Planning an Elopement Abroad: Advice from an International Elopement Photographer
Eloping abroad is one of the most magical ways to get married. The scenery, the sense of adventure, the intimacy of it all… it’s no surprise so many couples are drawn to saying their vows somewhere meaningful and beautiful away from the chaos of planning a huge wedding day. But with that dream often comes a lot of questions, uncertainty, and sometimes overwhelm.
Having photographed elopements across Europe, and having walked alongside couples from the UK, the US, and beyond, I’ve learned what truly matters, what catches people off guard, and what makes the experience feel calm, joyful and unforgettable. So here’s my honest advice, based on real elopements and real conversations with couples just like you.
Intimate couple photos at Sarakiniko beach on the island of Milos in Greece
Legal vs Symbolic Ceremonies Abroad
One of the biggest questions I’m asked is “can we legally get married abroad?”
The short answer is yes, sometimes. The longer answer is that it very much depends on your nationality, the country you’re eloping to, and how much admin you want to take on.
In my experience, many European countries require residency periods, translated documents, in-person appointments, and longer timelines to legally marry. For UK and US couples, this can mean weeks or even months in-country, which often isn’t realistic for an elopement.
Because of this, most of my couples choose to legally marry at home either before or after their trip, and then have a symbolic ceremony abroad. And honestly, it’s beautiful. Your symbolic ceremony still holds all the meaning, emotion, and intention, without the stress of paperwork hanging over you. When I ask past couples what advice they’d give, they almost always say this route allowed them to be fully present and enjoy the experience so much more.
Adventurous moments sailing around the island of Milos in Greece
What to Expect on the Day
Elopement days move differently to traditional weddings. They’re slower, softer, and far more intentional. You’ll likely spend more time together than apart as there’s less rushing and the focus is entirely on how the day feels rather than how it looks on a schedule.
From a planning perspective, this means building in breathing room. Time to walk, explore, sit with a coffee, change locations, or simply soak it all in. From a photography perspective, this is where the magic happens. Some of the most meaningful images I’ve captured have been in those quieter moments where couples forget about the camera entirely.
Quiet moments during an elopement at Anantara Coventi di Amalfi in Italy
Practical Tips You’ll Thank Yourself For
This one comes straight from experience: bring a travel steamer for your outfit. I’ve lost count of how many couples have arrived with beautifully packed clothes only to discover their hotel doesn’t have an iron. A small handheld steamer will genuinely save the day and your photos.
Wear shoes you can actually walk in, even if you change later. European streets, cliffs, and coastal paths are rarely heel friendly,and comfort makes such a difference to how relaxed you feel.
Pack light but intentionally. Neutral tones, natural fabrics and layers photograph beautifully and feel timeless. When I ask couples what they’d do differently, they often say they wish they’d brought fewer outfits and trusted the simplicity of one really special look.
Cinematic moments at Mandrakia beach on the island of Milos, Greece
Photography Tips for Eloping Abroad
From behind the camera, light and timing matter so much. Early mornings and golden hour evenings are your best friends. Popular destinations can feel surprisingly quiet at sunrise, and the light is softer, more cinematic, and far more forgiving.
Trust your photographer and planner to guide you. Location scouting, knowing where crowds gather, and understanding how the light moves is something I build into every elopement I’m part of. In my experience, when couples let go of rigid expectations and lean into the experience, the photos feel more honest and emotive.
That said, sometimes your elopement does fall in the middle of the day in a busy tourist area, and that’s okay too. From a photography point of view, this can actually create something really special. I often lean into long exposure techniques to show the movement and energy around you, capturing the hustle and bustle of the world while you two slow down and stay connected. It creates a real sense of escapism in your images, a visual contrast between chaos and calm that tells such a powerful story.
Having photographed elopements on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, across the Greek islands of Santorini, Milos, and Mykonos, and throughout Iceland, particularly along the South Coast, I know how to work with changing light, crowds, and weather to create images that still feel intimate, cinematic, and true to you.
Also, don’t feel pressure to perform. You don’t need to pose or act a certain way. Your story will unfold naturally if you’re given the space to be yourselves.
Sunrise, sunset and midday at busy tourist destinations on the Amalfi Coast, Italy and the island of Milos, Greece
Planning Makes All the Difference
This is where having someone on your team who truly understands elopements becomes invaluable.
From location scouting and timeline creation, to supplier recommendations and logistics, planning support allows you to enjoy the experience rather than manage it.
So many couples tell me afterwards that having guidance removed the mental load and allowed them to be present with each other. In my experience, that’s what transforms an elopement from a beautiful idea into an unforgettable experience.
Eloping abroad isn’t about escaping tradition, it’s about rewriting it in a way that feels right for you. Whether that looks like barefoot vows on the beach at sunset, a quiet ceremony in an Italian cloister like Anantara Convento di Amalfi, or celebrating with champagne on a boat trip as the sun dips below the horizon, your elopement should feel deeply personal and intentional.
Planning an Elopement That Feels Like You?
If you’re dreaming of an elopement abroad and want someone who understands both the emotional and practical sides of the journey, I’d love to help. From planning to photography, I’m here to guide you through it all and create a day that feels effortless, meaningful, and completely yours.
Candid moments on the Amalfi Coast in Italy
