The Best Beach Elopement Destinations for a Dreamy Wedding
Escape to Europe's coastal gems for an unforgettable beach elopement experience that will leave you speechless. Say goodbye to the traditional wedding stress and hello to the picturesque shores of the continent's best-kept secrets. From the romantic cliffs of Portugal's Algarve and the secluded coves of Greece's Ionian Islands to the warm and sun-filled Canary Islands and the secluded beaches with turquoise water of the Balearic Islands. Europe has a wide selection of lovely beach destinations ideal for exchanging vows in privacy.
Imagine walking hand in hand with your loved one along pristine sandy beaches, surrounded by crystal clear waters, impressive cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you crave the tranquility of the French Riviera or the vibrant energy of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Europe's diverse Mediterranean coastline promises something for every couple seeking a dreamy escape. It's time to uncover Europe's hidden and not-so-hidden coastal gems and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and your sun hat, grab your partner's hand, and let the adventure begin.
Benefits of a beach elopement
When it comes to wedding planning, unfortunately, the stress and obligations can often overwhelm the joy of the occasion. This is where beach elopements come in as the perfect alternative. For our adventurous sea-loving couples, a private ceremony on one of Europe's distinctive beaches is a fantastic option. For starters, it allows you to avoid traditional wedding expectations with 200 guests including those relatives that you haven't seen in a decade, and focus on what is truly important - your partner and the love you share.
A seaside elopement allows you to create a more personal and meaningful experience, free from the pressure of pleasing a large number of guests, all with their own ideas of what would be best. Instead, the intimacy of a beach elopement allows for a deeper connection, as you don’t have to focus on anything else but your partner. The local Dream Team will make sure that all the details of your coastal wedding are taken care of.
Furthermore, a coastal wedding with only the two of you allows for wonderful wedding images that capture the splendor of your breathtaking surroundings. Whether you choose to elope to the rugged cliffs of Ireland or the pristine sands of Sardinia, a seaside elopement guarantees a unique and unforgettable experience.
Some of the best beaches to elope in Europe
Europe is famous for its beautiful beaches, but there are some spots that have remained hidden jewels, away from the tourist crowds. Let’s take a look at some of the best beach elopement destinations that Europe has to offer.
1. Algarve, Portugal
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, the Algarve in Portugal is a fantastic choice. Located in the South of the country, the Algarve offers a romantic and picture-perfect environment for a coastal wedding ceremony. Imagine getting married next to majestic rocks and cliffs, with your bare feet on the golden sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean painting the background. And once your ceremony is over, the honeymoon begins, and there are so many lovely activities that you can do in the Algarve!
Take a look at our customizable Portugal elopement packages to learn more.
2. Santorini, Greece
Another amazing beach elopement destination is Santorini in Greece. While calling it a hidden gem would be a stretch, there are good reasons why Santorini is one of our most popular beach elopement destinations in Europe. With its white-washed buildings spotting the cliffs and overlooking pristine waters, a sunset wedding in Greece is definitely dreamy and unforgettable.
3. French Riviera, France
If tranquility, luxury, and elegance are more your vibe, the French Riviera is a fantastic choice. Picture yourself exchanging vows on the secluded shores of Cap d'Antibes or overlooking the azure waters of Saint-Tropez. And your experience doesn’t have to end there. Rent a car and explore the beautiful Riviera with its medieval villages, world-class restaurants, and some of the best wine in the world.
Interested in our elopement packages in France?
4. Canary Islands, Spain
If you’re looking for a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with lots of distinct landscapes look no further than the Canary Islands in Spain. The Canary Islands are truly a unique blend of scenic areas of natural beauty, fun and dynamic culture, and one-of-a-kind experiences. From the black sand beaches of Tenerife to the golden sands of Fuerteventura, and dolphin and whale watching in between.
See our Canary Islands elopement packages here.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is one of our most popular beach elopement destinations, and for good reason. This 50-kilometer (30-mile) long coastline is well known for its little villages with small beaches and colorful sun umbrellas, lemon groves, and pastel-colored houses. The Amalfi Coast is vibrant and offers lots to explore and uncover, but we would recommend staying away from those prime June–August months if you’d like to avoid the main tourist season. There are so many lovely activities that you can do on the Amalfi Coast, and our wedding planners will gladly help you book your favorites, but for now, you can look through some inspiration.
6. Barcelona and Costa Brava, Spain
Picture yourselves hand-in-hand, strolling the winding alleys of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter or gazing out at the breathtaking cliffs of Costa Brava as you exchange your vows. Spain's Catalonia region provides a variety of romantic backdrops for a beach elopement away from it all. You can exchange vows on a secluded beach on Costa Brava, such as on the pristine beaches of Palafrugell, the always buzzing Lloret de Mar, or charismatic Cadaqués, famous for its white-washed buildings and Salvador Dalí. Or, if you're a fan of Barcelona, we can take you to more famous places such as the vibrant Plaza Real, surrounded by Barcelona's whimsical architecture, and to lesser-known places such as Teatre Grec on the Montjuïc hill, overlooking the glittering cityscape colored by the warm sunset. From the quaint villages of the Costa Brava to the cosmopolitan cafés of Barcelona, Catalonia offers countless special settings for a seaside elopement.
Take a look at our Barcelona elopement package to find out more!
Beach elopement ideas and planning tips
A seaside elopement involves meticulous planning to ensure a stress-free experience, which is why we're here! First and foremost, as legal requirements can vary a lot from country to country, we actually recommend our couples do the paperwork in their country. We’ll take care of the ceremony, picture, and an overall beautiful elopement experience.
Next, consider the time of year and weather conditions at your chosen beach destination. While the Canary Islands can still offer a warm and sunny elopement in the winter, it would be impossible to expect the same at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Depending on the island or coastline you choose, the climate can vary a lot, so make sure to ask your elopement planner about what we’d recommend based on your preferences.
It is also critical to select the appropriate wedding outfit for your beach elopement. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that are cool to the touch, such as linen and cotton. Depending on your chosen location, you can opt out of wearing uncomfortable shoes as you can be barefoot in the sand, or wear light sandals or white sneakers.
Lastly, hire a professional wedding planner who specializes in beach elopements in Europe, like Somewhere Crazy. We can assist with finding the perfect beach location, help with accommodation, and coordinate all the necessary details, allowing you to fully focus on nothing but your special day.
Choosing the perfect beach elopement package
When it comes to planning a beach elopement, there are a variety of beach elopement packages as well as premium services available to suit different preferences and budgets. Some couples may prefer a simple and intimate ceremony with just the two of them, an officiant, and the photographer while others may opt for a more elaborate celebration with extra services such as videography, floral decorations, and extra guests.
Our elopement packages are completely customizable, which means that we'll find local vendors, organize your entire beach elopement, and be there on the day to make sure everything is as you envisioned. Additionally, we'll also provide you with our pro tips on extra exciting nearby activities that you can add to your elopement experience, depending on your destination.
Coastlines are not just a great idea for private wedding elopements but are also perfectly suited for beach vow renewals. Combine your wedding anniversary and annual trip with a vow renewal ceremony by the sea, with the sun setting in the background. Reserve the time for a quiet celebration of love with your husband or wife; it will make for a beautiful memory for both of you. For some inspiration, take a look at our happy vow renewal couple Joni and Brian who repeated their wedding vows on the rooftops of Santorini, Greece.
Conclusion: Creating a moment that will last forever on Europe's best beaches
Europe's large selection of unique coastal destinations provides the ideal setting for a romantic and intimate seaside wedding celebration. Our beach elopement venues range from the impressive cliffs of Portugal's Algarve to the isolated coves of Greece's Ionian Islands, and lively Amalfi Coastline, each offering a stunning setting for those dreaming of a beach wedding ceremony.
Our Somewhere Crazy beach elopement packages offer lots of customization to fit your preferences and taste, however, you can rest assured that we’ll provide you with an intimate, personalized, and magical experience in an area of stunning natural beauty. Hiring a local elopement coordinator who knows the ins and outs of getting married in a set destination is a great option for couples looking for a stress-free and memorable wedding experience. If you do decide to hire a Somewhere Crazy elopement planner, we'll ensure that everything goes smoothly while providing you with our beach elopement tips. So, pack your bags, grab your partner's hand, and get ready to embark on a romantic adventure in Europe's best beach elopement destinations.
