Best places to elope in Europe
Whether you're seeking a secluded spot in nature or a vibrant city backdrop for your elopement, Europe offers a great variety of elopement destinations and micro wedding locations to make your special day truly unforgettable. From historic city centers to the coastline and islands of the Mediterranean Sea, from the highest mountain tops (accessible by gondola!) to the raw beauty of the Baltic Sea, from fairytale castles to enchanting forests, from charming vineyards to traditional countryside locations - you can definitely find the perfect fit for your elopement! Whether you love the hot summers in Italy or the light breeze of the Nordic Sea, Europe offers a myriad of enchanting backdrops for couples seeking a unique and romantic celebration.
Looking for the perfect destination for your elopement in Europe? Dive into these insightful tips to guide your decision (including some ‘hidden gems’). While the options are abundant, each location will be accompanied by a brief overview of the optimal elopement season, general advice and potential venues. Additionally, information on commonly spoken languages and transportation options will be provided. Though budget indicators will be included for relative comparisons, remember that the overall cost is more about the activities and accommodation you choose than the destination itself. There's always room to tailor your elopement to fit both your dreams and your budget, irrespective of the destination.
Corsica (Corse), France:
With its crystal-clear waters and charming villages, Corsica offers a unique combination of high mountains and the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Corsica does not only attract hikers and campers but also luxury travelers who will spend their time in one of the resorts around the island or on a yacht, traveling from port to port. Explore the main cities like Bastia, Calvi, or Bonifacio, spend a day at the beach, relax in the natural mountain springs or take a hiking trip. Corsica is the island for adventurers as well as for the connoisseur of the finer things in life. So you definitely have the options for an adventure elopement as well as a luxury micro wedding experience.
Best season: May/June or September/October, outside of the main tourist season
Tips for this location: Try the local cuisine as much as possible! Corsica is proud of its locally sourced and crafted artisanal food. The unique blend of French and Italian cuisine can only be found here.
Venue options: Beach resorts, historic city centers, small castles, camping huts (and many more)
Languages spoken: French is the official language, but the locals speak ‘Corsican’, a dialect that gives hints to its Italian roots. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Travel here: Corsica has four airports - Ajaccio (AJA), Bastia (BIA), Calvi (CLY), and Figari (FSC). Major ferry ports in Corsica include Bastia, Calvi, Ajaccio, and L'Île-Rousse. Having a rental car on the island gives you the flexibility to travel to remote spots.
Budget: €€€
Eibsee, Germany:
Nestled at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, Eibsee is a pristine alpine lake surrounded by forests and mountains, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. You can have a nice stroll around the lake, rent a boat, have a picnic or take the gondola all the way to the top of the Zugspitze. In winter you can go skiing or sleigh riding. Have a private ceremony next to the lake or say your personal vows in front of the stunning backdrop of the mountain range.
Best season: January for a winter elopement, June or September for Summer
Tips for this location: Most tourists stay in the area close to the parking space; if you walk to the other side of the lake, you have more privacy.
Venue options: Hotel, cottage, restaurants, Airbnb
Languages spoken: German; most people here speak English as Eibsee attracts many tourists
Travel to this spot: Closest airports are Munich or Innsbruck; then you can either take the train, bus, or the car.
Budget (in comparison): €€€
Sardinia, Italy:
The beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque landscapes of Sardinia provide a romantic backdrop for couples looking to elope. A romantic beach elopement and an amazing Italian dinner afterward, what could be better? Sardinia offers a lot of secluded beaches with white sand, blue water, and is well-known for beautiful sunsets. If you want to make your day extra special, charter a private yacht for a tour around the smaller islands in the area of St Magdalena.
Best season: May-June and September-October
Tips for this location: Rent a car to get around the island - the streets are windy, but mostly well-paved.
Venue options: restaurants, hotels, beach cafes, vineyards
Languages spoken: Italian, in most parts people speak some English
Travel to this spot: Sardinia has three major airports - Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO), Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB)
Budget (in comparison): €€€
Dolomites, Italy:
The Dolomites in South Tyrol are probably one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps. They not only offer a breathtaking setting for a memorable hiking elopement but also offer great accessibility by gondola, so you can get to stunning spots without walking too far. Whether you prefer the adventure or just want to enjoy a relaxed day surrounded by an amazing view, South Tyrol offers a perfect combination of Italian lifestyle and Alpine culture. Personally, South Tyrol is one of my favorite elopement regions - there is just so much to explore! Start your day with a cozy breakfast in a mountain hut and have your ceremony while the sun rises over the stunning peaks.
Best season: September & October for a hiking elopement, January - March for a winter elopement
Tips for this location: There may be snow until June in the higher regions, so always plan accordingly
Venue options: Rustic mountain huts, chalets, luxury hotels, vineyards, historic city centers
Languages spoken: Italian and German; usually, everyone speaks English in the tourist areas, less so in the remote mountain huts
Travel to this spot: closest airports are Bolzano (Italy), Innsbruck (Austria), and Verona (Italy) - trains: Merano, Bressanone, Brunico, and Fortezza are the major train stations; if you want to travel around, a rental car is your best option
Budget: €€€
Lucerne, Switzerland:
Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne with a backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne provides a picturesque setting for a romantic elopement. You can explore the city, take a boat ride over the lake, or speak your personal vows on the summits of Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi with panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. There are so many options to design your elopement in Switzerland, but including a chocolate tasting in your day is definitely a must-have.
Best season: January & February for winter elopements, July-September for summer
Tips for this location: Extend your stay and enjoy some honeymoon activities. Whether it's skiing in the Alps, exploring charming villages, or relaxing by the lakeside, Switzerland offers diverse options for newlyweds.
Venue options: Restaurants, mountain huts, lakeside cafes, hotels
Languages spoken: Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The official language spoken in Lucerne, like much of the central and northern part of Switzerland, is German. A lot of people speak English as well.
Travel to this spot: the nearest international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), Lucerne has an efficient public transportation system
Budget (in comparison): €€€€
Tuscany, Italy:
Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villages, Tuscany provides a romantic and timeless setting for couples seeking an intimate elopement or micro wedding. Especially the countryside villas and vineyards surrounded by hills are perfect for a romantic micro wedding. The cities of Florence and Siena offer stunning backdrops for an urban elopement setting with Italian gelato and wine.
Best season: May-June and September - October
Tips for this location: Tuscany offers a great variety of wine, so include a wine tasting for you and your guests
Venue options: Countryside villas, vineyards, hotels, and restaurants
Languages spoken: Italian, in most parts people speak some English
Travel to this spot: nearest airports are typically Florence Airport (FLR), Pisa International Airport (PSA), or Peretola Airport (FLR). Consider renting a car to get to your location.
Budget (in comparison): €€€
Paris, France:
The City of Love needs no introduction. With its iconic landmarks, charming streets, and romantic ambiance, Paris is a classic and dreamy destination for eloping couples. Of course, you have the well-known backdrops of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, but Paris offers so many spots that are just as lovely but may be less crowded. Even just walking through the streets of Paris gives you ample photo opportunities. Start your day with an amazing breakfast, get ready in your hotel suite, and then have your ceremony on a private terrace. For some highlights, you can rent a boat on the Seine or have a private dinner with French wine.
Best season: March-April and October-November
Tips for this location: Book everything well in advance - Paris has a lot of events all year round and therefore many tourists, so the farther out you book the better.
Venue options: Hotel, gardens, chateau, restaurants, museums
Languages spoken: French - you should at least learn some French phrases
Travel to this spot: Paris has three major airports, Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY), and Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA).
Budget (in comparison): €€€€
Prague, Czech Republic:
Known for its historic architecture, charming streets, and romantic ambiance, Prague is a classic choice for couples seeking a magical elopement. The well-known spots include Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, or the Vltava River for pictures, but Prague has a lot more to offer when it comes to planning your elopement here. Book a private boat cruise on the river, enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the riverside restaurants, take a nighttime stroll through the castle district or enjoy a nightcap at one of Prague's rooftop bars with panoramic views of the city in a cozy and intimate setting.
Best season: April-September, winters can be quite cold and windy in Prague
Tips for this location: Explore the city as much as possible - Prague has so many lovely streets that are outside of the tourist areas.
Venue options: Restaurants, rooftop bars, historic hotels, gardens, museums
Languages spoken: Czech - in Prague a lot of people speak English
Travel to this spot: Václav Havel Airport Prague (Letiště Václava Havla Praha),
Budget (in comparison): €€-€€€
Salzburg, Austria:
The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is known for its baroque architecture and stunning alpine surroundings, making it an enchanting elopement destination. Here you can combine a stroll through the historic city, a drive up to one of the mountain peaks, and dinner in a Michelin star restaurant - all in one day. Salzburg has a lot to offer when it comes to planning your micro wedding here.
Best season: January for winter elopements, July-October for summer (August is the high touristic season)
Tips for this location: In Austria, you can get legally married outdoors.
Venue options: Restaurants, hotels, mountain cabins, garden, museums
Languages spoken: German - but as a touristic town, most people speak English
Travel to this spot: Salzburg airport has great connections, even for international flights
Budget (in comparison): €€€
Lake Bled, Slovenia:
The fairy-tale setting of Lake Bled with its island church and medieval castle creates a romantic ambiance for a memorable elopement. You can combine a walk up to the castle with a boat ride on the lake or go hiking through one of the nearby gorges. Lake Bled perfectly combines history with nature. You can end your day with a sunset shooting or a picnic next to the stunning scenery of the lake.
Best season: May & June & October
Tips for this location: Take a hike through Vintgar gorge, which is only a 15-minute drive from the lake
Venue options: Restaurant, cafes, hotels, bars
Languages spoken: Slovene, but a lot of people in the tourist industry speak English
Travel to this spot: The nearest major airport to Lake Bled is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, the nearest railway station to Lake Bled is Lesce-Bled, a car is recommended to go around
Budget (in comparison): €€
Bordeaux - France:
Bordeaux is known for historic architecture, beautiful landscapes - and of course for world-class wine. If you are looking for a gourmet elopement, Bordeaux is the place to go. Consider choosing a vineyard or a historic venue for your ceremony or your intimate dinner. Arrange a private wine tasting experience, where you can savor some of the finest wines in the world. The miroir d’eau in Bordeaux is a stunning place for photos.
Best season: June-October, best to avoid the high touristic season in August
Tips for this location: Explore the Dune de Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe. It is only a short drive from the city, located on the Atlantic coast.
Venue options: Vineyards, chateaus, restaurants, cafes, roof terraces, hotels.
Languages spoken: French - while some people speak English, it is best to learn some French phrases
Travel to this spot: Bordeaux has an airport and is well connected by train; even the vineyards can be reached by bus or train.
Budget (in comparison): €€€
Europe has a lot to offer when it comes to elopement locations. When selecting a location, it's crucial to factor in your personal preferences and ensure they harmonize with the culture and scenery of your chosen destination. While popular spots like the Greek islands or the coasts of Ireland are undoubtedly appealing, this text also endeavors to showcase some hidden gems.
The array of possibilities is limitless, especially when considering activities for your elopement day. Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one, simply because it reflects your choice. Ensure that your elopement is truly about you and your partner and craft an extraordinary experience that aligns seamlessly with your vision - starting with the selection of the perfect location for you.
Need help finding the perfect destination, location or venue?
Pictures by pexels
