Top 5 Elopement Destinations for Couples

While some couples dream of a grand wedding day surrounded by friends and family, many are opting to elope for various reasons. The allure of an intimate ceremony in breathtaking locations can make all the difference.

For some, the spotlight is daunting, while others wish to avoid the hefty expenses associated with traditional weddings. Additionally, many couples embrace the chance to travel and celebrate their special day in meaningful locations. With this in mind, Manchester-based videographer Catherine Luther Wedding Films analyzed 100,000 Instagram images with the hashtag #elopement to compile a list of the 25 most popular elopement destinations globally.

According to her research, Bali ranks as the top destination for elopements, followed by New York, Paris, Las Vegas, and Yosemite National Park. National parks across the United States also serve as stunning backdrops for elopement photography. Catherine notes, “For some, the decision to elope may stem from a desire to avoid the limelight that often accompanies a large wedding. For others, it’s a wonderful way to navigate complex family dynamics or simply to keep costs manageable.”

1. Bali

Margot Russ received a trip to the Indonesian island of Bali as a 30th birthday gift from her fiancé, Austin. They were uninspired by the idea of a traditional wedding, so they decided to tie the knot while in Bali. “We wanted to add new stamps to our passports and kick off our life together with an adventure,” says Margot. “Eloping to Bali allowed us to have a unique and meaningful experience, with a focus on our commitment to each other.”

They began their wedding day by exchanging heartfelt vows by the Indian Ocean, promising each other a lifetime of shared experiences. Following that, they rode scooters down a narrow trail to explore beautiful waterfalls and watch the sunset over a rice field in a serene village.

2. New York

New York is renowned for iconic engagement and proposal spots such as Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, making it a romantic choice for elopements. Lisa Rübsam recalls being proposed to on the Brooklyn Bridge during their first visit together.

“Traveling is our passion,” Lisa shares. “We love exploring different cultures, so we decided to celebrate our wedding day in a city that has always been special to us. Of course, I wanted a feeling reminiscent of Sex and the City.”

3. Paris

Known as the City of Love, Paris boasts countless exquisite backdrops for elopement photos. From the Eiffel Tower to the arcades along the Seine, the options are endless.

Nina Gill and her fiancé opted to elope in Paris, stating, “The idea of a traditional wedding was overwhelming. Paris was a destination we dreamt of, and choosing to elope there felt like the best decision for us. We’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

4. Las Vegas

Bride Marina and her fiancé, who reside in Los Angeles, considered Las Vegas an ideal spot for their elopement. “It’s fast, beautiful, fun, and undoubtedly romantic,” she describes. “Our sunset ceremony in Red Rock Canyon was the most beautiful and emotional moment.”

Marina emphasizes that wedding planning can be stressful and often distracts couples from the significance of the moment. “A wedding is fundamentally a celebration of two people, and it’s vital to fully experience the event with your partner without distractions. This was our reason for choosing to elope—it was just the two of us.”

5. Yosemite National Park

For Katie and Ryan, spending time outdoors is integral to their relationship, so it was only natural to choose Yosemite National Park for their ceremony. They celebrated with 15 of their closest friends and family on a favorite hiking trail. “It was a no-brainer for us,” Katie recalls. “Both families had never visited, so it was exciting to introduce them to a place dear to our hearts.”

Ultimately, Katie and Ryan chose to elope because their vision of a wedding was not about extravagance but about the profound commitment to one another. “Marriage is one of life’s great adventures, and we wanted our wedding to embody that,” Katie states. “No other place connects us more with nature. I felt relaxed and ecstatic on our wedding day, and if given the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

You can explore the complete results of the elopement research and an interactive map through the Catherine Luther Wedding Films website.