How to Elope on Long Island in 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Long Island might be the most underrated elopement destination in New York — and honestly, I don’t know why.
You get sunset beaches, waterfront restaurants, boutique hotels, hidden gardens, and none of the big-wedding chaos. It’s intimate, effortless, and completely yours.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels warm, personal, and absolutely you, this guide walks you through planning a Long Island elopement in 2026.
🌟 Why Long Island Is Perfect for an Elopement
Most couples don’t realize how many perks they get here:
Golden-hour beaches with soft, flattering light
Easy access from NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, and beyond
Flexible, affordable options instead of “wedding factory” venues
Gorgeous off-season dates (spring and fall are magic)
Amazing restaurants for post-ceremony dinners
Privacy — no 200-person audience watching you say your vows
If you want stress-free and stunning, Long Island is the move.
📍 Best Places to Elope on Long Island
1. Long Beach (Pop-Up Vows home turf)
Wide, clean beaches
Epic sunsets
Great restaurants nearby
Coastal, laid-back energy
Pro tip: Our signature elopement packages typically start about 90 minutes before sunset so you get the best light and fewer crowds.
2. Fire Island (Kismet, Fair Harbor, Ocean Beach, Robert Moses)
No cars, just boardwalks, dunes, and ocean.
Dreamy golden-hour light
Relaxed beach-town vibe
Feels like a mini destination without the flight
Some areas may require permits or special permission — that’s where we come in so you don’t have to play phone tag with the town.
3. North Shore Waterfront
Think bluffs, rocky shoreline, and quiet coves.
Perfect if you love the water but hate sand in your shoes
Beautiful in spring and fall
Easy to pair with a nearby restaurant or winery for dinner
4. The Hamptons & Montauk
East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Montauk — iconic and editorial.
High-end coastal backdrops
Plenty of hotels and restaurants for celebrating
“Bougie but chill” energy
Permits are often required here, especially in season. We’ll walk you through it.
5. Parks, Gardens & Hidden Spots
Not every elopement has to be on the sand.
Local parks, overlooks, and gardens
Great for older guests or anyone with mobility issues
Often more flexible with timing and setup
📝 Do You Need a Permit to Elope on Long Island?
Short answer: sometimes.
Most beaches do require permits for ceremonies, arches, or professional photography — especially in peak season.
Tiny “stand, say vows, go to dinner” ceremonies may not need one, depending on the town.
Every town has its own rules, fees, and timelines.
With Pop-Up Vows, you’re not guessing. We’ll tell you:
Whether your location needs a permit
How far in advance to apply
What’s realistic for your date, time, and guest count
We’ve done this hundreds of times — let us be the ones on hold with the clerk’s office.
🕰️ Best Time of Year & Time of Day
Time of Day: Golden Hour
Our elopement timelines usually start about 90 minutes before sunset so you get:
Soft, flattering light
Fewer beach crowds
Time for ceremony + portraits without rushing
A natural transition straight into dinner or a small party
Morning can work too, especially for quieter beaches, but sunset is the favorite.
Time of Year
May – October: Classic beach-wedding season.
April & November: Underrated, beautiful light, fewer people.
Winter: Moody, romantic, and stunning if you’re willing to bundle up.
💍 How to Legally Get Married on Long Island
1. Get Your Marriage License
You can get it from any town clerk in New York State.
It’s valid for 60 days.
There’s a 24-hour waiting period between when you get it and when you can legally marry.
2. Bring It to Your Ceremony
On the day of:
You bring the license
Pop-Up Vows signs it
We file it with the town and confirm processing
No chasing paperwork, no second trip. That’s our job.
3. Witnesses
Eloping just the two of you? We can provide witnesses so your guest list stays tiny.
🥂 Where to Go After Your Elopement
You don’t need a ballroom. You just need a good table and your people.
Ideas:
Long Beach & South Shore: casual coastal restaurants, waterfront bars, and spots you can walk to from the sand.
North Shore: harbor restaurants, wine bars, and cozy dining rooms.
Montauk / Hamptons: chic hotel lounges, private dining rooms, and upscale restaurants.
We can help you choose a place that matches your vibe, budget, and guest count. And yes, we’ve moved ceremonies indoors to restaurants when the weather flips — it always works out.
📸 What Pop-Up Vows Handles for You
When you work with Pop-Up Vows, you’re not just booking “an officiant and a photographer.” You’re getting a calm, organized elopement team.
We can help with:
Custom secular ceremony script
Ring exchange + license signing
Marriage license filing
Professional photography
Content creation (Reels, TikToks, BTS)
Simple ceremony setups (arches, décor)
Timeline planning around light and tides
Backup plans and vendor suggestions
Your job: show up, be in love, breathe.
Our job: everything else.
💸 How Much Does It Cost to Elope on Long Island?
Current Pop-Up Vows pricing:
Officiant Services: $800
Sign & Go Ceremony: $500
Photography – 2 Hours: $1,200
Signature Elopement Package (Officiant + 2 Hours Photo): $2,200
Ceremony Coordination: $1,500
Content Creator Add-On: +$600
Additional Photo Hours: $500/hour
Custom packages are available based on location, guest count, and coverage.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Long Island Was Built for Eloping
If you want:
A ceremony that feels like you, not a performance
Space to breathe and actually enjoy the moment
Beautiful photos without a production
A day that’s intimate, intentional, and drama-free
…then a Long Island elopement is your answer.
📩 Ready to Start Planning?
Text ELOPE to 516-474-5404
or visit popupvows.com to inquire.
We’ll help you skip the circus, keep the magic, and build a moment you’ll remember forever.
