London, February 11, 2026 – Traditional weddings are losing ground as more and more couples choose to marry privately in breathtaking and remote locations, a global trend expected to dominate 2026.Known as “elopements,” this type of wedding was once seen as a secret escape, but today it has evolved into a carefully curated and intimate ceremony where the focus is entirely on the couple and their unique experience.Industry experts say the rapid growth of this trend is closely linked to the rising cost of traditional weddings. In 2026, the average wedding costs around £21,000 in the United Kingdom and about $36,000 in the United States, while a destination elopement typically ranges between $2,500 and $8,000.For many couples, the decision is not only financial. Family pressure, complex planning, and a growing desire for a more personal and authentic moment are driving couples to choose adventure over large celebrations with hundreds of guests.Renowned elopement photographer Maddie Mae says the concept has changed dramatically. “Today, an elopement is an intentionally intimate wedding where the focus is the couple’s connection, not the performance for guests,” she explained.Experts have identified some of the top destinations expected to trend in 2026:Scotland’s Highlands and Islands – fairytale landscapes with mountains, lochs, and castles, where couples can legally marry almost anywhere.Mallorca, Spain – a stunning combination of mountains and sea, ideal for a wedding and honeymoon in one place.Folegandros, Greece – a quiet Cycladic island away from mass tourism, perfect for a private and romantic ceremony.Zermatt, Switzerland – for couples seeking luxury surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Swiss Alps.Sardinia, Italy – an ideal alternative for those who want Italy’s beauty without the crowds of classic destinations.Alaska, United States – untouched wilderness for couples looking for complete solitude and extreme adventure.The Faroe Islands, Denmark – dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and fjords that create a unique and cinematic atmosphere.According to wedding planners, social media travel inspiration first fueled the trend in the mid-2010s, while the pandemic accelerated it by giving couples the confidence to choose smaller, more private ceremonies.Today, for many couples, a wedding is no longer a public event but a personal journey — a meaningful beginning to married life in a place they will never forget. Post navigationThe future of fine dining is African, says world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson Why the Mediterranean Diet is the Healthiest Choice and How It Benefits You
London, February 11, 2026 – Traditional weddings are losing ground as more and more couples choose to marry privately in breathtaking and remote locations, a global trend expected to dominate 2026.Known as “elopements,” this type of wedding was once seen as a secret escape, but today it has evolved into a carefully curated and intimate ceremony where the focus is entirely on the couple and their unique experience.Industry experts say the rapid growth of this trend is closely linked to the rising cost of traditional weddings. In 2026, the average wedding costs around £21,000 in the United Kingdom and about $36,000 in the United States, while a destination elopement typically ranges between $2,500 and $8,000.For many couples, the decision is not only financial. Family pressure, complex planning, and a growing desire for a more personal and authentic moment are driving couples to choose adventure over large celebrations with hundreds of guests.Renowned elopement photographer Maddie Mae says the concept has changed dramatically. “Today, an elopement is an intentionally intimate wedding where the focus is the couple’s connection, not the performance for guests,” she explained.Experts have identified some of the top destinations expected to trend in 2026:Scotland’s Highlands and Islands – fairytale landscapes with mountains, lochs, and castles, where couples can legally marry almost anywhere.Mallorca, Spain – a stunning combination of mountains and sea, ideal for a wedding and honeymoon in one place.Folegandros, Greece – a quiet Cycladic island away from mass tourism, perfect for a private and romantic ceremony.Zermatt, Switzerland – for couples seeking luxury surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Swiss Alps.Sardinia, Italy – an ideal alternative for those who want Italy’s beauty without the crowds of classic destinations.Alaska, United States – untouched wilderness for couples looking for complete solitude and extreme adventure.The Faroe Islands, Denmark – dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and fjords that create a unique and cinematic atmosphere.According to wedding planners, social media travel inspiration first fueled the trend in the mid-2010s, while the pandemic accelerated it by giving couples the confidence to choose smaller, more private ceremonies.Today, for many couples, a wedding is no longer a public event but a personal journey — a meaningful beginning to married life in a place they will never forget.