Planning a destination elopement is one of the most exciting, romantic ways to celebrate your love story. Whether you’re dreaming of a cliffside ceremony in Santorini or a secluded waterfall vow exchange in Costa Rica, eloping abroad offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Your wedding day is suppose to be the best day of your life. So why not have a truly grand adventure?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—everything from the best time of year to elope, to travel tips as well as creative elopement day activities. I have also included a sample itinerary for your dream day. This is a place to dream of the impossible. Helicopter ride in Alaska over a glacier? No problem. Skiing in Switzerland? You got it! Safari in South Africa? You’d better believe I am already there!!
Why Choose a Destination Elopement?
Gone are the days when eloping meant running away in secret. Today, destination elopements are all about intentionality, intimacy, and adventure. Here’s why couples just like you are looking to elope and aren’t turning back:
- Less stress, more romance: Skip the months of planning and guest list drama.
- Breathtaking backdrops: Nature becomes your wedding venue.
- Cost-effective: Many couples spend less on an elopement and put the savings toward travel or their future. Even an elaborate trip of a lifetime for your elopement day is often times more cost effective then a traditional wedding.
- Memorable experience: You’re not just having a wedding—you’re creating an adventure story.
Best Time of Year for a Destination Elopement: Seasonal Breakdown by Region
When it comes to planning a destination elopement, the time of year can make or break the experience. Weather, crowd levels, costs, and even local events can influence the vibe of your big day. Here’s a more in-depth look at the best seasons to elope around the world:
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Spring is a top choice for elopements thanks to mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists than summer.
- Europe (Italy, Greece, France): Enjoy sunny days and fewer crowds. Imagine eloping in the lavender fields of Provence in May or among the ancient ruins of Athens in April—before the summer heat and cruise ship crowds arrive.
- Japan: March and April are peak cherry blossom season. Tokyo, Kyoto, and even Mount Fuji provide magical pink-hued backdrops for a romantic ceremony.
- American Southwest (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico): Ideal for desert elopements—cool mornings, vibrant sunsets, and wildflowers in bloom.
Pros: Perfect temps, blooming scenery, shoulder-season travel deals.
Watch out for: Some mountain or high-elevation locations may still have snow or limited access.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Summer is peak travel season, which means long days, lush landscapes, and endless possibilities—especially for outdoor lovers.
- Iceland, Norway, Scotland: Long daylight hours and dramatic natural beauty make summer ideal for couples craving rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and moody cliffs.
- Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, BC): July and August offer the driest, sunniest conditions for forest or mountain elopements.
- Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper): Summer is the best time for turquoise lakes, alpine trails, and picturesque glaciers.
Pros: Access to remote or seasonal destinations, warm evenings, epic outdoor ceremony options.
Watch out for: Higher travel costs, crowds in popular tourist spots, and potential heatwaves in desert or tropical areas.
🍂 Fall (September – November)
Autumn brings cozy weather, golden foliage, and peaceful travel experiences. It’s a favorite for many couples planning a destination elopement.
- New England (Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire): Peak foliage season hits in late September to mid-October. Think rustic barns, fiery forests, and harvest vibes.
- Italy, Portugal, Spain: September offers summer warmth with fewer tourists. Ideal for vineyard elopements or coastal villages like Amalfi or the Algarve.
- Japan and South Korea: Fall foliage (late October to mid-November) rivals cherry blossom season and provides a stunning backdrop.
Pros: Beautiful colors, cooler temps, budget-friendly travel windows.
Watch out for: Shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather in northern regions by late fall.
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Winter is ideal for couples seeking snowy romance or tropical escapes—depending on your vision.
- Alps (Switzerland, Austria, France): Say “I do” in a snowy village or ski resort. December and January bring peak snow for cozy, chalet-style elopements.
- Tropical Destinations (Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand): Dry season begins in December—perfect for beachside ceremonies without the summer humidity or rain.
- US National Parks (Zion, Yosemite, Grand Canyon): Winter transforms popular parks into serene, uncrowded winter wonderlands.
Pros: Cozy, intimate vibes; great for holiday getaways or warm-weather elopements.
Watch out for: Weather-related travel delays and limited daylight for photography.
Quick Tip: Pair Your Dream Setting with the Right Season
| Destination Type | Best Time to Elope |
|---|---|
| Beach (Tulum, Bali, Maui) | Dec – April |
| Mountains (Colorado, Dolomites) | June – Sept |
| US Forests & National Parks | May – Oct |
| City Elopements (Paris, NYC, Tokyo) | Year-round (avoid major holidays) |
| Desert Landscapes | March – May, Oct – Nov |
Choosing the right season ensures you get the perfect lighting, temperature, and atmosphere for your celebration. If you’re unsure when to go, work with a destination planner or your photographer who can help you time your elopement to perfection. As an adventure elopement photographer, I would love to help you with all the planning details for your elopement day. Feel free to contact me here!
Travel Tips for a Smooth Elopement
Traveling for your wedding can feel overwhelming, but a little prep goes a long way:
- Book early: Secure flights, accommodations, and vendors at least 6–9 months in advance.
- Bring the right documents: Depending on the country, you may need marriage licenses, passports, visas, or apostille certifications.
- Work with a planner or elopement photographer: They can recommend vendors and help with permits or legalities. (I am happy to help with all of this).
- Pack smart: Carry your wedding attire in a garment bag on the plane and bring a steamer, extra accessories, and flat shoes in case your luggage is misplaced.
- Consider travel insurance: It’s worth the peace of mind for flights, weather, or health-related surprises.
Should You Invite Family to Your Elopement?
The beauty of an elopement is that it can be just the two of you—or you can include a small circle. If inviting family these are a few things to consider:
- Communicate expectations: Make it clear if you want them present for just the ceremony or part of the trip.
- Plan group-friendly activities: Wine tastings, guided hikes, or a welcome dinner can help everyone feel included.
- Consider a post-elopement celebration: A casual reception or dinner party back home can include those who couldn’t attend.
If you are looking to elope WITHOUT family or friends, check out this post “Including Family in Your Elopement When It’s Just The Two of You”. This guide offers ideas on how to tell family and friends you are eloping and ways to make them feel included without being there physically.
Elopement Day Activities: Make It Unforgettable
Your elopement day is about you—so skip the rigid timeline and do what makes you feel alive. Here are some ideas on ways to celebrate your wedding day, your way:
- Sunrise or sunset ceremony
- Private picnic or breakfast in bed
- Helicopter ride or hot air balloon trip
- Couples massage or spa treatment
- Hiking
- Kayaking in sea caves
- Private dinner with a local chef or restaurant tasting menu
- Exchange letters or read vows somewhere meaningful
- Stargazing by a campfire
For more ideas on what to do on your elopement day, you can check out this post for a seasonal breakdown of different elopement activity ideas: “Fun Elopement Activities: 80+ Things To Do On Your Elopement Day”
Sample Itinerary: Eloping in Santorini, Greece
Want to know what planning a destination elopement might actually look like? Here’s a sample itinerary for a romantic elopement in Santorini:
Day Before
- Arrival and check-in to a cliffside villa in Oia
- Sunset dinner overlooking the caldera
- Prep wedding attire and details with your planner
Elopement Day
- 6:00 AM: Sunrise first look photos at the Blue Domes
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at your villa
- 9:00 AM: Hair and makeup
- 11:00 AM: Ceremony at a private terrace or chapel
- 12:00 PM: Champagne toast and photos
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at a traditional taverna
- 4:00 PM: Explore the island with your photographer
- 7:30 PM: Sunset sailing cruise with dinner onboard
Day After
- Relaxing spa day
- Beach picnic or catamaran tour
- Optional honeymoon hop to Mykonos or Naxos
Sample Itinerary: Eloping in Santorini, Greece
Sample Itinerary: Hiking Elopement in Dolomites, Italy
When I say that your elopement day can be ANYTHING you want it to be, I truly mean that. Check out this other sample itinerary for an adventurous hiking elopement in the Dolomites:
Day Before
- Arrive in Ortisei or Selva di Val Gardena and check into a luxury mountain lodge or spa hotel
- Enjoy a traditional alpine dinner (think mountain cheeses, handmade pasta, and apple strudel)
- Final prep: pack your hiking gear, lay out wedding attire, and get a good night’s rest
Elopement Day
- 4:30 AM: Wake up and light breakfast/snack
- 5:30 AM: Hair and makeup at the hotel or lodge
- 6:15 AM: Take the first gondola or private car to the Seceda trailhead
- 6:45 AM: Begin your short sunrise hike with your photographer
- 7:15 AM: Exchange vows on the Seceda ridgeline as the sun rises behind the jagged peaks
- 8:00 AM: Champagne toast and alpine breakfast picnic on the meadow
- 9:00 AM: Hike or take photos at a second scenic location (Alpe di Siusi, mountain hut, or lake)
- 11:00 AM: Return to hotel for lunch, relaxation, and a couples’ massage or spa session
- 3:00 PM: Explore the village of Ortisei—grab a pastry, stroll cobbled streets, or buy local crafts
- 6:00 PM: Private mountaintop dinner at a rifugio (mountain hut) with panoramic views and Tyrolean dishes
- 9:00 PM: Capture starlit portraits or simply enjoy the alpine quiet under a blanket of stars
Day After
- Late breakfast and slow morning in the mountains
- Optional: helicopter tour over the Dolomites or drive to Lake Braies for a romantic rowboat session
- Begin a honeymoon adventure through the Italian Alps, Lake Como, or even Venice
Final Thoughts
Planning a destination elopement is about embracing your love story on your terms. Whether you’re craving a mountaintop moment, a beachside breeze, or a cultural immersion in a new country. The memories you create will certainly last a lifetime.
Let your day be more than a ceremony—make it a shared adventure, filled with intention, joy, and a few breathtaking views. Allow your wedding day to simply light your soul on fire.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement?
If you’re inspired and ready to start planning a destination elopement, you can contact me here and we can start planning! Wherever your heart takes you, let’s make it unforgettable.
Hey there, I’m Alexa – your Colorado elopement and wedding photographer. I believe every couple deserves a deeply meaningful and personalized elopement experience. So, if you’re dreaming of an adventure-filled, one-of-a-kind celebration of your love, you’ve come to the right place. Reach out to me and let’s plan your beautiful, adventurous day together!
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