Wedding Edition: Best Places Around the World to Elope

You'll typically find recommendations and ideas for family travel on upscale cruise ships and luxurious hotels on this website. However, family travel has to begin somewhere and it might just be after a wedding! As a columnist for Valley Bride Wedding Guide, I've expanded my travel expertise to brides-to-be. This article was recently featured in their June 2017 issue in the special elopement section. The printed magazine is currently available at various locations in the Greenspring Valley area of Baltimore County, Maryland. You can also visit the website for online versions of articles, helpful tips, and local vendors for wedding planning expertise. 

Best Places to Elope and Plan Destination Weddings

​Congratulations! You’re engaged and now the wedding planning starts. But what if you don’t have a big family or want a big wedding or maybe you are just excited to tie the knot right away?  An elopement or destination wedding is a great way to go. It makes the wedding planning easy and enjoyable, plus you have a built-in honeymoon at the same time. Here are a few suggestions to start exploring the idea to elope or plan a destination wedding: 

Las Vegas, Nevada

​Whether you’ve had dreams of Elvis Presley marrying you or just looking for a good time, Las Vegas is famous for a quick and fun way to elope or for a destination wedding. You can easily get a marriage license by appearing in person with documentation in hand. Known for its numerous wedding chapels, recite your nuptials in a unique themed chapel or plan ahead and reserve a sanctuary in a five-star hotel. With luxurious accommodations, delicious food, and amazing shows, you’ll have an instant honeymoon waiting for you the minute you say “I do.”  

The Caribbean

​Head over to Sandals.com website right away and let them plan it for you. They’ll take care of everything so it's just as easy as eloping! From a barefoot beach exchange of wedding vows with just the two of you, or a sit-down service with a full wedding party, they will handle it all. Plus, you have a tropical honeymoon to enjoy afterward at whichever of their many gorgeous Caribbean destinations you choose. If you choose to invite guests for a destination wedding at Sandals, they'll be sure to thank you! 

Photo Credit: Sandals Resorts

Under a Waterfall in Costa Rica​

​Not only is the scenery stunning, but the only thing you need to get married in Costa Rica is a passport and two witnesses. You’ll find picturesque chapels and luxurious resorts that provide wedding services on their spectacular private beaches or jungle view properties. If you are an adventure seeker, this is a fantastic honeymoon travel destination so you won’t have far to go for excitement following the ceremony.   

Florence, Italy

​Internationally known as one of the most romantic cities in the word, who wouldn’t want to head to Florence, Italy to elope? Keep in mind a few additional pieces of documentation are needed for the legally binding marriage ceremony but it’s definitely worth it. In addition, with so many historical churches you can still have the beautiful Catholic ceremony you’ve dreamt about.  Then honeymoon in Florence or explore the surrounding European countryside.  

A Cruise around the World

​A cruise ship is an exotic way to combine a wedding and see the world at the same time. Many cruise lines offer wedding ceremonies performed at sea by the captain of the ship. Exchange your wedding vows to face a stunning backdrop of Hawaii or Greece, or gaze into an unobstructed view of the ocean. Your wedding will be nothing short of an amazing and memorable experience. 

Photo Credit: My Virtual Vacations

​Your wedding should be exactly what you want. So forget the waiting and start escaping to an exotic destination to celebrate the beginning of your new life together right away.