Where to Elope in 2025: Top 10 Best Locations
ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER // TRAVEL WEDDING // ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS
Let me guess, you want to elope but don’t know where? You’re probably thinking, “Duh Audrey, that’s why I’m here.” Well the good news is: you’re in the right place! As an elopement photographer I’m all about discovering and exploring epic destinations, so couples like you can get married in a way that is remarkably meaningful AND in a place that’s perfectly beautiful (and perfectly you).
With that there is some bad news … after reading this blog you’ll be trying to figure out how to elope in multiple places across the globe simultaneously.
Truly there’s a little something for everyone with this year’s list – no, like really REALLY!
Want to pet a reindeer?
I’ve found some for you in Finland.
Ready to hike somewhere off the beaten path?
You can choose between the east coast or smack dab in the middle of North America.
Looking to feel like you’re on another planet entirely?
I feel that, let me tell you about a place in Turkey.
Dreaming of a beachy paradise?
We can head off to the coast of Africa, the Caribbean OR the Pacific Ocean.
Fairytale or goth vibes? … Beer or Wine? … City slicker or adventurer?
I’ve got it all, friend.
Keep scrolling to see!
Is “HOW do I elope” the bigger question on your mind??
I’ve put together some resources to answer that question and then some! Save these blogs for later when you’re ready to get your elopement planning started…
Planning an Adventure(ish) Elopement
If you’re thinking about eloping you’ve undoubtedly come across the term “adventure elopement”. Now you’re trying to navigate where you fall into the spectrum of outdoorsy-ness and options. Enter ME. Your little beacon of light … →
6 Step Guide to Planning An International Elopement
As amazing as eloping abroad sounds (which it is) making your dreams a reality comes with a unique set of challenges. Luckily, I’ve been around the elopement block and globe a few times, and can help you navigate planning … →
Planning a Grand All-Day Elopement
We’re going to cover an easy step-by-step breakdown, elements you should consider, expert advice, FAQ, and free timeline examples. Together we’ll switch out the overwhelm of planning for the excitement of what’s possible … →
PACK YOUR BAGS …
Top 10 Best Elopement Locations for 2025
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
Best time: April – November
Weather: 50°s – 70°s
Features: hot air balloons, rock formations (Fairy Chimneys), cave hotels/pools, ancient history
Um why save the best for last? I’ve been obsessing about Cappadocia ever since I first saw a picture of a valley full at sunrise full of crazy rock formations and dozens of colorful hot airballoons dotting the sky. Imagine reading letters from loved ones back home while watching those balloons rise with the sun – OR better yet – imagine being in one of those balloons! Everything about this place is both ionic and otherworldly … from the cave dwellings at Pigeon Valley and the Zelve Open Air Museum, to the story book hotels, cafes, and pools carved and built around the region’s fairy chimneys. Careful, one quick google search and there will be no changing your mind about wanting to elope here!
2. Seychelles, East Africa
Best time: May – May or October – November
Weather: 80°s
Features: tropical vibes, island hopping, white sand beaches, luxury resorts
Idyllic is the best way to describe Seychelles; an archipelago of over 100 islands in the Indian Ocean! With its white sand beaches, lush tropical environment, the bluest waters you’ve ever seen, and luxury bungalows this place is the definition of “romantic,beach elopement”. It’s pretty low key (and less expensive) compared to the more popular Mediterranean islands. Mahé or Praslin are the two main/most popular islands of Seychelles, from there you can island hop, snorkel, hike, and truly explore all of the incredible scenery this destination has to offer.
Looking for more activities and a lively atmosphere? Check out the island, Mauritius! Also located in the Indian Ocean, this island is a bit more developed than Seychelles – meaning there’s a larger variety of places to eat, shop, and explore
3. Cartagena, Columbia
Best time: December – April
Weather: 80°s
Features: beaches, street art, colorful architecture, amazing food, boutique hotels
This coastal fishing village is all charm with flowers on each balcony, cobblestone streets, intimate restaurants, and colorful walls lining every street. Somehow Cartagena is quaint, but vibrant – affordable, but stunning – a port, but not super touristy. Imagine enjoying some pastries in the morning while you write your vows and salsa dancing into the wee hours of the morning as a newlywed couple. Then with access to the Caribbean Sea, you could spend the day after your elopement catching a cruise to somewhere else or simply laying out on the beach!
4. Kyoto, Japan
Best time: May – October or September – November
Weather: 50°s – 60°s
Features: spring cherry blossoms, fall foliage, temples, gardens, colourful shrines
If you want a vibrant & culture packed elopement then Kyoto is the place to be! Typically I shy away from high tourist seasons to help save couples money and to provide more privacy, but here it’s totally worth it! Sakura Season (cherry blossom) in the early spring is absolutely magical – imagine reading your vows surrounded by a sea of trees blossoming with pink flowers, as petals fall around you. If pink isn’t your thing then opt for traveling during the fall when the foliage turns fiery red and orange! Not to mention, nature’s beauty is ONLY the cherry (blossom hehe) on top of the truly incredible Japanese culture, history, & architecture that would be the backdrop of your entire elopement experience!
5. Lapland, Finland
Best time: September – March
Weather: 80°s
Features: ski resorts, northern lights, unique accommodations, off-the-beaten-path vibes
Northern lights elopement? Say less! Winter 2025 Lapland will be the BEST place to see the northern lights in the world, so you better pack warm and book a glass igloo ASAP! Safe to say this place is a ski-lovers, snow-bunny’s dream destination with numerous ski resorts to choose from. But – it’s also great from anyone who loves a winter-wonderland-enchanting-arctic-holiday kinda vibe with activities like dog sledding, feeding reindeer, and snowshoeing. No matter what category you fall into, everyone can agree that a hot sauna is the best way to end a day frolicking in the snow!
6. Burgundy, France
Best time: July – September
Weather: 70°s
Features: vineyards, boating, renaissance architecture, fairytale energy
It wouldn’t be a Top 10 List without a french countryside/wine inspired destination squeezed in! Burgundy has a little bit of everything … canals and châteauxs, medieval villages and dense forests, fine cuisine and epic vineyards, blueberry covered hills and rich history, and … ok ok you get the picture! People flock here to sip wine and enjoy the finer things in life (aka what this wealthy region has been about for hundreds of years). Think getting married at a castle and feasting on local delicacies like a true royal. Or a whimsical countryside ceremony, followed by a peaceful boat ride.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Best time: May – September
Weather: 60°s – 70°s
Features: gothic churches, baroque buildings, architecture x10, museums, canals
Time to trade that wine glass for a pint of beer! Even if you don’t love beer, grabbing one here is a must – afterall Prague has been brewing beer since 969 AD! That’s not why this place made the list though, it’s the incredible mixture of gothic church spires, colorful baroque buildings, medieval architecture, and modern buildings. In a single day – on a single walk – you’re able to experience vastly different pieces of history and culture. That means you have the option of eloping … along a secluded canal, on The Charles Bridge over the Vltava River, at sunrise in front of a massive cathedral, or in Vrtba gardens. Better yet? You can mix and match a bunch of locations and activities!
8. Newfoundland, Canada
Best time: June – August
Weather: 60°s
Features: cliffs, whales, fjords, icebergs, mountains, colorful fishing villages
This destination is 100% givingggg Ireland and Scotland – so much so that I was in disbelief learning that the cliffs and fishing villages I was looking at were actually in Canada! Newfoundland is lowkey magical with breaching whales, glacial fjords, and floating icebergs. And don’t even get me started on the ancient landscape of Gros Morne National Park. Whether you want to say “I do” amongst the colorful houses in St. John’s or along the beautiful, rugged coastline (or my personal favorite option: BOTH), this gem is only a ferry or plane ride away!
9. Glacier National Park, Montana
Best time: June
Weather: 50°s
Features: wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes, rugged mountains, lush forests
You know the nature lover and adventurer in me had to sneak in a National Park – and although this likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard of Glacier National Park, there’s a reason it made the list! The reason? Mother Nature really shows off here: alpine meadows full of wildflowers, easter egg like stones of Lake McDonald, rushing waterfalls creating misty rainbows, lush old-growth forests, glacial valleys, and unreal mountain tops. Wildly beautiful is truly an understatement. And that wild beauty is accessible whether you’re looking to hike or drive to a pull off. You’ll see that I only have ONE month listed, June, and that’s because you get the best waterfall and wildflowers during this time while avoiding the incoming summer crowds. Of course you can visit throughout the late spring – fall, but I always recommend getting out earlier in the morning vs later in the day to ensure you have max privacy during your elopement experience!
P.S. If you want to stay in the park, but you don’t want to camp, check out the Many Glacier Hotel – the views there are unmatched!
10. Kauai, Hawaii
Best time: April – June and September – December (off peak seasons)
Weather: 70°s
Features: beaches, sea caves, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, chill atmosphere
Kauai is the epitome of island living. Unlike Oahu, The Big Island, and Maui, this island is more nature-centric and laid-back. Think food trucks vs upscale dining, little shops vs luxury brands, more hiking vs more “attractions”. People are drawn to the tranquility of Kauai and seek it out whether that’s by hiking to a waterfall, kayaking to a sea cave, taking a sunset cruise, snorkeling, or stargazing on the beach. Make sure before touching down in Hawai’i that you take the time to learn about the culture and etiquette of the communities you’ll be surrounded by. And as always Leave No Trace – let’s keep this place beautiful!
Psst! Ask me about what I’ve found researching in preparation for the elopement I’ll be photographing here in 2025! →
Still on the hunt for the perfect place to elope in 2025 (or 2026)? …
These blogs may be oldies, but they’re still goodies, with plenty more locations worth exploring for your elopement!
10 Most Breathtaking & Underrated Destinations to Elope in 2022 →
Top 10 Most Gorgeous and Underrated Elopement Destinations of 2023 →
The Perfect Elopement Locations for Every Month of 2024 →
How to choose an elopement location
Here are some tried and true questions I ask couples to help them decide where they should elope:
Are there any locations that are meaningful to you all as a couple?
Are there any places (anywhere in the world) you two have been dying to go see and explore?
Who do you want to attend your elopement? (Take into consideration proximity, accessibility, and limitations)
What time of year and weather are you wanting for your adventure elopement?
What kind of backdrop do you want for your elopement? Mountains? Beach? Urban? Desert?
Are there any specific experiences that you want to have during your elopement day?
WANT SOME HANDS-ON HELP CHOOSING A LOCATION?
Your 2025 Elopement Photographer, reporting for duty!
Where you choose to elope will set the tone of your elopement and it’ll be the backdrop to your most special memories. I know you’re not taking that lightly … me either. My approach is all about making elopements equal parts – fun, fulfilling, and beautiful – and that includes the planning process! We can work together to create a day that aligns with your budget and vision. A day that whole-heartedly celebrates the love you two share.
BIG NEWS: In 2024 I moved from Florida to New Mexico. I’ve spent the last 6 months researching and exploring and making memories here. It’s safe to say I can’t wait to show more couples around my beautiful new home base!
Please note that not all the images in this post are mine; however, I have the permission to use them for the informational purposes of this blog until I get photos of my own.
[…] yearly location highlights to learn more about the best times of year for different destinations: Where to Elope in 2025: Top 10 Best Locations and Top 10 Most Gorgeous and Underrated Elopement Destinations of […]