How To Plan An Elopement In Europe

If you’re wondering how to plan an elopement in Europe, you’re in for a treat. Europe is packed with stunning views, cosy little towns, and picture-perfect spots that feel straight out of a fairytale. 

Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Let’s dive into how you can pull off the European elopement of your wildest dreams!

How To Plan An Elopement In Europe: The Basics 

Elopements are all about being stress-free, so staying organised and thinking ahead can seriously make all the difference when it comes to planning your European elopement. 

Sorting out travel logistics, legal requirements, and all the small details helps keep everything smooth, so you can focus on the exciting parts — like finding the perfect ceremony spot or dreaming up personal touches for your big day!

And here’s the thing: planning can be just as much of an adventure as the elopement itself! Choosing the location, scouting dreamy photo spots, and connecting with local vendors can really build up the excitement and make the whole journey even more meaningful. So let’s dive in!

Preparing For The Weather 

When planning your European elopement, weather is a huge factor. Europe’s many regions offer a variety of climates, so choosing the right time and place can make all the difference. Sunny beaches in Spain? Snow-capped mountains in Switzerland? There’s something for every vibe, but it’s important to know what weather to expect.

The best time to get married in Europe is May through September — peak wedding season. If you’re dreaming of a summer wedding on the Amalfi Coast or a fairytale ceremony in the French countryside, start planning at least a year in advance, especially for booking vendors. 

Insider tip: Summers can get super hot in Europe, so keep that in mind. It’s not as hot in the mountains though, so a mountain elopement would be a great option! 

But, if you’re more flexible, eloping in the off-season can offer unique experiences and fewer crowds. Just be sure to pack for unpredictable weather — you never know when a little rain might show up and add some extra magic to your day!

Picking Your Location 

One of the best things about elopements in Europe? You can get married almost anywhere! Want to say your vows on a mountaintop or in a cosy, charming Airbnb? The options are truly endless. But just like with the weather, it’s important to be prepared for the terrain. Some spots in Europe might require a hike, while others that look stunning online may not quite live up to your expectations in person. 

This is where a local wedding planner or elopement photographer with experience in the area can be a game-changer. They know all the best spots that are just as jaw-dropping in real life as they are in photos and can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. 

Booking Vendors

Booking vendors ahead of time is always important, but when planning a destination elopement in Europe, it’s absolutely essential. Some vendors, like your photographer, can travel with you, but depending on your vision, you may need to hire local vendors too. 

While most elopements don’t require a huge vendor list, some couples love adding special touches — like beautiful floral arrangements, a hairstylist, a makeup artist, a private musician, or an officiant to make their day truly memorable. Think about what your dream elopement looks like and plan accordingly.

If you need to hire local vendors, technology is your best friend. You can easily set up Facetime or Zoom calls to ensure they’re the right fit. Not sure where to start? I’d suggest starting by hiring an experienced travel elopement photographer or a local wedding planner. These pros will be invaluable and can help guide you through the rest of the process.

Legal Requirements For Eloping In Europe

Legal requirements can vary quite a bit depending on your location. Some countries have specific rules about officiants, witnesses, and marriage licences, while others might require additional paperwork. If you’re dreaming of a historic castle or a famous landmark, permits may be required, especially for outdoor locations or protected sites.

To make sure everything is by the book, it’s a good idea to research the legalities of your chosen destination early on. Some couples opt for a symbolic ceremony abroad and handle the legal paperwork at home to simplify things, but if you want the full legal experience in Europe, make sure you’re prepared. 

Again, a wedding planner or experienced elopement photographer can be incredibly helpful here, guiding you through the process and making sure you have all the necessary documents, permits, and approvals.

Best Elopement Destinations In Europe

Europe is nothing short of magical, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and charming towns. The versatility of this continent makes it an incredible choice for elopements!

With so many breathtaking options, it’s hard to choose just one! Here are some of my favourite places to elope in Europe that will make your special day truly unforgettable. I’ve included a few other options outside of the Europe Union, just because!

Best Places To Elope In Scotland 

The Isle of Skye is one of the most romantic places to elope in Scotland, with its dramatic landscapes, rugged cliffs, and enchanting castles. While technically part of the UK and not Europe, I couldn’t resist including this stunning location on my list.

If you are considering Isle of the Skye, I recommend checking out this group of hotels by Sonas Collection for somewhere to stay, to make your time extra special.

Best Places To Elope In The Dolomites

The Dolomites are a breathtaking elopement destination, best explored in two parts. My favourite spots include Alpe di Siusi, Tre Cime, Lago di Braies, Gardena Pass and Passo Valparola each offering stunning views and unique backdrops. You really can stop anywhere for breathtaking views, in my opinion.

There are incredible places to stay near all of these locations, but if you choose Lago di Braies in particular, I highly suggest staying at the stunning Hotel Hubertus.

If you head to Alpe di Siusi, I highly highly recommend Icaro Hotel. This hotel is up in the meadows with the best views right on your doorstep. With Alpe di Siusi, you can’t drive a car up between 9am and 5pm daily but you can drive back down between those hours. Staying up in the meadow will save the trouble with the car curfews and get some extra shut eye before sunrise since you can simply walk out onto the field for the best, uninterrupted views of South Tyrol with virtually no one else around.

I could talk all day about the Dolomites, of all the places I’ve travelled too this is my number 1 spot that I will continue to return to.

Best Places To Elope In Iceland

Only a 2 hour flight from London, Iceland offers amazing scenery and unforgettable experiences for your elopement. Top locations include the stunning Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which is easy to access but it is popular with tourists. And then there’s adventurous Diamond Beach, known for its remote, rugged beauty. 

Don’t miss the Sea Cave in Vik for a dramatic setting, and the Panorama Glass Lodge, where you can enjoy incredible views while cosying up in a unique glass structure. There’s also the iconic Yoda Cave near Vik, along with the Basalt Columns and The Black Sand Beach your options are endless.

If you’re checking out an elopement in Iceland, consider staying at Torfhús Retreat.

Best Places To Elope In Budapest

Budapest is a gorgeous elopement destination, known for its UNBELIEVABLE architecture and romantic ambiance. I highly recommend the W Hotel Budapest as a perfect place to stay; its exceptional design makes for a fantastic getting-ready spot and a great dinner venue to keep things simple. 

I personally had such a great stay there and I’d give it 11 out of 10 stars if I could!

Is A European Elopement Calling Your Name? 

If the idea of a European elopement has captured your heart, you’re in for a magical experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable moments. 

Don’t forget, the right European destination wedding photographer can help make all the difference when it comes to rocking your elopement. 

Fill out my contact form here to start planning.