Looking for a very unique place to elope? Egypt might just be what you’re looking for. This is one of those destinations people hear about and instantly think of ancient history, pyramids, and bustling markets, but very few couples realize that it’s also one of the most affordable and breathtaking places to elope.
Just imagine epic desert formations, golden light, warm temperatures year-round, sunrises over the mountains, starry skies, and a honeymoon paradise waiting for you after the ceremony.
But as soon as a foreigner starts planning an elopement there, the first question that comes to mind is how to elope in Egypt? Don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for! In this blog post, I am going to walk you through some main aspects to think about as you’re planning your Egypt elopement.
Why Elope in Egypt?
- Egypt is always warm, even in winter! Summers can be extremely hot (over 40°C / 104°F), but late fall and winter are the sweet spot. The temperatures vary depending on your chosen destination, but on average, daytime temperatures are around 20–25°C (68–77°F). I’ll tell you about the best time to elope in Egypt a bit later! Experiencing your elopement day in temperatures that feel good and comfy makes a massive difference in how relaxed you are and how much fun you can have 😊
- Egypt is surprisingly affordable. Accommodation, food, transportation, activities are much more budget-friendly than Europe or the US. And the value you get is incredible. Many couples love that they can stay at high-quality resorts without breaking the bank.
- You may not know this, but there’s more to Egypt than deserts. But the deserts here are out of this world, too! You get sand formations, white desert sculptures, glowing golden dunes, oases, mountain silhouettes, and some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see. This is the perfect destination if you want photos and experiences you truly cannot recreate anywhere else.
- Egyptian hospitality is well-known, and because many workers rely heavily on tips, the service is warm, attentive, and genuinely caring.
- Egypt is full of all-inclusive hotels where you can completely relax. After an adventurous elopement day, being able to relax at a beautiful resort, snorkel in crystal-clear water, or enjoy spa treatments is a huge bonus.
- One of my favorite reasons is that Egypt is not a mainstream elopement location. Your elopement won’t look like anyone else’s. You’re not sharing iconic photo spots with hundreds of other couples, and your experience truly becomes yours.
When to Elope in Egypt
As I mentioned previously, summers in Egypt are very hot! So, my top recommendation for maximum enjoyment is November.
In November:
- the days are warm but comfortable,
- evenings are cooler,
- fewer tourists,
- great visibility for stargazing.
Depending on the region, you can expect about 24–28°C (75–82°F) during the day and 14–18°C (57–64°F) at night. November is that magical sweet spot where you can do desert adventures without melting 😅
You also get very little rainfall, since November is part of the dry season, especially around Sinai and the desert regions. This is amazing for elopements because it allows us to plan a whole day without worrying about weather changes.
But if November doesn’t work for you, October and December are also good options.
Where to Elope in Egypt
The next step when eloping in Egypt is choosing the location. It can be a difficult choice as there are so many stunning places! Starting from vast deserts near Cairo and White Desert formations, to remote sand dunes, Sinai mountains, and oases surrounded by palms.
You do not need to know exactly where you want to have your ceremony at this point. But you should think about what kind of places inspire you? Brainstorm the type of landscapes you’d like to experience during your day. What kind of vibe are you feeling?
And when you work with me as your adventure elopement photographer, I’ll help you find the perfect spot to make your vision a reality!
Where NOT to Elope on the Actual Day
You can absolutely visit the pyramids during your trip, and you definitely should! But for your elopement day, I don’t recommend it. The pyramids are very touristy, busy, and not private at all. It’s better to spend your elopement day in nature, where you can fully enjoy the moment without crowds
Should You Get Legally Married in Egypt?
To keep your experience stress-free and simple, I always recommend doing the legal paperwork at home and having a symbolic ceremony in Egypt.
The legal marriage process for foreigners in Egypt would involve embassy visits, official translations, and several days of various appointments. Furthermore, your legal ceremony would have to follow specific rules and locations.
Having a symbolic ceremony gives you full freedom to choose the time, place, and meaning of your vows. ❤️
Elopement Itinerary Ideas in Egypt
Here are two real example itineraries to help you imagine what your own experience could look like 🥰
Itinerary Option 1: 2 Nights in the Cairo Desert
- Start the afternoon and drive with an experienced driver to the desert.
- Set up camp and have a cozy dinner.
- You can write your vows by the bonfire.
- Enjoy one of the clearest starry skies you will ever see!
Your elopement day:
- Wake up slowly and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at camp.
- Do your hair and makeup, and get dressed.
- Head to your ceremony spot! A completely private area surrounded by beautiful sand formations.
- For your ceremony, you can read your vows, exchange rings, pop champagne, and celebrate in total peace.
And then you can explore the desert! Walking on dunes, climbing formations, taking photos, laughing, having fun! You can even go sandboarding!
Then you can continue the day with a visit to an oasis, head back to your camping site and have a nice dinner, read letters from your friends and family, and cozy up in your tent for one more night under the sky.
Important: Desert camping must be done with a licensed guide or tour operator — for safety and because some areas (especially protected reserves) allow only authorized operators.
On the third day, we’ll drive back!
During the rest of your trip, you can visit ancient Cairo, see the pyramids, go snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea, have a hot air balloon ride, or just relax in one of many all-inclusive hotels.
Itinerary Option 2: Sunrise Elopement on Mount Sinai
This itinerary is perfect for you if you’re staying in Sharm el Sheikh, which is a resort area built in the 80s-90s. Here, everything is modern, beautiful, and designed for relaxation. Quite close to Sharm el Sheikh are mountains, and this itinerary brings you to Mount Sinai.
Night 1: Travel to Mount Sinai
- The driver picks you up late in the evening
- Arrive at Mount Sinai with your licensed guide
- Begin the night hike (usually 2.5–4 hours depending on pace)
When you arrive there, you can do your hair and make-up, put on your attire, and have your private vows and ring exchange at sunrise with epic mountain views. Totally worth it hiking at night!
It is often windy here, so make sure you are prepared with layers!
- Then you hike back down, approximately the same amount of time it took to hike up.
- Enjoy breakfast together.
- You can also visit St. Catherine’s Monastery nearby.
Once back in Sharm el Sheikh, the rest of the day is pure enjoyment! You can take a relaxing boat trip on the sea, go snorkeling or diving, or even take a camel ride! You could also enjoy dinner at the famous Farsha cafe. Or you can also enjoy a nice couples massage and relax in the sun!
What to Wear for Your Elopement in Egypt
If you’re wondering about general dress expectations during your time in Egypt, the main thing to keep in mind is that everyday clothing should be a bit more modest than in Europe or North America. In cities and smaller towns, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and avoid low-cut or very short outfits, simply because Egypt is a Muslim-majority country where locals dress more conservatively.
Resort areas like Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Red Sea hotels are much more relaxed, and beachwear is completely normal there, so you can wear whatever you’d wear at any Mediterranean resort. Just remember that if you visit mosques or monasteries during your trip, you’ll need to cover your shoulders, knees, and (for women) your hair, so a simple scarf in your bag is super helpful.
For your actual elopement day, though, feel completely free to wear whatever wedding attire feels beautiful to you. Out in the desert or mountains, there are no cultural dress expectations at all! Make sure you are comfortable and bring layers as needed! And don’t forget your sunscreen!
Ready to Elope in Egypt? Let’s Do This!
I know planning a destination elopement can be very overwhelming, so my advice is to choose an elopement photographer who also doubles as an elopement planner. Someone like me!
If you’re still wondering how to elope in Egypt and want to learn more, or if you’d like your elopement planning and elopement day to be as stress-free and smooth as possible, please contact me, and we can start by getting to know each other! If we both feel we are a good match, I will guide you through all the next steps with ease! Can’t wait to meet you! Need help planning your dream elopement? Reach out HERE and let’s make it happen! ✨
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