“Where’s the best place to elope?” A question I frequently get asked and one you may be pondering yourself right now. The best place FOR YOU as a couple is one that speaks to you, is exciting, feels comfortable, and will bring you joy when you look back on it years from now. That can be cascading waterfalls, expansive gardens, tropical oases, or rugged mountains. Maybe culture and architecture is a priority over outdoor adventuring. Or perhaps you already have a time of year in mind and restrictions on how far you want to travel. There are so many factors  – so consider this your destination inspiration. I’ve compiled this list of unique and jaw dropping elopement destinations, with a little bit of everything for everyone. Let’s kickstart your imagination of, “Where is the best place for YOU to elope?”

Even if your only references for what Italy is like are the Lizzie McGuire Movie & Letters to Juliet, you know this country is steeped in romance & culture. The pictures & movies simply don’t do Italy justice, I truly believe you have to see for yourself to really understand how breathtaking it is. In order to visit a place like Italy you need a few things: a valid passport, excellent walking shoes, a hearty appetite, curiosity, & a sense of adventure. There are so many different ways you can experience this country whether that’s the northern, central, or southern areas—each area offers something different.

Known for the Loch Ness Monster, bagpipes, castles and more; seriously SO MUCH more. Scotland is a remarkable country to elope in, you can explore historic cities and see phenomenal landscapes all in one day. The history of Scotland and the Clans is one of extreme interest, everywhere seems to be steeped in it. There honestly isn’t another place like it in the world and it’s not surprising that lovers of all walks of life are attracted to the cobblestone streets and rolling green mountains. Nearly everything is in close proximity and accessible by bus, train, or car; making the ease of travel a breeze.

Referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice and known for its glaciers, volcanoes and its rich history, from its unique activities to its incredible landscapes, Iceland is the perfect place for an epic adventurous elopement.

This Nordic island, although small, boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The Ring Road encompases the whole of Iceland and takes approximately 12-13 hours to drive (you could drive around the entire country in about two days or even one if you don’t plan on stopping at all 😱)

When you think elopement, what comes to mind? Traveling to the western United States to check out Zion or Yosemite? Going across the ocean to Ireland or Italy to run through endless fields and exceptional food?

GUESS WHAT?! We are overlooking a chain of islands right here in the United States where you can escape to an adventurous elopement filled with fun, good food, sunny weather and silky sand – the Florida Keys. The Keys are a string of 1,700 islands (🤯) that span over 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are known for their watersports, food, and history. Out of these many islands there is so much to explore and be done. I created a list of my top 5 cities in the Florida Keys that offer a unique experience: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West.

Eloping in New Orleans? If you rush into this without any thought there is a good chance you will end up in NOLA at a ridiculously busy or sweltering hot time, which if that is what you want then more power to you! There are three things to think about when planning your New Orleans elopement: time of year, where to stay and how you want to spend your day.

I so often feel that the east coast of the USA is so overlooked when it comes to elopements. It isn’t just the western USA that has stunning landscapes and exciting cities! The east has all that and more! Here is a list of 6 locations in the eastern USA that I think make beautiful and unique elopement locations.