How to Elope in Europe as an American: Top Tips + Advice
Table of Contents
- Where to start when planning your European Elopement
- Where to elope in Europe
- How to legally get married in Europe as an American
- Tips for bringing guests to your destination wedding
- How much does it cost to elope in Europe
- Top tips for traveling through Europe
- FAQ’s about getting married in Europe
- European elopement photographer
- Elopement photography packages
- More resources for eloping in Europe
Eloping in Europe as an American is actually a lot easier than you may think! The hardest part is probably going to be picking only one place and fighting the urge not to stay here forever! While Europe is stunning, planning an elopement in a foreign country can be overwhelming and it may be hard to know where to start- that’s where this guide comes in! As an American now living in Europe, I’m here to share my top tips and advice when it comes to getting married in Europe!
1. Where to start when planning your European elopement
Choose a location
Probably the hardest part is settling on one location, but there are a few things to keep in mind that may help you out! Are you drawn to mountains or the beach? Would you rather be a little cold, or a little warm on your wedding day? Do you envision a lot of activities, or a slow intentional day? Are you bringing guests? All these answers can factor into the location that makes the most sense for you! Hop onto Pinterest and see which vibes you’re drawn to the most.
Secure a passport early
Don’t delay this step! Having a valid passport and securing it months out is so important to avoid unnecessary stress. If you already have a passport, double check when it expires! You can always expedite a passport, but it’s much better to have one at the beginning of your elopement planning.
Choose a date (or an approximate date/season)
Once you have a location in mind, you can do some research on what time of year makes sense for you! For example, if you’re choosing a mountain location, summer or early fall is probably the best time to elope since the snow has cleared a bit and the exact locations will be accessible! If you’re eloping in Greece and don’t want to be sweating on a beach, choosing a spring date is a better option for more temperate climates!
Think of who you’d want to invite
When you envision your day, think of who you really want there. It could be just the two of you, or inviting close family + friends might be something you have in mind! Talk to the people you can’t imagine your day without and see if you need to pay for them to be there or if they’re willing to book their own travel. This may impact when you would be getting married based on the budget people have!
Inquire with a photographer
Unlike big traditional weddings, elopement photographers tend to wear a few hats for your day! They often photograph your day, but also play tour guide and wedding planner! Unless you have a hair and makeup artist, your photographer is typically the only vendor with you on your elopement day! Here’s a few tips to keep in mind when you’re searching for your photographer:
- Elopement photography prices may be a little higher because the photographer carries more responsibility and helps you plan your day.
- Look at their work and how they edit photos. Do you like the skintones in the pictures? Are all the colors you want in the final edits? Compositionally, do the photos stand out to you? Do you like the poses in the photos? Can you envision yourself in their work?
- Get on a call or zoom meeting with them! This is a vendor that will be with you ALL DAY and will be the only stranger witnessing your elopement. Getting on a call helps you understand their personality, how they show up for you, and how they act under stress. Their talent with taking photos is so important, but hiring a photographer that you click with will make your elopement day so much better!
2. Where to Elope in Europe
There are so many gorgeous locations throughout Europe, it’s hard to only pick one! While there are so many stunning locations, these are a few of my favorites!
- Iceland
Iceland has such a unique landscape with black sand beaches, waterfalls, rolling green hills, and more! Renting a car is a great choice so you can explore the island fully and get to some of the more remote Airbnbs!
Scotland is full of super friendly people, and moody rainy vibes! Scotland is best known for the Highlands with beautiful green mountains, stunnings glens, and the unique landscape of Isle of Skye! I’m currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland and I’m obsessed with the beautiful landscape here!
England is home to so many stunning beaches and fairytale castles! If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice, you can get married in the exact locations! The Lake District is also a stunning part of England with rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and a charming English countryside feel!
- Ireland
Wrapping up the UK is Ireland! Known for the Cliffs of Moher and other grassy and green ocean views, hanging out with sheep on your elopement day is totally a bucket list day!
- France
France is full of a diverse amount of scenery! From the northern coastline, to warm Mediterranean beaches, to the French Alps, there’s so much to choose from in this country! Spending the morning with a pastry before taking a gondola up Mont Blanc is a perfect way to say “I do!”
- Norway
Probably the most underrated but up and coming location in Europe is Norway! From insane mountains to stunning fjords, Norway has such a unique landscape. It’s a more intimate experience since it hasn’t been a super popular elopement experience yet!
- Spain
If warm, beach vibes is what you’re going for, Spain has it! From the coastline to islands like Mjorca, the warm sea breeze and colorful buildings is a perfect setting for your elopement!
Another very diverse country is Italy! From popular destinations like The Dolomites and The Amalfi Coast, to Lake Como and Florence, Italy is a perfect spot for anyone loving mountains, lakes, or beaches! If you can’t choose one backdrop, Italy is a great spot for you!
- Greece
Greece has iconic white beaches and architecture! Walking down the cobblestone streets, passing by blue accents on the houses is such a dreamy setting! If you’re a Mamma Mia fan, you could even get married in the same chapel!
If you are obsessed with mountains, Switzerland is definitely the place for you! Full of beautiful alpine lakes and iconic views of the most recognizable peaks in the Alps, The little towns with cute European huts and chalets really drive the “we just eloped in Europe” feeling home!
3. How to get legally married in Europe as an American
As an American, you have a couple of options when it comes to getting married abroad!
Do a local courthouse wedding to legally get married (easiest option for americans)
The easiest way to get married is by legally sealing the deal in your local courthouse in your state. While you may have a different marriage date on your certificate than your wedding celebration, it’s the most stress free and easiest way to be legally married! It’s still possible to get legally married abroad if you have a date with significance or you want the dates to be the same, but depending on the location, you may have a lot more hoops to jump through.
Explore these links to find how to get legally married in European countries:
4. Tips for bringing guest with you to a destination wedding
Elopements and intimate weddings are really similar! Depending on your photographer and ideal location, there may be a guest cap to be aware of to practice leave no trace in the location you choose.
Make sure you’re inviting those who are really there to celebrate you two and your relationship! The best part about eloping is avoiding some of the more difficult family relationships. This is your permission to be selfish about choosing who gets to witness your celebration. This day is all about love!
If you have guests that really want to make it, think about budgets and how long someone may need to save, or if you’re willing to help cover their travel so they can be there! If your guests have mobility issues or are not super active, consider an easy spot for your ceremony that people could drive up to if needed. You can always take more portraits or do private vows in a spot that you have the physical ability to get to!
I always recommend getting a large airbnb for all your guests and you to stay in so you can do family style dinners, or have your ceremony on the property! This could be a fun way to be social with all your favorite people and have all the celebrations nearby so you don’t need to worry about transporting everyone! I also have seen couples get their own place for their elopement so they can enjoy a little bit of quiet and get ready for their elopement day without a house full of people. This choice is totally up to you and how you envision your day!
5. How much does it cost to elope in Europe?
Average cost for a photographer in Europe: about $4,000 USD
Average cost for a venue in Europe: about $10,000
If you’re staying in an airbnb or going to a cool outdoors location, you may only need to cover the cost of the accommodation or for permits!
Average cost for a makeup artist in Europe: about $350
Average cost for a hotel in Europe: about $200/night for a decent hotel
Average cost for a florist in Europe: about $200 for a bouquet
Average cost for travel in Europe: about $1200 for a week
6. Top Travel Tips for Navigating Europe
- Get an ESim
An ESim connects you to local cell data so you don’t need to always connect to wifi or pay for expensive phone plans! Most ESims are $10-$30
- Research what currency you’ll need and carry a bit of emergency cash
Knowing what the local currency is and what kinds of credit cards are accepted is great for planning your trip to the country you’re eloping in!
- Download maps on apple so you don’t need cell connection
Apple maps has a feature where you can download maps of major cities so you don’t always need to be connected to wifi or cell data to find a place to eat or navigate the city!
- Using public transportation
Knowing how to book a train or take the underground is a lot easier than applying for an international driving permit and renting a car! Europe’s public transportation is reliable and feels safe.
- Know a few phrases in the local language
In case you end up in a situation where someone doesn’t know English, knowing a few phrases in the local language is helpful in case there is an emergency or you need help. It’s also respectful to know a few words like “hello” and “thank you” and usually goes over well with the locals!
7. FAQ’s about getting married in Europe
Is it less expensive to get married in Europe instead of the US?
In some cases it is less expensive to get married in Europe! Europeans have a lower cost of living, so American salaries will go a long way in Europe!
How do I elope in Europe as an American?
Picking a country is the first place to start! From there, you can look into how to get legally married in the country, exact locations you love, and vendors local to the area.
Can I get legally married in Europe as an American?
Yes! Each country has slightly different rules, but it’s easy to find the regulations by googling “how to get married in x as an American.” You can also get legally married at your local courthouse which tends to be a little easier, then have all the celebrations in Europe!
Where is the best place to get married in Europe?
My favorite countries to get married in Europe are Italy, Scotland, Switzerland, and Greece.
Do they speak English in Europe?
English is widely spoken in Europe. Other common languages include French, Spanish, and German.
Should I rent a car in Europe?
Renting a car is a great way to see more remote locations and visit different areas at your own pace. It isn’t necessary to rent a car though since Europe has a ton of reliable transportation options.
8. European based elopement photographer (that’s originally from the US!)
Hi!! I’m Meghan, an elopement photographer based in Scotland, exploring all of Europe! I’m originally from the Western US and spent 6 years photographing elopements throughout Utah, the PNW, California, and the rocky mountains! I recently moved to Europe to try a new culture and explore a bunch of new countries! Now, I have the best time showing other Americans around Europe and helping them plan the elopement of their dreams!
9. All inclusive European elopement photography packages
I have multiple photography packages that cover all my travel and taxes throughout Europe. Together, we’ll plan the day of your dreams with custom guides I send you all about planning an elopement, location guides for the country you’re eloping in, and a custom planner with travel tips and more!
Photography packages start at a half day with 4 hours of coverage, a full day with 7 hours of coverage, and multi day experiences so you can have a photographer for your wedding celebrations to your cool honeymoon destination! Whatever you have in mind as your ideal European elopement experience, I’m here to help create those memories!
