Weddings are beautiful, meaningful and one of the biggest parties you’ll likely ever have the chance to throw. They can also be incredibly stressful, rife with conflict and huge budget-killers. Of course you love your friends and family, but many couples are wondering whether it’s worth the downpayment-size dollar figure in order to have them participate in a single day of your life. With the average wedding in the United States costing upward of $35,000, it’s no wonder couples are looking for alternatives.
You’ve heard of destination weddings, but maybe it’s time to start thinking of destination elopements. Just you, your partner and a beautiful part of the world you’ve always wanted to see. You can think of it as a honey-wedding. Elopement-moon? I’ll leave the verbiage to you. Check out these absolutely gorgeous locations and start planning — or plan to have someone else plan — your getaway. You can send your would-be bridesmaids a postcard instead.
Bali
In order to have a legally binding wedding in Bali, it will have to be a religious ceremony under one of the recognized faiths — and you’ll have to be able to prove you’re practicing. However, you can have a symbolic ceremony without religious verification.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Get married in a hot-air balloon while floating above Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lake Louise, Canada
Run away to the Rocky Mountains. The Fairmont has elopement packages, but make sure you book your own photographer to capture the moment and the incredible views.
Greenough, Montana
Escape to the mountains and elope to a charming ranch-style venue like Paws Up Resort.
Iceland
One local company will even help you organize your photos, private destination and vendor interactions.
Florence, Italy
If your eyes light up at gorgeous architecture, Florence, Italy, could be the perfect destination for you. You can even get married in a castle.
Telluride, Colorado
Whether you want a winter wedding as a ski buff or want to enjoy the gorgeous blue-sky summers, Telluride is a great place to elope.
Napa, California
Let someone else do the planning and spend your wedding day among the redwoods in Napa, California.
Saint Lucia, Caribbean
Choose one of the many resorts in the area and plan a romantic elopement on the beach.
Malibu, California
DIY your elopement or choose one of the several companies who will put together a beach wedding package for you.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Several quickie chapels are nearby, and as long as being in a tourist hot spot doesn’t bother you, it offers one of the world’s most stunning waterfalls as a backdrop.
Leave a Comment