You’re never to old to run away with someone you love. But the idea of eloping is made even more romantic if you escape to somewhere peaceful, scenic, and unique.
1. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Europe gets most of the attention where romantic getaways are concerned. But look no further than Nevada in the good old US of A for a rejuvenating romantic retreat.
Nevada is a treasure chest of natural wonders, among them one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world: Lake Tahoe.
Whether it’s summer or winter, the Lake Tahoe area has some lovely hideaways for couples in love. There are even businesses like Lake of the Sky Weddings that are geared towards couples who are looking to tie the knot (or retie it). They have affordable packages that include pictures, transportation, and a minister to officiate.
2. Northern Italy
There are few more romantic destinations than Italy. Whether you travel to Milan, Venice, Florence, or the most historically romantic, Verona, you’re sure to find the historic atmosphere an aphrodisiac.
If it’s in the budget, why not run away to Italy and explore aforementioned cities over the span of a few weeks? Italy has so much to see that it’s difficult to do it all in a brief amount of time — especially if your idea is to take it slow.
If you have to choose one city, Verona might be the ticket. It has specific venues geared towards eloping couples, and attractions like Lake Garda and the Arena di Verona will set the mood nicely.
Verona. Unsplash / Zoltan Kovacs
3. Koh Samui, Thailand
It’s a bit of an ordeal to get to Thailand with a long flight, but once you arrive in Koh Samui, you’ll forget all about your travels and immediately relax.
With couples practicing Tai Chi on the beach and those beaches being comprised of the whitest sands you’ll ever see, it’s not hard to imagine why Koh Samui is such a good choice for a romantic eloping.
There are plenty of posh resorts to accommodate your needs whether you’re planning to get married, renew your vows, or just enjoy each other’s company.
4. Whidbey Island, Washington
Couples from North America don’t have to go too far to feel like they’re in a completely different world.
Whidbey Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Mukilteo, a Seattle suburb, but it feels a world away with its looming redwoods, coastal bluffs, and brilliant coves.
The Inn at Langley is a romantically quaint place to stay with only 28 rooms and staff that are happy to accommodate a happy couple — you could even get married on-site!
5. St. Lucia
Eloping is adventurous, and for couples that love adventure, what better place to get married than St. Lucia?
This little Caribbean Island has secluded lodging options where couples can have an entire bungalow to themselves on the beach, and after the nuptials, partake in activities like windsurfing, snorkeling, and hiking.
It’s another short trip from the mainland United States, so if a weekend escape is more budget-friendly, this could be an ideal option!
6. Chassignolles, France
Part of the appeal of eloping is achieving complete seclusion from the world in order to share a magical moment with the person who matters most. There aren’t many places more private than Chassignolles, a hidden village in France.
Located in the heart of France’s largest national park, Livradois-Forez, and at an altitude of 3,000 feet, Chassignolles is completely isolated from the outside world.
Since the village is so small, it only has one hotel, the Auberge de Chassignolles, and there might be more cows in the community than people.
For couples looking to start their lives together in complete privacy, Chassignolles is a perfect choice.
Auberge de Chassignolles. TripAdvisor
7. Yoron Island, Japan
Many couples search for a destination to elope to that hasn’t already been used by their friends, family, and general social network i.e. Mexico, Dominican Republic, etc. It’s unlikely that many people in your friend group have visited to Yoron Island in Japan, so it could be an ideal place for a couple to leave their mark.
The hustle and bustle of Tokyo often comes to mind of many when we think of Japan, but Yoron Island is known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and is a very romantic, low-key place with a population under 10,000.
With pristine sands and coral reefs littered around the island, this is an out-of-the-ordinary choice where some special memories can be made.
8. Granada, Spain
From the narrow streets to the quaint architecture and soft street lights, Granada is a town you can stroll through endlessly while locked arm-in-arm with the love of your life.
The Alhambra, a prominent palace of Moorish kings, is but one of many palaces and romantic destinations where a couple could choose to wed in private. Some have formal allowances for ceremonies while others do not.
Beyond the romance and memorableness of eloping, part of the magic is being somewhere new with the person you love. These destinations are some of the best places for exactly such an adventure. And many blessings in all your adventures to come!
