How and where to elope in Europe the complete elopement guide (2026/2027)
Eloping in Europe
THE BIG WEDDING WASN’T FOR YOU.
ULTIMATE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE FOR EUROPE
How and where to elope in Europe
When we talk about Europe, we think of a multitude of different cultures.
First of all we must say that Europe is a big continent with a great variety of landscapes, climates, peoples and cultures.
From Spain and Portugal to Italy and France, European countries are full of vibrant cities known for their museums, restaurants, nightlife and architecture.
With so many great options, It is very difficult to define which spots are the best places to elope in Europe, from city breaks filled with fascinating history and culture, getaways in nature among breathtaking landscapes and unique natural parks, or the best destinations for a relaxing beach break.
We are Patrizia & Josema , elopement photographers based in Europe, with this elopement guide we are going to give you ideas and personal suggestions for your elopement in Europe.
HOW TO ELOPE IN EUROPE?
Elopement Guide in Europe
how and where to elope in EuropeEurope can offer you a multitude of activities to experience, cultures to discover, cities to visit and breathtaking landscapes to be fascinated by.
It is also a paradise for the foodies, with extraordinary and diverse gastronomy all over the countries. Spanish paella, Italian Pasta, French croissants and much more will delight your palate and let you enjoy an authentic food experience.
By the way, with so many activities to experience and places to discover, let us help you decide how and where to plan your elopement in Europe.
WHAT TO DO TO GETTING MARRIED IN EUROPE?
Guide to elope in Europe
how and where to elope in EuropeIn Europe you can elope anywhere except on private properties because you will need the owner’s permission. The most popular locations in Europe are Italy, Spain and Iceland.
Some countries need more paperwork than others based on what kind of ceremony you are going to have.
But you can elope in every country if you follow the official guidelines of every country or if you are having a symbolic ceremony with just your vows.
Our suggestion is to do a personalized simbolic ceremony. You will not waste time signing piles of documents. For sure it’s a better way to enjoy the moment, exchanging your wedding vows and getting excited during a personalized ritual that you have chosen for yourself.
You can elope on a beautiful Italian lake, in a romantic town, at a gorgeous beach or on the top of a mountain. It’s totally up to you! There are so many ideal places to elope in Europe.
Europe wedding bureaucracy
In Europe, the wedding bureaucracy is very long and complex.
If you are a foreign, in order to receive certain documents, the embassies of the states must be involved. The process can take months and a lot of organizational stress.
This is why we always recommend choosing a symbolic ceremony for your wedding day.
Your ceremony will be customized according to your needs.
You can choose a symbolic ritual and exchange your wedding vows in an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
The text of a symbolic ceremony is usually edited by an officiant who customizes it by inserting details on your love story. This will allow you to enjoy a ceremony much more personal, felt and moving than the civil one.
In any case, there are some countries that recognize both religious and civil wedding ceremonies.
If you’re interested in legally getting married in a specific country, then you can find more information by contacting your embassy.
In the case you’re feeling overwhelmed with the steps, then you can always get married in your home country and have a symbolic ceremony in the place you chose to elope in Europe. As already mentioned, we suggest this idea because you both can still exchange the wedding vows and have an intimate ceremony, while not having to worry about the legality of things somewhere foreign to you.
WHERE TO ELOPE IN EUROPE?
how and where to elope in EuropeThere are so many places where you can elope in Europe.
Whether you are a lover of nature, city or relax on the beach, in Europe you will find a great solution for the elopement of your dreams.
Europe has different landscapes to offer and a variety of activities and cultures to discover, from the Arctic north to the Mediterranean south, you’ll find infinity options for epic scenery and unforgettable adventures.
There are location and places where the logistic and the way to travel there is much more easy, we are going to explain you everything in the next steps.
BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN EUROPE
TOP 15 PLACES WHERE TO ELOPE IN EUROPEhow and where to elope in Europe
If you are looking for some inspiration, you’ll find your dream location for your elopement here looking at the best 15 places where to elope in Europe:
– Paris – Rome – Amalfi Coast – Lake Como – Venice – Florence – Santorini – Balearic Islands – Canary Islands – Madrid – Seville – Barcelona – Budapest – Lisbon – Iceland
France is the land where all the lovers go for a romantic getaway.
Paris is the city of love and it is a must on every couple’s bucket list.
Paris is full of highly famous museums, monuments and churches. You could easily spend your entire elopement day admiring iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, walking through the gardens of Luxembourg.
Still, you should save some time for enjoy croissants at a typical Parisian cafe.
For your elopement ceremony, Paris is full of glamorous hotels that can be your ideal location. They can offer rooms with balconies, complete with beautiful views as well as private salons in which to have the perfect intimate ceremony.
Another option is to have an intimate ceremony on the streets of Paris. This can be a great solution if you’re staying in a hotel or apartment that is less than ideal in which to hold a small ceremony.
The famous landmarks, the narrow cobbled streets, the cafe terraces, the architecture, quite simply Paris exudes romance on every corner.
For a romantic dinner, you can enjoy a French meal with amazing wine on a terrace overlooking the sparkling Tour Eiffel. MODERN & CHIC PARIS ELOPEMENT : DAVID & ANNE
Rome
The capital of the Roman Empire has thousands of years of history and culture.
Walking around the Eternal City is like visiting an open-air museum. You will be fascinated by its magnificent beauty and the delicious food you can enjoy while sitting in a typical Italian restaurant.
I recommend you either rent an apartment or find a boutique Hotel.
In Rome, there are many to choose from.
My main tip is to try to stay as close to the center as possible, The Spanish Steps is the heart of Rome. From there everything is within walking distance. The Trevi Fountain is a ten-minute walk, so are the Pantheon and other iconic locations.
Investing in an apartment near the center can be also a good solution to those who want to do a private ceremony on a terrace.
You could exchange your wedding vows in an intimate space and then go around the city to have a romantic walk through the streets, enjoying a meal in a typical italian restaurant or rent a stylish vintage car. COOL ELOPEMENT IN ROME: ARIELLE & DANIEL
Amalfi Coast
Travel to this coastal region in Italy for once-in-a-lifetime views of the Mediterranean Sea from beautiful cliffside towns.
Positano, Amalfi, Capri and Sorrento are some of the pearls that you can find on the coast.
Positano is one of the most famous destination on the Amalfi Coast where to elope. This town is right along the Amalfi Coast and it is a great option.
Our suggestion is to consider to plan your elopement during the offseason, which is essentially the spring and fall. During the summer months (from June to September), you will find a lot of crowds and queues, also the temperatures will be extremely higher.
A great way to have a private elopement is to plan your special day at a private hotel with a view. Positano is also full of private houses or apartments that you can book on Airbnb with beautiful terrace overlooking the coast.
After the intimate ceremony on the terrace, you can enjoy your elopement walking around the streets, eating gelato and enjoying La Bella Vita.
We suggest you to consider to rent a boat to take some beautiful couple pictures while having a delicious aperitif. FUNNY AND YOUNG ELOPEMENT IN AMALFI COAST – CHIARA & JACOPO
Eloping on Lake Como is a dream you will feel a queen and a king for a day. Amazing landscape, beautiful nature, romantic Villas and most of all breathtaking luxury hotels. Como Lake is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy and it a destination loved by artists, celebrities and travelers looking to disconnect and truly relax.
You’ll explore palatial villas and lounge alongside Lake Como’s serene shores. Just keep in mind: a stay here won’t come cheap, so plan accordingly. It is pretty expensive and you will need a boat to go from one town to another one.
You can choose between Varenna, Bellagio, Tremezzo, Cernobbio, Ossuccio: these are the most beautiful destinations on the shores but we can let you discover more for a very private elopement on Lake Como.
A special and intimate simbolic ceremony can be performed in one of the most famous wedding venue in Northern Italy: Villa del Balbianello.
The beauty of this venue will enchant you. Arriving by boat and celebrating the ceremony outdoor overlooking the lake will be an everlasting memory to keep. You can also choose wonderful hotels such as Villa D’Este or Villa Serbelloni.
After your ceremony and a romantic boat trip you can have a delicious meal in a romantic restaurant or in a luxury hotel. LUXURY LAKE COMO ELOPEMENT: PAMELA & RYAN LAKE COMO ELOPEMENT GUIDE
Venice is definitely one of the best places in Europe for a Romantic getaway, with lovely canals, hundreds of bridges and charming alleys, mixed with fascinating history, stunning architecture and a unique lifestyle.
Keep in mind that this popular destination sees immense crowds, especially during the warmer months.
Don’t miss a chance to explore the lovely islands of Murano, the perfect place to watch a glass-making demonstration and Burano, famous for its colorful houses.
If you are planning your elopement in Venice, Spring could be the best season.
Summer is usually crowded and really hot.
By the way, our suggestion is to avoid to get married during the famous Carnival of Venice. I know that the historical atmosphere of the city with the accompaniment of romantic songs getting to the cathedral on a gondola sounds amazing, but the costs will be quite unaffordable in that period of the year.
During the low seasons, hotels and restaurants offer special rates that will allow you to save money. ROMANTIC ELOPEMENT IN VENICE – Ada & Marco
Florence is among the best European destinations for art and history lovers and it is the city of the Renaissance.
Florence is the cradle of Italian art and language and you will appreciate all its poetry.
If you are looking for a luxury staying you can choose one of the wonderful hotels in the city center next to the Duomo, the main attraction. There are also many wonderful venues with amazing terraces overlooking Florence skyline on the hills that sorround the city.
For your romantic couple pictures, you can choose among the most famous spots of the city such as Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and Piazzale Michelangelo.
In any case, the countryside of Tuscany is another popular destination for foreigners. It is ideal for an elopement framed by vineyards and fairy-tale landscapes, the Val D’Orcia is recognized worldwide for food and wine, it is full of luxury villas and venues where you can organize your dream elopement in Tuscany. MODERN & LUXURY ELOPEMENT IN FLORENCE: LAURA & JUSTIN
Santorini is one of the most romantic Greek island thanks to its unique volcanic landscape, relaxing beaches and distinct local architecture.
You can enjoy the stunning views of the striking blue sea and white buildings while drinking a glass of the famous Santo Wine.
Santorini is romantic, adventurous and has stunning views. Therefore, it’s a top pick for couples eloping in Europe.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to spend your day in Santorini, here you are some options. We can suggest you to have an adventurous hike from Thira to Oia and explore Imerovigli for its stunning view over the caldera. Imerovigli is full of beautiful hotels where you can do an intimate ceremony on a terrace. You can even organize a boat tour or sailing at sunset for romantic couple pictures.
Balearic Islands
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic Islands have mostly typical hot-summer Mediterranean climates.
Its four largest islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
You’ll find enchanting coves, gorgeous sunsets and lush natural landscapes. There are many ways to enjoy an elopement on the islands. These are places where you wander through the streets of fishing villages, discover outstanding natural landscapes or enjoy a range of water sports. Eloping on these islands can be very funny and original.
If you like to party, relax on the beach and enjoy the sea, the Balearic Islands can be a good choice for your wedding.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean along the African coast, with 8 unique islands to explore. A true gem for outdoor enthusiasts, with mild temperatures, sunny weather, and unspoiled natural attractions.
Eloping on Canary Islands means finding great weather and warm temperatures all over the year. They are an ideal destination for all those couples who want to elope during winter or autumn still enjoying sunny days.
You will discover soaring hills, volcanic landscapes and hike gorgeous canyons. You can organize a trip on a stylish jeep to visit the beautiful little towns, eat delicious Spanish food in a typical restaurant by the ocean or relax in the mini island deserts.
Canary Islands have different kinds of landscapes from one Island to another one to choose from.
Madrid
Spain’s capital has all of the makings of a quintessential European vacation: stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, world-class museums, luxury hotels and, of course, plenty of delicious Spanish food and drinks.
This elegant & chic city is a great destination for the couples who want to elope combining tradition and urban style.
Madrid is perfect for elegant, chic and cosmopolitan couples. Furthermore, Madrid has a delicious Spanish cuisine and a great good weather all over the year.
Celebrating your elopement in Madrid will allow you to enjoy the typical atmosphere of a big city of Spain in a cosmopolitan style.
Save some time for a flamenco show if you are lovers of theatres and art.
El Retiro Park and the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of Spain’s royal family, are incredible spots for a symbolic elopement ceremony.
Seville
Seville is the real pearl of southern Spain and we can highly suggest it as your destination for an unforgettable elopement.
With its quaint plazas hidden away under the shade of orange trees, its beautiful parks and stunning Andalusian buildings, you will feel the romance in every corner of the historical centre.
Seville such as all the south of Spain has a mediterrean climate, quite warm during all the year so it is the ideal place where to elope in Europe during all the seasons.
In Seville, our couples choose to have a walk around the beautiful historical centre to have some tapas, do stylish pictures in Santa Cruz and enjoy the sunset along the river or at the Setas.
The elopement ceremony usually takes place in a more intimate place, it can be a private terrace of an hotel/airbnb or if you are comfortable with waking up earlier, we can plan the ceremony even in the Plaza de España, one of our favourite spots of the city.
Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain’s diverse architecture sets the city apart from other European destinations.
Artistic, festive, and fun, Barcelona combines a rich cultural heritage with golden sand beaches and vibrant nightlife.
You will find ancient city walls, Gaudi architecture or Picasso artworks, and even the rediscovered pillars of the old Roman Forum. In addition to Barcelona’s stunning Gothic and modernist architecture, is the natural beauty of its stunning parks and gardens.
Its amazing cuisine and the long stretch of sandy beach are other advantages for those who want to elope in Barcelona.
With its with boundless culture and architectural treasures it can be a romantic frame for your intimate ceremony, both during the summer and the winter.
Budapest
The capital of Hungary is a city to discover between monuments, museums and religious sites.
You will find so many panoramic views of the city from the buildings’ terrace where you can have an intimate ceremony.
You can aslo check out the city’s world-renowned thermal baths, which are heated by natural thermal springs.
Budapest is a romantic jewel in Europe, perfect for elopements and honeymoons.
You can get married on a hill overlooking the Danube, the majestic Parliament and the Palace and enjoy discovering Budapest, its art, its cuisine and relax in one of the famous SPA of the city.
Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe for those looking for good weather, good food, and exciting history, mixed with lively nightlife – especially at Bairro Alto.
You will enjoy its colorful architecture, centuries-old buildings and castles, the colorful Portuguese azulejos and the flavorful seafood.
Locations we especially love for elopements include the colorful palaces of the center or the typical Yellow Tram to do the ceremony in a very original way.
Do you also consider to have some surf during your elopement in Europe? Lisbon is one the best places in the world to surf! LISBON CITY ELOPEMENT : Kamila & Thiago
Iceland is one of the top elopement destinations in the world.
From giant waterfalls to hidden canyons to endless green countryside, Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on Earth where to elope.
Between North American and Europe, Iceland is the perfect place for many people who want to have an adventurous elopement, doing some hikes and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice. You will find volcanoes and glaciers as an incredible background for your couple pictures.
EUROPE SEASONS: When to elope in Europe?
How and where to elope in EuropeEurope is generally characterized by a temperate climate.
Most of Western Europe has an oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters.
Southern Europe has a more Mediterranean climate which features warm to hot, dry summers and cool to mild winters and frequent sunny days even during winter.
Eloping in Southern Europe can be a good solution for those who want to travel during January or February and still enjoying sunny and warm days.
The Canary Islands are a great destination along all the year such us Seville, Sicily and Rome.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET MARRIED /ELOPE IN EUROPE?
How and where to elope in EuropeEurope as you understood is pretty big. It is an entire continent and it is full of different cultures and markets.
Give you an idea of a price for an elopement in Europe is quite difficult but I can give you my personal opinion on it.
Italy is for sure on of the best destination: dreamy, romantic, poetic and historical at every corner.
The cost of eloping in different european cities
Eloping on Lake Como or Amalfi Coast can be pretty expensive because they are the most highly requested destinations and so full of international tourists. You will need 10.000€ more or less to plan a great elopement in these two locations. In other cities of Italy, eloping can be more affordable. Cities such as Florence, Rome or Venice can offer you many options for different budgets. In my opinion, Florence is one of the best solution for those who want to save some money but still doing an original elopement in Italy. In Spain you will find more affordable places such as Seville and Canary Islands. In seville you can find delicious food and great spots for a ceremony even on the public land. With a budget of 9.000€ you can elope in Seville with great vendors and enjoying a truly Spanish experience. If you choose to elope on the Balearic Islands you will need for sure to book a private location and it can cost you a lot. Marbella is one of the most luxurious city for example. France is another dreamy destination. Paris, the city of love, is particularly beautiful but pretty expensive. Your elopement in such a romantic city would be unforgettable if you choose a private terrace for the ceremony. Cities such as Paris need at least 10.000€ of budget including a romantic meal and the cost of hotels/venues for the ceremony. Elopement exactly as wedding can be simple or with a lot of flowers and details in an incredible historical location privatized for you. There are no rules about what you have or what you don’t have to do during you elopement. These are some examples of the costs of and elopement in Europe.HIGH-END ELOPEMENT
- marriage fee $ 150
- flights for 2 $ 1200
- location permit $ 0/ $ 2000
- 3 night 4/5 stars hotel $ 1500
- photographer full day $ 7000
- dress and bride details $ 4000
- hair and make up $ 400
- bouquet $ 300
- floral decoration $ 1000
- suit and groom details $ 1500
- private tour and guide $ 500
- luxury dinner/lunch $ 600
- officiant $ 400
- TOTAL: $ 20.550
MID-END ELOPEMENT
- marriage fee $ 150
- flights for 2 $ 1200
- location permit $ 0
- 3 night 3 stars hotel/airbnb $ 500
- photographer half day $ 4000
- dress and bride details $ 2500
- hair and make up $ 400
- bouquet $ 200
- suit and groom details $ 1000
- elopement dinner/lunch $ 300
- officiant $ 300
- TOTAL: $ 11.000
LOW-END ELOPEMENT
- simbolic wedding $ 0
- flights for 2 $ 1200
- location permit $ 0
- 3 night at simple airbnb $ 300
- photographer $ 3000
- dress and bride details $ 500
- hair and make up $ 0 by yourself
- bouquet $ 100
- suit and groom details $ 400
- TOTAL: $ 5.500
WHY TO ELOPE IN EUROPE?
How and where to elope in EuropeElopements in Europe are becoming more and more popular.
The European continent has something for everyone, you can choose between an adventure in nature or an urban elopement in an historic city. The activities to do are many and for every type of taste.
Whether you are a wild adventurer or a hopeless romantic Europe has everything you could want.
Here you can find a list of the best places to elope in Europe.
FUN ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT IN EUROPE
Eloping means having fun and enjoying every single minute with you partner.
You can actually do what you want!
In these years, I organized some cool activists that I could suggest you to make your elopement in Europe more dynamic and funny!
Eloping in Italy for example means pizza, pasta and gelato. Why don’t enjoy a delicious tasting experience in a typical Italian restaurant. It can be a romantic dinner, a quick aperitif or just a simple gelato on the streets.
If you are lover of adventures, renting a vintage car or a motorbike can be a great solution. You could move easily around the city enjoying the ride and taking some stylish pictures together.
If you are eloping by the sea or at the lake, the boat trip is one of the best idea to enjoy the sunset and celebrate love in a very romantic way.
- Admire the city from a Rooftop during the aperitivo
- Rent a old Vespa
- Relax in hot spring
- Take a Gondola
- Book sunset Boat Tour
- Hike
- Skiing
- Wine taste Tour in Tuscany or Piedmont
- Eat Pizza in Napoli
- Cooking Class
- Drive a vintage car
- Enjoy the beach life
FIRST STEP TO ORGANIZE YOUR ELOPEMENT IN EUROPE
- Book your flight
- Google Flight
- Sky scanner
- Book your Airbnb/Hotel
- Make your inspiration elopement board
- Start contacting vendors
ARE YOU READY FOR AN ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE IN EUROPE LIKE NO OTHER?
We are Patrizia and Josema, a wife and husband elopement photographers team. We love elopements and we also eloped in November 2021.
We would love to helping you planning your dream day in Europe without no rules. An elopement is the experience about you that you will remember forever. Since we are local Europe elopement photographers we can help you in the entire planning suggesting the best location, vendors and timeline for your special day.
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