Elopement Locations Inspired by Books and Movies
8 Book and Movie Worlds You Can Actually Elope In
Obsessed with fantasy, romance and adventure? Perfect. These elopement locations inspired by books and movies will give your wedding a true cinematic feel.
If you’ve ever felt at home in the pages of a novel or lost yourself in a favorite film, why not let that guide your elopement day?
Whether you’re drawn to the wild landscapes of The Lord of the Rings, the soft romance of Bridgerton, or the sun-drenched joy of Mamma Mia, there’s a real-world place that captures that exact magic.
In this post, I’ll walk you through eight elopement locations inspired by books and movies that feel like stepping into your favorite story. From moody forests to ancient cities to clifftop chapels by the sea.
The Lord of the Rings
📍 New Zealand
The world of the incredible fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings offers you an epic elopement like no other. And if you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Middle-earth, there’s of course no better place for it than New Zealand.
Towering mountains and rolling green hills set the stage for an experience that makes you feel small in the best way. It’s like the world is huge, and you’ve chosen each other in the very middle of it.
So why not wander through the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park (aka Mordor)? Or hike to the top of Mount Sunday (aka where Edoras stood) and enjoy stunning 360-degree views? Or explore the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set?
And if you feel like you and your one-person fellowship simply have to rush across some dramatic mountains to destroy the wedding rings you just paid a small fortune for – well, let’s get you up there and make it happen.
Harry Potter
📍 Scotland
From the moody Highlands of Glencoe to the cobblestone streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh – eloping in the world of Harry Potter is quite literally pure magic.
While never used for any actual filming, the University of Glasgow straight-up looks like Hogwarts. Speaking of which – why not get on the Jacobite Steam Train to feel like you’re being taken there on the Hogwarts Express? On your way, you’ll pass by Eilean na Moine – Dumbledore’s grave at Loch Eilt. Or instead, simply watch the train cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
You could also visit Hagrid’s Hut in Clachaig Gully (in Glencoe). Or explore Victoria Street in Edinburgh, believed to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
As a die-hard Potterhead, you’ll definitely appreciate all the little hints of the series you can find throughout Scotland. But even if you’re not (why, though?) – eloping in some enchanted forests and story-filled Highlands still sounds cool, don’t you think?
Game of Thrones
📍 Iceland / Northern Ireland / Croatia
For drama-loving couples (the cinematic kind), Game of Thrones filming locations offer some jaw-dropping backdrops for elopement adventures.
In Iceland, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, where Eastwatch Castle was located, comes to mind. Kirkjufell, “the mountain shaped like an arrowhead,” was also seen and mentioned many times in the series. Skógafoss Waterfall is where Jon Snow and Daenerys end their dragon flight. And many of the beyond-the-wall scenes were shot on the glaciers of Skaftafell National Park.
Winterfell (Castle Ward), House Greyjoy (Dunluce Castle), Dragonstone (Downhill Beach), as well as the King’s Road (Dark Hedges), are all located in Northern Ireland.
The sun-soaked city of Dubrovnik in Croatia is known for its role as King’s Landing, specifically the Old Town. You can walk down Cersei’s Jesuit Stairs, but without the crowd screaming “shame” in your face, probably. Myrcella sailed to Dorne in the bay of Fort Lovrijenac. The Church of St. Blaise is one of the many sights Drogon burned down when all hell broke loose in season 8.
So, form your alliance, choose your house, and let’s go.
Twilight
📍 Oregon, USA
Moody forests, gentle rain, and soft, silvery light. If you fell in love with Twilight, eloping in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Oregon, brings it all to life.
How about a visit to Silver Falls State Park, where you could say your vows under a canopy of green? Or wandering across a foggy La Push Beach in Ecola State Park? Or visiting the breathtaking Multnomah Falls?
For a quiet, intimate elopement with insanely long stares (what was that all about btw?), drawing inspiration from the Twilight series is a perfect match.
Bridgerton
📍 London & Bath, England
Make your love story feel like an instant classic by eloping in the Bridgerton universe. Think slow dances, secret gardens, grand estates, and old-fashioned declarations of love.
In Bath, you can find the Featherington’s home at the Royal Crescent. Close by, you’ll stumble upon the Holburne Museum – aka Lady Danbury’s home. Edward St., Great Pulteney St., and Bath St. all scream at you to go on and finally promenade there.
In London, the Old Royal Naval College is a familiar place from the show. Looking for grand fountains, roses, and yet another royal place? Hampton Court Palace (Queen Charlottes residence) and its gardens outside of London are your perfect bet.
We all know you’ll be the diamond of the season. So have someone pull the horse carriage up – it’s time for your debutante ball.
Mamma Mia!
📍 Greece
Great wine, blue skies, and long nights – take your sailboat to Greece and fulfill your Mamma Mia fantasy.
While the movie was filmed on Skopelos and Skiathos, the whole of the Greek Islands offers the same joyful feel and energy. And you should probably opt for one of the quieter, less popular ones anyway.
So why not take a chance on this (me) and say “I do” in true ABBA style? This place makes your elopement feel like a summer song – it really can’t get any better.
And when there’s suddenly disco music playing out of nowhere, I hope you remember all the steps to the very spontaneous, in no way planned choreography. Because somehow, everyone around you will.
Eat, Pray, Love
📍 Rome, Italy
I know Eat, Pray, Love isn’t only set in Rome, but let’s just focus on that. From ancient landmarks to hidden cobblestone streets and sunny piazzas – this city has it all. Having been in Rome myself, I can absolutely say it’s one of the greatest elopement locations inspired by books and movies.
So off you go, it’s time to look over the city at Castel Sant’Angelo like Elizabeth did. You’ll also, of course, be sipping espresso and having some gelato on Piazza Navona, just like her.
Other than a visit to the Colosseum, there absolutely have to be lots and lots of restaurants with great Italian food. It’s called EAT, Pray, Love, after all, I suppose. Some of the places she ate at are unfortunately closed, but Ristorante Santa Lucia is still open.
For romantics, pasta lovers, and friends of late nights, Rome is 100 % the perfect place to elope to.
Pride & Prejudice
📍 Hertfordshire & Derbyshire, England
If you’re up for emotionally charged walks and glances, a Pride & Prejudice-inspired elopement might be just right. The wildflower meadows, stately homes, and quiet gardens of the English countryside sure offer the perfect backdrop for this.
Channel your inner Mr. Darcy and see if you can find the right words to confess your love in the Temple of Apollo, in the gardens of Stourhead House. In the rain, too, hopefully – for some extra drama. Or head to Wilton House, which is just a quick 30-minute drive away and was often seen in the 2005 movie as well.
So, with all misunderstandings cleared up, ready to end up properly in love, finally? Just be sure to practice your dramatic hand flex for the photos, please.
Hi there!
I’m Nico – an award-winning photographer with international experience capturing & planning elopements in incredible places.
From helping you craft a personalized timeline to finding the most breathtaking locations for your photos – I help you plan the entire adventure.
