Have you fallen into the black hole of Pinterest research, trying to find unique elopement locations? Log off right now! Most of those recommendations are tourist traps and won’t give you the meaningful experience you’re looking for.
Instead of crowded viewpoints and overbooked venues, choosing lesser-known elopement locations offers a more personal experience. By prioritizing authenticity over popularity, your elopement becomes a one-of-a-kind adventure you’ll remember forever.
These hidden gems—from secluded mountain meadows to quiet coastal coves—allow couples to celebrate without distractions or expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- Why elopements should be completely unique
- 10 elopement destinations to consider
- A few things to consider when choosing your elopement destination
10 Elopement Destinations You’ve Never Thought Of, But Should
Your only wedding day deserves to be entirely your own, not a copy/paste of someone else’s Pinterest board or Instagram story.
Elopements are the perfect excuse to slow down, savor the journey, and immerse yourselves in local experiences, whether that’s wandering quiet forests, tasting regional cuisine, or discovering hidden gems of a city. Any location that sparks joy can become your perfect elopement destination.
Start by thinking about what you love most and what makes you happiest as a couple, and let that guide you to a place that feels meaningful.
Here are ten elopement locations you have probably never heard of but deserve your consideration.
Elopement Destinations For Seclusion & Soul
Yulia & Conner’s Bruce Peninsula elopement captured by The Organic Moment
1. Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
The Bruce Peninsula is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. Picture Caribbean-blue waters, dense forests, and dramatic limestone cliffs — all in Ontario! You still get that peaceful, remote, and nature-rich vibe without flying across the country or down to the Caribbean.
Couples can exchange vows near iconic spots like Tobermory, the crystal-blue shoreline of The Grotto, or the iconic rock formations on Flowerpot Island. It’s the perfect combination for water and foliage lovers.
Ceremonies in Bruce Peninsula National Park require permits, but we can help you navigate that process. For the best experience, plan your elopement between late spring and early fall. Skip July and August if seclusion is a priority.
Couples who elope in Ontario are typically eco-conscious, low-key couples who value privacy, intention, and the preservation of the natural landscape.
2. Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Kananaskis Country, Alberta, is the perfect elopement destination for couples seeking Banff-level beauty without Banff-level crowds. There’s less traffic, but the landscape is just as dramatic — pine forests, alpine lakes, and rugged backcountry.
Our favorite spots to elope in Alberta are Spray Valley, Upper Kananaskis Lake, Wedge Pond and Goat Pond thanks to their amazing, unique backdrops for a private ceremony. Because it’s more remote, amenities are limited—the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge & Mount Engadine Lodge are your main amenities nearby.
Permits are required for elopement ceremonies. Later summer and early fall are the best times of year to elope in Kananaskis Country—the weather is mild and the colors are incredible. It’s important to avoid wildfire season in mid summer so you don’t encounter fire smoke, making you pivot from your chosen location.
It’s a great location for couples who love the idea of Banff but want something wilder, quieter, and uniquely beautiful.
3. Wind River Range, Wyoming
You probably wouldn’t think of Wyoming as an elopement destination, but the Wind River Range is in a league of its own with jaw-dropping alpine lakes and wildflower-strewn valleys. You probably won’t see anyone there during your elopement. If privacy is important to you, this is a great option.
Some amazing places to elope in Wyoming are Titcomb Basin, Green River Lakes, and Cirque of the Towers, each with its own dramatic backdrop.
The vibe here is raw and rugged—ideal for couples planning a multi-day backpacking elopement or anyone who feels most alive deep in the backcountry. It’s completely remote with no amenities nearby, so be prepared to bring everything you need to elope in Wyoming.
Wilderness permits may be required, and the best season is July through September, when snow has melted and trails are most accessible, because yes, you will be hiking!
Elopement Destinations For Warmth & Beach Lovers
Photo of Costa Rican beach by Koen Swiers
4. Nosara, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of our favorite places to travel for elopements. We’re usually there from January to April, helping couples elope in Costa Rica because it’s the dry season. May is a great time, too, if you want even more lush greenery. Just be prepared for those occasional rainstorms!
What we love about Nosara specifically is that it’s an elopement destination where surf culture meets lush jungle calm. This wellness-forward town is known for its earthy, healing energy, making it perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel grounding AND joyful.
You can exchange vows barefoot on the soft sands of Playa Guiones, wander into the jungle for an intimate ceremony surrounded by towering palms, or blend both for the ultimate nature-centered experience. No permits are required for symbolic ceremonies on public beaches, making it one less thing to worry about.
With its laid-back pace and focus on surfing, wellness, and connection, Nosara is ideal for holistic couples, surf lovers, and those who want a peaceful elopement.
5. Azores, Portugal
Europe is a popular elopement destination, but the Azores, Portugal, specifically, is underrated. This volcanic paradise features crater lakes, towering mountains, incredible waterfalls, and relaxing hot springs.
São Miguel Island is one of our favorite spots with its iconic Sete Cidades crater lake and calming thermal pools.
Permits for symbolic ceremonies are pretty straightforward, making this part of the planning process easy for international and local couples. The best season to elope in Portugal is May to October because you’ll get mild weather and colorful landscapes.
The Azores are ideal for European elopers, slow travelers, and minimalist couples who want a naturally stunning place to say “I do.”
For Wild, Rugged & Dramatic Nature
Kristen and Adam elope with Mount Kirkjufell in the background on Snæfellsnes Peninsula; captured by The Organic Moment
6. Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland is a magical elopement destination we recommend to our couples again and again. Volcanic beaches, moss-covered cliffs, glaciers, and lava fields all come together to create a landscape unlike any other.
Its windswept, moody beauty is perfect for couples seeking a dramatic and unforgettable elopement backdrop. Iconic sites such as Kirkjufell Mountain, the Arnarstapi cliffs, and Snæfellsjökull Glacier are perfect for intimate ceremonies.
Permits are required for public lands, but local guidance (and our help!) makes the process simple. There really isn’t a bad time to elope in Iceland—it just depends on the vibe you’re going for. In the summer, you’ll get the magical midnight sun, while September through March offers the chance to exchange vows under the Northern Lights.
Couples who are artistic dreamers, mythology lovers, and planning micro-ceremonies love Snæfellsnes as an elopement destination.
7. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands in Norway are a surreal elopement destination where jagged mountains rise dramatically from the Arctic Ocean, creating an otherworldly backdrop. The pictures don’t do it justice!
With remote villages like Hamnøy, Reinefjorden, and white-sand Arctic beaches, it’s a place made for couples who love untouched landscapes. Permit requirements vary by location, but the effort is worth it for the unforgettable scenery.
Again, you can elope in Norway anytime of the year. Summer offers the magic of the midnight sun, while winter brings the glow of the Northern Lights. The Lofoten Islands deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience for photogenic elopement lovers and adventurous wilderness dreamers.
8. Yukon Territory, Canada
Yukon Territory, Canada, is a dream elopement destination for couples seeking off-grid adventure. Glacier-fed lakes, massive mountain ranges, and the alpine magic of places like Tombstone Territorial Park, Kluane National Park, and Emerald Lake are rarely traveled landscapes. Here, you’ll get an intimate ceremony in nature.
Permit requirements vary by park, so planning is key. The best time to elope is June through August for long sunny days, or in the fall for a chance to exchange vows under the Auroras.
Ideal for off-grid explorers and starry-night lovers, the Yukon provides a frontier energy that makes every moment of your elopement feel epic.
For Culture, Character, & Vibes
Photo of Gaspé peninsula by apertur2.8
9. Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec
Can you tell we love elopement locations in Canada? But we guarantee the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec isn’t one you’ve thought of before.
It’s a charming elopement destination that blends French-Canadian culture with dramatic backdrops—think seaside cliffs, lighthouses, and rolling mountains. Elopement locations like Percé Rock, Forillon National Park, and tiny coastal villages offer a cozy, nature-centered experience.
Permits are required for ceremonies in national parks, ensuring that these protected landscapes are respected. The best time to elope in Canada is June through October, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. The Gaspé Peninsula is perfect for artistic romantics and cultural foodies. Or if you can’t agree on a location, The Gaspé Peninsula offers the perfect compromise of coast and mountain scenery.
10. Highlands, North Carolina
The Highlands of North Carolina offer the perfect Blue Ridge elopement experience, where waterfalls, quiet forest trails, and cozy mountain inns create an intimate celebration. Elopement locations such as Dry Falls, Whiteside Mountain, and Glen Falls offer stunning natural backdrops for your ceremony and photos.
Permits may be required to elope in North Carolina national forests or parks, so planning ahead is essential. Spring and fall are the best times to go because you get wildflowers and autumn foliage. Couples who love Southern charm, forested seclusion, and cozy mountain getaways, the Highlands deliver a romantic, nature-filled elopement.
What To Consider When Choosing An Elopement Destination
It’s not just about pretty backgrounds because let’s be real, there are millions of stunning spots around the world.
When choosing your elopement destination, you also need to think practically:
- How long will it take to get there?
- What travel logistics are involved?
- Can you secure an officiant, the necessary permits, and legal recognition for your ceremony?
- Is the location accessible for you and any vendors you might bring?
And don’t forget weather, the best seasons for your preferred backdrop, and local infrastructure like lodging, roads, and emergency services.
Balancing beauty with practicality ensures your elopement is not only breathtaking but also stress-free and truly enjoyable.
Want To Plan An Elopement As Unique As Your Love?
At the end of the day, your elopement should reflect your passions, sense of adventure, and the moments that make you happiest together. By choosing an elopement location that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and vision, you create a day that feels intentional, intimate, and unforgettable.
We know that’s a lot to consider and research! That’s why we include unlimited planning assistance in our elopement packages. We want to make the process as seamless as possible for you!
Still not sure where to go? Download our free elopement destination guide!
Read or Leave a Comment
SHARE THIS POST: