Choosing the best place to elope in Europe is an exciting, key part of planning your wedding. You may already have an idea of what that looks like – standing atop a mountain, watching the sun go down as you share your first toast as a newly married couple. Others aren’t sure where to start, but want their elopement to be unforgettable. No matter where you are in your plans, this list will inspire you. It features over 40 beautiful spots for an elopement in Europe.
We built this list based on our experience as adventure elopement photographers and videographers in Europe. The passion we have for sharing our backyard with others as they get married brings us so much fulfillment.
The Best Mountain Elopement Locations in Europe
Below you’ll find a list of the best mountain elopement elopement locations in Europe. These are the ideal destinations for couples who want a breathtaking adventure.
Elope to the Bavarian Alps
The Bavarian Alps, located in Southern Germany, are one of the most underrated but beautiful places to elope in Europe. For couples that love to hike, Bavaria has a diverse landscape of lakes, craggy peaks, waterfalls, and rolling green meadows just waiting to be explored. While many vacationers flock to more well-known parts of the Alps, the German Alps remain a hidden gem for adventure elopements in Europe. We feel lucky to call Bavaria our chosen home after relocating from the US, and we LOVE sharing it with others! Paragliding, skiing, racing in mountain carts, frolicking in alpine meadows, and paddling on crystal-clear lakes are just a handful of the possibilities available. If you want to learn more about eloping the Bavarian Alps, we have a free guide you can find here.
A few elopement locations in the Bavarian Alps you can’t miss include:
The Swiss Alps is an incredible place to elope in Europe due to not only the jaw-dropping scenery but also the numerous adventurous activities available. Switzerland is a great wedding destination also because of its central location, making travel throughout the rest of Europe a breeze. A few reasons Switzerland is one of our favorite elopement destinations in Europe include the mountains tower so high you feel like you’re exploring the Himalayas, the sweeping alpine meadows, and a plethora of locations that are accessible from minimal amounts of hiking to advanced treks that feel truly wild. In just about any season, Switzerland has something offer. We have an in-depth guide about eloping in the Swiss Alps that you can read here.
A few elopement locations in the Swiss Alps you can’t miss include:
The Austrian Alps sprawl across the majority of Austria and are another stunning place to elope in Europe. Austria offers lofty peaks, deep green valleys, year-round skiing, idyllic cow-filled pastures, and so much more. Eloping in Austria can look like stepping onto the set of, ‘’The Sound of Music’’. If you want beautiful views and rustic charm, the Austrian Alps may be your perfect elopement destination in Europe.
A few elopement locations in the Austrian Alps you can’t miss include:
The French Alps in Southeastern France are nothing short of epic. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in western Europe lies partially within France and can be seen prominently from the charming town of Chamonix. In the French Alps, you can be surrounded by sweeping vistas, high alpine lakes, and craggy spires all while enjoying local cheese and wine. If you want to learn more about eloping in the Alps, we have an Alps Elopement Guide that covers the unique attributes of eloping in various regions here.
Italian Dolomites Elopements
While you’ll find mountain ranges throughout Italy, some of the country’s most notable has to be the Italian Dolomites, located in Northern Italy. The Italian Dolomites are famous for their jagged spires and unique ridgelines, unlike anything else out there. What we love about elopements in the Dolomites is the wide range of unique scenery easily accessible by high-mountain passes, the incredible food, and epic activities available. One unique adventure you can have in the Dolomites includes trying your hand at hiking a via ferrata, a type of hike secured by metal rungs, ladders, and cables you climb along while harnessed in.
A few elopement locations in the Italian Dolomites you can’t miss include:
For a truly off-the-beaten-path elopement in Europe, consider visiting the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Bordering Austria and Italy, you’ll find this unique corner of the alps. The Julian Alps and Slovenia are known for waterfalls, mountains, and a host of water activities such as paddling the crystal clear Soča River or exploring Lake Bled by boat. The Julian Alps are not only a beautiful elopement destination in Europe but also more budget-friendly than neighboring countries.
Eloping in Norway
Norway is the best place to elope in Europe if you want to go where the mountains and the ocean meet. In Norway, you can elope under the summer midnight sun, or wait until winter and stay out watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky. From quaint fishing villages to long scenic drives and mesmerizing fjords, the scenery of Norway is wild and epic. In Norway, you don’t have to choose one type of scenery, considering the close proximity to a variety of diverse landscapes. While traveling to Norway can be a bit more time-consuming than other destinations due to its vastness, the trip is more than worth it and really allows you to immerse yourself in untouched nature.
Elopements in Sweden
An adventure elopement…in Sweden!? While most don’t immediately think of Sweden while considering breathtaking destinations across Europe, it’s definitely a spot that can’t be missed. In Northern Sweden, you’ll find numerous national parks, rugged coastline, glaciers, and a landscape that looks like a cross between Alaska and Scotland. From day hikes to backpacking, it’s a gorgeous area to elope for a variety of outdoor ability levels. Sweden is a great elopement destination in Europe for couples that want to really get away from it all and get married in a totally different way.
Elope in Finland’s Lapland
Northern Finland and the remote region of Lapland is one of the best places to elope in Europe if you’re planning a winter elopement. Lapland is known as one of the ideal locations to see the Northern Lights and has a solid infrastructure for experiencing a magical, snow-filled day. Not only can you stay in luxurious accommodation with glass roofs that allow you to look up at the night sky, but during the day you can see reindeer, go dog sledding, or enjoy cross country skiing across the pristine landscape. Lapland is an elopement paradise for winter-loving couples.
Scotland Elopements
Scotland is growing in popularity as a beautiful elopement destination in Europe, and with good reason! Scotland’s famed Isle of Skye boasts rolling green mountains, castles, coastline, large lakes nestled between the hillsides. Another gem of Scotland? The sparkling white sand beaches and, albeit cold, crystal clear water. Scotland is a great place to elope in Europe for couples that would prefer to get married in an English-speaking country while still getting a taste of a different, exciting culture.
The Best Coastal Elopement Locations in Europe
Below you’ll find a list of the best coastal elopement locations in Europe. These are the ideal destinations for couples who want beautiful seaside vistas.
Elope in Iceland
Iceland, one of the most popular elopement destinations in Europe, is famous for a reason. Iceland elopements are renowned for their legendary scenery, whether it’s black sand beaches, glacier-filled lakes, or volcanos. Elopements in Iceland are a great destination for a multi-day adventure as you explore everything from mountains to expansive waterfalls. If you are dreaming of an Iceland elopement, brace yourself for adventure, as this Europe elopement destination is known for its wild weather across the epic landscape.
Elopements in the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are the best place to Elope in Europe if you want Iceland vibes, all while avoiding the crowds associated with Iceland. Owned by Denmark, this set of islands has a bit of everything – epic coastlines, breathtaking waterfalls, amazing hiking, mountains, lush green valleys, and loads of sheep (in fact, sheep outnumber people 2:1 in the Faroe Islands). The Faroe Islands still remain a quiet elopement gem, and the perfect destination for couples who want a destination that’s both quaint and spectacular.
Elope in Croatia
If you love the thought of a beach elopement, but still want to be surrounded by nature, look no further than Croatia. What I love about Croatia are the numerous beaches you can hike to. The rocky coasts of Croatia are dotted with olive trees, and the blue water below beckons you to meander down the trail for a peaceful escape. Croatia is a great destination for beach elopements, because it’s much quieter than Italy and Greece, despite offering similar scenery and equally wonderful shores.
Madeira, Portugal Elopements
Lush green mountains on this Portuguese island offer a rugged elopement destination. Here you can enjoy exploring ancient forests, waterfalls, mountain tops, all while soaking up ocean views.
Algarve, Portugal Elopements
Whether it’s the golden cliffs or turquoise waters, everywhere you look is a stunning backdrop. The region’s hidden coves could make an especially unique ceremony location. Thanks to year-round warm weather, you also have flexibility on when to elope in Algarve.
Amalfi Coast Elopements
From colorful clifftop towns to cute classic car rentals, Amalfi elopements let you feel like you’re in a movie. The sea views are bound to take your breath away, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy time on the water too.
Sicily Elopements
The dramatic view of Mount Etna, combined with ancient ruins and picturesque beaches, is a combination any elopement couple will love. Paired with great food and wine, you can’t go wrong eloping in Sicily.
Santorini Elopements
Santorini is a popular, but stunning elopement destination that many couples will love. From the gorgeous, bright white buildings against the blue skies and unique beaches, it’s a romantic and relaxing European elopement destination.
Tenerife, Spain Elopements
Tenerife is a great year-round European elopement destination thanks to year-round sunshine, unique black sand beaches, and tropical jungles. If you love the Hawaiian vibe, without all the rules and restrictions, don’t miss Tenerife
Popular Villas and Castle Elopement Locations in Europe
For a laid-back, luxury elopement, don’t overlook these popular villas and castle elopement locations in Europe.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
If you’ve ever wanted a fairy tale wedding, don’t skip Schloss Neuschwanstein, which inspired the Disney castle. Surrounded by mountains, this picturesque area has plenty to offer.
Burg Eltz, Germany
This dramatic medieval castle surrounded by hills and forests let’s you step back and time for a one-of-a-kind elopement any history fanatic will love.
Villa del Balbionello, Italy
Lake Como’s most famous villa, and the setting of many Hollywood Films, is a luxury European elopement location. The sprawling gardens are especially dramatic.
Villa Cipressi, Italy
Imagine getting dropped off a boat at the foot of a decadent villa overlooking Lake Como and the mountains? Historic charm and breathtaking views make Villa Cipressi a must-see elopement location.
Schloss Schadau, Switzerland
This dramatic castle is a great elopement location thanks to it’s unique Swiss setting. Right along the shores of Lake Thun and surrounded by mountains, it’s a charming spot perfect for elopements with guests.
Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland
Switzerland’s trendiest hotel, Hotel Villa Honegg, is a must for couples who want nearby mountain access, paired with a luxury experience and sprawling panoramas.
Quaint European Towns to Elope In
From towns that offer a quaint atmosphere to post-card worthy views, here are some of the best European towns to elope in.
Ehrwald, Austria
This cozy town is home to sweeping mountain views, alpine meadows, and everything needed for an off-the-beaten-path adventure elopement. Ehrwald also has some lovely hotel options that wedding couples will love.
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Experience fjord-like scenery, all while staying in central Europe. Berchtesgaden appeals to many couples thanks to the crystal clear lakes, traditional Bavarian charm, and storybook setting.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
With 72 waterfalls, dramatic cliffsides, and a small-town feel, Lauterbrunnen is one of those places that simply doesn’t feel real. We highly recommend exploring one of the many cable cars above the valley for an authentic Swiss elopement experience.
Val di Funes, Italy
Rolling hills lead up to the steep, dramatic peaks in Val di Funes. Many eloping couples are drawn to the serene, postcard-like scenery and great hiking that leaves from the area.
Chamonix, France
This famous ski town remains buzzing year-round, yet it still feels like a quaint European elopement location in France. We love Chamonix personally for its incredible mix of both high-adventure opportunities (it’s a trail runner’s haven!), to slow, slow-paced, relaxing and fine dining.
Bergen, Norway
From the Fjords to the colorful wooden houses, Bergen offers a unique landscape unlike anywhere else. Whether it’s mountain tops or beaches, you have plenty of breathtaking views to soak up.
Reine, Norway
Midnight sun, endless hiking trails, and craggy peaks that meet the ocean. Reine, Norway, part of the Lofoten Islands, is a one–of–a–kind elopement destination for couples ready to fully embrace adventure.
Stunning European Cities to Elope In
If you love good food, great architecture, and the buzz of the city, don’t overlook eloping in one of these stunning European cities.
Venice, Italy
Imagine cozying up on a gondola ride through the canals of Italy? Whether it’s that, sharing some delicious Italian food, or exploring the romantic streets of Venice, there’s plenty to do while eloping in Venice.
Florence, Italy
Renaissance art and architecture fill every street corner in Florence. This makes it another great Italian city for eloping couples who enjoy soaking up history together.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark has a lot of appeal for eloping couples. For starters, it’s the easiest country to elope in from abroad. The colorful canal buildings and bike-friendly streets also offer a laid-back city elopement that many couples will love.
Paris, France
Paris offers timeless romance with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city’s tree-lined boulevards and charming bridges over the Seine create gorgeous photo opportunities. Don’t miss stopping by a cozy sidewalk cafe or even exploring a museum to add some culture to your elopement.
Bruges, Belgium
From medieval buildings to cobblestone streets and peaceful canals, Bruges offers old-world romance. The small city size keeps things intimate and magical.
Málaga Spain
This is a great elopement location where sunny beaches meet historic neighborhoods. You get Picasso’s birthplace with amazing art, culture, and fresh seafood. The relaxed Spanish lifestyle and warm weather create ideal conditions for celebrating.
Can You Legally Elope in Europe?
Yes, even if you’re traveling from abroad, you can get legally married in Europe. Legal marriage laws and requirements vary from country to country. If getting legally married abroad is a priority to you, you’ll want to keep local regulations in mind while choosing a destination. Some countries, for example, only allow legal marriages to take place if one or both partners are residents of the EU. Other countries allow legal ceremonies to take place, but the paperwork may take 3-6 months to fill out.
When considering a legal elopement ceremony in Europe, a great place to start is inquiring with the consulate of the country you’re hoping to get married in. They generally have a list of the required paperwork and can help point you in the right direction.
Legal elopement ceremonies are typically required to take place in a designated location, such as a civil registry or town hall.
If you’re traveling from abroad and would like to keep things simple, we’d suggest getting legally married in your home country, either before or after your trip. Then, you can focus on creating a meaningful symbolic ceremony during your elopement day, without any restrictions or timeline constraints. This is how 99% of our couples get married.
The Easiest Place to Elope in Europe
If you’d like to proceed with planning a legal elopement, Italy, Austria, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark are some of the easiest places to elope in Europe. This is because these countries don’t require you to be a resident of the country (or EU) and the amount of time required to process the paperwork averages 6 weeks or less.
Some common paperwork required for legal elopements in Europe includes:
Passports of both partners
Birth certificates
Documents verifying both parties are not currently married to another person (certificate of no impediment)
Financial Statements
These documents may need to be officially translated into the local language of the country you plan to elope in.
Pro-Tip: If you’d like to make the easiest places to elope in Europe even easier, consider hiring a reputable service that helps organize and submit the required marriage documents for you.
How to Choose the Best Location to Elope in Europe
While there are countless incredible places to get married in Europe, we don’t believe there’s a ”best place to get married in Europe”. That’s because we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all-locations. Every couple has a different vision of how they want to spend their day.
As Americans living in Europe, we give all of our booked couples in-depth location help by creating custom location guides. Those guides take into account what types of scenery you want, how little (or how much) you want to walk or hike, overall accessibility, the season, and more. This way, you get more than a list of ”IG Hotspots” and instead, a tailored experience based on local knowledge.
Scenery
Many couples choose a destination elopement in Europe because they want to experience something unique and different from their everyday life. Scenery can play a huge role in this, especially for adventure elopements. When deciding on a destination or region for your European elopement, be sure to keep in mind what types of scenery you’d like to see and whether your location offers that.
Sometimes, deciding on what scenery you want to have can feel hard to narrow down. A few things to keep in mind include:
Ask yourself what places you’ve loved visiting previously. What was it about that place that made it special?
Is there a type of scenery that makes you feel alive?
Do you love cliffs, or are you afraid of heights? What about forests? Would you prefer green, grassy slopes or rocky, rugged mountainsides?
Do you want to see wildlife?
How wild do you want your location to be? Do you want a location that is totally free of man-made structures, or does the idea of villages and farmland sound charming? Maybe you love the combination of fine architecture and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Don’t forget, when choosing the best place to elope in Europe, you don’t have to pick just one! Many areas have a variety of scenery close by, and you can opt for a multi-location elopement in your chosen destination.
Accessibility
Another important factor when selecting where you’d like to elope in Europe includes considering how accessible you’d like your location to be. Some places may require 2-3 hours of driving from the nearest airport. Others are best accessed by ferry ride. If you decide to elope in Scandinavia, the stunning northern destinations may require more flight time than elopements taking place in Central Europe.
Beyond reaching your elopement country, the day-of location accessibility also matters. Do you want to hike, or would you prefer to walk less than a mile to reach your spot? How much privacy do you hope to have? Does your elopement location require taking a cable car or a road that is closed during certain hours? The more easily accessible your location is, the more people you’re likely to share the view with. There are ways to get around this, such as eloping at sunrise, taking a helicopter tour, or other unique modes of transportation.
We help every booked couple build a custom location guide based on the vision they have for their Europe elopement. We take into consideration factors like these, so you can have the experience you’re dreaming of!
Do I need a permit for my Europe elopement location?
Most couples do not need a permit for their Europe elopement location. With that being said, there are some caveats.
You may need a permit if:
You’re eloping at a castle or villa
You’re eloping on farm land (commonly seen in some parts of the Alps, such as Switzerland’s Berner Oberland).
You’re eloping in a National Park (varies from country to country)
You’re eloping with guests. For elopements with more than 8 people, we highly recommend renting a small venue for the ceremony.
We recommend working with an experienced local photographer or videographer who can assist you in navigating potential location permits.
Time of Year
One easily overlooked detail is planning the right time of year for your Europe elopement. For example, we find many couples who would like to elope in March or April, because they’d love to get married in the Spring. Where we live, that’s still ski season, and spring doesn’t set in until mid-May or later. Others like the idea of getting married during August, but don’t realize that it’s one of the busiest times to tie the knot, and finding privacy can be difficult. Shoulder seasons can have limited accessibility due to road closures.
Choosing the right time of year based on your chosen destination is key to unlocking everything your Europe elopement location has to offer. Have questions? We’d love to hop on a consultation call and help you get started. You can contact us here.
How much does it cost to get married in Europe?
The average European elopement costs €12,000-€16,000. That price includes your travel, wedding expenses, and honeymoon. Compared to the average cost of a wedding in the USA, that’s a huge savings (and also includes an epic trip).
For the majority of couples, eloping isn’t about getting married in the cheapest way possible (although saving money is always a plus). The couples we work with put great care into crafting an unforgettable, awe-inspiring experience.
There are a lot of ways to save or splurge, on your elopement day, but selecting an area that allows you to indulge in the parts of your day that matter to *you* is definitely worth taking into consideration.
Some of the best budget-friendly elopement destinations in Europe include: Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.
Some of the most luxurious places to elope in Europe include: Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.
Do I need an all-inclusive Europe Elopement Package?
While every couple’s individual needs vary, we typically don’t recommend all-inclusive Europe Elopement Packages. While they can seem appealing and easy, they often leave little room for customization. All-inclusive providers are also more likely to employ those with less experience. This means you may be sent a novice photographer or videographer to document your day.
When you hire a photographer or videographer who offers planning assistance, you can get a tailored-to-you experience that feels personal and professional. It also gives you more flexibility to hire vendors you truly vibe with (this can make all the difference on an elopement day!).
Europe Elopement Packages
If you’re ready to start making your elopement in Europe a reality, you can check out our elopement packages here. You can also contact us to set up a free consultation call.
Every Europe Elopement Package Includes:
8+ hours of photography coverage with the option to add on videography
My VIP elopement planning guide and English-speaking vendor guide
Personalized Questionnaires
Custom location guides and timeline assistance
Unlimited support from me, your American living in Europe
All photographer/videographer travel fees are covered
Want a glimpse into what your elopement in Europe can look like? Check out these elopement films and galleries I’ve blogged below for adventure elopement inspiration in Europe.
If you’re wondering how to choose a location, what couples do during their elopement, how many hours of coverage you need, and do you really hike in your wedding attire (!?), be sure to download your free elopement planning guide and check out our complete FAQ page. We’ve got those questions answered, and more.
I’ve found the sweet spot for planning an elopement in Europe is 6–9 months. With that being said, I’ve helped couples pull off their destination elopement in under 72 hours, and as far out as 18 months.
I only work with a limited number of couples each year, so everyone can receive the time and attention they need. For the best pick of available dates, we recommend reaching out 12 months in advance (if you can), as our calendar books out quickly.
100% yes, that is what I am here for! If you’ve decided to elope, but are feeling overwhelmed on where to even start, reaching out to me can be your first easy step. On a consultation call, I take the time to get to know you and your vision better. That way I can help you decide what general area to get married in, and what time of year is best for that destination.
If you need some inspiration and aren’t quite ready to reach out, check out these popular resources I’ve created.
The majority of my couples book full-day elopement coverage (up to 12 hours), or else opt for two-day coverage which has a more relaxed pace. This allows time for visiting multiple locations, hiking, and other activities.
If you want to see some elopements I’ve documented for half-day (8 hours), full-day (12 hours), and over two days, you can check out these blogs below for inspiration.
Yes, you can invite guests to your European elopement! Elopements aren’t restricted to just you and your partner, although many couples do go that route. Generally, elopements will have 10-15 guests or less (others may also refer to elopements with guests as micro weddings and involve closer to 25 people).
If you do choose to invite guests to your elopement, I recommend booking full day coverage or two day coverage. I love when couples split their time between two days, that way you can have an adventure for yourself and a separate day for friends and family. Some couples even have two separate ceremonies, one in private, and one surrounded by their close family and friends.
I document elopements and micro weddings of up to 15 people.
While it’s possible, most couples don’t. The majority of couples I work with are eloping abroad, and typically choose to legally marry before or after their adventure. On the day they celebrate, they’ll exchange personal vows. Some couples also opt to bring a family member, or hire a celebrant, to lead a ceremony.
If you’d like to legally marry during your elopement, I’d suggest hiring a professional company to handle the paperwork for you. A number of countries in Europe don’t allow non-EU residents to hold a legal ceremony, so be sure to keep this in mind early on. For a legal ceremony, it also must take place at a designated civil registry (which normally isn’t in nature).
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