If you are looking for a truly unique and adventurous location for your elopement, look no further. I have created a list of some of the best elopement locations in the world for nature lovers to find their dream adventure wedding location.  

The criteria for this list was not only to have gorgeous scenery, but also that the official marriage requirements are relatively simple to follow, and that all types of marriages are recognized – including interfaith and same-sex marriages. That means these are all great and relatively safe elopement destinations for same sex couples. So let’s get started.

Africa:

South Africa – South Africa provides a variety of beautiful backdrops to your wedding day. In Cape Town and along the Western Cape, you get the best of both worlds with the blue Atlantic waters and the rugged peaks. For the even more adventurous, you can have a safari elopement at one of the many safari camps in the country, saying your vows surrounded by elephants and other amazing creatures. Here is a guide to help you plan your safari elopement in South Africa.

Asia

Thailand – This southeast Asian country recently legalized same sex marriage, and I’m so glad, because now I can add it to this list. Thailand ticks all the boxes – affordable, adventurous, and amazing scenery. Rugged coasts, Buddhist temples, sandy beaches – and this travel destination is known for providing a luxury experience at the fraction of the cost of other luxury destinations. Some of the amazing locations within the country include Khao Sok National Park, Bangkok, Phuket, and last, but certainly not least, Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary. This magical tropical destination will not disappoint, and that’s why it’s on this list of best elopement locations in the world.

Nepal – This is another southeast Asian country that recently legalized same sex marriage, and this location screams adventure! Who wouldn’t want to get married in the tallest mountain range in the world? The Himalayas are not the only beautiful scenery this country offers though. There are also stunning temples, lakes, waterfalls, and rolling hills. And as with Thailand, it really offers a bang for your buck. The only thing that makes this country more difficult than the others is that you must stay in the country for 15 days before you can register for the marriage certification. But, on the bright side, that gives you over two weeks to explore this amazing country with your soon-to-be spouse.

Europe

Iceland – When talking about countries with the most stunning of landscapes, you cannot forget to include Iceland. It’s volcanic and glacial landscapes have branded it with the nickname “the country of fire and ice.” With it’s lava fields and active volcanoes, to its black sand beaches, blue lagoons, and dramatic fjords, it truly is a nature-lover’s paradise. I cannot choose the best location here – It’s impossible. It really depends what you are looking for, but I’m sure you can find exactly that. Though, it’s important to note that you will need to submit your paperwork about a month in advance for the marriage license.

Scotland – I absolutely adore the landscape of Scotland with it’s muted hues and moody aesthetic. It also has a variety of more remote and private options making it the perfect place for those wanting privacy. To name just a couple of the endless options of natural beauty in Scotland, the Isle of Skye and Assynt both have a variety of backdrops including beaches, rugged coasts and mountains, grassy hills, waterfalls, and more.

North America

USA: Maybe I am biased, but I think the US has some of the most beautiful natural locations in the world. The diversity is where it truly shines, as it is the most geographically diverse country in the world. You can elope in front of the glaciers of Alaska and Montana, the colorful autumnal mountains in Appalachia and New England, or the red deserts of the southwest – not to mention the numerous coastal locations. The options are truly endless in the US, but I have already created a separate list of the places to elope in the USA, so check that out here.

Mexico: Mexico is another location that has so much natural diversity, your options are unlimited. Of course, you have the more common coastal destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Cabo, Cozumel, Playa de Carmen and Puerto Vallarta. But you also have the Spanish-colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, the more remote coastal experience of Oaxaca, the red dunes of Pacula, the agave fields of Jalisco, and the urban jungle of CDMX. You really can’t go wrong in Mexico!

South America

Patagonia – Patagonia is one of my absolute favorites on this list. While not a country itself, this remote region of Chile and Argentina would offer a truly unique and special experience for your wedding day. With it’s lakes, fjords, glaciers, and steppes, it has something for everyone and is sure to create everlasting memories. It’s also a quite remote region, so it is peaceful and private, making for the most intimate of wedding days.

Note: The marriage certificate process is known to be slightly easier in Argentina, but you can double check that before deciding which side to choose.  

Colombia – Colombia is a country full of amazing people and nature. You can choose to elope in the various mountain ranges like the Andes, on the beach, or in the Amazon in the south. One area that offers both mountains and beach in one is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria. This mountain range in the north of the country is also within driving distance to two major Colombian cities – Barranquilla and Cartagena. So it offers the amenities of the coastal urban centers, while also enjoying the nature of the mountain range.

If you’d prefer to stay a little further south near Medellín, you can head to the Piedra del Peñol. Near the Andes town of Guatapé, this granite boulder is a famous destination for Colombian residents due to its surrounding views of the mountains and the blue waters of the reservoir. It’s not only stunning, but it’s an easy hike as well for those who love nature, but just don’t want to hike far in their wedding dress.

Oceania

Australia – When I think of adventurous locations, Australia always comes to mind. Maybe that is the bias of someone in the Crocodile Hunter generation. Though, the diversity of wildlife in the country is due to the diversity of ecosystems and environments. And after all, Australia has more national parks than any other country in the world (more than 600!!).

The province of New South Wales itself hosts a variety of geographical features including the red sand deserts of Mundo National Park, the coastal town of Byron Bay and the stunning Somersby Falls. For the truly adventurous, you can exchange vows while scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or you can hike through the oldest rainforest in the world – Daintree Rainforest – where many of the scary spiders, snakes, and crocs live. Just as with Iceland, it is important to sort out the paperwork more than a month in advance. However, there is no wait time once you are inside the country.

New Zealand – Another place known for it’s nature is New Zealand. This pacific island country offers mountains, volcanoes, geysers, coasts, fjords, waterfalls, and more. One of the most beautiful mountainous locations is Aoraki, or Mount Cook. This is the highest peak of the country and offers a breath-taking, snowy backdrop to your wedding photos. While the mountain is one of the most well-known mountaineering areas of the world, I feel it is important to note that the mountain is sacred to the indigenous people of the area. Thus, they feel it is disrespectful to climb. And to be honest, you do not need to climb it to appreciate its beauty. Another natural wonder of the country is Waiotapu. This “thermal wonderland” as it is dubbed, is home to the most colorful and magical geothermic waters.

Antarctica

Umm… I don’t think this really needs an explanation. This is the ultimate adventure destination. I have never shot an elopement here, nor have I been at all, but it is on the top of my bucket list. You might be thinking, “Is it possible to elope in Antarctica?” Yes, indeed, it is. It is best to elope in Antarctica during the summer months (November-February) for the safest experience. The stark landscape makes for a stunning backdrop to your wedding photos. It is not cheap, but man oh man, is it truly one-of-a-kind.

I hope this list of best elopement locations in the world for nature lovers has something that you love. Make sure to look up the specific documentation needed for a marriage license in each country. They will all be different! And as always, if you want to get the planning started, reach out to me. I would love to work with you to make your elopement dreams come true!