Table of Contents
- Top 18 Coastal Micro Wedding Locations in Europe
- Europe Micro Wedding Photographer
Anybody else always crave a trip to the coast of Europe once summertime hits? I don’t know about you, but I’ve been way too close to spontaneously buying plane tickets to Italy more than once this summer. Soooo I’m channeling that travel bug into this guide to the top 18 coastal micro wedding locations in Europe, where I’ll be giving you all the best places to get married if you’re dreaming of a romantic celebration on the coast! We’ll be going through locations in all the major European countries with iconic coastal destinations: France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. Good luck getting through this guide without checking to see how much it would cost to book a flight and just go elope next month 😉
Top 18 Coastal Micro Wedding Locations in Europe
France
Let’s start strong with France, which not only has a few of the most iconic landmarks in the world (Eiffel Tower, anyone?), but also boasts some of the most stunning coastlines you will literally ever see. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, the French coast has all sorts of unique beaches ranging from large resort beaches to smaller, more remote coves that you have to search a little harder for. You’ll find some beaches that are mainly made up of cliffs and rocks, like Brittany and most of the French Riviera, and others that are flatter with long stretches of sandy shores, such as Aquitaine and Languedoc. In general, the best time to elope on the French coast is the spring or fall, when temperatures are still warm but there aren’t quite as many crowds of tourists as there are in the summer—but if you do want that heat that makes for great swimming weather, and you’re okay being around lots of people, then go for a micro wedding in the summer!
1. French Riviera
The French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur, is probably the most famous spot along the coast of France, and one of the sunniest, too. Located on the southeast corner of the country along the Mediterranean Sea, the French Riviera is most known for its iconic cities (like Nice and Cannes), vibrant blue waters, medieval villages, lavender fields, and, of course, the picture-perfect beaches! If you spend some time exploring the pretty coastal villages, you’ll find plenty of art, rich cultural history, museums, and local charm galore; you could spend all day exploring the little alleyways and lounging on the white sand beaches and be perfectly content.
2. Normandy
You probably recognize Normandy from, well, the Battle of Normandy in World War 2 (aka D-Day)—so obviously this is one of the more historical places to visit on the French coast! But aside from the many events in Normandy that honor the infamous battle, it’s also a really beautiful place to tie the knot. Along the southwest coast of Normandy, you’ll find cute cobblestone streets, medieval abbeys, local boutiques, yummy Normandy cider, white chalk cliffs, and sandy beaches for miles. If you’re getting married in Paris, you could even do a day trip to Normandy to check out the beaches—or vice-versa, stay on the coast and then take a day trip into the city of romance!
3. Brittany
Brittany is a beautiful peninsula on the northwestern coast of France that juts out toward the Atlantic Ocean, and is definitely the place to go if you want a luxury beach resort experience. Spend time exploring Mont Saint-Michel Bay, which is this really unique island with breathtaking coastal views, or check out Guerlédan Lake for a fun day out on the water. One of the major highlights of this area is the Pink Granite Coast, which has these crazy cool pink-toned rocks that cover the shoreline! This would be SUCH a gorgeous and romantic place for wedding portraits after you tie the knot with your friends and fam.
Spain
Next up is Spain, which has nearly 5,000 miles of gorgeous coastline just waitingggg for you to explore. The Spanish coast (also known as the Spanish Costas) is super diverse, boasting vibrant cities and rich culture, lavish vacation resorts, endless fruit orchards and almond groves, and bright turquoise waters that are dying to be swam in. The sandy beaches of the coast offer a mix of long shores and areas of more rugged cliffs & secluded coves, so you can really find whatever kinda beach calls to you! Just like the French coast, the shoulder season months (around May and September) are ideal for visiting the Spanish coast, since you won’t experience peak tourist season but you’ll still get gorgeous weather and long days with plenty of time to go on adventure after adventure.
4. Costa Verde
Located along the Cantabrian Sea, Costa Verde (or the Green Coast), is an incredible place to visit that doesn’t get quite as crowded as other locations along the Spanish Coast (like the next place we’ll be talking about haha). The natural beauty of this coastal region is unbelievable, full of vast national parks and nature reserves, mysterious caves that have been around since prehistoric times, and a seemingly never ending coastline. It’s SUCH an idyllic place to gather with your loved ones and celebrate your marriage, whether you want to spend your time exploring the cute little beach villages, adventuring around the national parks, relaxing on the beach, or all of the above!
5. Ibiza
Onto what’s probably the most popular destination on the Spanish coast—Ibiza! If you’re searching for some of the best nightlife in Spain and want to spend your evenings out on the town, Ibiza is the place to be. It’s an island in the Mediterranean of the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, home to quite a variety of things to do; nightclubs and yoga retreats, bars with lines out the door and more serene sandy coves. While Ibiza is definitely known for its party atmosphere, you can definitely find quieter spots if that’s more your vibe! It’s the dream place to celebrate the heck out of your new marriage with the people you love and create lifelong memories in a beautiful place.
6. Tenerife
Ever heard of the Canary Islands? Well now you have! Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, which is this little archipelago off of West Africa—but it’s actually part of Spain. Kinda confusing, right? It’s a super popular stop for cruises since it’s so far out there in the middle of nowhere. One of the main draws of Tenerife is the beautiful Mount Teide, which is the highest peak in Spain, which you can see by visiting the 47,000-acre Teide National Park. It’s an active volcano with these crazy beautiful otherworldly landscapes and is definitely a place that needs to be on your Tenerife itinerary. I can just picture you and your boo all dressed up in your wedding attire, exploring the hiking trails surrounded by cacti, OR hopping on the cable car to get to the summit if you don’t feel like putting in too much effort!
Portugal
I don’t know how you’re ever going to choose a location from this list because they’re all too stunning—sorry!! Every time I think I’ve told you about the prettiest coastline, another one just comes up: this time, it’s the coast of Portugal, where you’ll find absolutely spectacular scenery and tons of charming seaside towns. Portugal is just a 7-ish hour flight from the East Coast, making it a pretty dang easy place to get to for your European micro wedding compared to some of the further locations on this list. And there’s really something for EVERYONE on the coast of Portugal, including romantic beaches, delicious wineries, quaint cities, and more! Depending on which region you’ll be visiting, the best time to visit the coast of Portugal is typically the spring, before all the summer crowds hit and when all the landscapes are coming back to life after winter.
7. Vila Franca Islet
This little islet on the southern part of São Miguel Island is a dream come true, boasting this striking circular lagoon with bright blue waters, surrounded by lush greenery that just makes me droollll. São Miguel Island is actually part of the dreamy archipelago that is the Azores, which is made up of nine different volcanic islands and full of some of the most dreamlike scenery EVER. If you’re looking for somewhere to go snorkeling, swimming, or diving, you’ve found the place: the crystal clear waters around this islet are perfect for underwater exploration! It’s also super easy to get to, just a quick boat ride from São Miguel Island, so it’s great for an afternoon or maybe even the morning before you get married!
8. Porto Moniz
Located on the northwest corner of Madeira (the most mind-blowingly beautiful archipelago off the northern coast of Africa), Porto Moniz is a little area that tourists love to visit for its incredible natural pools. These iconic pools are surrounded by panoramic coastal views, rugged cliffs, and so many more amazing things to do! The pools were formed by volcanic rocks and are all set amongst dramatic, natural rock formations that make for a super unique and striking swimming experience. 10/10 recommend coming to Porto Moniz for a romantic swim to celebrate your wedding, or enjoying the crystal-clear waters with your friends for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
9. Azenhas do Mar
More cute seaside towns comin’ at you! Azenhas do Mar is a clifftop village located in Sintra, Portugal that overlooks a charming beach and offers beautiful mountain views. It’s a very small, off-the-beaten path town, which makes it perfect for anyone who would rather not be around thousands of tourists during their micro wedding on the coast of Portugal. The picturesque scenery and rocky coastline create such a charming and awe-inspiring atmosphere; def recommend visiting Sintra-Cascais Natural Park when you’re here!
Italy
It simply wouldn’t be right to create a guide to the best coast micro wedding locations in Europe without including Italy. Home to some of the most photogenic coastlines in all of Europe (aka the ones you probably alwaysss see on IG and TikTok), the Italian coast is legit to die for and the epitome of what you want when you visit the coast: colorful seaside towns, turquoise waters, local Italian charm, and dramatic cliffs everywhere you look. Two of the most popular coastal spots in Italy are Cinque Terre, which is located on the northern coast, and the Amalfi Coast, which is located in southern Italy—both are unbelievably beautiful and you really can’t go wrong either way. The coastal regions of Italy can get pretty packed during the summer with tourists who also want to experience the dreamy seaside beauty, so I’d say the best time to get married here would be spring or autumn!
10. Portofino
Along the Ligurian Sea you’ll find the Italian Riviera, and in the heart of the Riviera is a peaceful coastal town called Portofino. This fishing village located southeast of Genoa is known for its pastel-colored houses, luxury boutiques, and fine dining options that overlook the harbor. You won’t be surprised to hear that Portofino is a popular destination for celebrities with all of its luxurious accommodations and high-end offerings, so if you get married here then you deserve to feel like celebrities yourselves 😉 Treat yourself to an unforgettable dive along the coast, or maybe a hike through the hills, or maybe a stroll through a gorgeous art gallery! The options are endless.
11. Amalfi Coast
Ahhhh the Amalfi Coast, one of the most picturesque stretches of the southern Italian coast. Located south of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region of Italy, this iconic coastline is celebrated for its colorful fishing villages, rugged shoreline, and gorgeous (but small) beaches. If you want to spend a day enjoying the sandy beaches or taking a dip in the water, be prepared to either walk down quite a few steps to get to the ocean or take a boat to the shores from somewhere else! The cerulean waters are spectacular whether you experience them from the winding roads above or from one of the 100+ beaches that line the Amalfi Coast. A literal paradise for a micro wedding with your favorite people.
12. Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is an enchanting little town on the southern Adriatic coast of Italy, most known for its scenic limestone cliffs, Romanesque church overlooking the sea, and luxurious villas. This is the dream destination for couples looking for a romantic and authentic Italian getaway to the coast; you’ll have tons of gorgeous villas to choose from as well as plenty of memorable activities to add to your itinerary, such as meandering through the charming streets, visiting old churches like the Chiesa Matrice, and checking out the picturesque Lama Monachile Bay.
Greece
Did anybody else grow up watching Mamma Mia over and over and dreaming of having their own fairytale wedding on the beaches of Greece? No? Just me? Well either way, Greece has got to be one of the dreamiest locations for a destination micro wedding ever! With one of the longest coastlines in the world, the coast of Greece is filled with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, scenic hillside towns, and overall a really warm and inviting ambiance that makes for a super relaxing vacay. I’d suggest eloping in Greece in the late spring or fall, when the weather isn’t crazy hot and there aren’t as many tourists crowding the locations you want to visit. April-June and September-October are the ideal months for a micro wedding along the coast of Greece!
13. Kleftiko Beach
Kleftiko Beach is the place to be if your perfect micro wedding includes plenty of swimming in the gorgeous, jewel-toned waters of Greece! It’s not actually a sandy beach like you might expect—it’s more of a bay with dramatic cliffs that have been eroded by the ocean, and super calm water with barely any waves, which is why it’s ideal for swimming. Located on the southeast tip of Milos island, it’s by far one of the most visited spots on the island thanks to its caves, unique shape, and stunning scenery. If you’d rather not swim in the crystal-clear waters, you can opt for a boat trip around the bay instead!
14. Mykonos
Mykonos is kinda like the Ibiza of Greece, known for its party atmosphere, dance clubs, and world-renowned DJ’s. The nightlife on the island is pretty hard to beat, with beachside bars that literally blare loud music every night and giant dance clubs that stay open past dawn. But besides the party scene, Mykonos is also known for its upscale beach clubs (perfect for a luxury beachfront stay), bright white windmills, sunny, blue skies, and sandy beaches. Mykonos definitely has something for everyone (meaning all your guests will be happy no matter what!), whether you’d rather explore the alleyways and look at the Cycladic architecture, hit the clubs once the sun goes down, or enjoy the sunshine on a beach.
15. Santorini
Last but not least is the iconic Santorini, the most iconic of all the Greek islands that’s known for its multicolored cliffs, bright white buildings with blue rooftops, and pebbled beaches. Santorini has what are probably some of the most recognizable landscapes in the world, but the culture of the island is just as amazing; from its world-renowned wines and vast vineyards to its abundance of historical sites and caldera views. A lot of hotels in Santorini even have these super cool cave suites, where you stay in a gorgeous space nestled on the side of the cliff, often with insane views of the caldera and your own private plunge pool. These would be sooo dreamy for you and your guests to stay in during your trip!
Croatia
Our last country on this list is Croatia, a little country in the northwestern region of the Balkan Peninsula! Although it’s small in area, Croatia is incredibly geographically diverse, featuring highlands, flat plains, islands, and even low mountainous regions—all of which are jaw-droppingly beautiful, of course. The coastal areas of Croatia have a very hot, Mediterranean climate, so if you want to avoid the intense heat, you should get married in the spring or fall rather than the summer.
16. Brac Island
Brac is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea with some really gorgeous and off-the-beaten-path beaches, and would be a great place to spend a couple of days during your time in Croatia! You’ll take the ferry from the Split ferry port to Brac, so it’s easy to get to and is definitely worth the quick trip. It’s actually a popular vacation destination for Europeans since it’s relatively inexpensive compared to a lot of other tropical islands, and because the white sand beaches are to die for. Both the coast of Brac Island and the inland areas are equally beautiful and offer different opportunities, and you also can’t go wrong visiting either the north or south shore of the island!
17. Vela Plaža
The Island of Krk (the largest and most accessible island in Croatia) is home to plenty of beautiful locations, one of them being a beach called Vela Plaža. This beautiful, natural pebbled beach is accessible via a paved road, or you can walk from a nearby part of the island. It’s super safe and well-preserved, and the calm waters are perfect for families or people who don’t want to swim in any intense waves! There are plenty of beach chairs, umbrellas, benches, and other amenities that you can enjoy, making this an easy place to spend a relaxing day enjoying the Adriatic Sea.
18. Punta Rata
We’ll end with one last idyllic Croatian beach, Punta Rata, which has actually been named one of the best beaches in the world! The landmark of the beach is called the Brela Stone, which is this huge rock covered in pine trees that juts out of the water, and is a famous icon you might have seen in postcards or somewhere on social media. The bright blue sea and the warm pebbled beach makes this such a dreamy place to visit, especially if you want to go snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, or even parasailing.
Europe Micro Wedding Photographer
We did it!! We made it to the end of this big guide to the top 18 coastal micro wedding destinations in Europe, and I hope you’re ready to book a flight + pack your bags because I know I sure am. If you’re ready to start planning your European micro wedding in one of these incredible coastal locations, I’d love to tag along and be your tour guide! You can learn more about my wedding and elopement packages here, then let’s connect and make this thing happen!
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