Top 10 Places to Elope in Europe in 2026
Last updated: December 11, 2025
Elopements are the trending, more intentional way to get married.
Elopements are having a moment, and honestly, it makes sense. Fewer expectations, more intention, and a day that actually feels like you. Europe is packed with unreal places that feel made for an intimate, meaningful “just us” kind of celebration. If you’re dreaming of mountains, coastlines, old cities, or wildly beautiful landscapes, you’re in the right place. After having been to 20+ countries in Europe, here are my top 10 places to elope on this gorgeous continent.
1. The Dolomites, Italy
If you elope anywhere in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tre Cime and beyond, you’re choosing one of the most unreal places on the planet. Towering mountains, endless pine trees, glaciers doing their thing in the background. The hikes go on forever and the views somehow keep getting better.
The Dolomites are also a dream in winter. World class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cozy mountain vibes included. If you want an elopement day that actually feels like an adventure and not just a photoshoot, this place delivers in every season (autumn is my personal fave).
If you’re curious about logistics, planning, and how to actually make it happen, check out this super helpful guide on how to elope in the Italian Dolomites.
2. Paris, France
Paris is a classic for a reason. If you’ve ever dreamed about eloping here, you’re not alone. I lived about three hours away, so I know the city really well, and yes, you can absolutely ask me anything about Paris.
You’ve got the icons. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame. Just know that if you want any kind of quiet moment, sunrise is your best friend. Picture exchanging vows on a golden bridge over the Seine while the city is still half asleep. Best to go April-June to avoid crowds and get the earliest sunrise you can. Plus, the weather isn't grueling hot!
Beyond the landmarks, the real magic is in simply wandering. Cobblestone streets, hidden corners, cafés opening for the day. Romantic elopement spots are everywhere if you know where to look. And after 7AM, this is the best option for photos. Just aimlessly walk through the beautiful streets.
3. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como sits up in Lombardy and honestly feels like Italy showing off. You’ve got dramatic mountains dropping straight into the lake, dreamy little towns, and just enough luxury to feel special without being stuffy. Think slow mornings, boat rides, great food, and views that don’t quit. Mountains plus lake plus romance all in one place sounds fake, but it’s very real. If you’re even slightly considering eloping in Lake Como, do it. Zero regrets.
Shout-out to Lake Garda, which is an absolute close runner-up. And a fairly easy driving distance from Ortisei! Some of my couples like to combined the Dolomites with Garda, it's a great option.
Lake Como Elopement
4. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is unreal. Think wild coastlines, crystal clear water, rugged mountains, and tiny villages that feel like they haven’t changed in decades. It’s naturally romantic without trying too hard, and there are so many quiet, tucked away spots that feel perfect for exchanging vows without an audience.
It does get hot in the peak summer months, but the rest of the year the weather is kind of a dream. The food alone is reason enough to come here, and if you’re curious about the secret to living past 100, just chat with the locals. Sardinia has one of the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world, so clearly they’re doing something right.
Sardinia elopement
5. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of those places that looks unreal no matter where you turn. Cliffs dropping into the Aegean, whitewashed buildings glowing in the sun, and sunsets that somehow live up to the hype. It’s dramatic, romantic, and made for elopements.
You can say your vows on a quiet beach, tucked into a hidden cliffside, or in a tiny Greek chapel with bells ringing in the background. It all feels straight out of a storybook, but in a very real, pinch me way. Add in the luxury hotels, private pools, and insane caldera views, and your stay is just as special as the day itself.
If you’re torn on locations, here’s a helpful guide to the five best Greek islands to get married on.
Santorini elopement
6. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck sits right in the heart of the Austrian Alps, which means jaw dropping mountain views in every direction. Snow capped peaks, wide open valleys, and endless places that feel made for an elopement. You can exchange vows on a mountaintop, by a quiet alpine lake, or even at a historic castle, all with seriously good views.
This is one of those places that works year round. Summer hikes, winter snowshoeing, skating, or even rock climbing if that’s your thing. If you want an elopement that feels outdoorsy, adventurous, and never boring, Innsbruck delivers.
Here’s a helpful guide on the best activities to do when eloping.
Innsbruck elopement
7. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is basically mountain drama in the best way. It’s home to the Matterhorn, aka one of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps, and it’s surrounded by glaciers, snowy summits, and those unreal blue alpine lakes. There are so many epic spots to exchange vows here, it almost feels unfair to have to choose just one. So why not have a multi-day elopement?
If you want to turn your elopement day into a full-on adventure, Zermatt has you covered. Paragliding, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, skiing, or just soaking in the views and calling it a day. However you do it, it’s not going to be boring.
If mountains are your thing, you might want to check out this guide to the top five European mountain ranges to elope or get married in.
8. Positano, Italy
Positano is pure Amalfi Coast dreaminess. Colourful houses stacked into the cliffs, the Mediterranean stretching out forever, and flowers spilling over balconies everywhere you look. It’s romantic without trying too hard, and somehow manages to feel lively and peaceful at the same time.
You can wander the narrow streets, eat really well, pop into little shops, or just slow way down and soak it all in. This is very much a “la dolce vita” kind of place, and honestly, that’s a pretty great way to start married life.
If you’re exploring options, here’s a guide to the five best places to elope along the Amalfi Coast.
9. Iceland
I didn’t pick one specific spot here because honestly, Iceland makes that impossible. The whole country feels like one giant “how is this real” moment. Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls that look fake, black sand beaches, geysers, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights showing up to steal the show.
Imagine exchanging vows on a wild black sand beach, in front of a massive waterfall, and then ending the night watching the sky dance. That’s not just an elopement, that’s a story you’ll be telling forever.
Rent a 4x4, turn it into a full road trip, and bring your photographer along for the ride. Or do a guided walk in ice caves. You’ll hit some of the most insane landscapes in the world and walk away with photos that feel just as epic as the experience.
10. Istria, Croatia
Istria sits along the coast of Croatia and honestly doesn’t get talked about enough. Clear blue Adriatic water, rocky beaches that are actually amazing for swimming and visibility, and Italian-style vineyards. It’s wildly beautiful without feeling overdone, and I absolutely recommend it.
Croatia in general is also one of the more budget friendly places to get married in Europe, which makes Istria an even better choice if you want something stunning without the eye watering price tag. You can choose to get married on the beach, or in a Tuscan-style villa.
© Shawna Rae Photography 2025
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