Big weddings aren’t for everyone. Lately, more and more couples are leaning towards keeping things small and meaningful. And honestly? I don’t blame them. If you’re dreaming of an experience that’s just for the two of you—an intimate, meaningful adventure to mark the start of your life together—then eloping in Europe might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Elopements are low-pressure. There’s no fussing over who sits where, no endless back-and-forth about dietary preferences, and no rigid timelines. It’s just the two of you, focusing on your love, your best experiences with no distractions.

In 2025, more couples are also thinking about how their wedding impacts the environment. Big events often mean more waste — leftover food, disposable decor, single-use favours. Eloping keeps things simple and sustainable.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Monica — a wedding planner and celebrant for Haute Wedding. https://www.hautewedding.co.uk I wanted to get her perspective on the elopement trend and ask if she had any tips or insights for couples looking to elope in Europe. This blog touches on everything from the elopement ceremony itself to how many guests at an elopement is considered normal, and what makes the Alps one of the best eloping destinations in the world.

From Big Weddings to Elopement Ceremony: Monica’s Journey

Monica’s story is as inspiring as the couples she marries.

Monica is both a wedding planner and celebrant for Haute Wedding, planning large-scale luxury weddings in the French Alps, French Riviera, and Provence. She helps couples marry in some of the most stunning locations in the world. Her shift towards being a celebrant for elopements wasn’t just professional — it was deeply personal. She believes in simplicity, presence, and connection. And that passion comes through in every ceremony she leads.

“I absolutely love doing celebrant work for elopements. They’re so intimate. They stay true to the meaning of marriage—why people are really doing this,” Monica shared.

“With big weddings, couples often get lost in all the fluff—the party, the decor, the logistics. It becomes stressful and overwhelming. But with elopements, it’s just the two of them. Their focus is purely on each other, and that’s so beautiful.”

When Is the Best Time to Elope in Europe?

Many couples are surprised to learn that the wedding season in Chamonix, France is year-round.

“Yes! Unlike other areas in France where weddings mostly happen May to October, here we have winter weddings too,” Monica explains. “From mid-December through to March we’re just as busy as we are in summer. Mountain weddings have their own unique logistics — wind, snow, cable cars — but that’s our specialty.”

So whether you dream of a summer ceremony with wildflowers or a snow-dusted elopement in a winter wonderland, Chamonix delivers. That flexibility — paired with the dramatic Alpine backdrop — is exactly why it’s one of the best eloping destinations in Europe.

Is Eloping a Legal Marriage?

This is one of the most common questions couples ask.

According to Monica, most couples who choose to elope in the Alps book her for a symbolic ceremony. That means the legal paperwork is done at home before or after the trip — keeping the experience abroad stress-free and deeply personal.

So if you’re wondering, “is eloping a legal marriage?”, the answer is: it can be — but it doesn’t have to be. That flexibility is part of what makes eloping so special.

How Many Guests at an Elopement?

By definition, elopements are intimate. Some couples choose to be completely alone (with just a photographer and celebrant). Others might invite a handful of close friends or family.

“There’s no right or wrong,” Monica explains. “It’s about what feels good to you.”

If you’re weighing up how many guests at an elopement is ideal — start by asking who truly matters. If there’s pressure to invite people out of obligation, that’s a sign to keep it simple.

Why Elopements Create Stronger Foundations

This was Monica’s favourite part of our conversation.

She shared how traditional weddings often come with stress, noise, and expectations. Sometimes, couples barely even get a chance to speak to each other on their wedding day.

“With elopements, there’s none of that fluff,” Monica said.

“It’s just about the two of you. You’re creating an experience, an adventure, that marks the beginning of your life together. That’s what makes it such a beautiful foundation.”

It’s a reminder that your wedding day can (and should) reflect what really matters — your connection.

Best Eloping Destinations in Europe? Start with the Alps.

When asked about the best eloping destinations, Monica didn’t hesitate: “The Alps. 100%.”

Why? They’re breathtaking, remote, and filled with possibility. You can hike to a mountaintop, exchange vows by a lake, or say “I do” with glaciers in the background. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by nature’s beauty when you commit your life to someone.

Chamonix and the surrounding regions offer so many unique backdrops for your elopement ceremony — and no two stories are ever the same.

Elope in Europe: Simple, Beautiful, and Intentional

Whether you’re wondering how to plan an elopement, questioning is eloping a legal marriage, or trying to figure out the right elopement package, remember this: eloping in Europe is about choosing what feels right for you.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to follow rules. All it needs to be is true.

Thinking About Eloping?

I’m Nicola — a wedding photographer based in Chamonix, France — and I help couples create and capture unforgettable elopement stories in the Alps. If you’re dreaming of a ceremony that’s intimate, adventurous, and authentically you, I’d love to be part of it.

Let’s talk about how to make it happen — no pressure, just possibilities.

👉 Get in touch to start planning your elopement.