What is the best time of the year to elope in Europe?

Finding the perfect time to elope in Europe can be challenging when you plan your personal adventure from overseas. Most Middle and Southern European countries experience all four seasons with significant differences in weather and temperatures. While summer is the most popular season for weddings, off-season weddings have their benefits: Especially if you are planning with a slightly tighter budget, most locations are cheaper and you can choose the dates more freely. 

Long summer nights and beautiful long beaches make Europe a perfect destination for summer elopements. If you love dark green branches creaking under the weight of winter snow, we found the perfect places to elope in a winter wonderland. But don’t underestimate the beauty of crunchy autumn leaves and the liveliness of the first warm days in spring!

However, summer is the most popular season for weddings in most European countries: The weather is mostly predictable, the temperatures are ideal for outdoor events and nature is in full bloom. While European summer weddings are extremely beautiful, many destinations are also more crowded and expensive. It is worth checking the dates for local school holidays before you set a date for your personal elopement. If you are looking for a cheaper and quieter option, an off-season wedding might be a good choice. You can experience the same beautiful places but far away from the usual crowds with some unusual and exciting options for elopement pictures.

Climate

Most western European countries experience a so-called Oceanic climate with cool summers, cold winters and long cloudy periods in autumn, winter and some days in early spring. Southern European countries are hot and dry in summer and overall experience long periods of blue sky and hot days. With warm summers and cold winters, middle European countries provide the most variation in weather and a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.

Spring

When: March to June

Pros: slightly off-season with mostly stable weather, mild temperatures and flowering nature, locations are less expensive and available 

Cons: Higher chance of rain, early spring can still be cold and dark

After a long, harsh winter, European spring feels light and happy. The days are getting longer, flower shoots greet you from every corner and the first sun rays finally allow the temperatures to rise. While some northern European countries are late bloomers and spring temperatures are still relatively cold, southern European countries have warm beach temperatures already. Spring weather is occasionally rainy but mostly dry and especially late spring is full of sunny days and chirping birds. The excitement of spring is perfect for a romantic wedding in a beautiful place.

Even though it is still off-season, spring possesses most qualities of summer weather and a spring wedding is indeed cheaper and easier to organise. Most venues will have multiple dates available and even more popular places won’t be overrun by tourists just yet.

Our favourite places: If you are after warm spring destinations, Southern European countries like France, Italy, and Spain will have the most pleasant weather for a spring wedding. Specifically the Spanish islands like Gran Canaria, Tenerrife, and Mallorca are just stunning in spring. 

Summer

When: June to September

Pros: Stable weather, warm to hot temperatures, sun light, lush greenery

Cons: Pricey, especially popular locations can be crowded, heat and drought in certain places 

Summer elopements make us think of beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets and big emotions. European summer has it all; blue skies, long summer nights (in some places like Sweden, the sun never sets for months!) and exciting outdoor activities. Summer is unarguably the best season for an outdoor adventure and has the most stable and predictable weather. However, staying away from the crowds can be a little tricky in European summer, as most school summer holidays fall into July and August. Locations and accommodations might need to be booked long in advance and popular sights will be filled with people. But if you are up for the challenge and manage to find some solitude the experience will be truly rewarding.

You need some Inspiration? then have a look at this stunning location and couple!

Our favourite places: Literally everywhere but Southern Europe is especially beautiful at this time of the year. Imagine a stunning summer elopement in France or Italy! 

Autumn

When: September to December 

Pros: Off-season, often still warm temperatures, golden autumn colours, more dates available for locations, cheaper, hazy mornings  

Cons: Weather is sometimes unpredictable, potential storms and rain

Many European countries experience spectacular autumn with vibrant colours and sunny days with milder temperatures. However, the weather is a little more unpredictable in autumn and can also mean grey, stormy days and sudden rainfall. If you don’t mind the uncertainty of autumn weather, the vibe and feel of the season is full of mystery. Hazy fields in the distance and red leaves on the trees will be a beautiful backdrop for unforgettable memories. Especially the later autumn months are off-season again and therefore, less busy and cheaper. If you still seek warm temperatures, southern Europe still experiences mostly ideal conditions for a summer wedding.

Our favourite places: Middle European countries are most vibrant in their spring colours and get a beautiful morning haze. Even though it might be rainy, Germany normally experiences a wonderful red and golden autumn with soft light and cozy places to hide. 

Winter

When: December to March

Pros: cheaper (if you avoid ski resorts), snow, coziness 

Cons: unpredictable weather, sometimes grey and dark

There is something special about waking up in the morning to multiple inches of untouched snow. The calmness and tranquillity of winter are truly magical and creates a feeling of remoteness even with a big city close by. Warm clothes will keep you cozy and there is no better excuse for a hot chocolate than cold winter temperatures. While winter is not the most popular season for weddings it undeniably has its own calm beauty. Locations might be a little more pricey in areas that are close to ski resorts but you won’t struggle to find wonderful places for a good price that are a little off the beaten track. 

Our favourite places: Anywhere in the mountains! Windy roads might make getting around more difficult but it’s truly worth it. Eloping in the snow is just magical. You can find majestic snowy mountains in the French Alps, Italy, Switzerland and Southern Germany. 

Not ready to elope in Europe yet?

If you are unsure which location would be best for your personal ideas, get in touch via the contact form. We are happy to help you choose the perfect place for your destination wedding and to advise you on how to plan your European elopement.