How to Break into the Luxury Elopement Destination Market (for wedding pros)

Are you ready to start booking more destination-based luxury elopements and intimate weddings? If you're passionate about travel and dream of planning breathtaking elopements in some of the world’s most beautiful locations, this post is for you.

I knew I wanted to work globally when I started as an elopement professional. Traveling was more than just a passion; it was a lifestyle I wanted to integrate into my career. However, I quickly learned that how to book luxury destination elopements isn’t as simple as saying you’re available to travel. It requires a deep understanding of the wedding industry and the intricacies of travel.

Prove Your Expertise as a Destination Luxury Elopement Pro

To break into the luxury destination market, you must establish yourself as a seasoned traveler and an expert in elopement planning. This means getting out there and experiencing the destinations you want to work in. It’s not enough to say you’ll travel—you need to demonstrate that you know how to book luxury destination elopements and understand these locations intimately.

For me, choosing Italy was a no-brainer. I'm from  Rome, so I know Italy, its language, and its culture inside out. I have deep connections with local vendors and a thorough understanding of the best venues. This intimate knowledge has allowed me to specialize in Italian elopements confidently and authentically.

California was another natural choice for me. Unlike Europe, where the wedding season slows down in winter, California offers year-round opportunities. Plus, I’m not a fan of Italy or Europe in the summer—it’s too hot and crowded with tourists. Since I specialize in elopements and intimate weddings, I prefer locations with a serene and private atmosphere, which California provides ideally outside the peak tourist season.

Create Your Own Opportunities

Don’t wait for clients to book you for a destination elopement—create those opportunities yourself. Book a trip to a location you want to work in and document your experience. Visit potential venues, connect with local vendors, and share your journey through blog posts, social media, and your website, or work with a coach to speed up the process.

For example, take the initiative if you want to start booking luxury destination elopements in Tuscany. Visit Tuscany, explore the countryside, and share your experiences. Write blog posts on the best venues in the region, share travel tips, and showcase your expertise in navigating the local culture and logistics.

Build Your Online Presence

Your online presence should reflect your expertise in destination elopements. Here are a few strategies to get started:

• Regularly Post Travel Content: Share your experiences and insights from different locations often. Your audience needs to see that you’re constantly on the move and working in various destinations.
• Create Location-Specific Pages: Develop dedicated landing pages on your website for each destination you want to book, such as 'Italy Elopement Planner' or 'California Coast Elopements'. This will help with SEO and position you as a specialist in those areas.
• Write Travel-Focused Blog Posts: Dedicate blog posts to specific locations, offering wedding inspiration, travel tips, and venue reviews. This content will establish you as a knowledgeable resource for couples looking to elope in those destinations.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

It’s crucial to show your audience that you’re already working in these destinations, even if you haven’t booked a client yet. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your travels, venue walkthroughs, and meetings with local vendors. The more you position yourself as a globe-trotting expert, the more clients associate you with luxury destination elopements.

Ready to break into the luxury elopement destination market? Let’s work together! In my one-on-one coaching, I’ll guide you through every step—from establishing your expertise to creating opportunities to set you apart in this competitive field. You can meet me in Italy, California, or elsewhere for a VIP DAY during one of my tours.