You've probably seen a bunch of those articles where people just list places to elope without giving any helpful information or their unique perspective on elopements. Well, I would like to think this isn't one of them.
For starters, as you probably know, Europe is a massive continent, meaning you should most likely wear a sweater in the fjords of Northern Norway, while on the sunny Mediterranean coast, it's best to elope wearing an elegant summer dress. In this blog post, I will introduce my favorite locations in Europe to exchange vows and explain why some areas are my favorites for intimate elopements. But let's first answer the question: why do I think your experience is more important than the elopement location?
Everything you need to know about eloping in europe
When you look at your photos, I want you to see that story. The story of how you promised each other the rest of your lives, the love you felt, the connection, the great adventures you embarked on together on this day. If you feel it at the moment, you will feel it when looking at the photos. That's what matters most to me.
If you're anything like me, you've seen so many beautiful locations for elopements, but sometimes you wonder how genuine those places are. As an elopement photographer, I want pictures that show the places as they are, without people clone-stamped out (because the last thing the two of you would like would be to line up behind a group of people to take a picture at a place that looks secluded on Instagram). When alone, you'll experience the connection with nature, and it's much easier to enjoy the stunning scenery and, more importantly, your loved one.
Let me explain: I can create the ideal Instagram image on a mountaintop by positioning you perfectly and provoking laughter to capture "an emotional moment." But when you look back at the photo, you'll only recall the silly joke I told and the discomfort of being posed in that manner.
I don't want any of that for you. Instead, I want you to be yourselves and focus on the experience, the moments, and the memories in the making. We can still climb that mountain together or find a spot by the lake. But they aren't backdrops for a photo; they are the settings for your story. So, I promise we won't do anything just for a photo. We will do it for the experience.
As long as I've been an elopement photographer, I've thought that your memories of your elopement day are more important than the photos. Instead of taking inspiration from those awesome shots you see of couples on Instagram or Pinterest, I want you to think mostly about one thing: how do you want to feel about each other when you look at your wedding photos?
Faroe Islands: Love amidst nature's unspoiled theatre
Norway: Fjords and unforgettable landscapes
Italy: Beautiful landscapes and Romantic lakes
Switzerland: Alpine atmosphere and elopement dreams
Iceland: Destination wedding in the land of fire and ice
Scotland: Whispered vows amidst ancient Highlands
If you want to truly feel present, there's no better place than the north. Places like Lofoten, the Faroe Islands, or Lapland are entirely at the mercy of the elements. There, nature's force set the rhythm, and we humans are only a tiny piece of it all. And you can feel this deep in your soul when you stand by the wild sea or at one of the silent lakes when you travel through vast open spaces and explore nature's barren, raw beauty in the north. It's not just a romantic getaway with amazing landscapes. It is the best way to empty your mind of the ordinary and let your everyday stress fade away. It makes us see what's really important in life, and everything else simply falls away.
And to me, this indescribable focus on the things that really matter makes these places in the north the ideal location for your elopement. In that vast, majestic landscape far from big cities, it is as if for the moment everything was focusing on you. And it's just the two of you.
I love the north through the wind and weather. Soft summer light, foggy autumn mornings, stormy winds, and rain - all of it feels part of the magic. In fact, I love the north not despite but also because of its weather. Grey skies and a bit of rain can make a day all the more memorable than a "perfectly" blue sky and sun. It adds to the realness. To the feeling of adventure. The spirit of the north.
While the world keeps evolving, things move at an ever quicker pace, and so many people move to bigger cities (usually that means southwards); there's something strikingly different about those harder-to-reach rural places. It's the places where the landscapes have been the same for centuries. The convenience that people are seeking elsewhere is insignificant there. Getting somewhere quickly doesn't matter when the journey itself is worth it, not the destination. Life itself feels more honest and genuine.
I believe most couples trying to find the best places to elope are not just looking for epic scenery. Let me tell you, the perfect elopement destination isn't probably the one you immediately find on Google search. That is because those places often get crowded, and even though you think the beautiful waterfalls are secluded, it turns out that there are cafés and souvenirs sold next to those stunning landmarks. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, but it's probably not the experience you're hoping for when you dream about your wedding destination.
Whenever I announce my new elopement location, I'll explain the best option for that specific European country. In short, some countries are easier than others, and sometimes, it's more convenient to have a symbolic ceremony. Also, sometimes having a symbolic ceremony will allow you to have the perfect ceremony location and, thanks to that, an even more meaningful elopement day. And if I'm completely honest, the most moving, personal ceremonies I've witnessed were the ones without an officiant, with the couple reading their vows to one another without scripts.
Even if you sign your marriage license in your home country, it doesn't mean that that date has to be your anniversary. You can get your license signed in your home state's courthouse and then experience once-in-a-lifetime destination elopement in one of the Europe's most perfect destinations.
If you have a specific country in your mind and I haven't announced an elopement experience there yet you would love to have your intimate wedding, hit me a message and let's see how can we make it happen.
I've experienced it so many times, couples want to elope in a specific place, but as they don't have the experience of our climate, they won't be here at the best time of the year. To help with that, I decided to turn the process around and offer elopements at select locations in the north of Europe on set dates throughout the year as full-day or multi-day experiences.
But answer the question; it indeed depends on the location. Winter elopement in Scandinavia's coldest time of the year can be cold and dark, especially if you're not used to being outside at freezing temperatures. But only a few months later, the days are much warmer, and there's usually plenty of natural light, which makes the experience much better.
On the other hand, knowing what part of Scandinavia to elope to in summer, you won't see any mosquitos or tourist crowds, and you get to experience the hidden gems of Nordic countries - which is perfect for your Europe elopement.
Your elopement ceremony can be customized to highlight the specialness of your union. From bringing in elements from local cultures, such as traditional music or clothing, to symbolic rituals like handfasting ceremonies and tree planting, there are so many ways you can make it uniquely yours. Personalizing your European-based nuptials will create an unforgettable experience that is rooted in all aspects of love’s journey together.
You could write custom vows for one another, too! Showcase culture through food options during your day. If possible, simply adding personal touches with these sorts of cultural nods adds authenticity and depth to the event overall. Lastly, incorporating any sort of meaningful activity into this already momentous occasion will complete what has been created, expressing devotion while at a lasting place to remember for years down the line.
After the booking, I'll send you more ideas how to to customize your European elopement ceremony, but if you have specific questions about ceremonies, just hit me a message!
fun facts & deep thoughts
how i shoot
my work
get to know me
Hey, I'm Jaakko. A few years ago, I married my wife pretty traditionally. At the time, it felt like the best decision. However, I didn't quite understand how emotional the day would feel and how hard it was to be 100% myself. We didn't get a meaningful experience as a couple because we were self-conscious in front of crowds and cared too much about what everyone else was doing. It's easy to say now that because both my wife and I are all about experience, and we should've eloped.
So, I want to help couples learn from my experience and understand that they are allowed to plan a day that is just for them and about their love.
I don’t sell you on a location or book your accommodation. To me, an elopement is the most personal, meaningful way to celebrate your relationship and the start of the rest of your lives together, so planning it your way is a big part of that. I want the elopement location to speak to you, almost call out to you. I’ll make recommendations for places to stay and gently guide you in dreaming up that experience of a lifetime, but you are the focus of it all. You’re the one who gets to decide on everything - for YOU.
In my opinion, North of Europe is the perfect elopement destination. You can have an adventurous hiking elopement, see northern lights, enjoy beautiful beaches and experience the epic mountain peaks.
Experience your adventure elopement with North European elopement photographer
your name
your email
SIGN
ME UP
Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to know my upcoming elopement destinations. You can also follow me on Instagram for updates or, if you have any questions, click "send a message" above to get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you.
I will get back to you within 48 hours. If you don't hear from me, get in touch via email or hit me up on Instagram.
Talk soon,
Jaakko