Off-the-Beaten Path Elopement Locations to Consider

IN THIS POST

The best Secluded places to elope in Eastern Canada
The best Secluded path places to elope in Argentina & Patagonia
The Secluded places to elope in Malta

The best secluded places to elope in the world and off the beaten path elopement locations are hidden gems you’ve just never considered! There are SO MANY hidden gems on this earth, and for this post I’m going to stick to the eastern crevices of Canada, the most gorgeous spots in Argentina, and the deep history of Malta. These countries offer huge variety, uniqueness, and seclusion you just don’t get anywhere else.

Starting with the East Coast Canadian Provinces! I bet you didn’t know that the East Coast of Canada is legit insane, and absolutely breathtaking. Think Scottish Highland vibes, epic cliffs, winding hills, epic ocean views, forest for miles, and waterfalls on waterfalls. The best part is that it’s so secluded, so if you’re not into being the centre of attention or large crowds, it’s the place for you.

Know what else? It’s easy to get to from anywhere in the US or Europe. It is also way less expensive than popular elopement locations such as Iceland, and it’s just as beautiful (YEAH I SAID IT).

The cherry on top? Anyone can legally get married in Canada – non residents and LGBTQ+ included! If you want to know more about that process, take a look at my How-To Guide for Legally Marrying in Canada

Best Secluded Places to Elope in the World: Canada’s East Coast

The Skyline Trail on Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island is one of the most secluded places on this earth. It is very rural, so it’s the perfect spot for more introverted/private couples. It’s my absolute favorite spot for hiking, views, and adventure. Fun Fact: it is the closest you can get to the look of the Scottish Highlands, but without the crowds! The Skyline Trail is just one of many breathtaking views, with gigantic rolling cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean. You can hike this trail, or take a helicopter adventure over it to elevate your elopement experience!

To Note:

Nearest Airports: Sydney, Nova Scotia or Halifax, Nova Scotia
Best time of year to go there: May to October
(October has stunning Fall colours and Spring is Waterfall season)
* Cape Breton is very rural so there are hardly ever crowds even at peak season

White Point Trail on Cape Breton Island

This trail is one of my favorite discovered in the last couple of years. Almost no one knows about it, and very time I have gone I have seen less than 2 other humans. Definitely one of the best secluded places to elope in the world with numbers like that! Located in the far north of Cape Breton Island, this trail is a short 20 minutes to this crazy peninsula. The Scottish Highland vibes are on point! Nova Scotia actually means “New Scotland, so the shoe very much fits. It has all the dramatic scenery, but without the crowds.

To Note:

Nearest Airports: Sydney, Nova Scotia or Halifax, Nova Scotia
Best time of year to go there: May to October
(October has stunning Fall colours and Spring is Waterfall season)
* Cape Breton is very rural so there are hardly ever crowds even at peak season

See more: Best Places to Elope in Cape Breton

Baxters Harbour Falls in Nova Scotia

Dreaming of a waterfall elopement? The east coast of Canada is home to 100s of beautiful, secluded waterfalls. I have been exploring them for years, and am obsessed with the variety. There are beach waterfalls, waterfalls surrounded by the forest canopy, ones alongside towering cliffs, you name it. Baxters Harbour is located in Nova Scotia, and falls directly into a rocky beach surrounded by cliffs. On it’s opposite side, experience sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean!

To Note:

Nearest Airports: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Best time of year to go there: May, June, September, October
Spring and Fall are best to guarantee good water flow as Summer can be hot
Winter months: The frozen look of the falls is also stunning!
* In order to be able to walk up next to the falls, be sure to check the tide tables and go at low tide
* Nova Scotia is very rural so there are hardly ever crowds even at peak season

Burntcoat Head in Nova Scotia

Ever heard of the Bay of Fundy? It’s the part of the Atlantic ocean sitting between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It has the highest tides on this earth. What does that mean for you, a human wanting to elope somewhere amazing? It means you can literally walk on the seafloor when the tide is out, explore sea caves, and kayak through insane cliffs. The huge fluctuations in the tide raise and lower the water levels by more than 50ft, unearthing some amazing places to explore. This doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world! Visit the Nova Scotia Tourism website to see more about this insanely stunning hidden gem.

To Note:

Nearest Airports: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Best time of year to go there: May to October
The seafloor is muddy, so embrace it barefoot or have shoes you don’t mind getting dirty!
*Check tide tables and go at low tide
*Nova Scotia is very rural so there will hardly be any crowds even during peak season

Want a totally different adventure elopement vibe?

Argentina is one of the most incredible countries on this planet. Did you know it’s one of two countries where you can actually get to Antarctica? The diversity across Argentina is wild. You can legit go from Jungle to Semi-Desert to lush Forests to Subantarctic. It has volcanoes, hot springs, and pools of turquoise glacial water. Little German Inspired towns, teahouses, and delicious asado!

It is home to everything from toucans to penguins, one of the great 7 summits, and the largest waterfall system in the world.

The Best Secluded places to elope in the World: Argentina & Patagonia

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is located in the Northern part of Argentina, sandwiched between Brazil and Paraguay. This is the largest collection of waterfalls in the world, and is definitely a contender for incredible elopement experiences. The Park itself has wild exotic animals all over, including butterflies, monkeys, toucans, and the infamous coati!

To Note:

Nearest Airports: Iguazu, Argentina
Best time of year to go there: March-May and Nov-Dec
Spring and Fall are best because it gets VERY hot in Northern Argentina – it’s essentially the jungle
*The North of Argentina is quite poor (though still safe) so there aren’t as many nice places to stay BUT you can stay very near the Falls at Gran Meliá Iguazú Hotel, it’s just pricey

Mount Fitz Roy

Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most wondrous sights you will ever lay eyes on. The hike for this bad boy takes a full day and isn’t for the faint of heart, but the emerald pool and towering mountain view at the end is worth every step. This stunner is more popular. However, hiking early in the day will ensure seclusion. Going outside the busy season is even better!

To Note:

Nearest Airport: El Calafate, Argentina
*You are still a 3 hour bus ride away from El Chalten, where the hike begins
Best time of year to go: January & February are the warmest, with highs at 50-59 F (or 10-15C)
Jan and Feb are the busiest months, so it’s best to do this hike very early in the morning to avoid crowds
*It is a more advanced hike as the final 1.5 hours is very steep (14.9 miles/ 24km in length in total)

Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno is one of the only glaciers in the world that is not receding. You can book tours to sail next to it up close, paddle through icebergs, and even trek on the glacier itself! The park itself is full of stairs and wooden walkways to various viewpoints. It is very well marked. In El Calafate you can book numerous tours via boat, and most people speak English.

To Note:

Nearest Airport: El Calafate (about 1.5 hours away from the park)
Best time of year to go: January & February are the warmest, with highs at 50-59 F (or 10-15C)
Jan and Feb are also the busiest months, so if you don’t mind cooler weather Nov, Dec, March and April would be better for crowds.
*The weather is unpredictable near glaciers and clouds are very common and can obstruct views. Make sure you have multiple days there to get your best chance at seeing everything clearly

Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego

Portal to Antarctica, and home to the end of the Andes Mountain range. Ushuaia is the southern most city in Argentina, and has some pretty unbelievable experiences. You can walk on an island with wild penguins at Isla Martillo, fly atop the Andes Mountain range, and explore Laguna Esmerlda, a beautiful turquoise pool at the end of a gorgeous hike. See a full Ushuaia elopement here.

Nearest Airport: Ushuaia
Best time of year to go: January-February
Best time of year to go: January & February are the warmest, with highs at 50-70 F (or 10-20C)
Jan and Feb are also the busiest months, so if you don’t mind cooler weather Nov, Dec, March and April would be better for crowds. Winter in Ushuaia also has it’s own snowy charms!
*The weather in Ushuaia is very unpredictable. It changes several times a day.

See more on the blog:
Places to Elope in Argentina

The Best Secluded places to elope in the world:
Malta: Where history meets nature

Malta actually boasts the oldest temple ruins ever discovered. Parts of the opening of Game of Thrones was filmed at it’s infamous walled city of Mdina, annnd they don’t export any of their wine! So the only way to try Malta wine, is to go there. And it’s dang good. As a heads up, they drive on the left side of the road here, and the streets are very narrow. If you’re going to rent a car, rent a small one!

The Blue Lagoon – Island of Comino, Malta

The infamous Blue Lagoon of Malta is a gorgeous crystal-clear turquoise bay off the tiny island of Comino. It’s only accessible by ferry, and it’s very popular for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring sea caves. The rugged rocky landscape is a stunning contrast to the serenity of the shallow waters in the Summer season.

Nearest Airport: Malta International Airport
Best time of year to go: September-Oct
It will be warm water but it is the shoulder season, so there will be less tourists (but likely still a lot of people)
*You need to rent a car to get around, and they drive on the left side of the road. The roads are narrow, and drivers are aggressive so be cautious

Salt Flats on the Island of Gozo, Malta

The island of Gozo is the most secluded part of Malta, and I love it for it’s quiet, blissful, streets. One of it’s most gorgeous views is the salt flats facing insane rock formations and the ruins of a forgotten building. There is tons of wild nature interspersed with stunning historic architecture, amazing wine, and communal kitty cats everywhere. That’s right. The people of Gozo all collectively put out food and water for cats living on the island, and it’s so freakin’ heartwarming. Such a quiet place, easily making the top of the list for me as one of the best secluded places to elope in the world.

Nearest Airport: Malta International Airport
Best time of year to go: April-June or September-Oct
It will be warm still but it is the shoulder season, so there will be less tourists (but likely still a lot of people)
*You need to rent a car to get around, and they drive on the left side of the road. The roads are narrow, and drivers are aggressive so be cautious
*Gozo is very Rural, so once you get to the Island it’s much easier to avoid crowds!

Mdina – The Walled City of Malta

Mdina is probably the coolest city I’ve ever visited. No cars are allowed to enter, unless you actually live there. It’s gates are well guarded, and it looks like somewhere out of a medieval film. In fact, they filmed the first season of Games of Thrones here. Fancy that! The city itself is actually very small, and easily walkable. It can get busy during tourist season, but the off season (Nov-March) is very manageable.

Nearest Airport: Malta International Airport
Best time of year to go: Oct-November
It will be warm (around 70F or 20C) but it is the shoulder season, so there will be less tourists (but likely still a lot of people). I went in November on a Saturday and it was absolutely packed with people, so I would recommend a weekday.
*You need to rent a car to get around, and they drive on the left side of the road. The roads are narrow, and drivers are aggressive so be cautious

ELOPEMENT PLANNING TIPS
(from someone who has been doing this for 10+ years)

1. Choose a Location for the Experience, Not Just the Photos

The most beautiful places aren’t always the best fit. Think about privacy, accessibility, crowds, and how you want your day to feel—not just how it looks on Instagram.

2. Don’t Try to Do Too Much

One of the biggest advantages of eloping is slowing down. Resist the urge to pack your day with back-to-back locations and activities. Leave space to be present, soak it all in, and actually enjoy your wedding day.

3. Leave Room for the Unexpected

Weather changes, spontaneous stops, and unplanned moments often become the highlights of the day. Build flexibility into your timeline.

4. Make It About You

Plan activities you genuinely enjoy together—whether that’s hiking, sharing a picnic, or grabbing coffee after your vows. The best elopements reflect your relationship.

5. Choose Vendors Who Enhance the Experience

Your photographer and planning team should do more than document the day. They should guide you, solve problems, and help create an experience that feels effortless and true to you.

Above all, remember this: your elopement isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a wedding day that feels authentically yours.

Want to see more of the best secluded places to elope in the world? More on eastern Canada here:
Best Places to Elope in Nova Scotia

More on the elopements:
Did you know you can do hot-air balloon, helicopter, sailboat, and 4×4 tours on the east coast of Canada? And so much more! Elopement Activity Ideas

Hi, I’m Sebrina