The world really is a romantic playground for couples, filled with endless adventure, indulgence, and memory-making sights and experiences. And when it comes to the most romantic adventure of all, eloping, the possibilities are truly limitless. If you’re looking for beautiful places to elope, we’re here to help inspire that great escape.
Whether you dream of ‘I do’ on a secluded beach, in a secret forest, or atop a snow-capped mountain, discover the perfect place for just you two — or a handful of guests if you’re celebrating a more modern elopement.
So, let’s level up that shortlist. Here we reveal 21 of the best places in the world to elope, from the beaches of Bali to the streets of New York.
1. Koh Samui, Thailand
Eloping to Koh Samui, that sublime holiday island in the Gulf of Thailand, offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, exotic charm, and sheer romance. Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, pristine beaches, and mesmerising sunsets, with Samui’s rich cultural heritage adding depth to your celebration — especially when you add a traditional Thai ceremony or blessing. From secluded beachfront villas to opulent resorts boasting ocean views, this idyllic isle has it all. And planning your elopement is hassle-free, thanks to experienced wedding planners specialising in bespoke holiday weddings.
Related: Koh Samui’s Best Destination Wedding Venues
2. Paris, France
They don’t call it the City of Love for nothing. Paris is one of the most romantic places in the world to elope, with iconic locations (think Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or a Parisien garden) for your photoshoot, fabulous dining options, and local Champagne to toast the moment. Most couples celebrate a symbolic destination wedding in Paris and make it official back home. But even non-French citizens can legally marry in France provided they meet certain criteria, including residing in their chosen town or city for a month. A month in Paris? Oui, oui!
3. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
For an elopement in Australia, The Whitsundays offers a treasure-trove of locations. And the jewel in the crown? Whitehaven Beach, seven kilometres of postcard-perfect, velvety white sand and a dazzling backdrop. Accessible only by boat, seaplane, or helicopter from Airlie Beach, it’s no mystery why Whitehaven was voted Australia’s Top Beach in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. With your toes in the sand and the crystal-clear waters lapping at the shore, you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere. Celebrate with a Champagne picnic and a swim before being whisked back to your fancy island resort.
Related: How to Legally Elope Overseas and in Australia
4. Ubud, Bali
In the world of destination elopements, few places rival the exotic allure of Bali’s Ubud. Nestled amidst the luxuriant landscapes of Indonesia’s famed Island of the Gods, this creative haven beckons couples seeking an intimate ceremony in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural immersion. From secluded jungle retreats to luxurious resorts, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect setting. Beyond the ceremony itself, newlyweds can immerse themselves in Balinese spa rituals, indulge in delectable local cuisine, visit ancient temples and vibrant markets, or explore hidden waterfalls and tranquil rice paddies.
Related: The Best Wedding Venues in Bali
5. Fiji
The swaying palms of Fiji are synonymous with holiday weddings — and with 330 islands to explore, you’ll be sure to find your perfect match. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals, it’s a paradise for couples seeking a laidback seaside or garden ceremony that moves straight on to the honeymoon. You’ll also have a choice of adults-only resorts or more family-friendly island accommodation if you’re planning an elopement with kids in tow. When you say Bula! to this beautiful island nation, don’t be surprised when you start planning an anniversary here too.
Related: The best places to get married in Fiji
6. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Forget the late-night, shotgun wedding officiated by a sequin-clad Elvis impersonator (although hey, you do you!); Las Vegas offers so much more. With its myriad wedding chapels, drive-through wedding venues, and stunning desert landscapes, Las Vegas is a fantastic place to elope. For nature-lovers, consider the scenic 30-minute drive to the dramatic backdrops of Red Rock Canyon or head to the cacti-dotted landscapes of the Mojave Desert. For something a little more ‘Vegas’ try the fabulous vintage backdrops of the popular Neon Museum or embrace the kitsch in a roadside wedding chapel.
Related: Where to Elope in the US: Top 10 Stunning Locations
7. Santorini, Greek Islands
Bring your screensaver to life on Greece’s most iconic isle, Santorini. Known for its breathtakingly beautiful sunsets, whitewashed cliffside architecture, and iconic, blue-domed churches, Santorini is a dream destination for many couples. Swap vows overlooking the Aegean Sea, soak up sunset, and enjoy a candlelit dinner on a rooftop terrace. The bonus? A pared-back guest list means budget left over for your island-hopping honeymoon.
Related: The ultimate guide to planning a wedding in Greece
8. Queenstown, New Zealand
When only fresh snowfall will do! New Zealand’s scenic South Island hub of Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by spectacular alpine ranges. Local heli-tour companies specialise in mountaintop elopements, touching down on some of the region’s most pristine snow-dusted peaks. Perfect for a wintery, fairytale feel.
9. New York City, USA
Some of the most romantic places to elope can be found in some of the world’s biggest cities. Case in point: The Big Apple, a 24/7 melting pot of cultures, architectures, and experiences, and a fabulous place to tie the knot! Imagine ‘I do’ at City Hall, photos in Central Park, on the Brooklyn Bridge or at Top of the Rock (the Rockefeller Center Observation Deck), and dinner at a fancy NYC restaurant. Big-city chic doesn’t get much better.
10. Noosa, Queensland, Australia
Beach ceremony, afternoon swim, waterfront dining. Heaven! They do relaxed luxury so well in the Sunshine Coast holiday enclave of Noosa, with a wealth of spectacular spots for your elopement along with fabulous oceanfront and riverside restaurants for memorable just-married dining. Picture sun-soaked days on Main Beach, shopping up a storm on Hastings Street, and kicking back poolside at your boutique resort. Shop, swim, eat, repeat (as newlyweds!) in this forever-chic coastal destination. And good news for couples: provided your paperwork is lodged at least a month prior to your union, you can get married in Australia with minimal red tape (including same-sex couples).
11. Isle of Skye, Scotland
For the wild at heart, the Isle of Skye is a magical place where rugged mountains meet sparkling lochs, and ancient folklore comes alive. Located off the west coast of Scotland, it’s the perfect spot for a unique elopement, with plenty of picturesque locations for your ceremony and wedding photos. And good news: it’s super simple to legally marry in Scotland, making this a must for your shortlist.
12. Mount Fuji, Japan
Why not combine your dream honeymoon destination with your dream elopement … in Japan! In the heart of this captivating country, iconic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) makes for a fabulous elopement setting. Marry lakeside at one of the Fuji Five Lakes — Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko — with the famed silhouette as your backdrop. You can also climb the mountain (keep in mind it’s 3776 metres above sea level!) or ascend to the ‘5th station’ by train. But it’s hard to go past this picture-perfect peak framing your big moment. Time your nuptials for cherry blossom season or fall foliage for photos you’ll cherish forever.
13. The beaches of Bali
From west-coast faves to east-coast gems, you’ll be spoiled for choice when planning a beach elopement in Bali. Will you choose Seminyak for its chic atmosphere and stylish beach clubs, Jimbaran for its soft sands and stunning sunsets, or hidden treasures such as Padang Padang and Bingin Beach near Uluwatu? Or maybe the beautiful beaches and sophisticated resort vibe of Nusa Dua will make your hearts sing. Whichever Bali beach you choose, this exotic isle will seduce you with its warm welcome, delicious cuisine, and dreamy backdrops. Getting legally married in Bali is relatively straightforward, so don’t be shy in adding this tropical jewel to your wish list.
14. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The jaw-dropping vistas, charming townships, and sun-drenched Mediterranean magic of the Amalfi Coast has long seduced couples from around the world. So, it’s no surprise that southern Italy’s most iconic region (home to Positano, Ravello and Amalfi) is one of the most beautiful places to elope, too. While most will choose a symbolic ceremony here (and legally wed back home), your experience will be certifiably epic, especially when you extend festivities into an Italian getaway or European sojourn.
Related: How to plan a destination wedding in Italy
15. Sydney Harbour, Australia
One of the most beautiful harbour cities in the world is also one of the best places to elope. Sydney is home to two of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Surprisingly, both are available for elopements! Or take your pick around this glamorous capital. Set sail around the harbour, zoom to the top of Sydney Tower, get close to nature in a park overlooking the water, or, for something completely different, say ‘I do’ at Taronga Zoo (which also has fabulous harbour views!).
16. Maui, Hawaii, USA
Whether you fancy saying ‘I do’ on a sandy, palm-fringed beach, at the top of a mountain, or beneath a waterfall, Hawaii has some of the most stunning places to elope in the world. The country’s second-largest island, Maui, is a tropical paradise perfect for your most romantic adventures. Look to the stunning Kapalua coast for jaw-dropping coastal landscapes ideal for a scenic ceremony. The bonus? Hawaii makes it easy for everyone to elope here, including same-sex couples, with minimal paperwork and no residency requirements.
17. Northern NSW Hinterland, Australia
One for the nature-lovers. While you may be familiar with the beautiful beaches of Byron and the Gold Coast, delve a little deeper and you’ll find the green behind the gold: a glorious hinterland. This unique region is all ancient rainforests, lush valleys, World Heritage-listed national parks, and abundant native flora and fauna. For a serene and intimate elopement, look out for romantic hideaways tucked away deep in the greenscape of the Tweed Valley and Springbrook and Lamington National Parks.
18. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
For couples chasing a fairytale setting for their elopement, Canada’s legendary Lake Louise delivers postcard perfection. Its otherworldly aqua depths, encircled by snow-capped mountains and verdant evergreens, are positively breathtaking! The peaceful serenity and extreme natural beauty of this location make it one of the best places to elope in the world. And fun fact: The alpine town of Lake Louise also offers a rare opportunity to spot grizzly bears in the wild. Now that’s a story to take home!
19. A Queensland cay, Australia
Imagine eloping on a pristine dollop of sand, surrounded by turquoise seas, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef! Welcome to Vlasoff cay, a pristine hidden gem off the coast of Cairns, accessible only by helicopter. What’s a cay, you may ask? It’s a shape-shifting, low-lying sand isle that moves with the tides. The immaculate white sands offer a unique elopement setting, with the wonders of this region available for your honeymoon. See also: Sudbury cay off Queensland’s Fitzroy Island.
20. Barcelona, Spain
The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its historic architecture, stunning gardens, and bustling streets, offers a unique and romantic setting for an elopement. Whether you choose to marry in the iconic Parc del Laberint d’Horta historic garden or gazing out across the Mediterranean Sea on one of the city’s beaches, you’ll enjoy a memorable celebration. With plenty left in the kitty for your country-hopping European honeymoon!
21. The Yarra Valley, Australia
One for the wine-lovers. Victoria’s original wine region (established 1838), the Yarra Valley is super scenic, peppered with charming boutique venues and wineries, and just an hour from Australia’s cultural capital of Melbourne. If you love rolling country hills (and chardonnay), this could be the perfect spot for your elopement in Australia.
Elopement tip: Ensure you check the local embassy’s marriage requirements and restrictions before planning your elopement in a foreign country. Some countries have a lengthy process and require special documents to be filed in advance.
Feel free to let your imagination run wild as you plan your elopement. Whether you dream of a grand adventure or a quiet, intimate ceremony, the world is your oyster. Remember, the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life in a place that feels special to both of you. Happy planning!
