Best Tropical Elopement Locations

Here is the updated list for 2024 of the best tropical elopement locations! Bring on the beaches, islands, and palm trees, please! You don’t need to have it all figured out at this point – use this guide as a starting point to dream up what feels right for you two. Your elopement isn’t going to be like anyone elses, and there is no one-location-fits-all. Take your time to fantasize about what an ideal honeymoon location would look like. Chances are, it involves a beach, bungalow, jungle, or tropical smoothie. And I’m right there with you.

Tips for tropical elopements

  • Make sure your passport is up to date
  • Pack lightly, but with sun protection – it’s going to be hot! Bust out the big hat!
  • Understand that beaches = tourism and you may have to get up before sunrise to have a place to yourselves
  • Follow the lead of locals and obtain all necessary permits
  • As the sun sets in Hanalei bay, an elopement couple shares their first kiss in this beautiful beach location.
  • A colorful couple runs toward the photographer with the mountains of Kauai in the background.
  • The colorful na pali coastline of Kauai is rugged and remote.

#1 Best Tropical Elopement Locations: Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is the furthest west major island in the Hawaiian chain, and it is a tropical DREAM. This is my favorite island of all, for its stunning beauty and diversity. It’s a small islands with 1 c-shaped road around the edge. At one end, the Kalalau lookout affords you sweeping views of the Na Pali coastline – the most beautiful coastline in the world. The south shore is home to many beaches and swaying palms. The east side has resorts, the center is full of hiking, muddy trails and waterfalls, and the north shore is paradise on earth with a combination of everything. Choose Kauai if you love adventure – there are helicopter tours, private waterfalls, jetboats, sunset sailboat charters, hiking, snorkeling, and of course, relaxing. There is no bad time to elope on Kauai, but you should plan well in advance to meet permit requirements with the state.

Sample Kauai Elopement Timeline

6:00 Wake up in Koke’e Cabins and see the sun rise at Waimea Canyon together
7:00 Eat breakfast at the Kalalau lookout & hike out to one of the ridge trails.
9:00 Change into your wedding clothes and have a first look on the ridge
11:30 Scenic drive to Lihue. Stop for a Lilikoi smoothie
1:00 Helicopter tour of Kauai
2:00 Lunch time! Dig into some traditional Hawaiian barbeque then drive to the North Shore
4:00 Elopement ceremony at a private waterfall in Kauai
5:00 Sunset dinner cruise on a catamaran on the Na Pali coast

I have availability for 2 Kauai Elopement from December 20th 2023 to April 30th, 2024.

Read More about eloping on Kauai
  • Extremely green foliage and moss surrounds a narrow path in Monteverde Cloud Forest.

#2 Best Tropical Elopement Locations: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in central america, with oceanfront on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This makes it a premiere destination for divers! Waterfalls are everywhere you turn, and swing bridges dot the trails. Choose Costa Rica if you crave deep green lush forests with the highest biodiversity on earth. Explore the volcanoes, lakes, coral reefs, and look for sloths and monkeys in the trees. Speaking a little bit of spanish won’t hurt you either, and the locals appreciate the effort! Costa Rica is very hot in the summer months, so plan for a November or February elopement.

Sample Costa Rica Elopement Timeline

9:00 Wake up in a treehouse in La Fortuna. Breakfast in bed with tropical smoothies.
10:00 Enjoy the Hanging Bridges. You’ll be surrounded by jungle and see several waterfalls.
12:30 Time for some ice cream and lunch, in that order.
2:00 Take a coffee or chocolate tour and indulge. Or go zip lining!
4:30 Leisurely hike to a 400 year old Banyan tree and say your vows totally alone under its branches.
6:30 Dinner reservation, or get a private chef to make you your favorite authentic dishes.
8:00 Hit up the hot springs for a romantic evening or take a guided night walk to see wildlife.

I have availability for 1 Costa Rica Elopement from February 1st to 30th 2024

Read More about eloping in Costa Rica
  • Sunset over a fancy resort in Tahiti, French Polynesia by tahiti elopement photographer Lucy Schultz.
  • A huge waterfall in Tahiti plunges into a lake that reflects the green jungle around it.
  • A silhouette of a couple against the orange and yellow sunset of Tahiti by Tahiti elopement photographer Lucy Schultz.
  • An underwater image showing tropical fish beneath the surface of the ocean with the island of Moorea in the background.

#3 Best Tropical Elopement Locations: Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, located in the South Pacific ocean. It is only a 6 hour flight from Los Angeles, and the resorts here offer true relaxation and peace. It’s one of the friendliest islands where you will immediately feel welcome and pampered. The central, extinct volcano is home to jeep tours to waterfalls, cultural history, and native fruits. Venture out to the smaller islands of Moorea or Bora Bora for a more private tropical island feeling for your elopement. Choose Tahiti if you want to be away from it all and stay in an over-the-water bungalow while sipping fancy drinks on stunning beaches.

Sample Tahiti Elopement Timeline

8:00 Traditional Tahitian Breakfast at your villa
9:30 Get ready together in your elopement day clothes
10:00 Hop aboard a jeep tour of the island’s interior
12:00 Swim in the pure waters of an inland river and eat local food and fruit for lunch
2:00 Say your vows in the shade at a thundering waterfall
3:00 Go Lava tubing, jetskiing, surfing, kayaking or coffee tasting
5:30 Fresh seafood Dinner at your overwater bungalow or Polynesian street food
8:00 Watch the sunset from the beach

I have availability for 1 Tahiti Elopement from November 30th 2023 to January 30th 2024

Read More about eloping in Tahiti

About me – Tropical Elopement Photographer

I’m a nomadic and colorful elopement photographer with an obsession for travel, islands, diving, and my cats. My photography style emphasizes the epic landscape of your dreams and the authentic moments that make you two.. well, you two! I love my job and my nature-loving clients. Maybe I’ll see you out there, coconut drink in hand!

Meet Me
  • Lucy shooting an underwater couples session in Costa Rica at a waterfall.
  • A colorful view of Waimoku waterfall with jungle on either side of a central boardwalk.
  • The view of Haleakala volcano's colorful crater from the Visitors' Center, which is a designated ceremony location in Haleakala National Park.
  • A pebble beach on Maui with blue sky and swaying palm trees.

#4 Best Tropical Elopement Locations: Haleakala National Park & Maui, Hawaii

Haleakala, which means ‘House of the Sun’ in Hawaiian, is a volcanic national park on Maui, Hawaii. This National Park comprises two distinct districts: The summit, where you can walk in the crater of this colorful and desolate volcano, and the Kipahulu district where you can marry on the lush cliffs above the beach. Hike on boardwalks through banyan tree and bamboo forests to the beautiful waterfall for an unforgettable elopement day experience. Don’t forget the plate lunch and shave ice! Maui is a popular island for honeymooners, and outside the National Park’s borders are even more incredible tropical elopement locations to consider. Choose Haleakala if you want it all: an adventurous vacation in the jungle, on the beach, and on a volcano.

Sample Haleakala Elopement Timeline

6:00 Wake up in Hana and get fresh smoothies
7:00 Get dressed together in your Airbnb
8:00 Hike to Red Sand Beach for portraits. Read letters from loved ones on the beach.
10:00 Get to Kipahulu district and check out the Seven Sacred Pools
11:00 Charcuterie lunch at a shady picnic area under a banyan tree
12:30 Walk out to the ocean cliffs and have your ceremony at Kuloa Point
1:30 Begin the Pipiwai Hike to Waimoku falls. Enjoy the Bamboo forest and the stunning waterfall.
4:00 Exit the park and head to dinner in Hana. Get Hawaiian Shave ice.

I have availability for 1 Haleakala Elopement from November 30th 2023 to April 30th 2024

Read More about eloping at Haleakala or Maui
  • Blue rays of light shine into a cenote in Tulum, mexico.
  • A jungle villa in central Cozumel.

#5 Best Tropical Elopement Locations: Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Riviera Maya district in Mexico is just a 4 hour direct flight from the USA, and comprises an area from Cancun to Tulum. This region is known for its incredible beaches, ancient ruins, amazing food, world class diving, and the inland freshwater cenotes. Choose a Riviera Maya elopement if you want a tropical vacation with a side of marriage on the beach. Plan for a winter-season elopement here, from November to February.

Sample Riviera Maya Elopement Timeline

6:30 First look on the beach outside your waterfront bungalow. Run down the beach barefoot.
8:00 Fresh fruit and crepes for breakfast
10:00 Explore the ancient ruins in Tulum
11:30 Street tacos and smoothies for lunch
1:00 Hike down to a remote Cenote. Say your vows on the edge of the pure clear waters, or underwater!
2:00 Champagne celebration (or tequila shots!) with nutella filled churros instead of cake
4:00 Take the ferry to Cozumel and check into a jungle villa.
6:30 Lobster dinner and sunset on the beach!

I have availability for Riviera Maya Elopements from November 30th 2023 to November 30th 2024

Read More about eloping in Mexico

More Tropical Elopement Locations:

State of Hawaii Master Guide
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Big Island of Hawaii)
New Zealand
Bali, Indonesia

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