So, you and your partner are ready to say “I do” in a way that’s uniquely yours—intimate, adventurous, and breathtakingly romantic. If the thought of a grand wedding makes you want to elope (literally), then Belgium might just be the dream destination you’re looking for. With its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, stunning historic cities, and fairytale landscapes, Belgium offers the perfect backdrop for a love story as timeless as yours.
Let’s dive into the best places to elope in Belgium, the legal details you need to know, and creative ideas to make your elopement truly unforgettable.
💖 Why Belgium? A Haven for LGBTQ+ Love
Belgium isn’t just about waffles, chocolate, and world-famous beers—it’s also one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive countries in the world. In 2003, it became the second country to legalize same-sex marriage, proving that love truly wins here.
Belgium welcomes all couples with open arms, whether you’re local or traveling from abroad. Plus, with its mix of historic beauty, modern culture, and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, it’s an elopement paradise waiting to be discovered.
🏰 Best Places to Elope in Belgium
Belgium may be small, but it’s packed with stunning locations for an intimate elopement. Whether you dream of a castle ceremony, a city-chic backdrop, or a scenic canal-side vow exchange, Belgium has it all.
✨ Brussels: Where History Meets Modern Love
📍 Why elope here? A mix of grand historical settings and vibrant city life.
Brussels is the beating heart of Belgium, offering everything from opulent palaces to charming parks. Imagine exchanging vows at Grand Place, one of the most breathtaking squares in Europe, where golden architecture surrounds you like a royal love story. 🌟
For a more intimate setting, Parc du Cinquantenaire provides lush gardens and majestic archways, perfect for a private ceremony.
🍸 Celebrate after: Head to the LGBTQ+-friendly bars of Rue du Marché au Charbon, where you can toast to your love in a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
🌸 Bruges: A Fairytale Backdrop for Your Love Story
📍 Why elope here? Cobblestone streets, dreamy canals, and a medieval ambiance straight out of a romance novel.
Picture this: you and your partner standing on the Bonifacius Bridge, whispering your vows as swans glide by below. Sounds unreal? Well, in Bruges, this kind of romance is just another Tuesday. 😍
🌙 Unique idea: Plan a twilight elopement with candlelit lanterns reflecting in the water. Magical, right?
🥂 Celebrate after: Book a private dinner at De Stove (🔗 destove.be), a cozy restaurant perfect for a post-ceremony feast.
🎨 Antwerp: Art, Fashion, and Urban Romance
📍 Why elope here? Chic, stylish, and full of creative energy.
If you and your partner are all about contemporary vibes, Antwerp is the place to be. Say your vows in an art gallery surrounded by modern masterpieces, or on the rooftop of MAS Museum (🔗 mas.be), overlooking the city skyline.
💃 Party after? Antwerp’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is electric—check out Café Strange for a fun, welcoming vibe.
🚣 Ghent: A Hidden Gem of Old-World Charm
📍 Why elope here? A mix of medieval beauty and laid-back canalside serenity.
Ghent is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most romantic cities in Belgium. Rent a private boat and exchange vows while floating on the canals—just the two of you, the soft lapping of water, and the city lights twinkling around you.
📸 Photo tip: The Gravensteen Castle makes for a stunning elopement backdrop. You’ll look like medieval royalty—minus the arranged marriage part. 😆
💍 Legal Love: How to Get Married in Belgium
Before you pack your bags, let’s talk paperwork. Luckily, Belgium makes it pretty straightforward for LGBTQ+ couples to tie the knot.
✔️ Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003—so no worries there!
✔️ One of you must have lived in Belgium for at least 3 months before the wedding. If you’re not a resident, you may need extra paperwork—so check with a local city hall.
✔️ Civil ceremonies must take place at a Belgian commune before you can have your dreamy elopement ceremony elsewhere.
Pro tip: If you want to elope but don’t meet the residency requirement, consider doing the legal part at home and having a symbolic ceremony in Belgium. That way, you still get the magical experience without the bureaucratic stress!
📸 Capture the Magic: LGBTQ+ Wedding Photography in Belgium
An elopement is fleeting, but the memories last forever—especially when you have stunning photos to relive the day.
Whether it’s an intimate kiss on a Bruges bridge, a fun city-shot in Antwerp, or a dramatic sunset portrait in Ghent, your love story deserves to be told through breathtaking imagery.
✨ That’s where I come in! As an experienced elopement photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, joy-filled moments that reflect your unique love story.
📌 Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
📌 Browse my elopement packages: Investment Page
📌 Let’s plan your dream elopement! Contact Me
💌 Ready to Elope in Belgium? Let’s Make It Unforgettable!
Belgium is more than just a destination—it’s a place where love, history, and romance blend seamlessly. Whether you’re dreaming of a castle elopement, a chic city vow exchange, or a canal-side “I do”, Belgium has the perfect setting for your love story.
And remember, your elopement should be as authentic and unique as your love—so make it fun, make it meaningful, and most importantly, make it yours.
🎥 Want to bring your dream to life? Let’s create magic together. Get in touch, and let’s start planning your perfect Belgian elopement! 🌈💍✨
