11 BEST ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN EUROPE IN 2023
Where can you elope in Europe?
You can elope anywhere in Europe except on private properties where you need the owner’s permission.
The most popular locations in Europe are Italy, Ireland and Iceland. Some countries need more paperwork than others based on what kind of ceremony you are having.
But you can elope in every country if you follow the official guidelines of every country or if you are having a symbolic ceremony with just your vows.
You can elope near a beautiful lake, in a town with cobblestones, at a gorgeous beach or on top of a mountain. It’s totally up to you. There are so many ideal places for a destination wedding or elopement.
Yes, it is that easy to get married abroad. But I know how hard it is to actually choose a place for your wedding or elopement. I want to give you some elopement ideas.
Where is the best place to get married in Europe? Here are the top 11 best elopement locations in Europe.
1. Norway
One of my personal favorite countries is of course Norway! If you like fjords, rocky cliffs, big mountains and unique coastal views then you have to elope in Norway.
Because Norway is a fairly big country with a small population there are so many elopement locations that are very underrated and undiscovered.
Everywhere you look in Norway there are mountains all around you. So make sure to avoid the most tourist spots because there are many other possibilities to be alone in nature. Or you can go there on a weekday.
The best locations in Norway are the Lofoten Islands, Aurland and Hardanger. The distance from North to South is pretty far, so if you decide to drive you should take into account that there are not many highways and it might take more time than you might think.
TIP: Winter elopements in Norway are also truly magical. Imagine waking up in a cute cabin in winter wonderland, have a first-look at sunrise then get some breakfast. Then meet the huskies and go dogsledding then have a picnic sitting on blankets with hot cocoa. Hike to a place with a sunset view for your vows and pop some champagne. Have a candle lit dinner before getting ready to chase the northern lights.
I’ve personally hiked in many locations so if you’re looking for a Norway elopement photographer with specialized packages, I would be super excited to help you plan.
Read more on my blog about How to Elope in Norway here.
2. The Faroe Islands
One of Europe’s best-kept secrets is the Faroe Islands. But when you see the epic pictures of this place, you immediately know why it’s just out of this world epic.
It’s actually called the island of the sheep and more sheep live there than people do. The raw landscape is shaped of steep cliffs, deep fjords, waterfalls and high mountains.
The best Faroe Islands elopement locations are Tórshavn, Gásadalur and Drangarnir. The raw landscapes here are truly incredible.
If you don’t mind the moody weather you can find the most unique places at the coastline. The old houses with the grass rooftops really makes you think about how rough life here must have been. The Vikings inhabited the Faroe Islands in the 8th century and you can still find the Norse settlements.
I would be thrilled to explore the Faroe Islands with you and capture you two in this amazing wild place.
3. Iceland
Starting with the most epic location in Europe! Iceland is very big and there are so many varieties of landscapes. You can’t go wrong here.
There are so many different places on Iceland to choose from like beautiful waterfalls, black beaches, ice caves, northern lights, blue lagoons, glaciers, big cliffs and epic mountains. You can even take a helicopter to get to a very intimate spot.
The most popular locations in Iceland are the black sand beach Reynisfjara near Vik, the Skógafoss waterfall and the Búdakirkja Black Church. But there are many other gorgeous secret locations hidden away in Iceland.
Get in contact if you’re looking for Iceland elopement photographer packages including help with planning your adventurous day.
4. Switzerland
You can’t miss out on this one! Switzerland is at the heart of Europe the perfect position for a honeymoon Europe trip.
Crystal blue lakes, amazing mountain peaks and luxury cabins that’s what makes Switzerland stand out.
Think of locations like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Zermatt. Yet also think about all the blue secret lakes you can discover by doing a (small) hike because Switzerland has the best blue lakes!
Switzerland is also an ideal location for a winter wedding or elopement. If you’d imagine yourself skiing or snowboarding on your actual wedding day.
Or explore the epic mountains by taking a cable car and staying the night at one of the mountain hotels or cabins. Then you have the entire mountain to yourselves at sunrise and sunset because the cable cars only go during the day.
5. Ireland
The island feeling with the fresh wind in your face and being surrounded in the green landscape of Ireland.
If you’re into rugged cliffs, Celtic history, castle ruins, Irish pubs, green hills and fairytales this is the perfect location.
Most popular Ireland elopement locations are the Cliffs of Moher, Donegal, Dingle and the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland.
If you love Irish pubs, beers and live music then mid & south Ireland are the best for you!
Imagine saying your vows in the green hills, then enjoying the sunset at the cliffs and ending the day at an old Irish pub drinking Guinness and dancing to folk music.
6. Scotland
The land of Outlander, Braveheart and Harry Potter. That magical feeling and vibe that Scotland has is very unique.
How about moody mountains, endless valleys, ancient ruins, old towns, magical castles and many whisky distilleries. All within driving reach of each other.
Beautiful places in Scotland are Loch Ness, Glencoe and Isle of Skye. Each location has so much to offer and they are perfect to visit all on a holiday trip.
At Loch Ness you can try to spot the monster. In Glencoe you can find many deer roaming around and you can end the day at a Scottish pub. At the Isle of Skye you can search for fairies near the beautiful waterfalls.
Read more about an adventure shoot in Glencoe, Scotland.
7. Sweden
There are so many folk tales of Sweden and it really gives this land a mystical feeling.
The most popular elopement locations are Stockholm, Swedish Lapland and the Icehotel.
In the summer there are beautiful lakes, forests and big fields where you can get married. The national park Fulufjället has a beautiful waterfall and there are moose and reindeer wandering all around the forests.
Yet in the winter you can get married at the Icehotel for a magical winter wonderland experience. How epic does that sound? So check out the website of Icehotel Sweden.
8. Austria
One of those countries that is totally underrated. Austria has that real Tiroler vibe with friendly people and the Alps are stunning.
The scenery of Austria consists of beautiful lakes, stunning mountain ranges, glaciers and valleys full of wildflowers.
Most visited places are Hallstatt, Vienna and Tyrol. They are all perfect for amazing wedding photos.
Right photo by Twintheworld
Austria’s high season is the winter season for skiing and snowboarding. The countryside is absolutely not busy in the summer so you can really get the chance to be alone in the mountains. You can take the sky lift and you get the most breath-taking views.
TIP: If you’re looking for a winter elopement or wedding, Austria is the cheapest place in Europe to ski and snowboard. And don’t forget the cosy vibe and après-ski schnapps.
9. The Dolomites
Yes, the most popular destination wedding location is Italy. The old cities really have that romantic vibe. If you love old towns, gorgeous lakes, unique mountains and Italian food this is the place for you.
The warm weather in the summer can be a little sweaty so Spring and Autumn are bettter seasons and have less tourists. Most of the lakes are extremely crowded with tourists and you can expect to stand in a line to take picture at a specific spot.
But if you like the outdoors, mountains and hiking then the Dolomites are great to find hidden locations that you can find if you put a little hiking effort in.
10. France
The land where all the lovers go for a romantic getaway is France. Even the language sounds like love.
You can elope in an old castle, a romantic city, on a beach and in the rustic countryside.
The most popular places in France are Paris, Côte d’Azur, Mont Saint Michel and Normandy.
Imagine getting married on a sunny summer day in France. Walking around a beautiful castle ruin with a gorgeous vineyard view. Just like these two did not far from Lyon.
Read more about an intimate wedding in the French countryside.
11. The Netherlands
When having an elopement abroad you might not immediately think of the Netherlands for your wedding destination but let me prove you otherwise.
There’s a lot of history still visible in the Netherlands. The best elopement locations are Amsterdam, Giethoorn, Kinderdijk and the Wadden Islands in the north.
For a city elopement in Amsterdam you can think about exploring the canals or taking a boat trip on the canals at night, which is very magical.
If you love windmills and authentic houses then Kinderdijk and Giethoorn are the best places. You can also get married in the tulip fields in Lisse or Flevoland.
There’s also lot’s of forests, lakes and beaches which are perfect for an intimate experience. The Wadden Islands are beautiful but on the main land there are also many hidden gems.
Read more about an adventure elopement in the Netherlands.
Whatever location in Europe you end up choosing, it’s up to you and you can make your dreams a reality. Make sure you get a good elopement photographer that will capture all the details of your day because your wedding day is absolutely worth it. This unique experience will be one to look back on for years to come!
Where is the easiest place to get married in Europe?
Denmark is the easiest place in Europe to get officially married for foreigners because the rules are very relaxed for different nationalities to get married there. In other European countries you can hire an officiant for your ceremony and they will guide you through the needed paperwork.
If you want to avoid the hassle you can get the paperwork done in your hometown before eloping in Europe for your symbolic elopement with an officiant or just a ceremony in nature with your written intimate vows.
Elopement in Norway
How do I plan a destination wedding in Europe?
Start with creating a mood board based on your vision for your wedding. Decide where you want to get married; what landscapes attract you the most?
Pick your wedding vendors starting with a photographer that can help you scout specific locations. Then pick wedding vendors that understand your vision. Announce your wedding and have your dream wedding in Europe.
Hey I’m Amber!
Are you ready to start planning your wedding in Europe?
Get in contact to receive my wedding and elopement packages in Europe. From there we can schedule a phone call to chat about your vision and ideas.
I’m here to help you with your wedding, elopement, vow renewal or engagement. I want to be more than just your photographer but also your new friend, planner and experienced guide.
Or looking for photo + video inclusive elopement packages in Europe?
Together with my boyfriend we offer photo + video elopement packages anywhere in Europe. Our elopement packages include help with planning & scouting locations so we can make your dreams a reality.
For our photo + video packages click HERE!
11 Best Elopement Locations in Europe
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