Weddings are beautiful, meaningful and one of the biggest parties you’ll likely ever have the chance to throw. They can also be incredibly stressful, rife with conflict and huge budget-killers. Of course you love your friends and family, but many couples are wondering whether it’s worth the downpayment-size dollar figure in order to have them participate in a single day of your life. With the average wedding in the United States costing upward of $35,000, it’s no wonder couples are looking for alternatives.
You’ve heard of destination weddings, but maybe it’s time to start thinking of destination elopements. Just you, your partner and a beautiful part of the world you’ve always wanted to see. You can think of it as a honey-wedding. Elopement-moon? I’ll leave the verbiage to you. Check out these absolutely gorgeous locations and start planning — or plan to have someone else plan — your getaway. You can send your would-be bridesmaids a postcard instead.
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Bali
Image Credit: Abraham Wallin/Flickr In order to have a legally binding wedding in Bali, it will have to be a religious ceremony under one of the recognized faiths — and you’ll have to be able to prove you’re practicing. However, you can have a symbolic ceremony without religious verification.
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Image Credit: Bruce Szalwinski/Flickr Get married in a hot-air balloon while floating above Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Lake Louise, Canada
Image Credit: popejon2/Flickr Run away to the Rocky Mountains. The Fairmont has elopement packages, but make sure you book your own photographer to capture the moment and the incredible views.
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Greenough, Montana
Image Credit: The Resort At Paws Up/Instagram Escape to the mountains and elope to a charming ranch-style venue like Paws Up Resort.
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Iceland
Image Credit: Iceland Wedding Planner One local company will even help you organize your photos, private destination and vendor interactions.
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Florence, Italy
Image Credit: John Cook/Flickr If your eyes light up at gorgeous architecture, Florence, Italy, could be the perfect destination for you. You can even get married in a castle.
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Telluride, Colorado
Image Credit: Cat Meyer/Flickr Whether you want a winter wedding as a ski buff or want to enjoy the gorgeous blue-sky summers, Telluride is a great place to elope.
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Napa, California
Image Credit: Run Away With Me Let someone else do the planning and spend your wedding day among the redwoods in Napa, California.
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Saint Lucia, Caribbean
Image Credit: jerry donhal/Flickr Choose one of the many resorts in the area and plan a romantic elopement on the beach.
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Malibu, California
Image Credit: JD Hascup/Flickr DIY your elopement or choose one of the several companies who will put together a beach wedding package for you.
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Niagara Falls, Canada
Image Credit: swimmy.ca/Flickr Several quickie chapels are nearby, and as long as being in a tourist hot spot doesn’t bother you, it offers one of the world’s most stunning waterfalls as a backdrop.
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