The 25 Best Places to Elope for Jaw-Dropping Photos

We’re proud to say that jaw-dropping elopements are a constant here on GWS — and they have been since way before they were popular. So it’s no wonder we’re always getting asked to share recommendations for the best places to elope! No longer does the term “to elope” conjure up images of the past, where a couple runs away and marries in haste. Rather, eloping has become an adventurous and romantic option to consider when planning your vows.

Why all the sudden interest in eloping? Well, elopements are intimate, so you get to focus all of your efforts on the two of you instead of catering to a crowd (not to mention saving on all the costs involved with a big wedding). Some couples love the idea of it being just the two of them, an officiant, and a photographer; sometimes they’ll include parents, siblings, a best friend, or a pet. Because you two don’t have to worry about the grand set-up, table arrangements, or all the things that go into the festivities, you can relax and focus on just the two of you and finding the best place to elope. Many couples choose to elope abroad, so not only does that make for a cool story, but you’re all set for a grand adventure following ‘I Do!’

The Best Places to Elope

The best place to elope depends on the couple and their personal style…from colossal mountains to beaches in France, and painterly lake views, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring elopement locations. We’ve sorted through our favorite elopements to bring you some destination inspiration! Hang out with us as we dish out our top 25 best places elope (in no particular order)!

Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon

First up, Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona. Known for its insanely gorgeous view of the water framed by the canyon walls, Antelope Canyon is also nearby and set on Navajo land (about a 20-30 minute drive). Known for the ‘slot canyon,’ visitors can walk through the giant slabs of rock and take some seriously cool photographs! We’ve been to both and highly recommend checking each out…quite impressive and easy additions to our list of the best places to elope!

See More From This Intimate Horseshoe Bend Elopement
photography by Jordan Voth at Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Antelope Marina in Arizona

The Island of Ibiza

Just one look at these misty, sun-kissed photos in Ibiza and you’ll fall in love with this setting. Whether you choose to tie the knot in Old Town or out on the shores, you’ll have a magical and exotic celebration.

See More From This Enchanting Ibiza Elopement
photography by El Momento Perfecto Fotografo at Es Vedra, Ibiza, Spain

Isle of Skye, Scotland

A velvet quilt of verdant moors, jagged + rocky mountains, glistening lochs, and colossal sea cliffs—this is the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It’s known for being a mystical + magical place, and as the land of fairy folklore!

See More From This Intimate Isle of Skye, Scotland Elopement
photography by The Kitcheners at the Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Fijian Highlands

These two were determined to keep mindfulness at the center of their Fiji elopement; being present in the moment + grateful for the same. When we think of Fiji, images of turquoise waters and sandy beaches come to mind. However, that’s not all there is to these gorgeous lands!

See More From This Mindful Fiji Highland Elopement
photography by Kama Catch Me in the Fijian Highlands, Nadi, Fiji

Joshua Tree’s Desertscape

Are you inspired by the Southwest? Do you love the desert? What about easy California vibes? Joshua Tree is one of the best places to elope for desert lovers! Get all the starry nights, local plant life, and dreamy sunsets.

See More From This Fashion-Forward Elopement in Joshua Tree
photography by Lorin Kelly Photography at Palo Verde Ranch, Joshua Tree, California

In a Treehouse

Stay in a treehouse + marry in the forest? Count us in!

Yosemite National Park

See More From This On Top of the World Yosemite Elopement
photography by Anni Graham in Yosemite, California

If you love the mountains, adventurous hikes, and insane views, Yosemite National Park in California may be for you! Nothing beats the incredible sights + photographs across the legendary park….

See More From This Romantic Yosemite Elopement
photography by Anni Graham in Yosemite, California

Nevada Desert

Why not head out to the desert and take some rad photos on a dry lake bed with your beloved?

See More From This Elopement in the Nevada Desert
photography: Aimlee Photography // venue name: El Dorado Dry Lake Bed, Boulder City, Nevada

Los Angeles — With the Dreamy Skyline in the Background

Overlooking the downtown Los Angeles skyline from the city’s own park oasis…how dreamy is this?!

See More From This Urban-Glam Los Angeles Elopement
photography by The Hendrys in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California

Petra Treasury

Surrounded by deep history and filled with a spirit of adventure—can you imagine saying your vows in front of ancient ruins in the desert?

Sandy dunes and inspiration everywhere you look — Morocco is the place to be!

See More From This Intimate Destination Wedding in Morocco
photography by Jordan Voth in Marrakesh, Morocco

In the Gardens of Barcelona

The Secret Paths. The Historic Architecture. The Romance.

See More From These Stunning Wedding Photos in Barcelona
photography by Jordan Voth Photography at Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Barcelona, Spain

The Dolomites

They said their vows in the majestic Dolomites in northeastern Italy, and in case that doesn’t sound enchanting enough—they were surrounded by clouds of flowers, had a picnic on a mountain top, and then spent the evening down by the lake.

See More From This Romantic Dolomites Elopement
photography by Artur Saribekyan in Lago di Braies, Dolomites, Italy

A Glacier on Ipsoot Mountain

If you think an adventurous secret elopement complete with a helicopter ride to say your vows on a glacier sounds utterly amazing—you’d be right.

See More From This Elopement Atop a Glacier
photography by Logan Swayze at Ipsoot Mountain, Pemberton, BC, Canada

Death Valley National Park

Imagine heading deep into these carved-out crevices to say your vows! Magical, to say the least.

It’s hard to imagine an elopement more classically romantic than surrounded by lush forest and age-old trees. Forever on our list of one of the best places to elope, any iteration of ‘the woods’ is sure to be magical.

See More From this Redwoods Elopement
photography by Dawn Jarvis in The Redwoods, California

Arches National Park in Moab, Utah

From Adventure Instead, “I met Holly & Zach before sunrise at Delicate Arch trailhead and I was blown away when I saw them dressed in all black. The contrast was incredible as I photographed Holly in her black dress and veil blowing through the wind next to Zach’s black suit in front of the picture-perfect arches. We started hiking just before the sun came up and headed straight under the arch where they said their vows and exchanged rings—it was so beautiful and perfect! After their ceremony, we explored the red-orange rock formations that towered all around us. They climbed on top of the rocks, ran around in the sand, and popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate their new marriage.” Sounds pretty perfect to us!

photography by Adventure Instead

Wintry Norway

As if this scene isn’t convincing enough, a December elopement in the Lofoten Islands means you might just catch a glimpse of the northern lights!

See More From This Spontaneous Elopement in Norway
photography: Wild Connections Photography in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Fairy Tale Castle in Germany

If you’ve always dreamed of your wedding day as a real-life fairy tale, look no further than Burg Eltz, a medieval castle in Germany with classic Bavarian charm.

More From This Elopement at a 12th Century German Castle
photography by Priscila Valentina Photography at Burg Eltz, Wierschem, Germany

White Sands National Monument

Known for its dramatic views of white gypsum sand dunes, when you first come to White Sands, it can feel very surreal. The brilliant landscape is one of the best places to elope for adventurers!

See More From This Minimalist White Sands Elopement
photography by Jazmine Rubio Photography at White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Lake Louise in Alberta

Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada is unlike any other place in the world. With glistening turquoise waters framed by snow-capped mountains and lush Evergreens, it’s definitely one of the best places to elope in North America!

See More From This Magical Lake Louise Elopement
photography by Terry Photo Co. near the Moraine Lake Lodge, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

The Faroe Islands

Can you imagine saying “I do” surrounded by rugged, coastal cliffs? The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 volcanic islands tucked between Iceland and Norway. Grab your hiking boots for this one and get ready for the most amazing waterfalls, lakes, and sea views.

See More From This Adventurous Elopement in the Faroe Islands
photography by Adventure Instead in The Faroe Islands

Santorini, Greece

Can you imagine eloping in a place that’s known for its postcard-worthy views? And with its proximity to so many other places, can you say island hopping?

See More From This Romantic Elopement in Santorini
photography by Lighthouse at Cavo Ventus in Santorini, Greece

Iceland

Iceland’s green + rocky cliffs that overlook the ocean make for one stunning location! Complete with waterfalls, black sand beaches, and intriguing remnants of an old plane crash—Iceland is definitely for the adventurous duo and more than worthy of being listed on the best places to elope!

See More From This Roadtrip Elopement Through Iceland
photography by India Earl in Iceland

In Front of a Waterfall

How about at a waterfall? Your day will surely be memorable if you put on a pair of boots and hike up your dress as you climb down the path to the falls!

See More From This Epic Elopement Inspiration at Helmcken Falls
photography by Holly Louwerse Photography at Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray, Clearwater, BC, Canada