Are you thinking about ditching the traditional wedding and opting for something more intimate? An elopement is a great option for couples looking to have a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. And what better way to do that than by saying "I do" in an exotic location?
We’ve rounded up some of the most perfect elopement locations in the world, from a luxury villa in Lake Como, to a kitsch wedding chapel in Las Vegas! Keep reading to find out all about the selected locations, and get some advice on how to plan the perfect elopement in each!
Should you stay or should you go - Is elopement always the right choice?
Before you start considering which location is perfect for your elopement, it's important that you have carefully considered whether this style of wedding is the right choice. There are, of course, many benefits to be had from eloping including reducing the cost of the wedding, getting married in a stunning setting, and ensuring that the ceremony stays intimate and personal to you.
However, there are disadvantages to choosing elopement as well, as you will discover in our post here, so it's very important that you consider these carefully and are sure that you can live with them before you decide to elope.
Lake Como, Italy
Located in the stunning Lombardy region of Italy, Lake Como offers a picturesque and romantic setting for couples looking to elope. With its breathtaking views, elegant villas, and charming lakeside towns, Lake Como is a dream destination for those looking to escape for an intimate wedding ceremony. The region boasts beautiful gardens, historic churches, and luxurious hotels, making it the perfect location for a romantic ceremony and a honeymoon. Plus, with its proximity to Milan, couples can easily access international airports for their journey home.
Planning a wedding in Lake Como is made easy with the help of local wedding planners and vendors like Vittore Buzzi photography who will help you capture the perfect images of your day. Many hotels and villas offer wedding packages, allowing couples to customize their ceremony to their specific wants and needs. Whether it’s a small, intimate ceremony or a more significant celebration with friends and family, Lake Como’s wedding vendors will work with couples to make their dream elopement come true.
Bali, Indonesia
The island of Bali in Indonesia offers couples a stunning tropical paradise for their wedding ceremony. From beautiful beaches to lush jungles, Bali has a variety of picturesque settings for an intimate elopement. Plus, the local culture and traditions make it a unique destination for those looking for a non-traditional wedding experience. And with its array of luxury resorts and villas, Bali offers couples the opportunity to truly relax and enjoy their honeymoon in paradise.
Couples looking to elope in Bali have a range of options for their wedding ceremony, from beachfront villas to mountaintop venues. With numerous wedding planners and vendors specializing in destination weddings, organizing an elopement in Bali is made easy. From catering to decorations, these professionals will work with couples to create a unique and memorable wedding experience. Indeed, with the likely language barrier that most couples will need to navigate when getting married in Bali, it's sensible to find a wedding planner that shares your native tongue and can act as an intermediary for you, as this will make things so much easier and less stressful.
Las Vegas, USA
The great thing about Las Vegas is that it's perfectly set up for elopements as Nevada is one of the only US states that allows you to get a marriage license and use it immediately. It's a very simple process too, all you need to do is head to the Marriage License Bureau in the business part of town, complete the forms, show the relevant ID and you will have permission to marry. Then you just take this license to one of the many chapels you will find along the main Strip.
There are a wide variety of wedding Chapels to choose from too such as A Special Memory Wedding Chapel, The Little Vegas Chapel, and Paradise Wedding Chapel. Although those with retro sensibilities may like to choose The Little White Wedding Chapel located at 1301 S Las Vegas Blvd, where you will be greeted by some super kitsch decor, and a variety of famous couples such as Judy Garland and Mark Herron, Joan Collins and Peter Holm, and more recently Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, have tied also the knot before you.
Indeed at The Little White Wedding Chapel, there are even more unusual options to consider as well such as being married by an Elvis impersonator, or if you are short on time and not a fan of ritual, why not rock up to the Tunnel of Love for a drive-through wedding?
Some couples even choose to head out to the desert to tie the knot, and while this can be a fairly hot, windy, and sandy option, the stunning scenery will make the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Alternatively, if you are looking for the magic and excitement of Vegas at your wedding, but want something a bit more traditional you can use the dedicated facilities and chapels that are available at most of the major hotels such as the Chapel in the Clouds at the Stratosphere Hotel, and The Wedding Salons at Wynn Las Vegas.
While eloping to Vegas may seem like a fun and exciting idea, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. Firstly, getting married in Vegas means that you will likely not have any loved ones present at your wedding ceremony, which can be a difficult decision for some couples. Additionally, depending on the type of chapel or venue you choose, your wedding may not have the personal touch and customization that you would have if you were to plan a traditional wedding. And finally, because Vegas is such a popular destination for weddings and elopements, it can be quite crowded and hectic during peak times. Overall, while eloping to Vegas can be a fun and unique experience, it's important to consider these potential drawbacks before making a decision.
Banff National Park, Canada
Located in Alberta, Canada, Banff National Park offers breathtaking scenery for a unique elopement location. With its snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes, it is the perfect backdrop for any outdoor ceremony. Plus, there are endless options for activities and adventures to add to your wedding day celebration. From skiing at Lake Louise to hiking in the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park truly has it all for a picture-perfect elopement.
One potential challenge of eloping in Banff National Park is obtaining a permit for your ceremony. Depending on the location and size of your wedding, you may need to secure a special use permit from Parks Canada. Also, as with any outdoor wedding, there is always the possibility of inclement weather which could affect your plans. However, with proper planning and flexibility, these challenges can be easily overcome for a beautiful elopement in Banff National Park.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Located off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye offers dramatic landscapes for a picturesque elopement location. With rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and stunning lochs, there are endless possibilities for breathtaking ceremony locations. In addition to its natural beauty, the Isle of Skye is steeped in history and folklore, adding an extra touch of magic to your wedding day.
One potential challenge of eloping on the Isle of Skye is its remote location. This may make it more difficult to plan and coordinate logistics for your wedding, as well as limit your options for vendors and accommodations. However, with the help of a knowledgeable local planner and some extra planning, the remote beauty of the Isle of Skye can make for a truly unforgettable elopement location.
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