Inquire 

arrow

Destination wedding & photography educator

Best Places To Elope: Greece, Italy & Paris

Wedding

April 7, 2025

Search
Learn more

Hi there! Welcome to the CBP blog, a place to share wedding beauty, our lives, travels, and plenty of tips. I'm glad you're here and I hope you'll stick around!

Hi, I'm courtney.

arrow

help yourself to my Wedding guide

Packed with all kinds of tips and resources that I know will make your planning process so much easier!

DOWNLOAD

FREE DOWNLOAD

Best Places to Elope: Italy, Greece & Paris 

For the romantics, the wanderers, and the wildly in love.

There’s something about eloping that just feels different.

It’s intimate.
It’s sacred.
It’s just the two of you (plus maybe your photographer and a bottle of bubbly).

And when you pair that intimate experience with a breathtaking backdrop? Pure magic.

If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” somewhere unforgettable, let me take you on a little journey through four of the most romantic places on earth: Italy, Greece, and Paris. Each one holds a unique kind of charm, perfect for couples who want to skip the big production and focus on what really matters—each other.


Italy: For Lovers of Art, Wine, and That Golden Light

 

Italy is a dream. Period. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the colorful cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping views and romantic hideaways.

 

Where to Elope in Italy:

  • Tuscany – Think vineyards, olive groves, and golden-hour light that makes your skin glow. Rent a villa, say your vows at sunset, and celebrate with handmade pasta and Chianti.

  • Lake Como – Elegant, cinematic, and effortlessly chic. Boats, mountains, and historic villas create a luxurious setting for your elopement.

  • Positano / Amalfi Coast – Colorful buildings, seaside cliffs, and lemon trees everywhere. It’s vibrant, dramatic, and impossibly romantic.

Italy gives you that old-world romance—where every cobblestone street and passing Vespa feels like a scene from a movie.


Greece: For the Free Spirits and Ocean Dreamers

a wedding table set up with flowers and chairs in santorini

There’s a lightness to Greece. A glow. It’s for couples who want wind in their hair, salt on their skin, and blue domes behind them as they kiss.

Where to Elope in Greece:

  • Santorini – Whitewashed buildings, dramatic cliffs, and those iconic sunsets. It’s a classic for a reason.

  • Mykonos – Trendy, fun, and full of energy. Perfect if you want a blend of beachy vibes and elegant charm.

  • Paros or Naxos – A bit more off-the-beaten-path, but just as stunning. These islands offer a quieter, more intimate Greek experience.

 

Imagine exchanging vows on a terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea, with the scent of bougainvillea in the air and waves crashing below. Greece is where carefree meets deeply connected.

a man and woman in wedding attire kissing in santorini

 


 

Paris: For the Poets and the Passionate

a bride and groom kissing in front of the eiffel tower

 

Ah, Paris. The city of love, croissants, and timeless black-and-white photos. Elo

 

ping in Paris feels like stepping into a love story already written—one that’s just waiting for your chapter.

Where to Elope in Paris:

  • The Eiffel Tower (at sunrise) – Before the crowds. Just the two of you and the city slowly waking up. It’s quiet, surreal, and unforgettable.

  • Ritz Carlton – If luxury, elegance, and classic Parisian romance are your vibe, this iconic hotel is everything. With its gilded salons, lush gardens, and rich history (hello, Coco Chanel lived here), it’s the perfect blend of sophistication and intimacy.

  • Luxembourg Gardens or Palais Royal – Elegant, peaceful spots nestled in the heart of the city. You won’t find many people there early in the morning.

Paris is all about the little moments: sipping espresso on a balcony, slow dancing on a bridge, whispering vows in a quiet garden. It’s not just romantic—it’s alive with romance and magic.


A Few Tips for Planning Your Destination Elopement:

  • Hire a local planner or photographer who knows the area (bonus if they speak the language).

  • Go with the flow. Weather, travel hiccups, and spontaneity are all part of the story. Your photographer and planner should always know a backup plan.

  • Make it yours. Whether it’s a handwritten vow, a secret location, or a private dinner just for two, let your personalities lead the way.


No matter where you choose—Italy, Greece, Paris, or The Cotswolds—what matters most is this:
You’re starting your forever in a place that makes your hearts race.

And honestly? That’s the kind of beginning that turns into the best kind of story.


Want help capturing your destination elopement? I specialize in creating soulful, storytelling images for couples who want more than just pretty pictures—they want to remember how it felt.

Let’s chat. Let’s dream. Let’s make magic.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

reader faves

browse by category

Weddings

engagements

personal

Browse
Categories

editorial

Education

free download

the new bride's
essential planning guide

Trust me when I say this guide is packed with all kinds of tips and resources that I know will make your planning process so much easier!

© courtney bowlden photography 2021

template credit

customization + copy credit

|

|