2026 Destination Wedding Trends: Iconic Views & Candid Pics Create an Intimate Adventure

An affordable elopement feels absolutely lavish with immersive landscapes, a dash of adventure, and documentary-style wedding photography

 

Adventure elopements and destination weddings are trending in 2026, with couples headed to breathtaking locations all across the world. But let’s be real – this economy isn’t easy for everyone, especially if you’re planning a wedding. The good news is that you can plan an adventure elopement that feels luxurious for almost any budget!

 

To show you how, we connected with adventure elopement photographer Sally Grieshaber to ask about next year’s biggest wedding destination trends – including where couples are heading, which stops offer the best value for the view, and how a great wedding photographer can make any setting feel extraordinary. 

 

Keep reading to see how you can pair an iconic view with up-close and candid pics to create an intimate, unforgettable elopement  – whether your wedding budget sends you soaring overseas, or keeps you close to home.

 

Meet the Expert: Adventure Elopement Photographer Sally Grieshaber has made a name for herself photographing stunning outdoor elopements all over the world. Specializing in adventure elopements and destination weddings, she’s documented over 100 elopements in 36 states, 12 countries, and counting. Find more details below.  

Want an unforgettable elopement adventure? Planning the perfect destination elopement starts with choosing the right location - one that adds to your love story! Then choose an authentic wedding script, write your vows, and find a close friend or professional photographer to document your day. (Photo: Sally Grieshaber Photography)

 

 

2026 Destination Wedding Ideas: Adventure Elopements with Iconic Views & Cinematic Storytelling 

 

• Choose an immersive landscape that adds to your love story
• Consider international destinations that feel like a romantic getaway
• Choose lesser-known locations to avoid crowds
• Elope close to home to save money
• Consider documentary-style wedding photos to capture every detail of your day 
• Choose a photographer that clicks with your personality

1. Immersive landscapes add to your love story

 

Choose a destination that adds to your love story! When you choose an immersive landscape as your venue, like the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara or Utah’s towering red cliffs, you transform a small elopement into an unforgettable adventure.

 

Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a traditional wedding venue, nature sets the stage for an intimate, immersive vow exchange. Your wedding destination isn’t an afterthought or obligation, it becomes an engaging part of your love story! 

 

 

2. International destinations are having a moment

 

Combine the excitement of an international getaway with the magic of the wedding day. Grieshaber tells us that international elopements are trending in 2026: 

 

“International locations will be having their moment in 2026! I've already seen a number of inquiries for locations specifically in Europe – such as the Dolomites, Swiss Alps, Scotland, and Greece. Those locations definitely do not come as a shock as they have seen some pretty serious notoriety in past years. However, some newer destinations that I’m seeing upcoming are Norway, Faroe Islands, Portugal (specifically spots like Madeira, Azores, and Sintra), Croatia, Patagonia, and New Zealand.”

 

2026 International Wedding Destinations

 

• Norway
• Faroe Islands
• Portugal
• Croatia
• Patagonia
• New Zealand
• Dolomites
• Swiss Alps
• Scotland
• Greece

 

NOTE: We recommend that you complete your marriage license and other paperwork at home first, before you travel; and then hold a symbolic ceremony abroad. This is usually the easiest and more affordable option for couples. For more advice on destination weddings abroad read: 

 

• How to Get Married in Another Country in a Dreamy Destination Wedding

 

 

(Photo: Sally Grieshaber Photography)

 

3. Escape the crowds with ‘hidden gem’ elopement destinations

 

For an intimate elopement experience that blends adventure with authenticity, consider “hidden gems” that attract fewer crowds. These destinations might have less hype than others, but they still offer unmatched views with less hassle.

 

“My favorite spots [to elope are] hidden gem locations – spots that blow your mind with how beautiful it is, without there being crazy crowds!" Grieshaber says.

 

"Some of my favorite locations that you get this is Big Sur, Hawaii, Iceland, Norway, Patagonia, North Cascades, Alaska, San Juan Mountains in Colorado, and newer up-and-coming elopement spots like Croatia, Portugal, and Faroe Islands.”

 

Best “Hidden Gem” Destination Wedding Ideas for 2026

 

• Big Sur in California 
• Hawaii (choose locations off the beaten path)
• North Cascades in Washington
• Alaska
• San Juan Mountains in Colorado
• Iceland 
• Norway

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No crowds, just love! Hidden gems offer adventure and beauty without the hassle. Consider eloping off the beaten path for an intimate experience, like these breathtaking scenes in Iceland. (Photo: Sally Grieshaber Photography)

 

 

4. For the best value, elope close to home

 

Travel costs are often the largest expense when planning a destination adventure elopement. But there are plenty of stunning options close to home to choose from! Consider destinations in your home state (or nearby states) that you can drive to, along with alternative lodging like camping or glamping.

 

“The western states are still going strong,” Grieshaber says. “The mountains are a hot spot, with places like Mt Rainier, Glacier National Park, North Cascades, and Grand Teton National Park becoming more and more popular.”

 

“For a tighter budget, I definitely think the Oregon Coast has the best bang for its buck!” she adds. “Not only do most locations along the coast not require a permit for ceremonies smaller than 50 people, but the travel and lodging isn't too crazy either. Of course, this is all relative to where a couple lives.  

 

My biggest tip for couples on a budget is to look at their own state, or surrounding states. Most often, the highest cost for couples eloping will be their travel. Being able to drive to a location, and not have to fly and then rent a car, will help dramatically with costs. There are also different types of lodging such as camping vs. luxury hotel stays.”

 

Affordable Adventure & Destination Weddings in the US

 

• Top Pick: Oregon Coast
• Mt Rainier in Washington
• Glacier National Park in Montana
• North Cascades in Washington
• Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming

 

 

Washington State has never looked so magical! Unposed photos feel fresh and nostalgic on the wedding day. Save money with an adventure elopement close to home. Choose scenic locations in your home state or nearby states. (Photo: Sally Grieshaber Photography)

 

 

5. Documentary-style wedding photography can make any location feel extraordinary

 

The authenticity of documentary-style wedding photos is here to stay, and these candid, cinematic snaps can make any destination feel absolutely extraordinary. If you want a nostalgic vibe, consider film over digital (or a mix of both).

 

“Documentary coverage is here to stay and for good reason!  I find that more and more couples aren't wanting a day full of photoshoots at multiple spots throughout the park, but would rather have a full day of photo coverage documenting what they did whether that be a helicopter ride, hiking, having a picnic, reading their vows privately, you name it.  This sort of cinematic storytelling photography style is definitely currently trending and I believe it will continue throughout 2026.  

 

Film is absolutely huge right now as well," she adds, "with couples LOVING that nostalgic film vibe.  Many couples are younger Millennials or older Gen Z who have grown up seeing their parents' wedding photos and honeymoon photos on film, so it is a huge call to nostalgia with them and wanting their own wedding photos to look like that.”

 

 

6. Choose a photographer that clicks on a personal level

 

Make sure your photographer is a good match on a personal level too, especially if your elopement is outdoors and far from home. They’ll be capturing every detail of your day, so choose someone you’ll be happy to have close by. 

 

“For couples looking for an adventure/elopement photographer my biggest piece of advice would be to find a photographer you not only love their work but their personality as well! Even for larger weddings, finding a personality fit is a huge deal as they will be with you for so much of your wedding day and documenting candid moments, but for elopements--it is even more important.  

 

Sometimes your photographer is the ONLY other person with you that day so finding someone you jive with is a huge deal. 

 

I would also say to ask for full galleries so you can see what they normally deliver and how they photograph in different lighting--remember social media is only a highlight reel.”

 

 

"Sometimes your photographer is the ONLY other person with you that day so finding someone you jive with is a huge deal." (Photo: Sally Grieshaber Photography)

 

 

Ready to get started planning your elopement? Here are a few extra FAQs to know! 

 

• What is an adventure wedding or adventure elopement? 

 

An adventure elopement is a personalized, intimate wedding ceremony that’s held in a remote location, or while doing an adventurous activity. This might mean a skydiving wedding, hiking to a glacial lake to exchange vows with a view of the mountains, or getting married on a secret beach in Hawaii. These elopements take advantage of a location's natural beauty and immersive setting, and usually take place outdoors.

 

• What is an adventure wedding photographer, or adventure elopement photographer? 

 

Adventure wedding photographers specialize in photographing celebrations in remote or difficult locations – think eloping on a mountain peak or canyon overlook, in a remote meadow, or along an exotic beach. These photographers are experts in knowing the right equipment to bring, how to pack it in and out with ease, and how to capture the perfect shots in unique conditions, ensuring your wedding adventure can be remembered and revisited in epic detail for years to come.

 

• Can you elope with guests? 

 

Yes, elopements can include a guest list! And depending on where you get married, one or two guests might be required to attend as wedding witnesses. Many couples invite a few close friends or relatives, while others choose to elope without guests, especially when booking adventure elopements that are far from home, or when planning a ‘just us’ elopement. Always check local requirements when planning your elopement to see if guests are required: 

 

• Witness Requirements on Marriage License by State

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Meet the Expert

Sally Grieshaber of Sally Grieshaber Photography 

 

Sally Grieshaber is an experienced adventure elopement photographer based in Washington State and serving wedding couples worldwide. She's photographed more than 100 elopements across the United States and abroad – having traveled to 36 states, 12 countries, and counting! 

 

Sally's photographs have been featured in the New York Post, People, Black Gay Weddings, Carats & Cake, Woman Getting Married, and the Unscripted App for Photographers. She is LGBTQ+ friendly, BIPOC inclusive, and welcomes clients of all skin colors and body sizes.

 

 

Connect with Sally Grieshaber Photography:

Website / TikTok / Instagram / Facebook  / Pinterest

 

 

Hear Sally's passion for wedding photography in her own words:

 

"I've always had a deep push and desire to pursue photography! I had fallen in love with documenting small moments from a very young age, getting my first personal camera at just age eight... I started off photographing anything I could, from my friends' graduations, senior photos, my siblings' families, and general couples photos – then started photographing large traditional weddings.

 

When I photographed my first elopement, it changed my world. It was the first wedding day I could see myself having. I loved seeing the shift of focus...being on the couple getting married and celebrating them, rather than hosting a large aesthetic party.  

 

At the end of the day, I just love love. I love documenting human connection. I love being able to document the story of someone's wedding day and them having all those memories to have for the rest of their life – showing their future children, reminiscing on late family members, and these photos eventually being memorabilia of the person themselves as well.

 

It is a huge honor to be able to tell the story of such a significant life milestone for so many people."

 

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Explore More Destination Wedding Ideas & Trends from American Marriage Ministries

 

• A Wedding Officiant's Guide to Performing Destination and Cruise Ship Weddings
   
• A Road Trip Wedding is a Destination Wedding on the GO!
   
• How to Take the Plunge with an Underwater Wedding Ceremony
   

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