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Recently engaged? You might just be wondering what are the best places to elope to have an easy, small wedding celebration with your partner. While some couples dream of hosting a big white wedding with hundreds of guests, others can’t fathom the idea and would prefer to celebrate in a much more intimate setting. Although it might be tempting to simply say “I do” at city hall, an elopement offers the opportunity to mark this important life event at an amazing destination. Since elopements can include just the two of you, an elopement photographer, and sometimes the addition of a few lucky guests. you can use the budget that might have been spent on a much pricier wedding and instead take a romantic trip to a dream vacation spot.
Even better, the best places to elope around the world can serve as a honeymoon and wedding all in one, with gorgeous ceremony backdrops and luxury accommodations. Want to see some destinations to consider? Here, a guide to the best locations to run off to with your beloved and exchange vows.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Couples who love the nostalgia and kitsch of a Las Vegas wedding should definitely consider tying the knot in Sin City. The Little White Chapel is obviously the best choice for a quick elopement—possibly officiated by an Elvis impersonator—with a storied history. Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth, Paul Newman, and J. Lo all tied the knot at this petite chapel in the desert. Couples on the go can even do a drive-thru wedding if they so choose.
Where to stay: The NoMad Las Vegas outpost is as close as you can get to a boutique hotel feel in the city—though with an on-site restaurant, outoor pool, and casino, the luxe amenities are a far cry from a hole-in-the-wall hotel.
Hawai’i
If you want to get married in a stunning tropical island destination without a passport or having to worry about an international marriage license, book a flight to Hawai’i. Elopements on the islands are absolutely stunning with the beautiful tropical backdrops and ocean views. From Oahu to Kauai, there are plenty of elopement planners, photographers, and unique venues that will tailor your celebration to your liking. Hawai’i is already a famed honeymoon destination—so, you can instantly transition into vacation mode after you tie the knot.
Where to stay: For a state-of-the-art luxury resort, the recently re-opened Kona Village on the Big Island is hard to beat. From watersports to multiple on-site restaurants (all powered by solar energy), this spot can double as your honeymoon post-ceremony.
New York City, New York
Whether you’re a New Yorker or a visitor, NYC is a surprisingly fun place to elope. Couples can head to city hall or host a small ceremony at locations around the boroughs like Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, or a rooftop with skyline views. Then, take to the streets for a wedding photo shoot in your favorite neighborhood and enjoy a dinner party for two at one of the city’s incredible restaurants to round out your big day.
Where to stay: Go big, go luxurious, go to The Carlyle—it’s your wedding, after all. This iconic sliver of New York City hospitality is a classic for a reason, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park mere steps away.
San Francisco, California
If you want to enjoy one of the best city hall venues in the country, head to San Francisco for a truly beautiful courthouse backdrop. Photos in front of this iconic building are simply stunning and absolutely worth the trip. Speaking of photos, newlyweds should definitely work with a photographer to snap portraits around the city at sites like the Palace of Fine Arts, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Painted Ladies.
Where to stay: Anything Kelly Wearstler-created is a must for maximalist design aficionados, and the San Francisco Proper is no exception. This lively boutique hotel is right on Market Street for a central location.
Napa Valley, California
Just a touch north is Napa Valley, one of the most incredible wine country destinations in the United States. Tie the knot with a scenic backdrop of a vineyard in this lush destination then enjoy your time at a number of wineries and world-class farm-to-table restaurants in the region.
Where to stay: Napa meets the South of France in Auberge du Soleil, a sprawling luxury hotel located on a hillside surrounded by olive and oak trees for a truly idyllic setting.
Big Sur, California
Head down Highway 1 from San Francisco to one of the most incredible natural backdrops on the West Coast. Big Sur provides sweeping ocean views and dramatic cliffs to serve as the picturesque scenery to your vows. This destination is also an incredible spot for a romantic getaway with plenty of beautiful, eco-focused hotels like the Post Ranch Inn.
Where to stay: Alila Ventana Big Sur is another such Big Sur hotel, which offers both guest rooms and “glamping” tents for a unique elopement experience.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The gorgeous red rock formations of the Grand Canyon have served as the background for many elopements over the years. Luckily, you can get married in the national park with only a permit for a small fee. Couples can enjoy world-class hiking around the region and kick back at one of the area’s elevated glamping sites for an outdoorsy honeymoon.
Where to stay: Post-park ceremony, drive out to Amara Resort Spa in Sedona for an award-winning spa, Southwestern-style restaurant, and plenty of R&R.
Moab, Utah
Another park elopement to put on your radar is Moab. The gorgeous red rocks of the desert landscape can be a stunning backdrop for your vows—especially at sunrise or sunset. In addition to getting a marriage license in Grand County, you will also need a special use permit to legally marry in the national park.
Where to stay: If it’s a one-of-a-kind desert experience you’re after… why not commit to the theme and book an upscale tent stay? That’s what awaits at Ulum Moab, a luxury resort with the most elevated take on camping you’ve seen.
Saint Barthélemy
St. Barths is not only one of the most beautiful and fun islands in the Caribbean, but it is also one of the few countries in the Caribbean where same-sex couples can legally marry. To-be-weds can host a small beach wedding, then enjoy a relaxing honeymoon at a private villa or at one of the island’s luxe hotels. Couples can take advantage of vibrant beach clubs on their trip, or kick back and enjoy some R&R before heading home to begin married life.
Where to stay: Unwind seaside at Hotel Christopher, a wellness-focused luxury hotel (there’s even a Michelin chef).
Tulum, Mexico
The jungle backdrop, unique architecture, exciting food scene, and turquoise ocean views make Tulum an incredibly romantic place for couples to escape. It’s also a hot spot for honeymoons, big weddings, and intimate elopements. With plenty of lush retreats throughout the area, there’s no shortage of beautiful spots to exchange vows.
Where to stay: The adults-only Azulik resort is a great option for newlyweds in search of a five-star experience: From a private beach to several personal villas, you won’t want for a single thing during your stay.
Paris, France
Quelle surprise! The city of love is a favorite spot for couples looking to elope. After saying “I do,” newlyweds can take photos strolling along the Seine, through the beautiful gardens, or inside the French capital’s world-class museums. If you’re heading to Paris, consider extending your trip to explore the rest of France to make the most of your honeymoon.
Where to stay: Splash out on Saint James Paris for a grand stay during your stint in the City of Lights. Situated in the 16th arrondissement, the hotel has everything from a subterranean spa to a Michelin-starred restaurant.
South Africa
Want to tie the knot out on safari? Head to South Africa to exchange vows amongst the wildlife of Kruger National Park. If you plan to extend this trip into your honeymoon, your vacation can also include trips to the country’s beautiful wineries and beaches. Plus, South Africa is the only African nation where it is legal to perform same-sex marriages, making it an inclusive elopement destination for all couples.
Where to stay: Few and Far Luvhondo, a recently opened eco-lodge in South Africa’s Soutpansberg Mountains, is ideal for an immersive visit to the country. It sits on over 60,000 acres of land, and you can organize conservation-focused excursions to spot the wildlife up close.
French Polynesia
Crystal blue waters and overwater bungalows shouldn’t be a hard sell to your partner when discussing elopement destinations. The islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora are especially dreamy locations to exchange your vows on the sand.
Where to stay: This dreamy destination demands an equally breathtaking hotel—The St. Regis Bora Bora is just that, made up of overwater villas that sit on turquoise water.
Greece
If you have always dreamed of tying the knot in Greece, make sure to head to the islands for a summertime elopement. To-be-weds can exchange vows in one of the islands’ hundreds of charming chapels or on cliffsides with views of the gorgeous blue Mediterranean. Plenty of hotels across the isles are designed for romantic couples retreats making it easy to transition your trip into an unforgettable honeymoon.
Where to stay: Skip Santorini and Milos (and don’t even think about Mykonos) in favor of the quieter island of Sifnos. Verina Astra, conveniently located in the main village cluster on the island, is within walking distance of the restaurants the locale is so famous for.
Thailand
From the vibrant city of Bangkok to the relaxing shores of Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand has a number of incredible places to say “I do.” Be sure to turn your elopement into a full out vacation to explore all the regions and experience the culture and gastronomy of the country. Another perk of heading to Thailand? It’s a perfect winter escape for warm weather.
Where to stay: The Four Seasons Koh Samui (perhaps best recognizable as the setting for the latest White Lotus) is really the best place if you want all-out luxury for your elopement. Avoid the drama and unwind at your very own private infinity pool—each room is equipped with one.
Iceland
If a cold-weather climate is more your vibe, consider taking a trip to Iceland. Nothing could be more magical than exchanging your vows beneath the Northern Lights, followed by visits to Iceland’s iconic spas, hot springs, and hiking trails.
Where to stay: The Greenhouse Hotel is a newer, sustainably minded offering from Icelandic hospitality, and it’s definitely unique: The space houses a food hall, luxury design shops, and a food market. As for the hotel itself, it’s a well-priced option that doesn’t skimp on style.
Jackson, Wyoming
Head out west to Wyoming for an elopement in the outdoors-y retreat of Jackson Hole. Surrounded by the Teton mountains, this destination just outside of Yellowstone National Park is perfect no matter the season. Luxe resorts and plenty of activities from skiing to hiking await once you say “I do.”
Where to stay: Stay right in the town of Jackson at the Anvil Hotel, a boutique property with 50 guest rooms and an Italian trattoria that’ll feel like a cozy haven post-nuptials.
