8 Exotic Places to Elope in 2017

Jan 12, 2017

For many of us, 2016 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2017! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January for new ideas, hacks and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.

With the ever-rising cost of weddings, millennials are setting new wedding trends, and many couples are choosing to just elope. While a big event with all your friends and family surely makes for a day you’ll never forget, it can be tempting to opt for a much smaller wedding to save cash and enjoy a more intimate experience. For those who decide to go the elopement route, it’s often helpful to plan your nuptials somewhere far from home. Whether it’s just the two of you or you bring a few select family members and friends along, heading to an exotic locale to celebrate your love is definitely an extra-special way to commemorate your union. Check out these far-flung travel destinations where you can get married AND have the trip of a lifetime.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand: Feeling adventurous? Grab bae and head to Thailand. In particular, Chiang Mai is an awesome place to start, or even spend a whole week. The city is much more chill than Bangkok, meaning you’ll get to relax and do some sightseeing at the same time. Don’t miss the temples throughout the city, like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

2. Banff, Alberta, Canada: Beaches are great, but what about the snow-lovers out there? If you adore cold weather, frosty flakes and gorgeous displays of nature, consider Banff National Park and its surrounding town. The main attraction here is nature itself, with sights like Lake Louise, the Athabasca Glacier and Miette Hot Springs. In other words, if you want something outdoorsy, Banff is an amazing bet. Plus, the town outside of the park is adorable and filled with restaurants, shops and more. Added bonus: In 2017, Canada will be celebrating its 150th anniversary, so admission to all national parks, including Banff, will be free!

3. Tulum, Mexico: If you’re in search of a place where you and your soon-to-be spouse can bliss out and get away from it all, consider Tulum. This bohemian (and lately hipster) beach community on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is a hotspot for everyone from fashion bloggers to Hollywood celebs. Not only do they have seriously beautiful beaches and tons of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, but there are also ancient ruins like Chichen Itza within day-trip distance.

4. Maui, Hawaii: There’s a reason Maui is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations ever. So why not go ahead and just get married there? Aside from all the incredible resorts and hotels, you’ll also find amazing, fresh gourmet food, as well as tons of outdoor activities like surfing, hiking and snorkeling. Whether you want to laze on the sand for an entire week (hello, beach reading!) or have a new adventure each day you’re there, there’s something for everyone on this idyllic island.

5. Paris, France: Yeah, yeah, it might be a little overdone to go to Paris for your honeymoon… but to elope? Totally romantic. Eat all the croissants and cheese your heart desires (plus some wine for good measure), all against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Tuileries Garden.

6. The Seychelles: Want to elope in Will and Kate’s favorite vacation spot? Head to the Seychelles. With pristine beaches and a tranquil vibe, this is an awesome place to disconnect from the rest of the world. If you’re into scuba diving, this area has a ton to offer, and you can even get some giant-turtle watching in too. It’s definitely a trek to get there from the continental US (it can take almost a whole day, since there aren’t direct flights), but it’s 100 percent worth it.

7. Lake Bled, Slovenia: Like camping? Whether or not you’re interested in roughing it, you’ll love the glamping that Lake Bled has to offer. Check out Camping Bled, where the “tents” are really little cabins (some even with their own private hot tubs). There is plumbing in each one, of course, as well as other hotel-like amenities. Set in the Julian Alps, the scenery is truly incredible. We call this the best of both worlds.

8. Santorini, Greece: Known as the most romantic destination in Greece, Santorini is definitely a lovers’ paradise. The island has historic sites, beaches, boats and lots of delicious cuisine. Pack a few swimsuits plus a change of clothes and you’ll be set.

Did you and your boo elope somewhere exciting? Tell us about it @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Blake Lively's Coral Swimsuit Is The Perfect Vacation Staple – Shop Her Exact Look Here

Blake Lively was just spotted living her best life vacationing in Capri, Italy donning the cutest one-piece swimsuit – in perhaps one of the most unexpected colors for the season!

Miss Blake took a break from filming A Simple Favor 2 to board a boat (jealous!) wearing a bold coral swimmie from Gooseberry Intimates – and I was immediately convinced 2024 is finally the year of one-piece swimsuits. Ugh, her power!

Unlike most celebrity style we're seeing these days, Blake's swimsuit is super easy to track down and is fairly accessible price-wise. Below, find all the details you need to know about Blake's one-and-done vacay look before you snag the ultimate swim staple for yourself.

Shop Blake Lively's One-Piece Swimsuit

Gooseberry Intimates One Piece in Coral

This $99 swimsuit from Gooseberry Intimates is downright flirty. Just look at that plunging neckline! The v-neck effect is overwhelmingly sultry and sexy, so there'll be no doubt that you'll feel confident AF every beach or pool day you wear it. No wonder celebs like Blake Lively, Sydney Sweeney, Kendall Jenner, and Vanessa Hudgens love it!

The bottom half of the suit boasts a cheeky cut with a playful high leg that adds a flattering elongating effect on your legs. Since it's specifically crafted to sculpt your figure, there are no annoying cups or inserts to mess with, plus the material is double-lined for additional peace of mind!

The suit comes in sizes XS-XL and is fitted with thin adjustable spaghetti straps so you can find your perfect fit. The solid color opens doors for endless styling possibilities, whether you wear it with a swimsuit cover-up to prep for the pool or with a flowy maxi skirt on dry land. You can also shop it in 14 other hues, from key lime green to royal blue.

With solid TLC, this Gooseberry Intimates swimsuit can last you years and years (and years). Now that's what I call a good investment. According to the brand, "each garment is hand dyed, cut and sewed to order," so you can get excited knowing this one-piece was made just for you.

More Must-Have Summer Suits From Gooseberry Intimates

Gooseberry Intimates One Piece Cutout Black

This luxe-looking black one-piece swimsuit is also made from figure-sculpting materials that hug you in in all the right places. Compared to Blake Lively's coral swimsuit, this one has a bit more coverage up top and on the bottom. The double-lined fabric swarms the entire suit with comfort and coverage, including the bust and the medium-coverage brief areas.

The exposed back and keyhole cutout in the front are sure to turn all heads toward you. The scoopneck suit flexes some sleek gold hardware: a ring in the front, and an adorable little tag on the back for added elegance.

This chic cutout piece comes in 6 other colors, so you're bound to land on one that fits your vibe the most. It's shoppable in sizes XS-XL for $99!

Gooseberry Intimates One Piece Tank Baby Pink

This one-piece is probably my favorite of them all. Sure, the square neckline feels less revealing up top, but the style is still super sexy with high legs and a cheeky brief cut. Plus, I just can't resist baby pink!

This pick is crafted with Gooseberry Intimates' signature double-lined fabric for added modesty (love it!), and it comes in especially handy for wearing lighter colors like this subtle pink.

The thin, adjustable straps don't feel intrusive, which is great for when you're strolling along the sand or dipping your toes in the pool. It comes in sizes XS-XL and 5 other eye-catching colors for $99.

Gooseberry Intimates Sculpting Top Rum + Bikini Bottom

This bikini top feels like it's inspired by vintage lingerie, and I'm very here for it! The seaming on the underwired bust is reminiscent of your classic balconette bra, except this suit flaunts a tad more coverage. You're easily able to find your perfect swimsuit fit with the help of adjustable straps and a back clasp closure.

The double-lined bottoms, on the other hand, aren't adjustable, but stretch accordingly to your shape. They are perfectly mid-rise and cheeky, with a flirty high-cut leg in tow. While I adore this rusty red color, this set also comes in black, white, royal blue, and baby pink.

This bikini is currently shoppable in sizes XS-L. The top is $55 and the bottoms are $45.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more celebrity style! Find even more editor-approved picks with our One-Piece Bathing Suits roundup.

Images via Gooseberry Intimates.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Rihanna Just Addressed Early Rumors About Her & A$AP Rocky's Relationship

We hear a lot about celebrity breakups, but thankfully this doesn't apply to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Their relationship hass blossomed before our eyes like a modern day fairy tale, and we're here for our pop culture king and queen. It seems like just yesterday the loving couple welcomed their second baby while dodging marriage rumors.

Rumors have circulated about whether the pair are married or not, but they've been pretty quiet about it. What Rihanna has done is open up about how her relationship with A$AP Rocky began in a new candid interview. Below, she covers everything from that infamous VMA's performance to what's in store for their growing family

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Relationship Timeline

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2012

While going down memory lane with Interview's Editori-in-Chief Mel Ottenberg, Rihanna opened up about her and A$AP Rocky's relationship timeline. She revealed the two didn't know each other prior to her 2012 VMA's performance of her single "Cockiness." No one can forget that A$AP Rocky was a part of her set and that he managed to spice things up by grabbing a handful of her bottom onstage.

2013

Although people assumed the two were dating when she appeared in the video for A$AP Rocky's song "Fashion Killa," Rihanna admits they weren't. It's easy to see how people would've assumed that because they've always had chemistry. She told Ottenberg that their friendship throughout the years was due to having similar perspectives. "We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot. And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time. I would wear his shit, he would show up to my launches."

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

2019

Although it would be juicy if Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's relationship stemmed from a steamy text, she alluded in her conversation with Interview that their love was more organic. She said, "We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution."

She also said COVID had a huge impact of the solidifying their romantic relationship and that she doesn't regret how things unfolded for them.

2021

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky debuted their love — and style — on the red carpet of the 2021 Met Gala. By then, it was undeniable how they felt about each other.

Image via Rich Fury/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin

2022 — 2023

The couple welcomed their sons — Rza and Riot — between 2022 and 2023, something they love gushing about. They're not shy about expressing their adoration for their growing family and have even admitted they're open to having more children if that's in the cards for them. Rihanna specifically told Interview, "I don’t know what god wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course if it’s another boy, it’s another boy."

Did A$AP Rocky call Rihanna his wife?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Yes! During his performance at the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival, Rihanna was seen grooving to her love's music. Once he reached the second half of his performance, he gave her a huge, shocking shoutout. “I’d like to dedicate this song to my beautiful wife in the motherf–king building!”

Um, are you kidding us right now? His "beautiful wife?" We could hardly contain our excitement when we learned the news, and it seems Rihanna couldn't either because she was seen with a huge grin on her face. Ah, to be in love!

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

We can't help but wonder if their latest Met Gala look was a nod to their nuptials. I mean, a white dress and a tux? At fashion's biggest event? Seems suspicious, if you ask us!

Still, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky haven't issued a statement to the media about their marriage or a wedding ceremony. While we respect their privacy, we would be open to fawning over the beautiful bride and groom if they ever decide to release pictures.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

As if that wasn't enough, A$AP Rocky released a song last year called "Riot (Rowdy Pipe'n)" that gives a little more relationship insight. In one lyric, he raps, "My wife is erotic, I’m smokin’ exotic."

We think they've been telling the world - "What's understood doesn't have to be explained."

Touché Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.

How do you feel about Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's uncertain future? Share your thoughts with us and follow us on Facebook for more updates!

This post has been updated with new information.

Lead image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

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"Bridget Jones 4" Is Officially On Its Way

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.