Patagonia Elopement 2025 Guide

How to Elope in Patagonia

If your dream wedding involves epic views, a little adventure, and a whole lot of just us, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your Patagonia elopement happen in 2025!

The Patagonia Culture & Experience: What to Expect When Eloping in Patagonia

Located between Chile and Argentina, the Patagonia mountains are pure magic. Spanish is the national language, and the culture is a beautiful blend of Indigenous and European influences. 

The food? Absolutely unreal—think rich, flavorful Spanish cuisine, with empanadas (crispy, golden pastries stuffed with savory meat and melty cheese) stealing the show. 

But beyond the landscapes and incredible bites, it’s the people who make Patagonia unforgettable. Warm, welcoming, and proud to share their home, they’ll make you feel like you belong.

And the best part? There’s no wrong time to visit. Every season brings its own kind of breathtaking moment—whether it’s snow-dusted peaks, golden autumn forests, or the endless summer glow – there truly is no better place to be.

Chile vs. Argentina: Which Side of Patagonia is Right for Your Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of eloping in Patagonia, you’ve probably realized there are two sides to this epic landscape—Chile and Argentina. So, which one should you choose? Both offer jaw-dropping scenery, incredible adventure, and that magical, remote feel, but each has its own unique vibe. Let’s break it down so you can decide which side of Patagonia is the perfect fit for your elopement! 

Argentina’s Patagonia: For the Mountain Lovers

If you picture your elopement with dramatic mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and endless hiking trails, Argentina’s side of Patagonia might be calling your name. El Chaltén is the trekking capital, home to Mount Fitz Roy (yes, the mountain on the Patagonia logo!) and plenty of accessible yet stunning hikes. You’ll find Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier—one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. This side of Patagonia also offers more lodging, food, and wine options, so if you want a mix of adventure and comfort, Argentina has you covered.

Best for: Couples who love hiking, dramatic mountains, and want easy access to trailheads right from town.
Consider this: The winds here can be intense, especially in summer, so be prepared!

Chile’s Patagonia: For the Wild Souls

On the Chilean side, you’ll find Torres del Paine National Park, which is basically a dreamscape of jagged peaks, rolling valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s more remote than Argentina’s side, meaning fewer crowds and an even wilder feel. Here, you can elope near towering granite spires, kayak alongside glaciers, or even spot wild guanacos (they look like llamas!). The landscapes in Chile’s Patagonia are incredibly diverse—think windswept grasslands, deep fjords, and epic mountain backdrops!

Best for: Couples craving a rugged, off-the-grid adventure with fewer crowds and insane landscapes.
Consider this: It’s a bit harder to get to, and the weather can be unpredictable—but that just adds to the adventure, right?

Why Not Both?

If you really can’t choose, why not experience both? There are routes that connect El Chaltén to Torres del Paine, so you can explore Argentina’s mountains and Chile’s wild landscapes in one unforgettable trip. Sounds epic, right?!

So, Which Side is Right for You?

• Love hiking, dramatic peaks, and easy access? → Argentina
• Crave remoteness, variety, and an untamed feel? → Chile
• Want the best of both worlds? → Let’s plan an epic multi-destination elopement!

Either way, Patagonia is pure beauty,  and no matter which side you choose, your elopement will be nothing short of legendary. Pinky promise. 

How to Choose Your Patagonia Elopement Photographer

Your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—don’t settle for a photographer who’s never even been to Patagonia!

Hi! I’m Sasha, and if you’re new here, welcome! While I call Colorado home, my camera and I are constantly traveling the world, capturing love stories in epic locations—like Patagonia! One of the biggest perks of hiring me as your Patagonia elopement photographer? I speak Spanish, the native language of the region! That means I can help you navigate, find the best trails, and make the most of your elopement adventure without any language barriers.

Another major benefit? I’ve been to Patagonia before, so I know all the must-see spots and hidden gems you won’t want to miss! Think of me as your photographer and personal Patagonia guide—talk about a win-win!

But more than anything, choosing the right Patagonia elopement photographer comes down to connection. You deserve to feel comfortable, relaxed, and completely yourself in front of the camera. My top priority? Making sure you have an incredible experience and that your elopement photos feel like YOU.

If that sounds like the vibe you’re looking for, let’s make it happen! My bags are packed—just say the word, and I’ll be on a plane to celebrate your elopement in one of the most breathtaking places in the world! Get in touch, here to secure your date! 

How to Get to Patagonia for Your Elopement (Traveling from the U.S.)

Getting to Patagonia may take some time, but trust me—it’s so worth it. Whether you’re headed to the Chilean or Argentine side, here’s how to get there without the stress.

Since Patagonia is pretty remote, you’ll first need to fly into a major airport in South America. From the U.S., you have two main options:

1. Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) – Best for eloping in El Chaltén, Los Glaciares National Park, or Perito Moreno Glacier.
2. Fly to Santiago, Chile (SCL) – Best for eloping in Torres del Paine or Chilean Patagonia.

Most major U.S. cities (like New York, Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles) have direct or one-stop flights to these hubs! 

Once you land in Buenos Aires or Santiago, you’ll need a connecting flight to get closer to Patagonia.

For Argentina (El Chaltén & Los Glaciares National Park)

• Fly from Buenos Aires (AEP or EZE) → El Calafate (FTE) (~3-hour flight)
• From El Calafate, it’s about a 3-hour drive to El Chaltén.

For Chile (Torres del Paine & Chilean Patagonia)

• Fly from Santiago (SCL) → Puerto Natales (PNT) (~3-hour flight)
  • From Puerto Natales, it’s a 2-hour drive to Torres del Paine.
• OR fly from Santiago → Punta Arenas (PUQ) (~3.5-hour flight)
  • From Punta Arenas, it’s a 4-hour drive to Torres del Paine.

It’s also important to know that US Citizens DO NOT need Visas and can stay up to 90 days! 

Once you’ve landed in Patagonia, you can either rent a car, book a private transfer, or take a bus to your final location. If you’re planning a multi-day trek, some trails require guides and reservations—so make sure to plan ahead!

• Renting a Car – The best option for flexibility, especially if you’re visiting multiple locations.
• Private Transfers – Perfect if you want a stress-free experience without driving.
• Buses – A budget-friendly way to get between major towns and national parks.
• Ferry – A slower option, but worth it for the views and extra time to take it all in.

Where to Stay in Patagonia for Your Destination Elopement?

Patagonia offers endless possibilities when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, and I know it can feel overwhelming. So, I wanted to break things down for you to help make the decision a little easier, so you can choose the option that fits your elopement experience just right!

• Luxury: 
  • Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico: an all inclusive resort perfect for couples wanting to experience minimal planning while still experiencing the beauty of Patagonia
  • Pampa Lodge: a beautiful and intimate hotel that includes breakfast and horseback riding on site! 
  • Rio Serrano: all all inclusive hotel and spa on the Chilean side of Patagonia!
• Adventurous:
  • EcoCamp Patagonia: Known for being the world’s first geodesic dome hotel
  • OVO Patagonia: The coolest pods on a cliff overlooking Fitz Roy! Visit this blog for an in depth review of OVO!
• Budget Friendly:
  • Hosteria Pehoe: A great affordable option right along the lake! 

Ever wondered what it’s like to soak in the views of Mount Fitz Roy from a 360-degree glass pod suspended on a cliff? At OVO Patagonia, you can do just that—winding down with the most breathtaking backdrop imaginable. 👇🏼

Best Time of Year to Plan a Patagonia Elopement: A Seasonal Guide

One of the coolest things about a Patagonia elopement is how the seasons flip compared to North America! Patagonia’s summer months fall between December and February, making it a prime spot for couples who want to escape winter and elope somewhere with breathtaking landscapes and warmer weather.

Here’s a breakdown of each season and the best activities to include in your Patagonia elopement adventure:

Spring (September – November)

• Why Couples Love This Season: Fewer crowds, bright colors, and wildflowers beginning to bloom. There’s an overall sense of renewal as the landscape shifts from winter to warmer days.
• Cons: Cooler temperatures, especially in the early morning and late evening.

Summer (December – February)

• Why Couples Love This Season: Long days, comfortable weather, and the best time of year for hiking and sightseeing. 
• Cons: Patagonia is only about 1,000 miles from Antarctica, so strong winds are common during these months.

Fall (March – May)

• Why Couples Love This Season: The landscapes come alive with autumn colors, making it an incredible time for exploring and capturing golden-hour magic. 
• Cons: Milder temperatures, with average highs in the 50s.

Winter (June – August)

• Why Couples Love This Season: A dream for couples who love snow! The perfect time to see glaciers and experience the peaceful, quiet wildlife.
• Cons: Cooler temperatures, with average highs in the 40s.

No matter when you elope in Patagonia, each season brings its own beauty to be experienced! Whether you’re after wildflower fields, golden forests, or glacier views with peaks of snow on the mountaintops, Patagonia is the perfect adventure-packed backdrop for your elopement!

For more information about the seasons in Patagonia, check out this resource!

Elopement Activities to Consider During Your Patagonia Elopement

Here are 34 adventurous and intimate activity ideas for your Patagonia elopement:

1. Hike to a secluded mountain top for your vow exchange (I have some good locations up my sleeve!)
2. Trek through Torres del Paine National Park
3. Explore Perito Moreno Glacier together
4. Kayak through glacial lakes
5. Take a scenic helicopter ride over the mountains
6. Camp under Patagonia’s breathtaking starry sky
7. Horseback ride through the valleys
8. Take a boat tour through the fjords
9. Hike to Laguna de los Tres for a stunning sunrise view
10. Explore the Marble Caves by kayak

11. Have a private picnic with local wine and empanadas
12. Read love letters to each other under a canopy of stars
13. Watch the sunrise together from Pehoe Lake
14. Share a traditional mate (Argentinian tea) as a symbolic ritual
15. Dance barefoot on the shore of Nahuel Huapi National Park
16. Take a soak in natural hot springs
17. Set up a cozy bonfire and toast marshmallows
18. Take a romantic dip in a hidden lagoon
19. Slow dance to the sound of Patagonia’s powerful winds – summer is the best time for this idea! 
20. Have a hammock date in the woods

21. Visit a local estancia (ranch) and experience gaucho culture
22. Enjoy an authentic Patagonian asado (barbecue)
23. Learn how to make traditional empanadas together
24. Take a private cooking class with a local chef
25. Explore the charming village of El Chaltén
26. Visit a local artisan market and pick out meaningful souvenirs
27. Sip on locally crafted Chilean or Argentinian wine
28. Take a guided wildlife tour to spot guanacos and condors
29. Participate in a traditional Mapuche ceremony
30. Write your vows in a quaint café with mountain views

31. Run barefoot on a black sand beach
32. Play in the snow on a glacier
33. Share a quiet moment on a gorgeous cliffside
34. Ride bicycles together on scenic trails

Patagonia is basically the ultimate adventure-romance combo—whether you’re hiking, sipping wine by a glacier, or saying “I do” on a beautiful cliff, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable time!

Frequently Asked Questions: Patagonia Elopement Edition

Q: What is a realistic budget for eloping in Patagonia with a Patagonia elopement photographer? 

A: Depending on your desired experience, you can anticipate to spend anywhere from $7,000-$20,000

Q: How far in advance should I start booking for my Patagonia elopement? 

A: When planning an elopement in Patagonia, it’s best to start booking things at least 6 to 12 months in advance.

Q: How long should we plan our trip in Patagonia? 

A: For an elopement in Patagonia, I recommend planning a trip that spans 7 to 10 days. This gives you enough time to relax, explore, and really enjoy the breathtaking landscapes without feeling rushed.

Q: How to plan for unpredictable weather in Patagonia during our elopement? 

A: Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather, which can change on a dime, so it’s essential to be prepared. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the ever-changing conditions and make sure you’re ready for anything during your elopement:

• Pack for all seasons
• Be flexible with your plans
• Prepare for wind
• Plan for shelter or indoor activities 
• Stay in the know of local forecasts

Leave No Trace in Patagonia

Ensuring that I am leaving areas that I visit better than how I found them is incredibly important to me as a travel elopement photographer, but also as a genuine human. I am forever inspired by nature and believe it is a true gift that we all get to experience the beauty that is all around us. 

So, you can expect your elopement sessions with me to be centered around protecting the scenery around us by using the Leave No Trace principles.

Patagonia Elopement Photographer | Sasha Takes Pictures

If this sounds like the kind of elopement experience that fits your dream day, let’s chat! Your love story deserves to be captured in a way that feels authentic and epic—just like the two of you.