with some countries that have what you’re looking for! Greece has beaches, Iceland has epic hikes. Nepal is known for its mountains and the Maldives for its crystal blue waters. Come up with a list of places that match your vision, and do some more research on each one!

CONSIDER THE WEATHER

Some couples have an elopement date set in stone before they begin planning, while others choose their date later. If you’re part of the first group, and maybe you have a date that holds significance for you or a time of year that you can take time off work, think about what the weather is like around the world.

When the northern hemisphere has warm summers, most places in the southern hemisphere are cold - and vice versa! So make sure you know what to expect when it comes to weather at your elopement destination.

DECIDE ON A BUDGET

ELOPEMENT BUDGETS can vary so much because one of the perks of eloping is that you get to decide what to spend money on! one of your biggest expenses for an international elopement will likely be travel costs - but how much you spend while you’re there can depend a lot on the country. Come up with a budget, and decide which countries can accommodate.

Switzerland (and most European countries) are notoriously expensive, while places like Thailand and Colombia attract lots of travelers with tighter budgets. There’s no right or wrong way to elope - it’s all about figuring out what's important to you - whether it’s fine dining and luxury resorts, or rugged adventures and backcountry explorations.

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Tips for a destination elopement

Eloping abroad has some additional challenges - so here are some things to think about when you’re planning!

LOOK UP LOCAL MARRIAGE LAWS

Marriage laws vary so much between countries. some places make getting a marriage license easy, while in others, it’s a lengthy and complicated process. to make sure you’re legally married, make sure to do some research!

I usually recommend that couples do the paperwork at home - this makes things a lot easier, and that way you won’t have to think about it on your elopement day.

START PLANNING EARLY

Flights and lodging are usually less expensive further out. But, planning an international elopement can also be more difficult than planning one at home. I recommend starting your research early - about a year out. This gives you plenty of time to get everything together, and if you’re inviting guests, this gives them time to prepare too.

HIRE AN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

A lot of wedding photographers will take on elopements - but hiring someone who specializes in adventure elopements has a lot of benefits! Most of us love to travel - so we’re experts in things like planning international trips, finding the perfect location, dealing with local permit rules, and everything you’ll need to elope in a foreign country.

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The Best Countries to Elope In

Here are some of the best countries to elope in, and ones you should consider!

ICELAND

in recent years, Iceland has boomed in popularity as travelers have caught wind of the incredible Fjords, Mountains, Waterfalls, and hot springs that make the country so wild and unique. It’s one of the best countries to elope in if you want to hike, but even if hiking isn’t your thing, there’s no limit on the beautiful places you can visit in Iceland. Learn more about having a destination elopement in Iceland here.

ITALY

Italy seriously has some of the most insane scenery I’ve ever seen and is one of the best countries to elope in for couples for so many reasons. You’ll find mountain some of the best mountain views, alpine lakes, stunning Almafi Coast, the Dolomites, and of course bask in that true Italian experience in places like Venice and Tuscany. Check out all of my favorite destination elopement locations in Italy!

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has some of the most epic scenery the world has to offer and is one of the best countries to elope in for couples who want to hike. You’ll find mountain views, alpine lakes, misty forests, and remote wilderness all around.

PATAGONIA

Okay, this one isn’t a country - but I couldn’t leave it off the list! Patagonia is a region at the southernmost tip of South America and includes Chile and Argentina. The scenery, and the fact that it’s managed to stay wild and remote despite its jaw-dropping beauty, will take your breath away. The jagged mountain peaks, empty trails, and towering glaciers make this an amazing place to elope!

Greece

Greece promises an enchanting experience, with its picturesque landscapes, crystalline waters, and ancient ruins serving as a breathtaking backdrop for an intimate ceremony. The allure of islands, such as Santorini or Mykonos make this one of my favorite destination elopement countries.

THAILAND

Thailand is a relatively affordable destination, and one of the best countries to elope in for couples who want to experience true adventure. You can snorkel in the clear blue water, see unique wildlife in the jungles, and island-hop along the stunning coastline.

Destination Elopement Packing List:

Travel Documents:

Passports/IDs
Flight tickets or transportation reservations
Travel insurance
Marriage license and necessary legal documents
Contact information for local authorities at the destination

Clothing:

Wedding attire suitable for the destination's climate
Backup outfit in case of unexpected weather changes
Comfortable and stylish travel clothes
Swimwear if there's water or beach involved
Shoes suitable for walking and any specific activities planned

Destination-Specific Items:

Adapters for electrical outlets if traveling internationally
Currency or travel money
Local guidebooks or maps
Language translation apps or phrasebooks

Luggage and Travel Accessories:

Suitcases or travel backpacks
Carry-on essentials (medications, important documents, a change of clothes)
Travel-sized toiletries
Travel pillows and blankets for comfort during the journey

Accommodation Details:

Confirmation of accommodation reservations
Contact information for the hotel or rental property
Any specific requirements for the stay (e.g., early check-in, room preferences)

Photography and Videography:

Professional photographer/videographer
Extra memory cards and fully charged batteries
Any props or special items for photos
Drone (if allowed and applicable)

Ceremony Items:

Wedding vows or speeches written on durable paper
Rings securely stored
Any decorations or elements for the ceremony location
Unity ceremony items if planned

Refreshments:

Snacks for the journey and destination
Portable picnic set if planning a celebratory meal
Champagne or beverages for toasting
Local specialties or treats

Weather Preparedness:

Weather-appropriate clothing layers
Umbrella or rain gear if the destination is known for sudden weather changes
Sunscreen and sun protection items
Bug spray if applicable

Emergency Preparedness:

List of emergency contacts
Knowledge of the nearest medical facilities at the destination
Basic first aid kit
Emergency cash

Cleanup Supplies:

Trash bags for any waste
Leave No Trace principles – respect the destination environment

Transportation:

Transportation details within the destination (rental car, local transport, etc.)
Maps or navigation apps for getting around

Timeline and Planning:

Detailed timeline for the elopement day
Confirming any reservations or appointments
Planning for downtime to enjoy the destination

Comfort Items:

Portable chairs or cushions for seating during the ceremony
Blankets or wraps for comfort
Hand warmers or cooling towels depending on the destination's climate

Entertainment:

Music playlist and portable speaker
Binoculars or activities for exploring the destination

Other:

Any specific items related to the destination (e.g., beach towels, hiking gear)
Local SIM cards for mobile phones if traveling internationally
Contact information for local vendors or services you may need

Your Destination Elopement Photographer + Storyteller

hey, this is me - rylee!!

I’m going to be your guide on navigating this whole Destination Elopement Experience. When it comes to choosing your destination elopement photographer - hiring someone cares about your day just as much as you do, will take meaningful images and pump you up the whole time - then I’m your girl!

If you’re ready to start planning, or you need help figuring out the best country to elope in for you and your partner, contact me!

Destination Elopement Packages

Planning and Resources:

From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery