Eloping is no longer just running off to city hall. Many couples are selecting to forgo all of the mounting costs of a big wedding and instead head somewhere magical to get hitched. Rather than going the traditional route with a large cake, flowers, endless bridesmaids, and pricey venue spaces, you can be a bit more adventurous and romantic at the same time by heading out of town to make it official. If you are considering eloping for your big day, these five spots prove ideal for saying, “I do” in not only beautiful settings but they also make the logistics of eloping one less thing to worry about.

Niagara Falls, Canada

A classic elopement spot, Niagara Falls hovers between the US and Canada border in between Ontario and New York. While you can always marry on the U.S. side, head over to Canada for a bit more unusual feel. Boasting a number of cute chapels near the falls to elope, the area is also rich in quaint towns to tie the knot, especially Niagara-On-The-Lake. The Victorian-era town lends plenty of historic 19th century backdrops for your wedding photos. Then again, you can always tie the knot in dramatic fashion, right near where all 150,000 gallons of water come crashing down.

 Santorini, Greece

Part of the Cyclades island group in Greece, Santorini is the postcard image of the country come to life. Known for its remarkably blue waters and cliff-clinging villages, Santorini is covered with beautiful white buildings and blue doors that make for idyllic wedding backdrops. The crescent-shaped island sits in the southernmost part of the Cyclades, right on the rim of an active volcano in the middle of the sea. You can discover picturesque towns like Oia and Firá, sip on wines at local vineyards or unearth ancient archaeological sites while on the island. Santorini is known as one of the easiest islands in Greece for couple looking to elope. You will usually just need a few documents like birth certificate copies and certificate of non-impediment to marriage (a simple document that can be obtained from your hometown city hall).

St. Lucia

Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, St. Lucia provides couples with just what they need to tie the knot. With its deep blue seas and mountain green interior, couples have no shortage of photo ops for their impromptu wedding. St. Lucia also lends a great deal of adventure for couples: You can snorkel, mountain bike and even head to a drive-in volcano. Known for its Piton peaks, twin mountains dramatically rising out of the water, St. Lucia also makes it easy to elope. You merely need to be present on the island for at least two days to obtain a marriage certificate and pay around $200 in official fees to say, “I do.”

Ubud, Bali

Eloping in Bali does take a bit more effort than some other places in Southeast Asia — but it’s totally worth the extra bit of effort. With coordinators on the island to help arrange all the details, you can marry amidst terraced rice paddies in a lush tropical setting. Located on the Indonesian island, Ubud represents the heart of Bali’s cultural scene with plenty of importance placed on its huge population of artisans and creatives, so you’ll never run out of things to do and see after you get hitched. Many ceremonies entail traditional blessings in accordance with Hindu-Balinese customs.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Skip the tacky Las Vegas elopement and instead head up to Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by mountains, the star attraction is Lake Tahoe itself, rising some 6,229 feet above sea level. Known for its water clarity and surrounding towering mountains, the outdoorsy couple can appreciate such backdrops for their exchanging of vows. Nevada is one of the easiest states to elope, as marriage laws are made quick and effortless. You’ll mostly just need a driver’s license and around $50 to have your wedding made official. The area affords plenty of ski resorts and public parks with views of the lake for truly wondrous wedding photographs.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Thinking about skipping the planning and just eloping to one of these far-off places? Tell us your dream destination in the comments![/perfectpullquote]