I can hear my mother’s judgy tone already, “Well Laura, in my day we just didn’t do things like eloping. Unless there was something to hide.” In today’s world, where divorce rates are at an all time high and more couples are choosing not to marry ever, there has been a shift. Part of the shift is realizing there is more to a lasting marriage than just a well organized, lavish wedding. Eloping, micro weddings, small weddings and destination weddings are becoming more popular for their customization and experiential factor. Couples can plan one big trip for the elopement or destination wedding and honeymoon all at once.
When my hubby and I got married, we had a destination wedding in Key West at the beautiful Pier House hotel. We had about 30 guests come to Key West for a long weekend at the end of June. It was very hot at this time of the year and was the beginning of hurricane season. As seasoned Floridians we weren’t too worried about it, weather is what it is and was that weekend too. We had a beach BBQ and party at a beautiful state park on Thursday night as a welcome event. Then Friday evening we did a quick rehearsal (just our son’s in the wedding party) so it took less than 30 minutes. Then we hosted the whole group on a sunset buffet sailing, that almost didn’t happen due to a flooding storm that rolled through. But we made it out there for a few hours. The next day, we had more weather to hold up our actual ceremony for about an hour, but then ended up with gorgeous sunset photos after the storm passed. The final morning, we had the best weather of the whole weekend for the Sunday brunch. Ten years later, as a destination wedding consultant, I’m much more concerned about weather and seasons in different climates. Many brides don’t have my same laid back attitude toward it!
Who is eloping these days? A lot of people are eloping, across the span of generations. Many younger generations are looking for less traditional wedding options, less expensive ways to celebrate their marriage or want to keep their special day private. There is also a growing demand for elopements in second and third marriages, having had a big wedding experience in the past. Finally, couples with minimal family connections, toxic family struggles or just want to avoid extreme differences in culture or religion find elopement to being a great option to keep the focus on the married couple and not the drama.
What exactly is eloping? In the simplest terms, it means a wedding with just the couple, with or without an officiant. Some couples go so far as to want a completely private experience, but this is not allowed in all locations. Micro weddings are typically small weddings with no more than 10-12 people. Oftentimes these weddings are great for blended families, just children and grandparents sharing in the special day. Destination weddings can be any size, as long as your ceremony and reception venue can hold your guests.
Where? This is honestly either going to be the easiest or hardest part of deciding to elope. Some couples have their place that calls to them: a country, city, state, town, national park or adventure location. But if you don’t have that special spot already, now you get to find it and the choices can be pretty subjective. First, let’s think of what you want to accomplish by eloping? Are you looking for beautiful views, quiet seclusion or most affordable? If you are choosing to elope because you don’t want to spend lots of time planning and dealing with the logistics, this is the time to get a travel consultant who specializes in romance travel, destination weddings and elopements.
A list of best states to consider getting married in, due to their ease of restrictions. Many of these states don’t require witnesses or an officiant, don’t have waiting periods and some even allow self-solement (making your own wedding legal, when completely private).
- Colorado has been our home for the past 5 years, but when we moved I didn’t realize it has some of the loosest marriage laws of all the states and famously even allows dogs to legally solemnize marriages! Proxy marriages are permitted too, when one or both parties are absent and have a stand-in taking their place. Those must be some major extenuating circumstances, since the best parts of getting married in Colorado are the views and sunsets behind the mountains!
- In both Montana & Idaho no waiting period, no witness needed or residency requirements allow couples to easily elope in Yellowstone, Glacier National Park or an intimate mountain retreat. They don’t call this Big Sky Country for nothing, it’s a great place to plan an elopement under the stars. Out West, you can decide how rustic or luxurious you want to plan your marriage celebration.
- Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains are the East Coast’s version of rural and mountain weddings. With minimal restrictions it is easy to elope in Tennessee whether you want a fall foliage backdrop, the Smoky Mountains or any number of intimate locations for small private ceremonies across the state.
- Florida is where hubby and I got married and has different requirements for residents and non-residence. It seems that the non-residence marriage applicants have no requirements and makes any type of destination wedding, micro-wedding or elopement in the warm tropical paradise of Florida possible. Between historic beaches in northeast Florida, white sand beaches of South Florida, the tropical landscape of the Florida Keys, the calm waters of the Gulf coast or family feel in 30A there is a perfect place for everyone in Florida and a welcome respite of weather in the winter. Florida is a great place to get married if you like the idea of a winter wedding, but not looking for snow yourself. There are hotels, resorts and venues of all sizes and price points to have the elopement or destination wedding of your dreams.
- Hawaii has 6 beautiful and unique islands to visit and plan a great elopement or destination wedding. Oahu is by far the most popular island for visitors and has tons of options for resort and beach ceremonies of any size. The 3 islands of Maui Naui and Kauai offer some incredible views and remote destinations, perfect for a couples only elopement. Have the desire to get married in front of a waterfall? Have a ceremony while surfing? Host a luau with Diamondback for your backdrop? It is all doable in Hawaii, and also a great location to stay for a few weeks exploring the islands during your honeymoon.
- Washington D.C. is a spot on the East Coast many might not consider, but with the absence of other big east coast cities like New York, Boston and Philadelphia on the list of easy elopements Washington D.C. might just be attracting brides and couples. Plus Cherry-Blossom time will allow the most romantic photos.
- Connecticut, New Hampshire & Vermont– who knew these New England States would have such laidback laws around marriage, but it makes eloping in the Northeast possible… especially during Fall Foliage season!
Unfortunately, not all of the US States make it as easy to get a marriage license. Many couples who want to elope have a destination, national park or state park in mind already. If they happen to be in a state not listed above, you’ll just need to do a little more research to ensure you follow any restrictions. Some fantastic places to elope that have amazing backgrounds to consider include:
- Grand Teton National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Crater Lake National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Bozeman National Park
- Shoshone National Park
- Big Sky National Park
- Denali National Park
- Sequoia Grand National Park
- Palm Springs
- Yosemite National Park (Yosemite Falls)
- Redwoods National & State Parks
- Big Sur
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Valley of Fire National Park
- Las Vegas
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
- Lake Powell National Park
- Sedona
- Monument Valley
- Moab National & State Park
- Zion National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes
- Bonneville Salt Flats
- Havasu Falls
- Niagara Falls
- Manoa Falls
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Waimea Canyon State Park
- Kauai
- Maui
Hawaii is always one of the most popular states for couples to elope. The Pacific Archipelago is the most diverse and exotic land that you can find without a passport and many choose to make Hawaii their “once in a lifetime” elopement trip…but 90% of Hawaiian visitors return to islands within 5 years. So be advised that you’ll fall in love with Hawaii and want to celebrate anniversaries here for years to come. No witnesses or blood tests are required for your marriage license and the only real requirement Hawaii requires is a registered marriage performer who can be an officiant or celebrant of any type, and does not need to have any religious affiliation. With all the amazing hotels and resorts to choose from in Hawaii this will not be a difficult arrangement. There are also officiants that can be arranged to perform outside, mountainside, volcano front or waterfall adjacent ceremonies to fit your style.
Hawaiian weather is some of the most consistent in the world and rarely have brides contesting with long, soaking rain storms on the beach (more likely in the rainforest areas, but still misty rain). The world-renowned beach locations allow for elopements, micro-weddings and destination weddings alike with Waikki beach being a huge attraction for guests. Hawaii has a natural beauty that does not need much decoration or floral set up to enjoy. Have two wedding lei’s made and some flower petals and you are ready to walk down the aisle. Make your wedding and honeymoon unforgettable with snorkeling, surfing, swimming with rays, whale watching, hiking Diamond Head, swimming in waterfalls and learning about the royal Hawaiian culture. The food will leave you craving pork, pineapple and macaroni salad or have a wedding or rehearsal dinner luau and traditional entertainment to celebrate in Hawaiian style.
International Islands
If Hawaii isn’t quite far enough away, there are more romantic islands that have been made more and more popular, thanks to Instagram such as the South Pacific Islands. Fiji and other island communities are found east of Australia, in the South Pacific Ocean, with the Hawaiian Islands about halfway between the West Coast of the U.S. and South Pacific. French Polynesia, including Bora Bora and Tahiti are the most popular with elopements and honeymooners. If visions of overwater bungalows and abandoned beaches in gorgeous turquoise waters are what you are looking for, the South Pacific might be for you. There are less popular locations like American Samoa and Cook Islands that are also elopement worthy and could save some money on travel and transport. If you are really looking to get married as remotely as possible, the Maldives is the place to go. It will take 2-3 days and numerous layovers, plus a seaplane to get to these remote islands off Sri Lanka in the middle of the Indian Ocean. But the wedding pictures and private islands will all be worth the distance. If you are looking for a similar feel, but not quite as far, try the Seychelles. These islands are off the coast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, but much closer to mainland Africa with popular airports and airline connections.
Do not think you need to travel to remote oceans and islands to have a beautiful tropical wedding or elopement. Mexico and the Caribbean Islands offer direct flights from lots of US cities and have all inclusive resorts that offer destination wedding and elopement packages at all price points with minimal organization on the part of the bride and groom. When thinking beautiful on a budget, consider Mexico, Jamaica and especially the Dominican Republic. These are the locations with the most direct flights from the US each day, they have the most accessibility on inexpensive airlines too. Each country has a very distinct culture and cuisine to choose from as well. The East side of Mexico includes the infamous spring break party town of Cancun, as well as the more upscale resort areas of Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the island of Cozumel and offer easy flights from the east coast of the States. The West coast of Mexico is more convenient for those living in the West including where I live in Colorado. Flights to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan are quick and direct and these vacation locations are typically a bit more upscale and offer high end food and drinks. If you are looking for a local Mexican experience, but still in an all inclusive resort the Xcaret has 3 independent resorts in Mexico.
Jamaica has a very different culture influenced by the Rastafarian lifestyles and Reggae music of Bob Marley. Food rich in fresh produce, spices and the famous jerk chicken that no trip to Jamaica can be without. There are 3 great areas that I like to recommend to visitors who are looking for romance and beautiful beaches. Negril is best for first time visitors especially with the all-inclusive resorts of Sandals (adults only) and Beaches (family friendly). Sandals properties are known for their high level of service and all-inclusive environment across the Caribbean, and nowhere has the demand been greater than in Jamaica. Negril Reef is great for diving and snorkeling and close to 7 Mile Beach, popular for family friendly beaches during the day and gorgeous sunsets at night. This area of Jamaica is not only for tourists, there are great local attractions too like the cliffside Rick’s Cafe and some of the best dinner restaurants in Jamaica. Ocho Rios is an excellent choice if you are looking for family friendly adventures like climbing the Dunn’s River Falls or visiting Mystic Mountain where you can go zip-lining, bobsledding and take a scenic chairlift ride. Going swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove or taking a trip down Fern Gully, a road into a lush rainforest can also be done in the are. The last area in Jamaica I recommend is the romantic area of Rose Hall in Montego Bay, with the easiest access to the airport and the best nightlife. There is a stretch of roadway called the Hip Strip with all the best clubs, restaurants and bars on the island, so this is the spot if you’re looking for beaches and nightlife. Jamaica has a special Jamaican brand of all-inclusive hotels called Couples with 4 distinctly Jamaican properties, two in Ocho Rios and two in Negril. So if you are looking for a local Jamaican feel, so your wedding day is “irie” try the wedding packages at Couples Tower Island, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away, their largest property that is located on 7 Mile Beach and the most highly recommended by my BFF and her husband.
The Dominican Republic has great resorts that are always the least expensive when price checking the islands for golf and destination wedding packages. This island country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, but the culture of the Dominican is very different between their cuisine and the national language being Spanish. There are a few requirements needed to legally marry in the Dominican Republic, including documentation, affidavits translated into Spanish and two witnesses. Even though this sounds complicated, any Certified Destination Wedding Specialist employed by a hotel or resort will be able to navigate all that is needed. Additionally, you can legally get married in the States before or after your trip and enjoy the ceremony and celebration in a resort often in Punta Cana, Cap Cana or Puerto Plata. There are many popular resorts known for their beach wedding packages such as Iberostar, Breathless, Dreams and Secrets resorts across the Caribbean. The Majestic group is the Dominican Republic’s national provider, if you are looking for a local provider that has competitive pricing.
All-inclusive resorts are the most popular way to travel in Mexico and the Caribbean because of their value and the relaxed nature of not having to pull out a wallet allows on these vacations. The sister properties of Sandals and Beaches are the most well-known in the luxury space, but also offer great incentive and membership rates for clients and an upscale way to explore similar properties that remind you of your wedding, but with their own unique island culture. There are only 3 Beaches properties, the 2 family friendly resorts in Jamaica and 1 in Turks & Caicos. Then their namesake resorts of Sandals, that are adults only and have 18 locations. 7 of those properties are in Jamaica, but then also have properties in the Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua, Curacao, Grenada and the newest property to open in Saint Vincent. If Sandals price tag seems a bit high, there are some other great properties such as the RIU, Haven and Fiesta Americana resorts in addition to Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock and Margaritaville brand resorts that often offer great discounted deals, especially during shoulder or off season.
A fantastic way to get to travel to some of the most amazing all-inclusive resorts for almost free. The Hyatt, Hilton and IHG hotel groups all have great points and miles programs when you stay at their properties, and the all-inclusive products often have the best value. By using credit cards with travel benefits, opening hotel branded credit cards for their introductory reward offers and staying loyal to specific hotel brands you can redeem points for stays at high end resorts. My favorite three brands include Hyatt, Hilton and IHG each for their own benefits and locations. These three brands are the easiest to rack up at cheap airport hotels, roadtrip overnights and kids sports travel, that can then be used for incredible beach and European destinations. The Hyatt company has hands down the best rates for their hotels, that allow for flexibility and have recently adopted numerous brands into their All-Inclusive collection. Brands like Breathless, Dreams, Secrets, Sunscapes and Zoetry have joined Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva resorts, plus there are great Hyatt Regency offers or even Hyatt Place and Hyatt House locations for some family friendly stays in beautiful destinations around the world. Finally, IHG (International Hotels Group) are well known as the brand for Kimpton, Intercontinental, Crown Plaza and the infamous Holiday Inn, has their own alliance with Iberostar Resorts. Iberostar properties are found in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Aruba, but they also have resorts in Spain and Portugal and even exotic destinations in Montenegro, Morocco and Tunisia.
Cruises are popular for elopements and small destination weddings because they mimic the all-inclusive environment, making for minimal organization and planning, yet include everything you need for a ceremony location either on deck or on the cruise line’s private island. Cruises allow for visiting multiple destinations and in many locations around the world, including the Caribbean. Western itineraries typically travel to Mexico locations, Eastern itineraries go to the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic and the Southern itineraries, are often longer at 8-14 days. Southern Caribbean islands popular to visit include the Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and the ABC islands of the Lesser Antilles. Cruise locations can be in other exotic locations including Hawaii, the South Pacific, the Mediterranean and more! There are more to cruise lines than just mass-market cruises you see advertised like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. There are also premium cruise lines like Celebrity or Holland America (often an older crowd) and then entry-luxury and ultra-luxury ships that people don’t hear about as much and can cross between categories depending on the sailing on lines such as Viking, Oceania, Seaboard, Crystal, Silversea, Regent, Cunard and Ritz-Carlton yachts. Finally, if you are really looking for an adventure, book an expedition cruise to an exotic location like the Galapagos Islands or Antartica. That’s a real adventure you’ll never forget!
European Elopements
In addition to warm tropical locations being popular destinations for elopements and destination weddings, Europe is also a popular and romantic spot to get married. Europe is not in a tropical zone, so the season will impact the weather and temperature greatly. Our family was in Normandy Beach, France this past June and it was freezing, windy and raining. Not exactly the warm weather that June brides hope for in pictures. Shoulder season of April/May and September/October are often good times to be able to get good weather in the Mediterranean areas of Europe like Spain, Portugal, South of France, Italy, Croatia & the Adriatic or Greece. These are great locations for warm weather and sunny beaches for at least half of the year. Just like many Caribbean resorts, Mediterranean hotels popular for weddings often have their own destination wedding coordinator or hire a travel consultant (like me) who specializes in European destinations and can arrange European itineraries, transportation, accommodations, ceremony locations and even activities and tours during the trip. Is your dream to get married on a local beach in Portugal enjoying a seafood dinner, or what about a beautiful cliff ceremony on the Amalfi Coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and drinking lemoncello? Or find the rare secluded beach in the Greek Islands to marry on during a week-long sailboat adventure? Cutting the guest list down to just the wedding couple allows for so many more options of where your elopement and honeymoon can take place.
The Northern European & Alps Region are even more season specific, but with a short summer, there are also fall and winter seasons that some couples covet more than the warm summer months. Couples often feel a connection with a country due to family heritage and want to wear the traditional garb like Ireland, England or Scotland. If you are looking to see the Northern Lights during your wedding, Iceland and the Scandinavia countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark are great options. Paris is always on the short list of Romantic Cities in Europe, then for ski and mountain elopements in the Alps Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland look like a snow globe all winter long. My personal favorite European location is also popular for spring and summer elopements and often takes place on a canal boat with a bouquet of tulips in Amsterdam! One day, Ken and I may renew our vows and I would love to do it on an intimate canal boat, with a lovely brunch spread or wine & cheese snack to share. Then go to an award winning seafood or steak restaurant in Amsterdam and stay in a canal hotel or flat overlooking one of my favorite canals in the Jordaan Neighborhood… sounds like a dream to me!
When? Time of year has benefits and drawbacks depending on the season and part of the world. Summer in Europe is the best time of year, but it’s also warm and air conditioning is not popular. Northern Europe, the American West, New England and Hawaii are all great considerations for summer destination weddings and elopements. Be cautious of summer weddings in Florida, between the heat, daily afternoon rainstorms and hurricanes it seems like something is always creating stress in Florida until October, then it’s beautiful again until summer. Similar hot, wet and hurricane seasons impact the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands too. If you are looking for warm weather in winter months Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean have their dry season. Hawaii is tropical and stable all year round, even though the waves are much rougher in the fall and winter season. That’s when the surfers are attracted to the North Shore!
Why? Why elope? Because you’re in love!
How? I’ll throw in one additional question. Call me, email me, DM me, I’m happy to help plan and book your whole elopement or destination wedding! First we’ll narrow down location, price out the perfect location and create a customized itinerary to meet all your travel and elopement needs. Then we will add honeymoon destinations and activities to ensure an experience you never forget and look forward to celebrating for years to come, often in the same location.
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