2025’s Top Ten Beach Elopement Locations
Spring is in the air, but here in Colorado, winter still lingers in the shadows, occasionally showing up with a surprise snowstorm. As the flurries fall, my mind can't help but drift to salty breezes, barefoot strolls, and margaritas by the shore. Whether you're just starting to plan your dream elopement or narrowing down your destination shortlist, this guide is for you. It feels only fitting that today, I'm sharing my top ten very best beach locations in the world for your perfect elopement.
Why Elope at the Beach?
One of the great things about eloping is that the world genuinely is your oyster when it comes to deciding where, exactly, you want to exchange vows and create lifelong memories. In a cozy cabin overlooking a babbling brook in Glacier? Atop a craggy peak in the Dolomites? In a wildflower field in Crested Butte? On a sandstone precipice in Moab? Aboard a sailboat in the BVI? Along the shores of a white-sand beach in Indonesia? Take. Your. Pick.
If you are considering a beach elopement, I’ve got you covered. I have culled together a list of the best little seaside spots around the world– including what to do there, where to stay there, what to eat there, and how to marry there (laws, regulations, etc.) for your small wedding. Let’s dive right in.
NOTE: MOST COUPLES HAVE THEIR LEGAL MARRIAGE IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY, BUT I’VE INCLUDED GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH LOCATION IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING MARRIED ABROAD.
Top Ten Beach Elopement Destinations (In NO particular order!)
1. Mauritius, East Africa
The Big Picture: This small island country is situated in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar. When seen from above, this paradise looks straight out of a fantasy. Its lush, verdant, mountainous landscape juts majestically out of the ocean, which fans out around it in ripples of sparkling clear water, that turn to turquoise, and then to deep green and indigo. There are many, many places in Mauritius that will make for a stunning small wedding location. The falls at Rochester Falls or Eureka, the rainforests of Black River Gorges, the serenity and privacy of the small nature reserve at Ile aux Aigrettes… Those immediately come to mind. For the choicest beach, I suggest Le Morne, which consistently ranks at the top of all “best beaches” lists, year after year. Lying on Mauritius’s west coast, it is just bursting with beauty– white sand, clear waters, coconut trees, and Le Morne Brabant Mountain (a basalt monolith, and UNESCO World Heritage site) that dramatically looms over the landscape. All of this, of course, makes for a jaw-dropping backdrop to your elopement, which, by the way, you can plan for any time of year, as the sun pretty much is always shining here.
The Details:
Where to Stay: This, of course, depends on where you decide to have your elopement. Mauritius is home to multiple 5-star resorts; but there are also many more affordable and low key options– even VRBOs. My two favorite places to stay (both of which have garnered five stars, and both of which are eco-certified) are Lux Le Morne and Long Beach. Lux is nestled at the base of Le Morne Brabant Mountain (on the wild west coast) and feels like a little secluded paradise amongst the trees. The rooms– appointed with crisp white linens, pale woven rugs, and white shutters– are designed to feel light, meditative, and escapist– perfect for a romantic wedding getaway. Lux features two fabulous on-site restaurants and an impossibly chic bar. They can arrange activities for you and your sweetheart, like a swim with dolphins and sunset dining al fresco on Brabant Mountain. After surfing or soaking up the sun all day, unwind with a coconut massage (using oils curated from the coconuts on site). Long Beach is a swanky, modern beach house set on Belle Mar beach, along the east coast of Mauritius. Their suites are elegant, modern, and vibrant– featuring clean lines, with fun pops of color mixed in with crisp whites. Long Beach features four pools, 5 restaurants, two bars, and a fabulous spa. At GLOW, you and your partner can get massages and then indulge in a Hamman experience, in which you (among other things) take a long steam and then get wrapped in clay mined from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Decadent!
What to Do: In Mauritius, I think the thing to do is relax and soak up that southern hemisphere sunshine. But when you are ready for adventure, there is so much for you and your honey to do. Here is a list: take a boat to Ile aux Cerfs island where you can walk the beaches or go the adventure park; spend a day at Flic-en-Flac beach and explore its nearby lively little village; hike to Cascade de Chamarel (Mauritius’s highest waterfall); behold the giant turtles and other wildlife at La Vanille Nature Park; go diving at Coin de Mire off the island’s north end; rent a catamaran with Oceane and take a private sunset cruise to toast to all the new adventures that await you!
Laws/Permits/Etc.: Getting married in Mauritius is straightforward. Both civil and religious ceremonies can take place. You will need up-to-date passports, birth certificates, and any other relevant documents (like divorce decrees, if applicable). You will want to register your marriage with the Registrar’s office; the certificate that you obtain holds recognition internationally.
Image by Colours of Mauritius on Unsplash
2. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
The Big Picture: Grace Bay Beach is not only considered one of the– if not the– prettiest of all the beaches in Turks and Caicos, it is oftentimes noted to be the best beach in all of the Caribbean, if not the world. It is renowned for its 7 ½ miles of uninterrupted, pristine, soft white sand and its sublimely calm, sparkling, aquamarine waters. A barrier reef about a mile off the shoreline protects Gracy Bay from the Atlantic’s swells, making it a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing. There are innumerable restaurants, resorts, bars, and things to do on this laid back, sunny locale. Grace Bay Beach is also easy to get to, as many airlines have daily flights into Providenciales International Airport. From Atlanta, for instance, it’s a short 2 hour and 45 minute flight. Just imagine exchanging vows on flawless, powdery white sand as the sun melts into the horizon over the placid turquoise waters. Pure perfection!
The Details:
Where to Stay: There is no shortage of amazing places to stay in Grace Bay Beach. My favorite, however, is Rock House. It is, in a word, breathtaking. Just pure modern-minimalist luxury at its finest. Located on a 14-acre oceanfront site, Rock House offers 600 feet of private, spotless beach expanding out from sheer 95 foot limestone cliffs. You and your sweetheart can choose from 46 sumptuous accommodations, including poolside studios to 2-bedroom oceanfront homes (each with a private pool). There are excellent dining options on-site– each with spectacular views of the water and shoreline. For added romance and privacy, you can reserve a poolside/ocean view cabana for the day, which comes with a complimentary bottle of rosé. This new resort, ten minutes from Grace Beach Bay, is just perfect for your beach elopement or small wedding.
What to Do/See/Eat: You can, of course, just soak up the sun on the beach all day with your sweetheart. However, if you crave a bit more action and adventure, there are almost illimitable opportunities for that as well. I have already mentioned that Grace Beach Bay is protected by a reef, making it a perfect choice for those of you who want to spend your elopement splashing in the (calm) waves, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. If you want to get out on the high seas, you can book any number of charters with Lady Grace Catamaran–from full-day excursions, including reef snorkeling and gourmet chef-prepared meals, to sunset cruises with delectable hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. It is likely that the staff wherever you choose to stay can help you reserve any activities you are interested in exploring. For those of you who love food, there are excellent restaurants in Grace Bay Beach, too. Try to snag a reservation at the incomparable Coco Bistro, where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal under swaying coconut palms and the myriad twinkling stars in the sky above.
Laws/Permits/Etc.: To get married in Turks and Caicos, you'll need an up-to-date passport, birth certificate, and proof of marriage status. Furthermore, you or your fiancé must be present in Turks and Caicos Islands for at least 48 hours before applying for a marriage license.
3. Punta de Lobos, Chile
The Big Picture: This beach, renowned for its rugged beauty and mammoth, world-class waves, lies along the west coast of my cherished home country, Chile. It is a short distance from the town of Pichilemu, which has a laid back, bohemian vibe. Off the shore of Punta de Lobos lies a 300 million year old reef, upon which the massive waves break and roll in dramatically to the grey sand beaches, dotted with wild rock formations and upon which fat sea lions bask in the sun. Punta de Lobos is for my adventure-seeking couples and is a great beginning or end point to a longer wedding trip in Chile, or in neighboring Argentina.
*Note: The best months for traveling to this part of the world are September through February!
The Details:
Where to Stay: You will fly into Santiago and then drive roughly three hours to get to Punta de Lobos, where you have a few really excellent choices of where to stay for your elopement. My favorite is Hotel Alaia, a stunning, rustic, modern-minimalist establishment right on the coast. Each of its gorgeous 18 suites, molded of wood and soaring glass, face out onto the wild shoreline. You and your sweetheart can watch the sun rise from your own private terrace, indulge in wood-fired hot tub soaks, and then delight in a scrumptious meal at Alaia’s farm-to-table restaurant, which sources all of its ingredients (and wine) locally, some from the hotel’s own biointensive garden.
What to Do/See/Eat: If you choose to elope to Punta de Lobos, there are many ways that you and your partner can spend your days. I suggest long walks on the beach, paddle boarding across a salt route, going on a surfing or wine-tasting tour with Oceanos, visiting the Pichilemu farmer’s market, enjoying some slow-food at La Loba, and soaking up the sunset from a cliffside precipice.
Laws/Permits/Etc.: I’ve written a thorough guide to getting married in Chile (Chile Elopement Guide) in which I go over all the details. In a nutshell, YES, foreigners can get legally married in Chile. However, it iseasier to first get legally married in your own country, and then have a commitment ceremony in Chile. If you desire, however, to legally marry in Chile, I can guide you through that process. Just know that it entails visiting the US Embassy in Santiago after your ceremony, and bringing all the necessary documents like passports and birth certificates.
4. Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
The Big Picture: Soaring 1,200 foot crimson cliffs rise up around this secluded, pristine beach that lies along Kauai’s Napali Coast– arguably one of the prettiest coastlines in the world. Once you see the pictures of Honopu Beach, it will likely come as little surprise to you that this spot has served as the backdrop for many movies, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, King Kong, and Pirates of the Caribbean. It consistently ranks at the top of any and all lists of “best beaches” in the world. One very important thing to note about this secluded beauty: it is only legally accessible by swimming to its shore from a boat or from a neighboring beach’s (Kalalau’s) shore. If you want a really unforgettable elopement location– one that you’ll tell stories about for decades– Honopu Beach is your spot! But, I hope it goes without saying, you must be a confident swimmer, and even so, you need to wear fins. (If this sounds like a little bit too much adventure on your wedding day, there are many other fabulous beaches in Hawaii that I can recommend!) Finally, because Honopu Beach is so secluded, I recommend that you do a day trip there, and enjoy the rest of your wedding activities closeby on the mainland of Kauai.
The Details:
Where to Stay: In nearby Hanalei Bay, there are many great accommodations to choose from. One 5-star standout is 1 Hanalei Bay. These hotels don’t miss a single detail. The rooms, each elegantly and meticulously appointed, offer a breezy and cozy sanctuary where you and your sweetheart can savor the sweeping views of the Pacific and the lovely Namolokama Mountains. After coffee on your terrace, take a mid-morning dip in the infinity pool and order brunch to your private cabana. In the afternoon, saunter down to Pu’u Poa Beach for some snorkeling and marvel at the multitudinous marine life skittering by right beneath your mask. After a couple’s massage and some sound healing in 1’s legendary holistic spa, indulge in the culinary delights of one of 1’s six on-site restaurants or bars, and then later fall asleep to the serenading waves beyond your window. Paradise, right?!
What to Do/See/Eat: Although you may be hard-pressed to leave your luxurious hotel, and understandably so, Kauai has so much to offer to anyone who visits her lovely shores. Kauai, the 4th smallest of Hawaii’s islands, is only 25 by 32 miles, and one can ostensibly drive the entire island in one day. Despite its smallness, however, it is replete with things to do and see– waterfalls, hikes, diving tours, golf, fishing… If you want to attempt a truly epic hike to match your truly epic elopement, look into the 22-mile-round-trip hike along the Kalalau Trail, which provides the only land access to the remarkable Napali Coast (where Honopu Beach is). Just FYI, you will need permits to hike this trail. Another truly memorable endeavor? Take to the skies in an open-door helicopter tour (Kauai Helicopter Adventures is one reputable company) of the ‘Garden Isle’ and get unprecedented views of its soaring cliffs, lush canyons, and cascading waterfalls. If you want to soar through the blue skies yourself, take an exhilarating ride on Kauai’s longest zipline (Outfitters Kauai), which allows you to glide over a rainforest for 4,000 feet. If you and your partner prefer less heart-pumping adventures, there is always beach walking, surfing, sunbathing… And eating poke.
Laws/Permits/Etc.: The rules and regulations are straightforward for U.S. citizens. If you do actually get married on a beach in Kauai, or elsewhere in HA, you will need to check and see if that location requires a permit. I can help.
Image by Jelle de Gier on Unsplash
5. Yasawa Islands, Fiji
The Big Picture: Fiji is the penultimate small wedding location. Year after year, it is listed as THE NUMBER ONE beach destination in the entire world, and it’s easy to see why. It. Is. Paradise. The Yasawa Islands are a group of 20 of Fiji’s 332 islands which lie to the northwest of the mainland of Fiji. Yasawa, rather appropriately, translates to “heaven” (one of fifteen words in the Fijian language to translate as such). The water here is an almost translucent, glimmering blue; it laps languidly against long, bright-white stretches of sand; and the surrounding land is densely lush and vibrant. Do you remember the movie Blue Lagoon?! It was filmed here. May to October are the prime months to visit this paradise, as they are the driest.
The Details:
Where to Stay: The Yasawas offer many luxury (and more affordable) hotels and resorts.. My favorite resort is the Yasawa Island Resort and Spa. Choose from eighteen sumptuous, ocean-facing thatched-roof bures, nestled amongst the swaying palms and ferns. (Or, you can reserve the honeymoon bure– a totally private retreat with its own horizon pool overlooking the ocean). You and your sweetheart will cherish the tranquility and intimacy of this serene and gorgeous little sanctuary. A private chef will cook all of your meals; a local fisherman regularly delivers fresh-caught fish, lobster, and crab. At the on-site Baravi spa, you can indulge in massages on an open-air deck, while listening to the breaking waves and being fanned by the sea breezes. Rates include tours and activities such as snorkeling, enjoying the Village Choir on the beachfront, traditional Fijiian feasts, beach volleyball, kava ceremonies, boat trips, and cave explorations… World-class diving is at your fin-tips, too. You will feel pampered and totally recharged after your stay here– the only resort on this little gem of an island.
Note: Hospitality is the preeminent industry of Fiji, and some small islands consist entirely of just one resort. It’s important to pick a place you love, as many of the outings and activities that you may want to do are booked almost exclusively through them.
What to Do/See/Eat: When you have had your fill of lounging on the resplendent beaches and meandering down their lengthy shorelines, there is PLENTY for you and your partner to do and see here! First, check out the interconnected, limestone caves of Sawa-I-Lau. They are otherworldly… It’s almost like a scene out of Goonies. (Am I dating myself with these movie references? Ha!) Next, if you can, book a tour to swim with the magnificent manta rays that populate these waters in the South Pacific Ocean. They are a wonder to behold in their natural habitat. Third, spend a day hiking through rainforests, rocky outcrops, caves, beach terrain…. The Yasawa Islands offer myriad excellent trails; two to check out are the Waya Lailai and Mount Tamasua. Looking to do something that likely no one else has done on their wedding getaway? Participate in a Fijian kava ceremony. Drink this heady concoction made from the root of an indigenous plant, and then join in some dancing and singing and revelry. To further immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of Fiji, arrange to visit a local, traditional Fijian village. See the schools, the churches; mingle and meet the lovely people; sample the wonderful food and drink the local coconuts! It will feel good to connect with this Polynesian culture that has become an integral and unforgettable part of your elopement.
Laws/Permits/Etc.: If you want to legally get married in Fiji (as opposed to having a ceremony and then handling the formalities in your home country), you will just need to follow these guidelines: About two weeks before your wedding, you will send copies of all necessary documents– i.e. birth certificates, passports, etc.– to the Registry office. You will then bring the originals with you to Fiji. At your ceremony, you will need a celebrant and two witnesses (21 years and older), who will sign your wedding license. Then, you file it! That’s it.
6. Ruby Beach, Washington
The Big Picture: Maybe you envision a beach elopement of an entirely different nature. Not necessarily all sunshine and clear waters and drinks sipped out of coconuts, but moody wind-swept landscapes, hulking rocks emerging from the mist, and dark, stormy seas. Talk about romance! It is straight out of a Bronte novel! My heart is just palpitating thinking of the gorgeous, striking images that I can capture of you and your love on your wedding day on a beach like this. Ruby Beach (so named because of the almandite in the sand) lies on the Olympic Peninsula within Olympic National Park. It is in a fairly remote spot (with limited or no cell phone service) about 3.5 hours from Seattle and 30 miles south of Forks (a name you may recognize from the Twilight movies). Two great things about Ruby Beach (besides its moody, soul-stirring vibes) are that it is dog friendly and super easy to get to, as you can drive right up to a parking lot and walk down a short path to access miles of spectacular coastline.
*Note: This beach (besides the Honopu in Hawaii) is the only beach on my list that is in the US. The truth is, you will not find many (if any) beaches in the lower 48 on any of “best beaches” lists. I mean, who can compete with Fiji?! But there are actually so many lovely spots in the US; Ruby is one of those. So if you are interested in eloping stateside, but ON a gorgeous beach, reach out to me and we can pick the very best location for your vision of your perfect day.
The Details:
Where to Stay: There are not many high-end, luxury accommodations in this area. However, you have two great choices: 1) Camp out in one of the myriad campgrounds along the peninsula; or 2) Stay in a super-cool VRBO close by (and there are lots– I checked!). If you strongly prefer hotels, two that look promising are: The Tidal House, a group of renovated 60’s-style chalets just a short walk to the beach, about an hour’s drive from Ruby; or Domaine Madeleine, a waterfront, 4-star hotel perched high on a bluff, with sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (about 2 hours from Ruby, in Port Angeles).
What to Do/See/Eat: I envision an elopement at Ruby Beach as either the starting, or end, point of a grand outdoor adventure. As previously noted, Ruby Beach lies within the Olympic National Park– a vast wonderland encompassing nearly one million acres, and one of the few places on this Earth where you can visit three distinct biomes– alpine tundra, temperate rainforest, and coastal beach– in a single day. It is a veritable nature lover’s paradise. Imagine the fun you can have! Some ideas to put on your wedding itinerary: visit the “Tree of Life” (or Root Cave), which a is a massive Sitka spruce that appears to be floating midair and continues to thrive and grow despite its entirely exposed root system; go to the deep, glacially carved, and fjord-like Lake Crescent and then embark on an easy two-mile hike amongst old-growth trees to Marymere Falls; wander through the mesmerizing Hoh Rainforest and its dreamy Hall of Mosses and see all three of the park’s major ecosystems (alpine, coast, and rainforest); and lastly, plan to take in a dazzling sunset with your sweetheart at Rialto Beach (where there are innumerable sea stacks and arches), and be sure to bring goodies to snack on and champagne to toast to your new life together.
Laws/Permits/Etc.: You will need two items to get married at Ruby: 1) an entry pass into Olympic National Park; and 2) a Special Use Permit, which will allow you to have your ceremony on the beach. A standard entry pass to the park will grant you seven consecutive days of access, or you can spring for an annual pass if you live close by and plan to visit often. You will need to fill out a special use permit form too ($50-100), which can be found here.
Image by Brianna Parks on Unsplash
7. The Maldives
The Big Picture: The Maldives is Asia’s smallest country; its land area is just 115 square miles, but that fans out, in one perfect little island after another, over 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean. Fun fact: It is the world’s most spatially dispersed and the lowest-lying country. But enough about that, right? What you need to know is this: If you looked up the word “paradise” in a dictionary, you might very well see a picture of the Maldives. Imagine long, unspoiled stretches of pearlescent sand; towering, swaying palms; and swoon worthy thatched huts that extend out over glistening clear waters. Newlyweds have been flocking to this perfect little spot for years to honeymoon, and for good reason. But why not plan a fabulous elopement on one of its 1,200 islands, and then stay awhile to celebrate?
The Details:
Where to Stay: With over 170 resorts to choose from on its 200 inhabited islands, you will not be hard-pressed to find the perfect accommodations for your wedding getaway in the Maldives. It’s interesting to note that a lot of the 200 inhabited islands in the Maldives are made up of just one resort. So exclusive means just that! One to consider? Anantara Veli Maldives (Anantara) resort is spectacular. An adults-only resort with 5-stars, it offers myriad amenities, including luxury overwater bungalows with private plunge pools and sundecks with which you will enjoy direct access to the opulence, almost blindingly white beaches and the warm waters of the sparkling blue lagoon. Culinary indulgences, adventurous excursions, and luxurious wellness treatments abound, too. Exchange vows on the beach, under a white-canopied tent, as you gaze out at what feels like a heaven carved by the gods just for you and wonder, “Is THIS my life?”
What to Do/See/Eat: This answer depends somewhat on which resort you choose to stay in, as you will likely coordinate all of your outings exclusively through their concierges. So, once you land on your favorite resort, you can consider how to spend your days. I recommend lots of long, ambling strolls on the beach and many afternoons lying languorously by the pool followed by spa treatments. When the mood strikes, you can pick from any number of fun excursions, including snorkeling, diving, yachting, star gazing, bike cruising, playing tennis, golfing, and swimming with whales and dolphins. Just to name a few…
Laws/Permits/Etc.: It is incumbent upon me to note that the Maldives is an Islamist country with some laws, customs, and values that frankly do not align with mine at all. For instance, they criminalize same-sex marriage and demand that women cover themselves up on beaches. No marriage of non-residents is legally recognized. However, none of this matters, practically speaking. The resorts, many of which are LGBTQ-friendly, operate totally separately and have their own rules, or lack thereof (i.e. you can wear a bikini on the beach!). So, if you want to elope in the Maldives, just officially marry in your home country and have a celebratory ceremony on the beach.
Image by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels
8. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
The Big Picture: I have been so lucky in my life to have travelled to a great number and variety of amazing places. I have to say, though, that Iceland is hands down one of the most interesting, coolest, prettiest, most astounding places I have ever been to! It is a breathtaking mixture of black sand beaches; steamy lagoons; massive glaciers; striking fjords; fiery volcanoes; rolling, green, grassy lowlands; stark, colorless landscapes that look like the surface of Mars; and more waterfalls than you can see in a lifetime. At every turn, your jaws will drop and you and your partner will just pinch yourselves at the wonder and rugged beauty of this place. The coolest way to explore Iceland, I think, is by renting a camper van and driving the 825-mile Ring Road. You can see the entire country in less than a few days, if you so wish, but I recommend setting a more leisurely pace. Allot 10-14 days for a perfect elopement, and plan to spend time in each of Iceland’s entirely distinct parts (the South, East, North, and West). (See more details on Iceland in my “How to Upscale Your Elopement in an Unforgettable Way”).
The Details:
Where to Stay: Because an elopement of this kind entails moving all around the country, I wouldn’t want to suggest too many places specifically. My advice is to mix up camping at various spots in your cozy van (the country is totally set up for this) with stays at VRBOs or bed and breakfasts and also hotels, depending on what part of Iceland you are in. I can assure you, there are illimitable cool accommodations for your choosing! One itinerary idea: Fly to Reykjavik (just 5 ½ hours from New York), and drive south on the Ring Road, camping and VRBOing, and then end your stay at the luxurious Blue Lagoon Retreat. As far as the right beach for your ceremony, there are many to consider. One gorgeous choice is Reynisfjara, the most famous black sand beach. Its towering cliffs, obsidian-colored sand, and basalt stacks will make for a jaw-dropping backdrop to your small wedding. Just think how gorgeous the photos will be with your white dress billowing out against the stark contrast of those dark tones… Stunning!!
What to Do/See/Eat: Explore, explore, explore. You really don’t have to do too much planning, which is so nice. You can hop right in your van and just drive and stop at any number of wonders; you will see them from the road! Some of my favorites are:
-Jökulsárlón, a lagoon dotted with crystalline icebergs along a black sand beach in the southeastern part of Iceland
-Skógafoss, a 200 foot waterfall that you can walk right up to. The magnitude of its roar will seize your spirit. (But seriously, go see other waterfalls too (Godafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods”, Gullfoss or “Golden Falls” are two not to miss)... They are all incredible in their own way.
- Check out Geysir (the geyser that literally gave its name to geysers)
-Explore the The Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords
-Whale watch in Akureyri
-Take a steamy dip in the Blue Lagoon
-Behold the Aurora Borealis (if you happen to be lucky enough to be in Iceland at the right time to do so)
As far as food is concerned, I worried at one point (before my first visit) that there wouldn’t be much variety. I was wrong, and the food is delicious. You can find pretty much any fare you like. One thing we did note was that, probably because Iceland has to import almost every consumable, the chefs have gotten creative with what’s at hand. I had a beet burger on a charcoal bun that was to.die.for.
Laws/Permits/Etc.: Getting married legally in Iceland is very straightforward, and anyone can officiate. You will need to provide some documents (driver’s license, etc.) and fill out an online application. Icelandic authorities then issue an internationally recognized wedding certificate that is valid in the US. Easy peasy!
Image by Shadman Sakib on Unsplash
9. The Algarve Coast, Portugal
The Big Picture: Portugal in general is a top-spot for eloping in 2025, and it’s easy to understand why. The mesmerizing and myriad landscapes, the good weather, the affable people, the affordable luxury, the excellent cuisine, the rich history… It all makes for a truly perfect small wedding destination. With miles of cliff-backed sandy beaches, dozens of picture-perfect little towns, to-die-for food, a welcoming, laid-back energy, and 300 + days of sunshine a year, the Algarve coast in southern Portugal is the dreamiest of spots for your elopement. There are a number of excellent locales here to choose from for your ceremony, but my two favorites are Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha. The former is a seaside cave, forged over millions of years as saves and currents buffeted the coastline. Through a gaping skylight at the top of the cave, sunlight pours through, illuminating the sandstone and beach in a pearlescent glow. It is pure magic. With this cavernous beauty as your backdrop, you can only imagine how jaw-dropping your photographs will be! Not far away from Benagil lies the gorgeous Praia da Marinha, a near-constant feature on any top ten list you can find. Orange sandstone cliffs dramatically frame this gold sand beach, which is dotted with sea stacks and punctuated by caves and small bays of the prettiest clear blue water you have ever seen. Another super sweet feature– its famous heart-shaped rock (a penultimate backdrop to your elopement).
The Details:
Where to Stay: There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a serene getaway on a vineyard or an upscale hotel in the heart of a lively beach town. Minutes from great beaches and near the uber- charming town of Tavira is Casa da Quinta de Cima where you can choose from nine bespoke cottages on a farm estate with a lovely swimming pool, surrounded by orange and lemon trees. At the swanky 5-star Pine Cliffs Resort, overlooking a sweeping beach and set amidst a lush expanse of rosemary, Birds of Paradise, and pine forests, you can choose from multiple different accommodations and enjoy balmy games of golf, excellent dining, and indulgent treatments at their Serenity Spa. Overlooking the gorgeous Praia de Rocha beach in a turn-of-the-century villa is Bella Vista Hotel and Spa, where you will love the unique touches like the original stained glass, the carved wooden staircase, and the hand-painted tiles. Here, lounge by the pool framed by palm trees, book a massage at their L’Occitane Spa, and dine at their Michelin-starred restaurant. Or, lastly, consider an escape to Morgado do Quintao, a vineyard estate founded in the 1810s by the 1st Count of Silves and still run, four generations later, by the same family. Here you can choose from three small cottages or a room in the main house and enjoy wine tasting and farm dinners under a 2,000 year old olive tree.
What to Do/See/Eat: There’s no shortage of fun things to do in this breathtakingly gorgeous place. For my outdoor enthusiasts: You can surf at some on Europe’s sunniest beaches; go snorkeling and paddling through hidden sea caves; and hike the many cliff-top, coastal trails (like the not-to-miss Ponta da Piedade, a small section of the much longer Trilho dos Pescadores, or Fisherman’s Trail). My history buffs can check out Silves Castle; explore Sagres Fortress; admire the buildings, churches and ruins of Tavira; and visit the port of Faro. My foodies: You don’t really need my direction here. Go on food tours, schedule some cooking classes, take in a vineyard, stroll the local markets… Eat (and drink) your hearts out, my dears.
Laws/Permits/Etc.: Getting married in Portugal is totally do-able and you do not have to be a resident to legally do so. You will need the necessary documents and to apply for a marriage license from the Civil Registry Office. Furthermore, you will need to have a registrar marry you (either at the CRO or you can pay them to come to your location of choice). If neither of you speak Portuguese, a translator must be in attendance. Or, of course, you can legally get married in your home country first, and have a ceremony in Portugal later.
Image by Alesia Kozik on Pexels
10. Sardinia, Italy
The Big Picture: This island lies to the west of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea and is noted for its pearlescent white sand beaches that are punctuated by rocky coves, cliffs, and caves. Its beaches were recently ranked 5th in the world (by U.S. News & World Report), but this charming place has so much to offer besides a pretty backdrop to your elopement; Sardinia is comprised of vibrant towns, bursting with culture, history, and rich culinary traditions.
The Details:
Where to Stay: With over 1,000 miles of coastline, there are just too many spectacular locations for me to cover in one short paragraph. If you are leaning toward a more swanky, luxurious experience, you will want to look into one of the resorts along the Emerald Coast. This spot in northern Sardinia is popular amongst well-heeled tourists (and kings and queens and princes and princesses) and understandably so. The Emerald Coast is renowned for its pink sand beaches, clear waters, and crescent-shaped bays, along with its uber-fancy, five-star hotels (of which there are plenty to choose). One to consider: The Hotel Capo d'Orso, a beautifully appointed and serene resort nestled in a lush grove of juniper and olive trees, on the shores of Cala Capra Bay. If you long to steer clear of the madding crowds and do something a bit more low-key for your small wedding, there are lots of other beaches to check out, including Tuerredda Beach, Cala Mariolu, and Is Arutas (among others). Don’t worry, I can help you pick just the right spot in Sardinia if this island paradise is calling to you!
What to Do/See/Eat: Sardinia is a fabulous place to elope to for its beaches alone, but if you are looking for more to do than soaking up the sun and swimming, it’s an especially great destination because it has so many offerings beyond its arresting shores. If you are passionate about food and wine, Sardinia is another type of paradise altogether. You and your sweetheart can indulge in any number of the region’s specialties like homemade pastas (malloreddus or culurgiones), flatbread (carta musica), and, of course, fare fresh from the sea like salted tuna (bottarga). Or, book a food and wine tour, which will allow you to amble through the narrow lanes of Cagliari (the region's oldest city), learning about its history and culture, while also sampling delicious bites like raw milk cheese, fresh breads, and homemade gelatos. Alternatively, if a hands-on experience is more your vibe, you can book a cooking class in a farmhouse in the countryside of Alghero. Sardinia, as already noted, has a rich history and culture, which you can explore on your own or with a tour guide. Some areas to discover together: Cagliari (and its Il Castello), the ancient ruins at Nora, the castles and churches of Castelsardo’s Old Town, and, finally, some of the 7,000 world-famous nuraghes– prehistoric stone structures dating back to 1900 BCE– scattered around Sardinia. Another great way to spend a day? On a sailboat, or a kayak, in the azure waters of the Mediterranean! (Viator has great selections.)
Laws/Permits/Etc.: Eloping to Sardinia is easy. You will need necessary documents (passports, birth certificates, and “Certificate of No Impediments”). Civil ceremonies are recognized legally both in Italy and internationally, and you do not need to be a resident of Italy to get married there. Again, I can help you with all the prep work if you decide to celebrate your small wedding in Sardinia.
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Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
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If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!
