April 23, 2025

18 Adventurous Spots to Elope in Patagonia + 3 Best Alternatives

Patagonia is a region that lives up to the hype around it. It truly is just as wild, just as turbulent, and just as breathtaking as every story says it is. I have been to every single continent and even literally being on Antarctica somehow doesn’t feel quite like this. You genuinely feel like you’re at the edge of the world. 

For eloping in Patagonia, in my opinion, the best location is Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile. This is an iconic mountain range and will take you from glaciers to black sand beaches to mountaintops all in one spot. This is also the most wild place I’ve ever photographed (over 41+ countries!) 

But even if you’re not for rugged mountains and climbs, you can still find gorgeous spots to elope in this part of the world—like Mars-esque deserts and lush valleys perfect for winemaking. I have so many favorites here… read on for more of them! 

Not sure yet what you’re looking for or want to do some additional research? Head to my interactive location map! There are 600+ hand-picked elopement spots here and filters to make your search a snap. Click here to go right to it!

Torres Del Paine, Chile

A couple in wedding attire stands by a serene lake with majestic, rugged mountains in the background under a soft, glowing sunset in Torres Del Paine, Chile.

This is the park people picture when they think of Patagonia – and for good reason. Torres del Paine is packed with wow-factor landscapes, from glacial lakes to jagged granite spires that shoot up out of the ground to dramatic, ice-drenched heights. One of the best ways to experience it all is on the W trek, a multi-day hiking trail with options to sleep in tents or book a bed in a cozy refugio along the way. Ending your hike with an elopement at one of the park’s showstopping spots, like the shimmering icefields of Grey Lake, feels like the ultimate reward.

Best for: Mountains, Waterfalls, Rivers, Forest, Alpine Lakes and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Camping, Stargazing and watching the Guanaco!

Fitz Roy, Argentina

The majestic mountain range of El Chaltén in Argentina, with snow-covered peaks under a clear blue sky. A wisp of cloud lingers near the tallest peak, casting a serene atmosphere. Rocky formations are visible amid the snow, highlighting the rugged terrain.

Fitz Roy looks fake in photos. And when you see it in person, it’s somehow even more surreal. This jagged-tooth mountain towers over the town of El Chaltén and is famous for forming its own little weather system, with clouds that love to swirl right around the top. You can hike to the base (Laguna de los Tres is the go-to route), or take a shortcut to one of the smaller nearby lakes if you’re not feeling like a big trek. Either way, you’ll get that iconic view and all the wild, untamed energy that makes Patagonia so addictive.

Best for: Mountains and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
December and January

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Aconcagua, Argentina

A breathtaking view of a vast valley framed by rugged, golden-brown hills with a snow-capped mountain peak in the distance under a clear blue sky. A meandering dirt path runs through the valley, adding depth to the untouched, natural landscape.

At nearly 23,000 feet, Aconcagua is a beast – and the tallest thing you’ll find outside of Asia. In fact, it’s actually the second-tallest mountain in the world after Mount Everest. Most people don’t summit it (it takes a few weeks and some serious prep), but even getting close is its own kind of epic. Plus, there are plenty of shorter trails that still get you into the alpine zone and give you a proper sense of scale without the blisters. If you’re the type of couple who wants your elopement to feel adventurous to the max, saying your vows in the shadow of this absolute giant checks the box.

Best for: Desert, Mountains and Glacier

Best months to get married here:
December & January

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Lake Pehoé, Chile

A couple stands facing each other on a rocky shore near a turquoise lake, with rugged mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The woman wears a white dress, and the man is in a suit. The scene is serene and picturesque.

Lake Pehoé doesn’t do subtle. Its bright turquoise color is the kind of thing that makes you blink twice, and with the Paine Massif looming behind it, the whole scene feels like it was designed to be stared at. Sitting within Torres del Paine National Park, it’s one of the most recognizable spots in Patagonia, and that’s what makes it so popular with all travelers – including eloping couples! It’s not just the views either: there’s a calmness to this place that makes it feel perfect for something meaningful. If you’re eloping here, you’ll be saying your vows somewhere people dream about seeing their whole lives.

Best for: Mountains, Alpine Lakes and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

A massive blue glacier meets a turquoise lake, with rugged, snow-dusted mountains and dense green forest in the background under a cloudy sky.

This park is massive, icy, and just full of mind-bending moments. It’s home to more than 300 glaciers, which is already bonkers, but Perito Moreno is the real showstopper. You can walk right up to its edge and watch huge chunks of ice crack off into the water below. Some people take boat rides; others splurge on a heli tour. But no matter how you do it, the scale of this place makes everything feel kind of… small, in a good way. It’s a killer pick for an elopement that’s totally raw and unforgettable.

Best for: Mountains, Alpine Lakes and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating

Antarctica

A vast, icy seascape in Antarctica showing fragmented ice floes floating on the dark ocean. Snow-covered mountains are visible in the distance under a cloudy sky, creating a stark contrast with the mostly open water speckled with ice.

Remote is an understatement. Antarctica is the kind of place where your phone gives up, your brain slows down, and your senses switch into high gear. Weddings here aren’t flashy or fussy. They’re about stepping off the boat, breathing in air so cold it feels sharp, and saying your vows with a backdrop that speaks for itself and doesn’t need decoration. Getting married here is still pretty new, with the first marriage licenses here granted in 2022. The licenses come from the UK, but if you’re a US citizen you’re able to file for one with no extra paperwork. Getting married here is about making a memory that feels like nothing else you’ve done before – and probably never will again!

Best for: Mountains, Glaciers and Icebergs

Best months to get married here:
December & January

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Expedition Cruising and watching the penguins!

Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina

Scenic view of a lush landscape featuring a winding lake surrounded by dense forests and mountains under a cloudy sky in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the background, with rich greenery spanning the foreground.

This park is a total stunner and one of the oldest national parks in South America. It’s where you’ll find deep blue lakes framed by crazy-high peaks, alpine meadows filled with a confetti of wildflowers, and trails that twist through ancient forests. Heaven! There’s a real variety here – you can go full adventure with a hike or just post up at one of the lakeside beaches and enjoy the quiet. Low-stress and high-beauty, just the way we like it. Don’t miss Lago Mascardi for kayak access and peaceful coves, or hop the chairlift up Cerro Campanario for gasp-worthy panoramic views.

Best for: Mountains, Forest, Wildflowers and Lakes

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, boating and Kayaking

Patagonia National Park, Chile

Horses running across a grassy field near a turquoise lake in Patagonia National Park, Chile, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

If you’re after that off-grid feeling without sacrificing jaw-dropping scenery, Patagonia National Park is your spot. This lesser-known gem has all the drama of Torres del Paine (big skies, glacier-fed rivers, and mountains that go on forever) but with a fraction of the crowds. You’ve got serious freedom to explore here, from high-altitude hikes to wide-open valleys where guanacos outnumber humans. Stay at one of the local eco-lodges or bring your own gear and camp under a sky crammed with stars for a remote and wild elopement that’s exactly the kind of place to go big or go home.

Best for: Mountains, Glaciers and Lakes

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping

El Chaltén

If Patagonia had a capital for hikers and wanderers, El Chaltén would be it. This laid-back little town is the gateway to all things Fitz Roy, and the trails basically start at your front door. It’s got a no-rush vibe that makes it ideal for a slower-paced elopement, ideal for sunrise hikes, mountain views from your cabin window, and celebrating with pizza and local beer after the vows. You don’t need to do a huge trek to get the views here either. Even the short walks pack a punch.

Best for: Mountains, River, Glaciers and Town

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina

A serene landscape featuring a clear blue river winding through a grassy field with rocky banks in Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina. Dense green forests sit at the base of distant mountains under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

This is about as far south as you can go before hitting Antarctica – and it absolutely feels like the edge of the world. Mountains, forests, and rivers all collide here in a way that feels crazy and raw, but still accessible. You’ll find plenty of bite-sized yet scenic hikes here like the Senda Costera or Lapataia Bay trail, which are perfect if you want those sweeping views without spending the whole day climbing. Plus, you’re just a quick drive from Ushuaia here, so it’s easy to find somewhere cozy to celebrate post-ceremony with a hot meal and a glass of Malbec.

Best for: Mountains, Forest, Glaciers and Coast

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

A bride and groom stand together on a grassy hill, overlooking a vast landscape of rolling, sunlit mountains under a cloudy sky, with a snow-capped peak visible in the distance.

If you love wine and mountains, this is your spot. Picture eloping in the Uco Valley just south of Mendoza, standing at the base of the tallest mountain in South America where some of the best Malbec in the world is made. Picture going from mountain to vineyard in the same day, watching clouds sail past you in the morning and pouring and bottling your own custom blend of wine in the afternoon. Those are the vibes in Uco Valley. Need I say more? Have a private dinner in the vines, take a leisurely horseback ride through the scenery, and stay on site to make your trip extra special.

Best for: Mountains and Vineyards

Best months to get married here:
October to March

My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking and Wine Tasting

Cerro Torre, Chile & Argentina

Snow-capped jagged mountains under a blue sky dominate the background, while a rugged glacier with textured ice formations fills the foreground in Cerro Torre, Chile & Argentina. Scattered clouds add contrast to the clear sky.

Cerro Torre is not here to make things easy. It’s sharp, dramatic, and regularly cloaked in clouds like it’s got something to hide. That elusive vibe is part of the draw – it’s one of those mountains that doesn’t reveal itself to just anyone. But when it does? Big moment. Even from a distance, it feels like it has its own weather system. Base yourself in El Chaltén and spend your day hiking into its orbit for the chance to witness something spectacular. You might not get a clear view, but even if not, you’ll feel like you’ve brushed up against something truly powerful.

Best for: Mountains and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
December & January

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Atacama Desert, Chile

A joyful bride and groom run hand in hand along a sandy ridge in a vast desert landscape with rugged mountains in the background under a clear sky in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Okay, its not in Patagonia but if your looking to explore something completely different – the Atacama should be it! This place is dry. Like, record-breaking, practically moisture-free dry. But that’s what makes it so visually wild. Cracked salt crusts, jagged rocks, golden cliffs that flare up at sunset like they’re on fire… Everything about the Atacama is raw and bold. You could float in salty lagoons by morning and watch stars shoot across a pitch-black sky by night, all in the same day. And the silence? It’s intense. Perfect for a no-frills, full-impact kind of elopement where every detail feels turned up to eleven.

Best for: Sand Dunes, Mountains, Desert and Canyons

Best months to get married here:
Year Round

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Camping and Stargazing

General Carrera Lake, Chile & Argentina

A vibrant turquoise river flows between verdant, forested banks under a bright sky in General Carrera Lake, Chile. Snow-capped mountains tower in the background, with scattered clouds adding contrast to the scenic landscape.

This lake is massive (it’s actually the second largest in South America!) and it straddles two countries, so you’ve got options. But the real showstopper here isn’t actually the lake itself but the Marble Caves. These smooth, swirling formations rise out of the turquoise water like something straight out of a dream. You’ll need a boat or kayak to reach them, which makes it even better for a “just us” kind of ceremony. On the Chilean side, you’ll find quieter towns and easy access to the caves. If saying your vows with echoing marble all around and celebrating with a paddle through unreal geology sounds good to you, look no further.

Best for: Mountains, Forest, Glaciers, Lake and Marble Caves!

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking and Boating

Bariloche, Argentina

Scenic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush green forests and distant mountains under a clear blue sky in Bariloche, Argentina. A large building is visible on a hill, overlooking the lake. Small islands dot the water, creating a picturesque landscape.

No exaggeration – it feels like the view from pretty much every window in Bariloche belongs on a postcard. The town itself is full of alpine-style architecture, chocolate shops, and cozy cafés perfect for warming up over mugs of hot cocoa, but don’t let the cute exterior fool you. The surrounding lakes and mountains offer endless snowy adventure, from kayaking, to high-altitude hikes, to even skiing in winter. It’s a solid base for the eloping couple who wants options: stay luxe or stay rustic, hike or don’t hike, ceremony in the forest or by the lake. Plus, the craft beer scene is top-tier for post-vow toasts. You’ve been warned!

Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lake, Coast and City

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating and Kayaking

Lago Grey, Chile

Icebergs float in a lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky in Lago Grey, Chile. In the foreground, colorful plants frame the scenic view, contrasting with the icy blues and greens of the water and landscape.

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”, Ifrane has alpine-style chalets, manicured parks, and red-roofed buildings that feel like they’ve been plucked from the Alps – without the price tag or crowds. Sitting at over 5,000 feet, this mountain town offers cool air, cedar forests, and even the occasional snowfall in winter. It’s a total curveball in the middle of Morocco! This makes it perfect for couples looking for something unexpected, where you can stroll along cobbled streets, enjoy a picnic by a mountain lake, and soak up the calm and pristine surroundings that are hard to find elsewhere in Morocco.

Best for: Mountains, Lake, and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating and Kayaking

Ushuaia, Argentina

Aerial view of Ushuaia, Argentina, at dusk. The city, with colorful buildings and roads, is bordered by the Beagle Channel on the right and surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a pastel, cloudy sky.

The southernmost city in the world isn’t just a stop to say you’ve been there and tick it off your bucket list – it’s also a surprisingly great base for an elopement. You’ve got everything from cozy restaurants with glacier views to boat tours out to penguin colonies here, all on your doorstep. Seriously, penguins. Need I say more? It’s also the launch point for Antarctic expeditions, but you don’t need to go that far to have an epic day.

Best for: Mountains, City and Coast

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter – and taking a boat to Antarctica!

Parque Nacional Queulat, Chile

Mountain landscape featuring a glacier-fed waterfall cascading between snow-capped peaks at Queulat Glacier in Chile. The water flows into a rocky valley surrounded by lush green forest under a clear blue sky. A leafy branch is visible in the foreground.

This one’s got serious drama. Hanging glaciers always look like something out of a sci-fi movie, and Queulat Glacier delivers that vibe hard. It’s got a thick sheet of ice spilling down between two cliffs, with a waterfall gushing straight from the base. You can hike through temperate rainforest to get there (moss, ferns, the whole Jurassic Park look), and when you reach the viewpoints, the scale of the glacier just hits. This place has way fewer crowds than other spots in Patagonia – perfect for those jaw-dropping elopement photos without elbowing past tour groups.

Best for: Mountains, Waterfall, Forest and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

A vast glacier extends into a turquoise lake, surrounded by rugged, snow-capped mountains. The foreground features a viewing platform amidst autumn-colored trees, under a cloudy sky.

You’ll hear the glacier before you even see it – loud cracks and thunderous splashes as giant chunks of ice fall into the lake below. Perito Moreno is one of the only glaciers in the world still advancing, and it’s absolutely alive with movement. There are walkways that bring you ridiculously close, or you can head out on a boat for a different angle. It’s powerful that’s for sure, and gives your elopement day the kind of “wow” that can’t be faked. Bring a jacket – it gets chilly fast when you’re this close to that much ice!

Best for: Mountains, Alpine Lake, and Glaciers

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking and Boating

Marble Caves, General Carrera Lake, Chile

A stunning view of marble caves with swirling patterns of gray, blue, and white, arching over vibrant turquoise water in Marble Caves, General Carrera Lake, Chile. The unique formations create a series of intricate arches and openings, reflecting in the clear, calm water below.

You don’t just look at the Marble Caves – you drift through them, with the sound of paddles tapping against glowing blue water and streaked stone arches curving overhead. These caves are sculpted by thousands of years of waves, but what makes them special is how they shift depending on the season, light, and water levels. Some days they feel soft and pastel, other days bold and dramatic. It’s a moving, changing space that feels incredibly alive, which makes it a pretty poetic place to start married life, don’t you think?

Best for: Mountains, Lake and Marble Caves

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Boating and Kayaking

Laguna Esmeralda, Argentina

A turquoise glacial lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green vegetation under a cloudy sky in Laguna Esmeralda, Argentina. The tranquil scene suggests a remote, natural setting in a mountainous region.

This lake glows. No filter needed. The trail to Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most doable day hikes near Ushuaia and takes you through bogs, forests, and snowy peaks before popping you out at this wild, greenish-blue lake. It’s surrounded by mountains and usually pretty quiet, especially in the morning, meaning this one’s ideal if you want to hike somewhere beautiful and still be back in time for a celebratory dinner in town. Don’t forget waterproof boots – the trail can get muddy fast!

Best for: Mountains, Forest and Alpine Lake

Best months to get married here:
November to February

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking

Between Chile and Argentina, the Patagonia region is bursting with life and exciting spots that can make any elopement special, no matter what your style is as a couple. And if you’re looking for more information about the best times of year to travel here or what activities are possible, you can head to my searchable location database! There’s over 700 locations in here from all over the world that I know would make great elopement locations, and you can filter to your heart’s desire to get back results specific to you.

If you’re looking for an elopement photographer and travel expert to help plan your wedding day in Patagonia (or anywhere else in the world), I’m here for you! I’ll take the guess and stress out of planning so all you have to do is focus on the fun parts. You can count on me for location suggestions, bespoke experience design and itinerary planning, resources from mood boards to packing lists, to planning guides, experienced photography connected to your story, help with permits and vendors, and so much more. If there’s a way I can help you along the way, I’m there!

Let’s get to know each other! Click here to go to my contact form—I would love to hear from you and learn more about your day. I want to craft an elopement experience for you that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You deserve an epic, out of this world, can’t-believe-we-did-that wedding story.

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

Reach out & we’ll start planning your dream elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

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Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started