The Adventure Bride's Guide to 10 of the Best Adventure Elopement Locations for 2024 — Dye the Knot Adventure Weddings & Elopements

Hey Adventure Brides!

I’m back this week with a SUPER fun topic, and one that I KNOW all you fellow travel-loving couples will absolutely love!

Today I’m going over the top 10 places for adventure elopements for 2024. Many are outside the US, but a few are within the country. This post will be a bit lengthy, but I’ll keep it as short and sweet as possible! Honestly, the photos pretty much speak for themselves.

Australia

Number 1 on the list is Australia.

Australia is an enormous continent with nature and landscapes so diverse you could drive an hour and wonder if you’re even in the same country.

From pink lakes to red desert rocks to lush waterfalls to breathtaking beaches, the land down under truly has it all. There are plenty of fun activities to take part in when on a trip to Australia, including the beaches of the Whitsundays and diving near the Great Barrier Reef. There are many wildlife reserves within the country as well for the animal lovers who may visit!

For couples looking to book their adventure elopement to Australia, they will be pleased to know that my assistant and primary associate photographer is from there, and will actually be moving next week back to Oz to help expand the adventure wedding industry from within the country! So whether you’re looking to elope against the iconic red rocks in the Outback, or in the lush rainforests of Daintree, Dye the Knot has you covered! It truly is a life-changing experience and oftentimes a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of these locations and activities.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions about booking your adventure wedding to Oz!

2. France

Ah, France. I am head over heels in love with France because for couples eloping here, you can have ANY vibe you want.

If you want a crazy epic outdoor elopement in the French Alps, you can hike there with your photographer and prepare to be wowed. On the other hand, if you’d like to book a bougie photo session in front of the Eiffel Tower or host a ceremony in a classy artsy museum, you can also find plenty of places to go for something like that.

The French countryside definitely has its own song as you travel through it. There are rolling hills, innumerable shades of green, fields full of lavender, and beautiful rivers just begging to be the backdrop of your adventure wedding!

Another reason to book your French adventure elopement is definitely the food and wine that can only be found in beautiful France.

There is no shortage of fun activities you can do with your significant other, and there is a fun mix of romantic city exploration alongside jaw-dropping landscapes when out in nature.

You really can’t go wrong with an adventure elopement to France. It is a bit underrated when it comes to the adventure elopement community, but it is slowly growing in popularity amongst the couples who are inquiring about booking their own day for 2024 and 2025.

3. South Korea

South Korea is an EXTREMELY underrated adventure elopement location. While there may not be lines of American couples looking to book their destination weddings there, there is a slight interest that is growing steadily. And it’s easy to see why when you really think about it.

South Korea is home to several islands whose waterfalls and lush forests could absolutely blow your mind. There are mountains, snowy regions, forests, beautiful cities FULL of fun honeymoon activities; and it is so close to many other countries (for example, Japan is only a 3-4 hour flight from many airports in South Korea!) Crazy right?! I’m not sure why more couples are not flocking to host their ceremony there; but it definitely makes me happy to see more of a growing interest in adventure couples.

South Korea has some amazing restaurants, many of them open 24/7, with so many delicious and innovative food options to try. The hospitality there is absolutely unbeatable; and it is easy to feel right at home even abroad.

Depending on the season you book, there are lush gardens, cherry blossom festivals, moon festivals, lantern festivals…the list of amazingly romantic activities to attend really doesn’t end.

For couples who have a familial connection to the country, eloping to South Korea is a great way to incorporate that cultural influence into your wedding day. There is a plethora of unique wedding traditions that can be added to your ceremony in order to make it unique and one-of-a-kind experience for both people.

South Korea really just allows the couples eloping there to merge their love of beautiful nature landscapes and modern romantic cities together, even in the same day; and I think that that is something really special that just isn’t found everywhere.

4. Arizona

Arizona - the Grand Canyon state. So much can be said for this beautiful place, I am already drafting a second blog post just dedicated to the neat places to go here and the fun things to experience.

Arizona is a great option for couples who are looking to stay stateside during their elopement ceremony, but still experience an life-changing destination that they will want to return to again and again.

Fiery sunsets, miles of desert cactus, the iconic red rocks, warm springs, THE GRAND CANYON, and beautiful waterfalls are just a fraction of all the places Arizona has to offer the people who choose to visit it.

So many couples flock to Arizona to have their adventure weddings there, not just for the beautiful landscapes they can find, but for the mild climate. Year-round, AZ generally has a diverse but calmer climate, making it an attractive destination for elopements. Whether you’re envisioning a springtime ceremony surrounded by cactus blossoms in the desert, or a cooler temperature with some fall colors against the red rocks, there are plenty of places for couples of all preferences to choose from.

Activities of all types can be found in AZ, some of my couples’ personal favorites include sunset hikes and stargazing. With miles of open desert sky, some of clearest nights with romantic twinkling stars can be found in this gorgeous state; and adventure-loving couples are all here for it!

Another reason many couples love the idea of booking their day in Arizona is because there are many secluded spots for an intimate ceremony, where the couple can really focus on each other and not being around a bunch of strangers during their verbal commitment to each other. Whether the couple is looking for a desert oasis or a quiet canyon overlook, the sense of seclusion really enhances the elopement experience and allows the focus to stay on what really matters - each other.

5. Maine

Another location within the US, Maine is full of hidden beauty. Definitely an underrated state for its landscapes, Maine is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves in the adventure elopement community. Couples more and more are inquiring about the northeastern state because of its jaw-dropping autumn scenes, miles of national parks, beautiful seascapes complete with lighthouses, and delicious fresh seafood.

For the couple looking to stay in the US away from a ton of tourists in a hospitable environment with undeniably gorgeous landscapes, Maine is the place to go!

Maine is full of quaint New England charm, with old historic buildings that date back literally hundreds of years, with architecture that is definitely photo worthy.

Coastal scenic beauty is the best way I can describe Maine as a state; and the adventure possibilities and places to explore there are endless. From cute little small-town shops to busy fishing wharfs, Maine is the place to go for an unforgettable adventure elopement experience that you’ll cherish forever.

6. Portugal

Portugal is another underrated adventure wedding location. The coastal scenes in Portugal are absolutely to DIE FOR, and there is so much history in this little country! All throughout it, Portugal boasts of romantic old-world charm with historic castles, cobblestone streets, quaint and archaic villages, and picturesque landscapes.

Many adventure loving couples choose to exchange their vows along the dramatic seashore at sunrise or sunset, which truly is unparalleled in its beauty. Vineyards are also a common sight along the countryside, and the wines there are like no other, making it a perfect post-elopement or honeymoon activity to tour some of the most dated wine country in the world.

Much like the draw for Arizona, Portugal actually has a fairly moderate climate through the year, and during the spring wildflowers make romantic fields even prettier to pose in.

In the towns, the rich culinary experience and unique music make Portugal an enjoyable place to relax and take in new experiences for a couple just starting their new journey together as husband and wife.

Although it may seem like Portugal would be an expensive trip, it is really quite affordable which makes it attractive for couples who are working with a tighter budget but still wish to travel abroad.

7. Mexico

Because apparently the food is not enough to convince some people…just kidding, so glad you’re reading along! ;)

Mexico is one of the most famous places to host a destination wedding, so many people are familiar with the tropical wonderland that adjoins the southern US. If you’re looking for more a destination wedding vibe to your ceremony, Mexico has some unique and diverse wedding venues and resorts to look at; and for adventure couples, the country proudly has many secluded scenic areas such as lush jungles and crystal-clear beach water.

Sunsets and sunrises in this country are awe-inspiring and sure to be the most scroll-stopping photos on your friends’ social media feeds. Among other flexes, Mexico has amazing food (I know I said it already, but I thought it was worth mentioning twice), vibrant cultural experiences to be had, and cheerful romantic music that will have you dancing like no one is watching.

Traveling to Mexico is fairly easy compared to other international spots because of its large tourist population; and the hospitality amongst the cities’ people is second to none.

8. Canada

Filled with national parks, mountain ranges, mysterious forests, blue lakes, and extraordinary wildlife, Canada is one of the most popular places to go for an adventure elopement.

Canada is easy to travel to from the US, and the scenery is filled with beautiful landscapes along the road to literally everywhere. For the spontaneous couple who wants to pull over randomly for photos, this is the place to go!

Canada experiences all four distinct seasons, so couples can choose what climate they’d like to say their vows in. The communities are typically welcoming and inclusive for outsiders, making adventure wedding couples feel that much more at home while they are on their elopement trip.

The territories in this country are large, so it is important to decide what province you’d like to elope in - your photographer can help with this if you are unfamiliar with the specifics of the country. Sharing your elopement goals with your photographer will be a huge help as they plan your trip, as there are a broad range of experiences to be had once in the country.

Many couples opt to book additional days with their photographer in order to capture multiple sessions in front of a few different landscapes to add some variety to their wedding album. Honeymoon adventure sessions, boudoir, bridal sessions, and engagement shoots are the most popular to book in a location separate from where you hold your ceremony.

9. Scotland

Oh, Scotland, my love. Where to begin. *sigh.

Scotland, known for its rich green shades in the highlands, its dramatic cliffed beaches, its dark history, and misty hills, is becoming one of the most popular places for couples to elope.

Whether you’re a history buff, personally connected to the country, or just intrigued by the many castles and ruins that can be explored there, there is something on the beautiful isle for everyone.

While there, couples can try unique cuisines that are not able to be served in the US, visit old villages and historical landmarks, meet some of the most fun-loving and genuine new people, and so much more.

Scotland is also close in proximity to other places as well, making it easy to hit up several spots while there if time permits.

Elopement photos here are incredible, and iconically recognizable. While planning your elopement to Scotland, try incorporating some of the local traditions into your ceremony such as a handfasting ceremony rather than a unity dedication. If your family has a historical connection to the country, find your clan and tartan to weave into your bouquet for your big day!

I can’t sing the praises of this gorgeous country enough and am definitely ready to help my couples interested in a Scottish elopement plan their trip.

10. Norway

Last, but certainly not least, Norway also has a great deal of variation for couples who are wishing to elope there. Whether you’re looking to have your ceremony near a charming coastal fishing village, on a fjord
next to crystal-clear water, next to a majestic waterfall, or under the enchanting northern lights, Norway has something for absolutely everyone.

Northern lights elopements are at the very top of my bucket list, and it’s not hard to see why. Some cultures believe that saying “I do” under the aurora is good luck and will bring prosperity to the couple. I don’t know how true that is, but with a view like that…I’d say it’s definitely worth a shot!

Another neat thing about Norway is that eloping couples can choose to experience the Midnight Sun, phenomenon where the sun literally stays up in the sky for 24 hours. This can be the perfect opportunity to have an extended photography session in order to get more stunning photos for your wedding album, or to see more of the country with your favorite person and photographer in tow!

Honeymoon activities are plentiful in the country of Norway, ranging from amazing hikes, historical churches, dog sledding, kyaking crystal waters, and even reindeer safaris. If you’re looking to have the most epic adventure elopement experience with some unforgettable activities to take part in with your person, THIS is the place!

Ok guys, I know that was a lot. I will definitely be doing a part 2 to this post, so keep your eyes open for the next “10 of the Best Adventure Elopement Locations for 2024!”

If you’re ready to book an elopement or any other shoot with me in any of these spots, please head over to the contact form (linked at the top) and fill it out as best you can. We will jump on a Discovery Call and get your adventure wedding started!

Till next time!

-Carlie

The Adventure Bride’s Guide to 10 of the Best Adventure Elopement Locations for 2024 (Pt. 1)