You have decided your wedding will be just the two of you. No guest list of 150 people, no stressed caterer, no endless compromises about linen colors. Just you, breathtaking landscapes, and a promise whispered softly. That is what an elopement is about.
To make this moment unforgettable, where you stay matters just as much as where you exchange your vows. Here are five exceptional stays, from Iceland to Québec, that could become the backdrop of your story.
🇮🇸 1. Mister Iceland – Iceland
I stayed here during our honeymoon with my husband, and I can guarantee you will never forget the softness and comfort of this place. Animal lovers, especially horse lovers, will feel completely at home. It is simply incomparable.
The atmosphere
Imagine waking up in a wooden cabin facing four active volcanoes while Icelandic horses, one of the purest breeds in the world, graze just a few meters from your door. That is Mister Iceland. An authentic Viking farm. The signature accommodation, Jakob’s House, is a concrete home built in 1923 and fully renovated, preserving the raw soul of the Icelandic countryside. Brutal, poetic, unexpected.
For your elopement
Iceland’s south coast gathers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, black sand beaches, waterfalls, lava fields. The farm is the perfect base to explore these locations on the morning of your ceremony, then return to an intimate cocoon to celebrate in the evening.
Best season
June to October for light and access to the Highlands. November to March for snow and Northern Lights.
🇫🇮 2. Aino Private Island Hotel – Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
This place holds a very special place in my heart, as it is where my husband and I chose to elope. I recommend it with my eyes closed.
The atmosphere
A private island on the Kemijoki River, accessible only by a suspension bridge, just ten minutes from Rovaniemi. Interiors designed with natural materials, high ceilings, and views over the Arctic river. The Kota restaurant is inspired by traditional Lappish huts, and the saunas open directly onto the water. This is where time truly slows down and you feel alone in the world, just the two of you.
For your elopement
Aino offers something rare, total privacy in a setting beyond imagination. No background noise. Just Arctic forest, silence, and the Northern Lights dancing above you.
Best season
November to March for Northern Lights and icy landscapes. June for the midnight sun. September for ruska, when autumn colors turn the forest into fire.
🏴 3. The Cornish Place – Cornwall, England
The atmosphere
A 26 acre Victorian dairy farm nestled between Truro and Falmouth, halfway between Cornwall’s north and south coasts. Rustic chic, warm, deeply English.
For your elopement
The Cornish Place is one of the rare venues offering truly turnkey elopement packages. All inclusive options with a wedding coordinator, officiant, and legal or symbolic ceremony in the Woodshed, a brick barn with its own courtyard, or outdoors in the fields. For two people, or up to twenty four guests. Cornwall’s light is soft, veiled, Atlantic. Almost Nordic. Add British kindness to the mix and you may never want to leave.
Best season
Year round. Spring for bluebells in the woods. Summer for beaches ten minutes away. Autumn for copper light across the fields.
🇸🇪 4. Arctic Bath – Harads, Swedish Lapland
The atmosphere
A floating hotel on the Lule River, designed by architects Bertil Hagström and Johan Kauppi. Its circular log structure evokes the timber jams that once filled the river during the logging era. In winter, the river freezes and the hotel becomes surrounded by ice, a breathtaking sight. In summer, it floats freely.
For your elopement
Arctic Bath is designed for couples who want every sense awakened. Sharing a cold plunge before promising yourselves to one another. Dining beside the frozen river. Watching the Northern Lights from your cabin.
Best season
December to March for winter magic and auroras. July and August for the midnight sun and flowing river.
🍁 5. La cabane à sucre Larguer les samares – Saint-Casimir, Portneuf, Québec
Nearly ten years later, this place is still etched in my memory. One of the most beautiful stays I have ever experienced. It is not luxurious in the traditional sense, yet exceptionally beautiful in its simplicity and location. Not to mention the maple pancakes.
The atmosphere
Some places anchor you to something bigger than yourself. The sugar shack in Saint-Casimir is exactly that. An authentic maple grove in the heart of the Portneuf region, tucked deep in the woods, far from noise. A wooden building passed down through generations. The crackling of fire. The scent of syrup simmering on a wood stove. Accommodation on site to extend the night. Québec at its truest.
For your elopement
Eloping in a sugar shack means choosing a wedding that smells of maple resin and Québec winters. Photographing a couple exchanging vows in the maple forest in early spring, snow still on the ground, sap lines running between the trees. Woodland trails, filtered light through maple branches, long raw wood tables. Everything becomes your decor.
Best season
March and April for sugaring season, the ultimate experience with snow, maple taffy, and soft spring light. Autumn for vibrant forest colors.
An elopement is not just about a destination. It is a decision to place your love at the center of everything, without compromise, without outside pressure. These five places share exactly that. Space, intimacy, and the certainty that you will remember every minute.
Looking for a photographer to document your elopement in one of these locations? I would love to be there to capture your story. Explore my portfolio or contact me directly so we can start planning your experience together.
Can you have an elopement at an Airbnb?
Yes, you can host an elopement at an Airbnb, provided you carefully review the property rules and obtain the host’s approval. Some Airbnbs allow intimate gatherings or micro-weddings, especially when the guest count is very small. It is important to clarify that you are planning an intimate elopement rather than a large reception.
What is the difference between a regular Airbnb and one suitable for an elopement?
A standard Airbnb is designed for accommodation. An Airbnb suitable for an elopement is chosen for its aesthetic, natural light, surroundings, and ability to host a small, meaningful ceremony. A seaside villa, a mountain cabin, a modern architectural home, or a vineyard estate can become the central backdrop of your intimate wedding experience.
How much does it cost to elope in an Airbnb abroad?
The cost of an Airbnb elopement depends on the country, season, and level of luxury of the property. Renting an exceptional stay can represent an investment, but the overall budget is often more controlled than a traditional wedding. With fewer guests, couples can prioritize quality, photography, and a meaningful experience.
Do you need permits to elope at an Airbnb?
In some countries, even a small ceremony may require specific authorization. It is essential to check local regulations and the rental agreement. For a symbolic elopement with very few guests, the process is often simple, especially when no formal reception is involved.
What are the best countries for an Airbnb elopement?
Popular destinations for an elopement in a unique stay include France, Italy, Iceland, Portugal, and certain regions of the United States. The best choice depends on the atmosphere you envision. Wild coastlines, mountain landscapes, vineyards, or historic architecture. The key is selecting a location aligned with your personality and the experience you want to create.
Why hire a photographer specialized in elopements for this type of venue?
An elopement in an Airbnb or distinctive accommodation requires a different photographic approach. The location becomes part of the story. A photographer specialized in intimate weddings knows how to work with natural light, indoor and outdoor spaces, and capture the immersive atmosphere of your stay. The goal is not only to document a ceremony, but to tell a cinematic and emotional story of your destination elopement.
