Choosing your elopement location is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process! Unlike a traditional wedding, where the venue often dictates the vibe of the day, eloping gives you complete freedom to choose a place that feels meaningful, wild, and truly you.

But with so many incredible locations to choose from, mountains, beaches, waterfalls, forests, cities… how do you decide?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect elopement spot, plus some insider tips to make sure your day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more!

Santorini

1. Start with a vision

Okay this may seem a little weird, but close your eyes… trust me!

When you have them closed, I want you to imagine you’re sharing your vows with your love. What do you see and hear? Is there a waterfall running nearby? Are you on a mountain, in a forest?

Okay now that you have a slight idea, before getting too much into the details, take a step back and think about what kind of experience you want to have.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want to get married somewhere that’s meaningful to you? Like your first date location or the first holiday you went on together? Or do you dream of exploring somewhere completely new?

  • Do you picture yourselves hiking to a remote mountain peak?

  • Saying your vows with waves crashing around you on a rugged coastline?

  • Standing beneath towering waterfalls or deep in an ancient forest?

  • Or maybe something iconic, like exchanging vows in front of Aoraki/Mt Cook or the towering fjords of Norway?

Your elopement location should reflect the kind of adventure you want to have. Some couples crave seclusion, while others want a spot that allows them to celebrate with a few close family members. Start with the overall vibe you want, and the location will naturally follow.

2. Consider the season and weather

Your dream location can look completely different depending on the time of year. Before locking anything in consider:

  • Weather conditions: Do you want snow-capped mountains, autumn leaves, or a warm summer day?

  • Tourist crowds: Some places, like Iceland or the Great Ocean Road, get flooded with tourists in peak season. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often offer the best balance of good weather and fewer people.

  • Accessibility: High altitude mountain locations or remote beaches may not be accessible in winter.

Pro tip: If you’re set on a location but worried about crowds, consider a sunrise or weekday elopement to have the place (mostly) to yourselves.

New Zealand

3. Accessibility & logistics

It’s easy to fall in love with a dreamy Pinterest photo, but some locations require a bit more planning.

Ask yourself:

  • How easy is it to get there? Some elopement locations require a long hike, while others are accessible by car. Usually the longer you have to hike, the more private the location.

  • Do you need any permits? National parks and conservation areas often require a permit for ceremonies.

  • Are there restrictions? Some locations don’t allow drones, limit guest numbers, or have strict environmental guidelines.

If you’re eloping with family or bringing along a celebrant, make sure your chosen location is accessible for everyone involved.

Victoria, Australia

4. Choose a location that feels personal

Some of the best elopement locations aren’t the ones you see all over Instagram but the ones that hold personal meaning to you. Think about:

  • Places you’ve travelled together and fallen in love with

  • Somewhere tied to a special memory (e.g., where you had your first holiday together)

  • A location that reflects your personalities, whether that’s a wild and rugged landscape or a cosy cabin in the mountains

Your elopement is about your love story, so choose a place that makes sense for you, not just a spot that looks pretty in photos. This doesn’t mean you have to have been there before… maybe you’ve always talked about a specific location and want to explore it together.

Iceland

5. Think about the experience you want to have

Since elopements are all about the experience, choose a location that offers a variety for things that you could see yourself doing. One of the best things about eloping is that your day isn’t just about the ceremony, it’s about creating an unforgettable experience together.

Instead of thinking of your elopement as just an event, ask yourself: What would make this day feel truly special for us?

Some ideas to elevate your elopement adventure:

🚁 Helicopter Rides – Fly to a remote mountaintop or land on a glacier for an epic, secluded ceremony.

🛶 Kayaking & Water Adventures – Explore crystal-clear alpine lakes, paddle through fjords, or take a private boat to a hidden beach.

🥾 Hiking to a Stunning Spot – If you love adventure, consider a sunrise or sunset hike to a scenic peak or hidden valley.

🍇 Picnic or Private Chef Experience – Celebrate with a luxury picnic, a wine-tasting tour, or a private chef cooking dinner at your cabin.

⛵ Private Cruises – Charter a boat for an intimate ceremony on a remote island, a fjord, or a secluded coastline.

🏡 Luxury or Unique Accommodation – Stay in a glass-roofed cabin under the stars, a cosy mountain lodge, or a private beachfront retreat to make the whole experience feel special.

Your elopement is about more than just saying “I do” it’s about making memories that feel once-in-a-lifetime. When choosing your location, think about what activities or experiences would make your day feel uniquely you.

New Zealand

6. Think about the legal side

If you’re eloping overseas, make sure you check the legal requirements for getting married in that country. Some places have residency requirements or waiting periods, while others (like New Zealand) make it fairly simple.

Many couples choose to do the legal paperwork at home and have their elopement day purely focused on their vows and experience. This gives you more flexibility with locations since you’re not limited by legal ceremony requirements.

7. Have a backup plan

Even with the best planning, nature is unpredictable. Some things to keep in mind:

  • If you’re eloping outdoors, always have a Plan B (and C) in case of bad weather. A covered lookout, a cosy cabin, or even embracing the rain with clear umbrellas can all work beautifully.

  • Flexibility is key, sometimes last-minute location tweaks make for the most magical experiences!

  • If you’re set on a specific landscape (e.g. a glacier or alpine peak), consider giving yourself a couple of extra days in the area to allow for weather shifts.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Some of my favourite elopement locations for 2025

Need inspiration? Here are a few breathtaking places to consider:

New Zealand:

Dramatic alpine peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and untouched wilderness and never ending activities perfect for an epic adventure elopement. Check out Katerina and Luka’s day HERE.

Australia:

From lush tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef to rugged coastal cliffs and golden beaches, Australia offers a diverse range of landscape options. Check out Mon and Liam’s Port Douglas elopement HERE.

Iceland:

Otherworldly black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, and vast volcanic landscapes create a truly cinematic elopement setting. Check out Jojo and Matt’s Iceland Elopement HERE.

Norway:

Jagged peaks rising from the sea, secluded fjords, and Arctic charm make Norway a dream for couples seeking wild and dramatic scenery.

Italy:

Dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and stunning hiking trails.

Scotland:

Rugged cliffs, fairy pools, and mystical landscapes.

Fiji:

Secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, epic waterfalls and tropical jungle hideaways.

Patagonia:

Towering peaks, glacial lakes, and some of the most untouched landscapes on Earth.

Each of these locations offers something unique. Whether it’s towering peaks, remote landscapes, or cinematic backdrops. If you need help narrowing down your options, I’d love to chat and help you find the perfect spot for your adventure!

How we can help plan your elopement

Personalised location scouting & more

Eloping isn’t just about finding a beautiful place, it’s about finding your perfect place. And that’s where we come in!

We don’t just give you a list of locations and send you on your way. Instead, we take the time to get to know you as a couple—your personalities, what excites you, and how you envision your dream day. From there, we carefully scout and suggest locations that truly fit you.

Maybe you’re drawn to dramatic landscapes and want to say your vows on a remote mountaintop. Or perhaps you love the ocean and want to elope somewhere wild and coastal. Whether you’re after a heart-pounding adventure or a peaceful, secluded moment, we’ll find the perfect backdrop that reflects you.

Our elopement planning support includes:


✅ Personalised location scouting – Tailored recommendations based on your vibe, preferences, and the experience you want.


✅ Logistics & planning guidance – From permit advice to timing, we handle the details so your day runs seamlessly.


✅ Vendor recommendations – We connect you with amazing celebrants, florists, and accommodation to bring your vision to life.


✅ Timeline creation – A stress-free flow for your day, ensuring you have time to soak it all in.


✅ On-the-day support – We’re there to capture every moment and keep things running smoothly.

Your elopement should feel effortless, exciting, and you. We make that happen by crafting a truly personalised experience so all you have to do is show up, be present, and enjoy every second!

Check out our Elopement Photography and Videography Packages

Choosing your elopement location is a big decision, but it should be an exciting one! With our personalised approach, you won’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll help you find a location that feels just right for you!

Whether you’re dreaming of a wild mountain escape or an intimate coastal ceremony, I’m here to guide you through every step so that you can focus on the experience, not the stress!

Let’s find your dream elopement location together! Get in touch to start planning your adventure!

Author:

February 5, 2025

How to Choose Your Perfect Elopement Location

Rochelle Hansen

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