10 Dreamy Islands for Your Ultimate Adventure Elopement
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT // ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS // ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER // ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PLANNER
So, you’re dreaming of an elopement on an island with breathtaking landscapes and adventure-filled days? Whether you envision exchanging vows with a turquoise lagoon as your backdrop, a rugged mountain, or beneath the northern lights, these 10 island destinations provide some of the most magical elopement experiences imaginable. Let’s dive in with practical tips, unique accommodations, must-see spots, and what a day on these islands could look like for your adventure elopement.
1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Best Time: May to October for dry weather
Weather: Warm year-round; dry season is cooler
Where to Stay: Elevate your experience with an overwater bungalow at the St. Regis Bora Bora or the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, both of which offer stunning views and direct lagoon access.
Highlights: Lagoon views, snorkel spots, overwater bungalows
Imagine beginning your day in a private overwater bungalow, followed by a morning snorkel with vibrant fish in Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon. Proceed to Matira Beach or Mount Otemanu for a picturesque vow exchange. For something truly special, arrange a traditional Polynesian blessing on the beach. Later, enjoy a private sunset cruise.
Pro Tip: Book an overwater bungalow for an unforgettable stay and easy access to lagoons right from your room!
2. Tasmania, Australia
Best Time: December to February for summer weather
Weather: Mild, though can vary with mountain climates
Where to Stay: For a cozy, eco-friendly experience, stay at Pumphouse Point on Lake St. Clair or Thousand Lakes Lodge in the Central Highlands, offering immersive stays in nature.
Highlights: Wild landscapes, wineries, rugged beaches
Tasmania offers an elopement full of variety. Start your day at Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, with its white sands and sapphire waters, then head to Cradle Mountain for a more rugged, intimate backdrop. End the day with a gourmet dinner featuring local wines and seafood.
Pro Tip: Try glamping accommodations or stay in an eco-lodge. Tasmania’s weather can shift quickly, so pack layers!
3. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Best Time: June to August for the midnight sun, or September for northern lights
Weather: Cool and unpredictable year-round
Where to Stay: Try a rorbu, a traditional fisherman’s cabin, such as those at Sakrisøy Rorbuer or Reine Rorbuer for an authentic experience in the heart of the islands.
Highlights: Northern lights, jagged mountains, quaint fishing villages
For the adventurous, Lofoten offers epic landscapes that are perfect for a day filled with exploration. Start your morning with a kayak trip along the fjords, then head to Hamnøy or Reine for photos among colorful fishing huts with mountain backdrops. An evening vow exchange under the northern lights is truly magical.
Pro Tip: Book a stay in a rorbu (traditional fisherman’s cabin) for a cozy, authentic experience.
4. Faroe Islands
Best Time: July to August for milder weather
Weather: Cool and windy; layers are essential
Where to Stay: For a remote retreat, consider Gjáargarður Guesthouse in Gjógv or Hotel Føroyar in Tórshavn, both offering local hospitality and stunning scenery.
Highlights: Waterfalls, sea cliffs, remote charm
Imagine starting your day by hiking up to Lake Sørvágsvatn, which appears to float over the ocean! Say your vows by the dramatic Múlafossur Waterfall, then explore the charming village of Gásadalur. The Faroe Islands offer a mystical, remote atmosphere that feels almost like another world.
Pro Tip: The Faroe Islands are perfect for elopements with a small number of guests. Choose a charming guesthouse or a comfortable Airbnb for an authentic local experience.
5. Azores, Portugal
Best Time: April to October
Weather: Mild year-round, with rain showers here and there
Where to Stay: Stay at Furnas Boutique Hotel for access to hot springs and unique geothermal cuisine, or White Exclusive Suites & Villas for a chic, modern experience overlooking the ocean.
Highlights: Volcanic lakes, hot springs, diverse landscapes
The Azores offer an incredible variety of landscapes, from lush mountains to black-sand beaches. Start with a morning dip in the hot springs of Furnas on São Miguel Island, then head to Sete Cidades to exchange vows while overlooking the blue and green lakes. An all-day elopement here could include hiking, swimming in natural pools, and concluding with a romantic dinner at a local restaurant.
Pro Tip: Rent a car to independently explore the islands; each one possesses its own charm and beauty!
6. Kauai, Hawaii
Best Time: April to October for dry season
Weather: Warm and tropical year-round
Where to Stay: Opt for the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort for beachfront access or Hanalei Colony Resort on the North Shore for a more secluded experience.
Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, beaches
Kauai’s rugged beauty makes it perfect for an adventure elopement. Imagine an early morning helicopter ride over the Napali Coast, followed by a hike to Waimea Canyon for an unforgettable vow exchange. End the day with a sunset beach picnic. For accommodations, consider a secluded eco-resort on the north shore.Pro Tip: Check the seasonal rainfall and plan accordingly—although stunning, the island is known for being quite rainy in certain areas.
7. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Best Time: May to September for milder weather
Weather: Cool and unpredictable, often misty
Where to Stay: Book a stay at the historic Kinloch Lodge for a luxurious, Scottish experience or try Duisdale House Hotel for views of the Sound of Sleat.
Highlights: Castles, dramatic landscapes, mystical vibe
Begin with an intimate ceremony by the Old Man of Storr, a famous rock formation overlooking the ocean. Then, drive through the Quiraing for an epic photoshoot among rugged cliffs. Skye’s misty, moody landscapes create a uniquely romantic day, and an evening in a cozy Scottish inn is the perfect way to end it.Pro Tip: The weather can change quickly; pack rain gear and be ready for all kinds of conditions!
8. Iceland’s Westfjords
Best Time: June to August for access to more remote areas
Weather: Cool, with unpredictable rain and wind
Where to Stay: For a unique remote stay, try Heydalur Guesthouse with geothermal pools, or Hotel Ísafjörður for modern amenities with fjord views.
Highlights: Fjords, hot springs, arctic wildlife
Start your elopement day with a sunrise hike to Dynjandi, a majestic waterfall. Afterward, enjoy a dip in a natural hot spring. You might even arrange for a picnic overlooking the fjords. This region is so remote and peaceful that your ceremony could be the only one for miles around!Pro Tip: Book a stay in a secluded cabin or eco-lodge to fully immerse yourselves in Iceland’s natural beauty.
9. Isles of Scilly, England
Best Time: May to September for warmer days
Weather: Mild, though cooler with coastal breezes
Where to Stay: Enjoy the luxurious Star Castle Hotel or a quaint beachside cottage on St. Mary’s Island for an idyllic seaside experience.
Highlights: Secluded beaches, quaint villages, gardens
For a more quaint, intimate setting, the Isles of Scilly offer beaches with Caribbean-blue waters, charming local pubs, and cozy B&Bs. Exchange vows at Tresco Abbey Gardens, a lush oasis filled with exotic plants, or on a secluded beach. Spend the day island-hopping by boat, stopping to explore each unique isle.Pro Tip: The Isles of Scilly are quieter, so early booking is essential, especially for accommodations.
10. Mallorca, Spain
Best Time: May to June or September to October for fewer crowds
Weather: Mediterranean, warm in summer
Where to Stay: For classic Mallorcan charm, stay at a finca like Son Brull Hotel & Spa or Belmond La Residencia in Deia.
Highlights: Mountains, beaches, Mediterranean charm
Imagine a day in the Tramuntana Mountains, where you can exchange vows with a stunning view of the Mediterranean. Capture photos among the olive groves, then savor a private meal at a vineyard. Mallorca offers both mountain and beach landscapes, making it ideal for diverse elopement photos.Pro Tip: Consider renting a finca, a traditional farmhouse, for a romantic stay that captures authentic Mallorcan charm.
Every one of these islands offers an experience that is nothing short of magical. Imagine a day filled with laughter, breathtaking views, and endless exploration with your partner. Whether you are looking to hike, relax on the beach, chase waterfalls, or savor a sunset, these islands provide the perfect setting for a unique elopement experience that is entirely your own.
Please note that not all of the images in this post are not mine; however, I have the permission to use them for the informational purposes of this blog.
