The Truth About Eloping Abroad: Permits, Paperwork & How to Not Accidentally Break the Law

Sara Michaels
7 days ago
2 min read

You booked the flights. You found the dress.

You pinned that dramatic cliffside in Santorini or the whispering Icelandic valley that’s been haunting your For You Page for weeks.

But here’s the part no one talks about when they say, “Just elope!”

Did you know it’s illegal to get married in many European locations without a local permit or recognized officiant?

Or that some countries won’t legally recognize your marriage unless specific documents are translated and apostilled?

Welcome to the part of eloping abroad that doesn’t make it into the Pinterest boards.

Eloping Isn’t Just Romantic—It’s Also a Legal Ceremony

When you choose to elope abroad, you're not just running toward adventure—you're walking headfirst into international red tape. And if you don’t know what paperwork is required, you might wind up with stunning photos… and a marriage that’s not legally binding.

Every country (and sometimes every region) has its own rules:

Italy requires a Nulla Osta (a certificate of no impediment)
Iceland requires submission of documents at least 3 weeks before your wedding
Many U.S. National Parks require paid special use permits—even just to take pictures!

This isn’t to scare you. This is to empower you with the truth before it becomes a problem.

The Elopement Industry’s Dirty Little Secret

Here’s the tea: most photographers won’t touch this stuff.

They’ll show up with their camera, hand you a bouquet, snap your magic… but leave you Googling permit requirements at midnight and wondering if your Airbnb elopement spot is technically trespassing.

But I'm not most photographers . . . and that's what sets me apart.

Here’s What You Get When You Work With Me

✨ FAA Certified Drone Pilot — which means I'm legally allowed to capture jaw-dropping aerial shots most photographers can’t.

✨ Ordained Officiant — I can legally marry you in most states and have actually done it

✨ Internationally Elopement-Savvy — I know the questions you haven’t even thought to ask: about park fees, ceremony locations, local marriage laws, permits, and the vendors who won’t ghost you the day of.

✨ Planning Partner — I'm not just another vendor on your list.

When you work with me you get a vibe architect. A logistics ninja.

A built-in calm presence who ensures you’re not crying in customs over missing documents.

Your Passport is Ready… Are You?

You can elope without the stress. Without the legal whoopsies.

Without the 17 open Chrome tabs and a spiral notebook full of question marks.

📍Start with my Dream Destination Guide —a 90-page cheat sheet to the best places to elope around the world (plus a peek at when to go, what to know, and what to pack).

📒 Pair it with her Elopement Workbook & Planner so you’re not scribbling on cocktail napkins.

You can check out all of my best free resources here