If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I absolutely love to travel. So when I get to combine my love for travel with my love for wedding photography, I’m quite the happy camper! I love helping my couples come up with a destination, outside or within the PNW, that they can envision themselves getting married at. If you’re looking for destination wedding ideas, you’ve come to the right place!

Here are my top 5 destination wedding ideas for romantic couples!

SCOTLAND

I traveled around to Scotland for a month a few years back and it was absolutely beautiful. The rich culture and gorgeous landscapes are beyond worth the 9 hour flight from the PNW to the UK! Here are a few destination wedding ideas to inspire you in Scotland…

Whisky tasting

Of course Scotland is known for its liquor, so you have to go whisky tasting at a small village pub if that’s something you’re into. The Slaters Arms in the Highlands would be the perfect place to stop by after a day full of adventures! You can grab a bite to eat and sit around the open fire while sipping whisky to your heart’s content. If you plan on eloping with a few guests, you can even host your event here if you’d like. They have three self catering cabins on the property that you’re more than welcome to stay at for your Scotland elopement.

Exploring the lochs of Scotland

Sure we have some pretty great lakes in the PNW, but honestly nothing compares to the lochs of Scotland. There are over 30,000 of them just in Scotland alone, varying in sizes and depth. Loch Ness is the biggest one by volume, containing more freshwater than all the lakes from New England and Wales combined. If you’re in the mood for a hike, you can check out the South Loch Ness trail where you can get some pretty insane views! And while you’re at it, stop by Urquhart Castle and we can take some epic photos of you and your love.

Basking in the moody weather

One of the best things about Scotland: just basking in the moody weather on a hill can be an activity in itself. After you say your vows, why not have a post-elopement picnic somewhere like Pentland Hills Regional Park, just south of Edinburgh? The highest peak is Scald Law, a relatively small hill but with big views. A great spot for escaping the city!

2. ICELAND

When I’m posting this blog, I’ll actually have just returned from my Iceland trip. I had the absolute best time, and I seriously already cannot wait to go back and document some love while I’m at it!

Go on a horseback riding tour

Icelandic horses look more like ponies than horses, which just makes the experience that much better. Don’t let their size make you underestimate them though, these little horses are tough as nails. Horseback riding is ingrained in Icelandic culture, which is what makes this activity a must-do after your destination wedding or elopement! Red Lava Horse Riding Tours will provide everything you need so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Elope underneath a waterfall

Exchanging vows underneath a waterfall in Iceland… I really don’t know how much better it can get than that. Truthfully, no trip to Iceland is complete without visiting one of the country’s incredible waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is one of the most picturesque and majestic falls you can find, sitting right on the South Coast. This waterfall is also known for its proximity to Ring Road, a road that follows the entire coastline of Iceland, with numerous breathtaking sites.

Soaking in a hot spring

What sounds more relaxing than a post-elopement soak in one of Iceland’s natural hot springs? Sky Lagoon Iceland is an all-in-one hot spot where you can eat, drink, and take part in a seven-step ritual where the hot springs are only just the beginning. They have different packages depending on what your preference is, but this is a must-do if you want to have the ultimate rejuvenation experience with your partner!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the Iceland:

3. PARIS

Paris, the classic, infamous city of love. Paris is such a beautiful city, with so much to soak in as newlyweds in France. Here are a couple ideas if you’re wanting to have a simple yet intentional elopement in Paris.

Dancing beneath the Eiffel Tower

How romantic does it sound to have your first dance as a married couple underneath the Eiffel Tower? Every hour from nightfall until 1:00 a.m. is when the tower lights up and sparkles, which would be the best introduction to this new chapter of your life. Pack your portable speaker and create a short playlist of songs you want to dance to with your love!

Exchanging vows at sunrise

Obviously Paris can get pretty busy with crowds and tourists, but eloping at sunrise can avoid all of that. Picture this: waking up next to your partner early in the morning, getting ready together as the excitement builds, grabbing a latte and croissant for breakfast at a nearby cafe. Then in the empty streets of Paris, exchanging your vows while the stillness around you creates an intimate, intentional moment between you and your love. Then after you say “I do,” we run around Paris taking photos at all of the best spots, and you end the day with smiles on your faces and fullness in your heart (and maybe a glass of wine!)

4. ALASKA

If you’re looking for a destination wedding location a little closer to home… I’ve got you covered. Alaska is (in my opinion) a totally underrated spot in the states, so let’s get into some ideas I think you’d love.

Staying in a cabin in the mountains

For couples who want a relaxing & secluded option, staying in a cabin in the mountains of Alaska would be an amazing experience for you. If you’re having guests at your Alaskan wedding, this Huffman Manor Airbnb has plenty of room to fit up to 16 of your closest friends and family! Or if you’re looking for something for just you and your partner, you can check out this Airbnb that’s a little more intimate.

Hiking the gorgeous landscapes

Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Juneau are all known for their fabulous hiking trails that you adventurous lovers out there would definitely be a fan of! Keep in mind that hiking in Alaska is no joke, so be sure to plan accordingly. Hiking trails can lead to the most breathtaking photo spots, so any trail you take will be well worth the effort.

Going on a helicopter ride over the mountains

Not only can you go on an Alaskan helicopter tour over the mountains, but with AK Helicopter Tours you can book a wedding package with up to 50 guests! Talk about a memorable experience, right? Aside from that, you can also book summer and winter glacier tours and go ice climbing or paddleboarding.

5. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree National Park is by far one of my favorite destinations to visit in California. This national park is located just a little ways from Palm Springs, bordering the Colorado and Mojave desert! Whether you’re from California or coming to visit, here’s one of my favorite ideas for eloping there:

Intimate Airbnb elopement

There are so many aesthetic and artful Airbnb’s near or within Joshua Tree that would be just perfect for an intimate destination wedding. If you choose to have a few guests, everyone can stay in the same place and you can venture into the park whenever you want. You can elope in the morning and then literally chill by the pool all day, and then in the evening we can take golden hour photos in your wedding attire in the park! Check out this Joshua Tree Micro Wedding up on the blog to get some ideas.

In addition, here are some of my favorite photos from an elopement nearby, in Palm Springs!