Located in the UK, England is a gorgeous European country full of jaw dropping views – so whether you want to tie the knot amongst serene lakes, quaint villages, or breathtaking beaches, it’s the perfect place to elope if you’re a couple looking for an amazing, once in a lifetime adventure! This guide will tell you all the best places to elope in England – along with some tips to plan a day that perfectly reflects the two of you and your unique, one of a kind love story.
The Best Places to Elope in England
Choosing an elopement location is so unbelievably exciting – just close your eyes and imagine saying your vows on a cliff over the ocean, by a quiet lake surrounded by rolling hills, or on a gorgeous white sand beach! But, this can get a little tricky in England, because wedding ceremonies can only take place in licensed locations. While there are some outdoor spots that you can get married in, it’s often easier to do the paperwork another time, and have complete freedom for a symbolic ceremony!
Part of my job as an England elopement photographer is to help you find that perfect spot – the one you’ll remember forever as the place where you married the love of your life. Each couple is unique, so I’ll work with you to find places that fit your vibe, have the perfect challenging hike to easily accessible spot ratio, and that give you some more privacy on your day! To get you inspired, here are a few of the best places to elope in England.
Pedn Vounder Beach
One of the absolute best places to elope in England if you want to tie the knot on the beach is Pedn Vounder. The beach is incredibly scenic, with turquoise water surrounded by rocky cliff sides and wildflowers! There’s a steep path on the cliff to get here, so it’s a little more secluded than other popular spots.
Lake Windermere
Located in the Lake District, where you’ll find lots of gorgeous lakes to explore, Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in the country! It’s surrounded by mountain peaks and cute villages, so there’s plenty to explore.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of the most iconic views in England. The limestone cliffs form a natural rocky arch over the ocean, creating a unique place to tie the knot! This one is definitely popular, so be sure to elope on a weekday and plan your ceremony for sunrise to avoid crowds.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a located on the southwest tip of England, with picturesque villages, ocean views, cliffs over the water, and gorgeous harbors. It’s one of the best places to elope for couples who love the beach!
Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are a cascade of white, chalky cliffs over the ocean. They’re one of the best places to elope in England whether you want to tie the knot on the beach, or explore the cliffs with vast views of the water below!
Castle Combe
If you’re looking for an adorable village, consider eloping in Castle Combe! The town is made up of quaint cottages, homes and shops with stone walls, and some incredible historic locations – it’s one of the best places to elope in England for those who love history.
The Best Time to Elope in England
For most couples, the best time to elope in England will be spring and autumn. Winters tend to be gloomy and rainy, while summers are warm but busy! Spring brings gorgeous wildflowers and sunny weather, while autumn offers amazing fall foliage all over England. Both seasons are less busy, so you’ll have a little more privacy on your elopement day.
Getting Legally Married When You Elope in England
If either you and your partner (or both) aren’t living in England, you will need a visa to legally tie the knot during your elopement! A marriage visitor visa is for couples who don’t live in the country and won’t be staying here after they’re married.
You can apply online, but you’ll need to book an appointment to show your documents in person at a visa application center. Don’t worry – you won’t have to travel all the way to England for this! There are application centers in just about every country, so you’ll be able to find one close to home.
Apply for your visa at least 3 months before your ceremony. It takes about three weeks to get a decision, and it’ll cost £95 to apply.
For couples who are traveling to elope in England, it’s often easier to do the paperwork at home, to avoid having to navigate international marriage laws. That way, when you elope in England you can have a symbolic ceremony, focusing on the magic and the adventures you’ll have, rather than worrying about paperwork! This also gives you way more freedom in finding the perfect spot to have your ceremony, as you won’t have to worry about restrictions.
Things to Do When You Elope in England
Eloping is all about the adventure, and the experience you have. It’s about slowing down, being intentional in how you spend your day, and being able to truly connect with your partner. Along with your ceremony, plan something amazing for your day!
Here are a few ideas for things to do when you elope in England – and for more inspiration, check out some more things to do on your elopement day.
Kayak or Canoe
England has lots of incredible lakes, and a great way to explore these places to elope in England is by getting in the water. Paddling out onto the serene water and enjoying the stillness is a great way to spend your elopement day! Whether you kayak, canoe, or even paddle board, you can bring your own or get a rental to spend some time enjoying the scenery.
Explore London
Along with gorgeous natural beauty, England also has one of the best urban cities in the world – London! When you find the best places to elope in England, consider exploring the more developed parts too. If you like to people watch, explore the city, try local restaurants or breweries, take some time to wander around the gorgeous city of London. There are some amazing historic locations, stunning architecture, and tons to see!
Go Hiking
If you want to get out in nature, there’s no better way to explore England than to hit the trails! Hiking to your ceremony spot is a great way to ensure a more remote spot to exchange vows, where you’ll have a little more privacy. You can find easy nature walks, challenging mountain hikes, and anything in between!
England Elopement Packages
Once you make the brave decision to elope, you’re not on your own! My England elopement packages are completely customizable, because you deserve a day that’s meaningful, personal, and perfectly you. I’ll help you find the best places to elope in England, recommend places to stay and things to do, make an elopement timeline, and I’ll be there as your adventure buddy and photographer to document every minute of your once in a lifetime, magical day!
Contact me if you’re ready to tie the knot, and to learn more about England elopement packages!
