5 Best Places To Elope To (+ Tips To Plan The Trip)

Let's be honest, eloping is the best way to tie the knot. So here's a list of the best places to elope + a list of tips to plan the big day!

April 19, 2024

Lauren Stuttaford

Travel

Let’s be honest: eloping is the perfect way to get married.
Firstly, the wedding destination is literally limited to your imagination.
Secondly, eloping is literally what weddings are about – an intimate ceremony honoring and celebrating love.
Thirdly, what better way to start your married life than by going on an adventure?

So why not put together a list of the best places to elope, and a list of tips to plan the trip?

That’s exactly what this guide is all about.
Let’s get going!

What You Need To Know Before You Head Off

Before we list the best places to elope to, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to prepare to make sure the trip is memorable and goes off without a hitch.

Budgeting

Budgeting is a crucial part of any event, and that includes eloping.
Here are a few budget-related things to look out for.

1. Total Budget

Before diving into specifics, you should sit down with your partner and establish your overall budget, which includes travel, accommodation, the ceremony, and any additional services.

2. Cost Breakdown

Now, you should look at all of the things listed above and break them down by cost, to figure out how much you’ll need to spend on what.

Here are a few costs to consider:

Travel Expenses
Accommodation
Ceremony costs
Vendor services
Additional expenses (meals, activities, transport)

3. Prioritize Spending

Okay, now that you’ve got your expenses listed, it’s time to decide what you as a couple find the most important. If you prefer to focus on location, then put more budget into the location. If you prefer amazing photos, then consider spending more on a photographer. You get the idea!

4. Account For Emergencies

There are hiccups in any process, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer because of them. Add a little bit more to your budget, and put it aside purely in case of emergencies, so that you’re ready for anything.

5. Be Flexible

While you’ll want to try and stay within your budget, it’s also important to remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that an amazing elopement will be worth so much more than the extra few pennies you pinched.

Legal Considerations

Even the best places to elope have specific laws and regulations that you have to follow if you want to be considered legally married. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t get stuck in legal limbo.

1. Research

Take some time to research the marriage laws for the place you’re traveling to, making sure you’re clued up before you head off.

2. Marriage License

In most cases, you’ll need a marriage license if you want to be legally married. That usually means submitting an application, providing identification, and paying a fee. Some places also have a residency requirement, so make sure that you double-check that before you jet off.

3. Documentation

On top of the marriage license, you’ll probably also be required to provide passports, birth certificates, or other kinds of documentation.

4. Officiants

Depending on the destination, you might need a licensed officiant or registrar to perform the actual ceremony. Figure out who can legally marry you so that you don’t end up spending money on a situation that leads you to not actually being legally married!

Other Things To Consider

These are some other things to consider before heading off to elope.

1. Vendors

Do some research on vendors in the location you’re planning on eloping to.
That includes:

Photographers
Hair stylists
Makeup artists
Florists
Caterers

We recommend looking for vendors who specialize in smaller ceremonies as well, since they’ll really help bring your dream wedding to life.

2. Accommodation

Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a cozy B&B, or a vacation rental, you should make sure you have somewhere to stay.

3. Personalization

Consider personal touches that you can incorporate into the ceremony that reflect your relationship and personality. It can be as simple as writing your own vows, or as complex as hiring a dog to carry the ring down the aisle.

5 Best Places To Elope

With the boring stuff out of the way, it’s time to find the perfect location.
Here are a list of the 5 best places to elope to!

1. Santorini, Greece

Santorini offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, stunning sunsets, and iconic white-washed buildings with blue domes. It’s a romantic destination with charming villages, cliffside restaurants, and picturesque beaches.

Ideal for: couples looking for a romantic and scenic backdrop (and people who love Greek food).

Best season: Late spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Average cost: Elopement packages range from $3,000 to $7,000, including ceremony setup, photography, and accommodations.

2. Tuscany, Italy

Nothing says “romance” like getting married in Italy. And, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villas, Tuscany is one of the best places to elope. You can tie the knot in a charming Italian villa, amidst olive groves, or in a medieval town square!

Ideal for: Couples who appreciate fine wine, food, and culture, lovers of rustic charm and scenic countryside.

Best season: May to June or September to October for pleasant weather and the grape harvest season.

Average Cost: Elopement packages range from $3,000 to $8,000, including venue rental, catering, and photography.

3. Paris, France

Ah, the City Of Love. With iconic landmarks, charming streets, Paris offers a romantic ambiance like no other. You can elope at the Eiffel Tower, in a quaint Parisian garden, or along the Seine River.

Ideal for: Romantics, lovers of art, culture, and history, couples looking for a fairy-tale setting.

Best season: April to June or September to October for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Average cost: Elopement packages range from $3,500 to $7,000, including photography, floral arrangements, and a simple ceremony setup.

4. Kauai, Hawaii

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is celebrated for its lush, tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and dramatic sea cliffs. From the iconic Na Pali Coast to the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, Kauai offers endless natural beauty for your elopement.

Ideal for: Couples seeking a secluded and romantic setting, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts.

Best season: Kauai enjoys warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit is typically from April to June or September to November when the weather is mild, and tourist crowds are fewer.

Average cost: Elopement packages range from $2,500 to $6,000, including photography, floral arrangements, and a simple ceremony setup. Costs may vary depending on the specific location and services included.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand offers diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and fjords to lush forests and pristine beaches, providing endless options for your elopement. With so much diversity, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the best places to elope. After all, you can say “I do” atop a glacier, beside a tranquil lake, or in a vineyard!

Ideal for: Adventurous couples, nature enthusiasts, lovers of outdoor activities.

Best season: November to March for warm weather and longer daylight hours.

Average cost: Elopement packages start from $3,000 to $6,000, including photography, transportation, and accommodations.

Bonus Location – Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas is famous for its quick and easy wedding options, offering a variety of venues from classic chapels to luxurious resorts. You can exchange vows in front of an Elvis impersonator, in a themed chapel, atop the High Roller observation wheel, or in a drive-thru!

Ideal for: Couples seeking a fun and unconventional wedding experience, lovers of vibrant nightlife and entertainment.

Best season: Las Vegas enjoys mild weather year-round, but spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are popular for outdoor ceremonies.

Average cost: Elopement packages range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the venue, services, and add-ons chosen. Packages typically include ceremony coordination, officiant, photography, and sometimes transportation.

Final Tip – Download The Air Doctor App!

Your elopement is all set! Now there’s just one thing left to do…

Make sure you don’t get sick abroad!

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical advice, get prescriptions, and receive expert medical guidance wherever you are in the world – even in a chapel in Las Vegas!

Air Doctor’s easy-to-use app gives you: