An elopement is a romantic, private way to officially start the rest of forever with the person you love, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
An intimate wedding ceremony can be done beautifully on a budget, especially compared to what some couples pay for large-scale weddings with sizable guest lists. If you and your spouse-to-be want to say “I do” during a thoughtful, intentionally personalized elopement trip, there are many beautiful destinations to choose from that can also be wallet-friendly and heartwarmingly romantic.
What Are The Most Romantic Elopement Destinations Right Now?
The most romantic and affordable elopement destinations for United States-based couples largely include beach paradises, which are already popular for destination weddings. The locations below span Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
When considering expenses, to snag the best overall price, look for wedding packages in the destinations you’re considering for your elopement. Your wedding ceremony venue, paperwork processing, flights, and accommodations are costs to keep top of mind. Additionally, decorations, reception costs, wedding attire, and hiring an officiant (if necessary) are important considerations as well.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful, relaxed beach getaway on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It’s an ideal romantic elopement location for couples seeking a low-key but special moment for their nuptials. Thankfully, the area provides a variety of accommodation types for different budgets.
Options for your elopement include an intimate hotel wedding venue or a location within Zona Romántica (which is LGBTQIA+ friendly). Additionally, you may consider saying “I do” while overlooking Bahía de Banderas (such as Conchas Chinas Beach) or amid the lush flora at Vallarta Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico de Vallarta).
Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica is a notoriously popular and romantic retreat destination for couples. It’s an easy place to elope or have a micro wedding at an affordable price. Getting married at an all-inclusive resort that offers wedding packages could help you save money. Regarding Negril, lovebirds will appreciate its breathtaking sunsets, scenic cliffs, and of course, Seven Mile Beach.
Sandals Resorts has a location in Negril worth considering. The company offers some of the best destination wedding packages for couples looking to get married in the Caribbean. The “Two Lovebirds Wedding Package” particularly stands out as a fantastic option for those eloping, and the cost starts at $1,300 for two resort guests.
Even more wallet-friendly, Negril Tree House Resort, a Black-owned business, advertises a wedding package that’s $630.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
There are several ways you can go about your nuptials in Punta Cana without breaking the bank. It’s worthwhile to put it at the top of your consideration list if you want to stay at an all-inclusive during your elopement trip.
It’s not hard to find a resort that can help you coordinate your wedding. However, if you’d like to have your ceremony elsewhere, opt to rent a private location through Airbnb or utilize the help of a local planner.
Jellyfish Restaurant, a Punta Cana staple, offers an “Elopement & Minimony” package that requires a $500 deposit. The establishment hosts weddings (small to medium-sized) on Bavaro Beach, and can provide food and beverages, decor, entertainment, and local transportation for you and your guests.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Curaçao shouldn’t be underestimated as a top romantic elopement destination. It’s a lovely island to choose if you want to be in the Caribbean when you get married – but not in an expected location. Compared to some of the other elopement destinations in this roundup, think of Curaçao as a hidden gem.
Eloping at a resort on the island may be the easiest course of action for some couples. However, if you want to go with something different, look into tying the knot cliffside during a romantic ceremony at Shete Boka National Park. You’ll be listening to the waves crash as you exchange rings and your vows.
On the other side of the island, less than an hour from Willemstad, Playa Jeremi is a stunning beach option.
Costa Rica (Multiple locations)
Costa Rica is well-regarded as a relaxing hideaway for couples, boasting tropical weather, wellness retreats, and romantic treehouses. Those factors, along with its natural beauty, make the country an ideal elopement destination, as well as a weddingmoon paradise.
For tying the knot, consider an Airbnb with scenic views of the beach, rainforest, or a volcano. The latter locations also inspire where you might want to say “I do” in the picturesque country. For example, if you’re in Guanacaste’s Papagayo Peninsula or Tamarindo areas, elope during an intimate beach ceremony. Contrastingly, if you’re in Alajuela province, get married with the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano or La Fortuna Waterfall.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Lake Atitlán is another of the most romantic elopement destinations for couples seeking a hideaway where they can make their union official. The breathtaking beauty of the destination is unmatchable, and it’ll be hard to have a ceremony there that doesn’t feel special.
You’ll say “I do” near the deepest lake in Central America, filled with its picturesque blue freshwater. The backdrop of your nuptials may be one or more of the three volcanoes surrounding the lake (Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro). For your venue, rent an Airbnb with a higher elevation so you can enjoy the views on your wedding day. Otherwise, pick a fitting and charming location in one of the lakeside villages.
