ELOPING IN EUROPE
If you’re thinking of Eloping, let me be the 1st or 258th person to tell you that you CAN have the day of your dreams without all the stress. With as few people and as many donuts as you want (yes please). With no mandatory traditions and ALL the fun, with just the people you’re crazy about (and none of the ones you aren’t) – the ones that played a vital role in your journey to today. Before we dive in, I do things a bit different around here, so I wanted to fully introduce myself! 🙂 I’m Leandra, the gal behind the camera (and today the paper/computer screen, okay you get it lol). I’m an upstate New Yorker born n’ raised, but currently based in NC and serving eloping couples all over the world! I believe that photographs look and FEEL different when they are created by someone that truly takes the time to connect with you & your unique love story. When your images come from the eyes of someone that actually values you, everything changes. This is why I care so deeply about truly connecting with my clients – why I always go above and beyond for my people, whenever in the world they call home.
Elopements & Micro Weddings are extraordinary for a multitude of reasons (and not just because they’re my specialty heyoo). I get so excited to help my clients plan their dream day — but today I wanted to chat about some beyond amazing options for eloping in Europe. When lived in Belgium I fell in LOVE! How could you not? Breathtaking architecture, stunning views & of course the FOOD. I mean come on, if you know me, you know I’m a total foodie and the Belgian waffles, Italian pasta and Spanish tapas was everything my heart (maybe not my wallet or waist though lol) needed. Big weddings can be expensive, stressful and extremely taxing on a couple emotionally…and let’s be honest, at the end of the day it’s about YOUR connection to each other, your love and the commitment to one other – why not celebrate that in one of the most beautiful places in the world and in partnership with an epic trip? So, let’s dive into some of the best spots to elope in Europe for the modern & adventurous couple!
Where do I even begin with Burgge, Belgium? Everywhere you turn looks like an actual fairy tail. It is just extraordinary. Can you just taste the waffles for your post “I do” desert? I can!!Before I get into the logistics, I want to say that many couples who decide to “Elope” in Europe or the UK have obtained a marriage license or make it official in a courthouse in their state or country of origin prior to their celebratory elopement. They then plan their full Elopement or micro-wedding ceremony and reception with a planner, photographer, florals (the works) in their location/venue of choice! I recommend this option as it is easiest for non EU residents!However, if you’re looking to do all the legal stuff in Brugge, Belgium (many other cities in Europe operate like this too) you’d have to obtain a certificate from the commune (Gemeentehuis, i.e. Brugge Town Hall) that states that one of you is a resident in Belgium. Next, you’d need to have to have an appointment for the civil ceremony, which as I said above, (like most European and UK countries) MUST be held at the town hall (Gemeentehuis).
Next up is the unique, fabulous & stunning Berlin! Never thought of eloping in Berlin? Let me change your mind. With more culture, sightseeing (imagine saying I do under The Brandenburg Gate?!?!) and art than you could ever imagine Berlin totally stole my heart. The german countryside also does itself proud with stunning mountaintop views to elope in front of! Tvineyards of the Rhine Valley is famous for their delicious wine and even better views… OR find yourself a 12th century German castle like Burg Eltz to celebrate!
The last, and maybe my favaotie destination on my favorite “B” cities in Europe is the breathtaking Bilbao, Spain. Some of my very best friends live here and let me just say, it truly feels like a magical wonderland.
If the pictures don’t do it justice, let me just say with my whole heart that Bilbao is beyond amazing. The food, the people, the scenery — it’s all more than you could imagine. I took the photo above at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. I remember standing there looking out over these hills, the calm Bay of Biscay waters just kissing the shore. My friend, Irene, who calls Bilbao home, explained to me that San Juan de Gaztelugatxe translates about to “Island in the middle of the sea” in English. How freakin’ cool is that? This is just one of the extraordinary sights in Bilbao, Spain you could make your “I do” venue!
My bags are packed and I’m ready to catch a flight for your love story! Let the adventure begin!
