Post Ranch Inn
Photo Courtesy of Kodiak Greenwood
Let’s face it, when you’re planning to take the matrimonial plunge, standard banquet rooms, bulging bridal parties and seating chart purgatory might not be the fairytale you envisioned. Luckily, these five elopement locales let you hand off the hassle of planning and tie the knot in luxury with only the most important people in your lives — even if it’s just you and your fiancée.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Experience the ultimate beach elopement on the Kona-Kohala Coast at this Five-Star piece of Hawaiian heaven. The Romance of Hualalai package includes everything to make the big day one to remember — 2,000 dendrobium orchids sprinkled at the wedding site, a solo musician, a photographer for up to two hours, a romantic dinner for two, a two-tier cake and more. The pampering doesn’t stop there. Couples taking the plunge will also be chauffeured to and from the airport in a private sedan, treated to a spa escape for two, in addition to given a bottle of champagne on their wedding night.
Post Ranch’s Ocean House, Photo Courtesy of Kodiak Greenwood
Post Ranch Inn
Couples opting to exchange vows atop the epic cliffs of Big Sur don’t event have to leave their room to do it. The Four-Star getaway’s elopement package culminates with private nuptials on the guest room’s terrace. Hear the waves crashing onto the rocks below as the hotel’s interfaith celebrant performs a personally tailored ceremony. The dream day also includes an hour-long photography session, flowers and bubbly to accompany a pair of etched crystal flutes.
L’Auberge Carmel
Those who choose to elope in historic Carmel-by-the-Sea will have every detail taken care of with the Four-Star property’s sensual two-night package. In addition to a courtyard ceremony that includes a minister, license and champagne toast, lovebirds will be pampered in a superior room with ocean views. Ease into the special day with a 90-minute in-room couples massage; enjoy a post-ceremony dinner for two at Five-Star Aubergine; and cap it off with a romantic turndown service complete with sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and a drawn bath with rose petals. The hotel also gifts each couple a traditional French wedding quilt on top of the bed as a keepsake of the occasion.
Calistoga Ranch
Escape to wine country to enjoy the perfect wedding at this Four-Star retreat. The storybook bundle includes a romantic vineyard or creek-side ceremony for up to 10 guests. The hotel will provide an officiant, a photographer for an hour, wedding florals, hair and makeup for one and more. Toast your union with sparkling wine and nosh on hand-passed canapés before cutting into a two-tiered wedding cake.
Langham Place, Fifth Avenue
Tie the knot in the shadow of the Empire State Building at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Langham Place. Its Elopement To Remember package situates couples in a 1,900-square-foot Empire two-bedroom residence suite, the perfect location for bride, groom and up to six of their VIPs to celebrate the big day. The hotel provides the officiant, printed programs and a sit-down dinner, champagne toast and mini wedding cake. The happy pair can also enjoy a couples massage at Langham Place Spa, and has access to a photographer for two hours, in addition to a dedicated personal assistant to take care of any last-minute tasks. To top it off, the hotel will also shuttle lovebirds to New York City Hall in a Maserati Quattroporte so you can pick up your official marriage license in style.
