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Let’s elope in Europe – the top 15+ best places for your Europe elopement

Let’s elope in Europe – the top 15+ best places for your Europe elopement

Are you dreaming to elope Europe?
Do you want to know the best places for a beautiful european elopement, whether you are the adventurous type or you are more attracted to the beautiful European cities?
You’ve come to the right place!
Sit back and relax while I help you plan the elopement of your dreams!

1) How to elope in Europe legally

If you are a U.S. citizen, you might want to look into a more symbolic elopement. This is because getting legally married in Europe is difficult, if not completely impossible in some countries. The best option when you plan your elopement in Europe is to have a legal wedding in your state/country of residence, and then to have an amazing elopement, where you will exchange your vows and have an amazing adventure together.

Some countries in Europe, like France, Italy or Greece, allow two foreigners to get married legally but require you to have proof of residency of at least 30 days (in France) before the wedding date. However, the ceremony must take place inside the town hall of the city that you chose. Therefore, you won’t be able to have a beautiful, legally-binding elopement ceremony at the place or venue of your choice.

2) The best places to elope in Europe

1) Paris, France

It’s almost impossible to talk about elopements in Europe without mentioning Paris. The city of love is filled with ancient buildings. You can also visit the iconic Eiffel Tower while you are there!

2) Venice, Italy

Venice is as beautiful as it is depicted in movies and books. You will find peaceful little streets and canals, as well as delicious Italian food.

3) Lapland, Finland

If you’re in love with beautiful snowy landscapes and you want to have something really special for your elopement, Finland is the destination for you! Northern lights, reindeers and amazing ski resorts await you in Lapland!

4) Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley is beautiful. It is best known for its amazing fairytale chateaux. Rent one of them for your elopement and have an amazing week with your closest friends and family members.

5) Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are not a well-known tourist destination. However, it compares favorably with many other more popular places. It has many beautiful beaches, amazing hikes and panoramic views for you to enjoy.

6) Picos de Europa, Spain

In the north of Spain, you will find these amazing mountains. They are perfect, if you are dreaming of exchanging your vows with beautiful mountain peaks in the background.

7) Dolomites, Italy

In the north part of Italy is a little mountain range with absolutely stunning views: the Dolomites. You will definitely enjoy hiking there and exchanging your vows with the mountains in the background!

8) Switzerland

Yes, the whole country of Switzerland is amazing. You will find terrific mountains and absolutely jaw-dropping views all over the country.

9) Scotland

For Scotch whisky and soaking wet landscapes, Scotland has many amazing things to offer. Its beautiful mountains make an amazing backdrop in any season, and you will find hikes leading to some of the most beautiful panoramas you will ever see.

10) Lake District National Park

In the UK, the Lake District is an absolute must-see. You will find lakes (obviously) but also epic and ancient landscapes in the middle of great mountains.

11) Ireland

From the many beautiful sandy beaches to the Connemara National Park and some of its other hidden gems, Ireland has much to offer.

12) Faroe Islands

These beautiful Nordic islands are part of Denmark. They offer some of the most amazing landscapes you will ever see!

13) Iceland

Iceland has recently become one of the most amazing elopement destinations lately, but this is for a good reason. Its black beaches, private hot springs and gorgeous mountain ranges definitely appeal to the adventurers at heart

14) Lofoten Islands

Northwest of Norway, you will find the Lofoten. With beautiful little red cottages and mountain peaks under the northern lights, Lofoten is a little gem waiting to be discovered.

15) Santorini

Let’s go back to the sun for a second and see what Greece, and most importantly Santorini has to offer: perfect weather, beautiful beaches and amazing little towns.

16) High Tatras mountains, Slovakia

In beautiful Slovakia, you will find the Tatras Mountains and their even more beautiful panoramic views, hikes and amazing backdrops for an elopement ceremony.

PRO TIP

Pro tip: There are TONS of amazing, beautiful and inspiring places to elope in Europe. I have a long list of other places you might consider for your elopement in Europe! From beautiful, hot cities to adventurous mountains in less-known countries, let’s plan something truly special together!

3) The most beautiful venues for an European elopement

Kakslauttanen arctic resort, Finland

Isola del Garda, Italy

Hotel Aman, Venice

Château Allure du lac, France

Inverlochy Castle, Scotland

Gîte du Passant, Alps

The ice hotel, Sweden

Podere Palazzo, Italy

Bill & coo hotel, Mykonos

Highclere castle, Scotland

Dunvegan castle, Scotland

Sol’Ring Hof, Germany

4) FAQ

Generally, National Parks in Europe are free to enter and to take pictures in. But double check with the local regulations (or ask your photographer) to be sure you won’t need a special permit to take wedding pictures in certain locations. This is even more true if you plan to take pictures outside or inside iconic landmarks.

An adventure elopement is an elopement that happens to include little (or big) hikes to fo to the ceremony location. Couples who love outdoors choose this option as it allows them to fully embrace the beauty of the country they choose for their elopement.

Storms are very, very rare in Europe but they can happen. And when they do, they generally last 1 to 2 hours. When planning your elopement, I will check for the weather every day one week before the date we chose, and in case a storm is planned to happen, we will postpone the time of the elopement, or change days if it’s too heavy.

Definitely! Elopements don’t have to be just the two of you! If you wish to bring some family members along, you can definitely can!

Europe is very varied in terms of weather, but it’s almost impossible to go wrong with spring and fall, where you will have the best weather and less tourists.

Elopements in Europe are pretty easy to plan, especially if you’re looking into middle or low seasons. 3 months in advance is a fair time to plan without a tremendous amount of stress.

That’s really up to you! Officiants are great but not mandatory since your elopement won’t be a legal marriage. Celebrants can instill something very special to your ceremony, but you can choose to go celebrant-free and create your own ceremony!

That would be a big YES for me. I love to hike, and I know it’s totally worth doing when going to an amazing, photogenic location. When we plan your elopement, I will always have amazing, off-the-beaten path locations for you up my sleeve just for that very reason!

Need more inspiration for your elopement?

Check out this brand new article about the best places to elope IN THE WORLD

Discover the list

Amber

Hi! I'm Amber, a multi-award-winning adventure elopement photographer, planner and guide based in Europe. Since 2013, I help delicate, sensitive and adventurous souls plan and live the peaceful elopement of their dream anywhere in the world. I had the privilege of being published on more than 20 international magazines, and have won more than 60 photography awards. My work is inspired by atmospheres and landscapes, as well as the delicacy of the invisible link that every couple shares. I welcome with love and undivided attention every couple who reaches out and I truly believe that everyone's love needs to be celebrated. I can't wait to hear from you!

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