Post Summary: Below is a complete guide to how to elope in Egypt, filled with incredible places to visit, unique activities to incorporate into your elopement day, travel tips, info for getting your tourist visa, & more! I absolutely fell in love with Egypt during my recent trip and believe it’s such a phenomenal elopement destination for couples looking to tie the knot abroad. Enjoy this Egypt elopement guide!

Where is Egypt?

Let’s start off with a little bit about Egypt and where the heck it is, in case you’re not familiar with this amazing country whatsoever. A lot of people think that Egypt is part of the Middle East, but it’s actually located in northeast Africa – and it does link Africa with the Middle East! 

Egypt is often divided into 6 main regions:

• Lower Egypt (which is actually northern Egypt)
• Middle Egypt
• Upper Egypt (which is actually southern Egypt)
• Western Desert
• Sinai
• Red Sea Coast

Here are a few of the biggest airports in Egypt so that you know your options when it comes to flying into the country:

• Cairo International Airport
• Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport
• Luxor International Airport
• Hurghada International Airport
• Marsa Alam International Airport

Why Elope in Egypt?

Now I can guarantee you won’t need much more convincing after reading this guide, but here are a few of the top reasons to elope in Egypt to start us off:

• The warm, sunny weather is incredible, and makes for long days with lots of light in the summer
• The romantic history is fascinating & perfect for a romantic elopement celebration – just look at Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony, as well as Nefertari and Ramses the Great!
• There are ENDLESS opportunities for adventure & unique ways to experience the phenomenal landscapes, including Jeep tours, hot air balloon rides, & cruises along the Nile River
• The scenery is absolutely unreal & otherworldly, from saltwater pools and hot springs to the Great Pyramids and white sand dunes
• The tourist visa to travel to Europe only costs $25
• There are plenty of secluded locations where you can say your vows & celebrate without tons of tourists around

7 Best Places to Elope in Egypt

Where the heck do you even elope in Egypt when there are SO many epic places to visit?! Here are 7 of the best Egypt elopement locations that I’d recommend incorporating into your travel itinerary if you can!

1. Cairo

Cairo is home to one of the 7 Wonders of the World – the Great Pyramids of Giza! Situated on the Nile River, Egypt’s capital city is a must-visit if you’re visiting Egypt for the first time. The pyramids tend to be packeddd with fellow tourists who are looking to see the iconic scenery, but I know a top-secret spot where you can say your vows in private without many – if any – other tourists around! We can chat more about that if you book me as your Egypt elopement photographer 😉

2. Aswan

Aswan is the most peaceful & serene city, located on the east bank of the Nile River, and is home to countless important archaeological sites including the Philae temple complex & plenty of stunning scenery. Take a cruise along the Nile on a felucca (Egypt’s traditional “sail boat”), explore Abu Simbel, or stop by the Nubian Village!

3. Luxor

Located in Upper (southern) Egypt, Luxor is a vibrant & modern city that you have to experience during your time in Egypt. While you can’t exchange vows at one of Luxor’s incredible, historic temples, you can take incredible portraits and explore the deep and beautiful history. I highly recommend admiring the architecture & scenery of the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut – and if you want an extra unique view of these incredible sites, you can book a hot air balloon ride over Luxor!

4. Siwa Oasis

In case you couldn’t tell by the name, Siwa is the oasis of Egypt and is a major bucket list item for many visitors. The turquoise salt water pools & hot springs are an incredible sight to see – seriously one of the most picturesque places I have EVER been. The oasis is centered around the ruins of a mud-brick citadel, the Fortress of Shali, that’ll leave your jaw on the floor. Swimming (more like floating) in these salt pools was the experience of a lifetime!

5. White Desert National Park

Did you know that Egypt has a National Park? The White Desert is an iconic part of Egypt, located just south of Bahariya Oasis, and has the coolest giant iceberg-like rocks & pinnacles that seriously look like something out of a dystopian novel. Take a 4x4 out into the desert and go overnight camping among the stars for an unforgettable way to experience the White Desert!

6. Alexandria

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, and is actually a Mediterranean port city that’s home to multiple Greco-Roman landmarks, old-world cafes, and gorgeous sandy beaches. The Qaitbay Citadel is a super cool defensive fortress that was built back in 1477 AD, part of which has even been turned into a museum you can now visit!

7. Dahab

Finally, Dahab is a gorgeous small Egyptian town on the southeast coast that’s perfect for couples who are looking for a relaxing ocean atmosphere. This little section of the Sinai Peninsula offers gorgeous blue waters, sandy beaches, palm trees, and stunning places to stay for an incredible beach getaway!

7 Best Places to Stay In Egypt

Speaking of stunning places to stay, I wanted to include some of the incredible places I stayed during my recent trip to Egypt, plus a couple more amazing places I know of. I highly recommend any of these resorts & hotels if you’re looking for luxurious places to stay for your Egypt elopement!

1. Marriott Mena House | Cairo

2. Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh | Sharm el-Sheikh

3. Oberoi Beach Resort | Sahl Hasheesh

4. Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Hotel | Luxor

5. Al Moudira Hotel | Luxor

6. La Maison Bleue | El Gouna, Egypt

7. Adrere Amellal | Siwa Oasis

9 Unique Ideas for Your Egypt Elopement

You absolutely HAVE to take advantage of your time in this amazing country by planning a few activities that’ll help you experience it to the fullest. Here are 9 super fun ideas & activities that you can incorporate into your Egypt elopement day, from adventurous activities for you thrill-seekers to relaxing excursions that’ll take you through Egypt’s most beautiful landscapes!

1. Take a felucca cruise on the Nile River

Feluccas are traditional Egyptian wooden boats that you can take out on the water, and what better place to do so than the Nile River? There are plenty of different companies that offer felucca cruises in Egypt, but below are some of the top-rated options:

• Nour El Nil
• Egypt Tours Plus
• Egypt Nile Cruise

2. Take a hot air balloon over Luxor

There’s really not a more epic way to experience the stunning southern Egyptian city of Luxor than from way up in the sky, getting a bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon! Book a hot air balloon ride to take you over the temples of Luxor, Karnka, and Hatshepsut, or over the Valley of the Kings and Queens.

3. Jeep tour into the Sahara Desert

You cannot visit the Sahara Desert without taking a jeep tour and experiencing the sand dunes via a super fun off-roading adventure! There are TONS of jeep & 4x4 tours available through travel websites such as TourScanner or Get Your Guide, or through private companies like Wild Morocco.

4. Camel ride near the pyramids

There’s no wrong way to see the Giza Pyramids, but in my opinion, one of the best ways to experience the incredible landscape is via camelback! It’s a seriously unforgettable way to witness the pyramids from a super unique perspective (especially if you go at sunrise or sunset!), and there are a ton of camel tours of different lengths available through Viator and TripAdvisor.

5. Sand board down the sand dunes of the White Desert

Yes, you can absolutely go sandboarding down the incredible sand dunes of Egypt’s White Desert! This country is so jam-packed with epic opportunities for adventure and unique ways to experience the landscapes that it’s nearly impossible to fit them all into your trip. But sandboarding down the white sand dunes is one of the easiest and most memorable activities you can do during your time in Egypt!

6. Dip in the salt pools of Siwa

Siwa Oasis is one of the most phenomenal places in Egypt, featuring hundreds of salt pools with salt that’s been extracted & used by locals for centuries. The vibrant blue & white waters against the desert landscape make you feel like you’re literally on another planet, plus the huge amounts of salt allow you to float super easily!

7. Day trip to Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a historic site of two temples near the Sudan border, on the western bank of Lake Nasser, and is a must-visit if you have time while you’re in Egypt. The temples, carved out of a massive sandstone cliff, are so impressive and incredible to witness, with statues of Ramses, his children, his queen, and his mother. If you’re interested in learning more about the rich history of Egypt, then Abu Simbel has to be added to your trip itinerary!

8. Explore Philae Temple

Philae Temple, located on the tiny island of Philae, is a sacred site & is actually Egypt’s ancient center for the cult of Isis. Rulers throughout the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods made additions to the stones at the temple, and you can walk among the columns to experience the fascinating historic site yourself! 

9. Dive in the Red Sea

Did you know that the Red Sea is one of the top diving destinations in the world?! If you’re an experienced diver, you HAVE to add the Red Sea to your trip and spend time exploring the incredible underwater landscapes, from the beauty of Ras Mohammed National Park to the wreck of the Thistlegorm & more. Check out this article for 10 of the best Red Sea dive sites!

How to Get Your Egypt Marriage License

There are two ways to elope in Egypt as a foreigner:

1. Get your Egypt marriage license & have a legal elopement ceremony
2. Get legally married in your home country, then have a symbolic ceremony in Egypt

If you want to legally get married in Egypt as US citizens, you’ll need to check out the US Embassy in Egypt website for instructions on getting your Egypt marriage license. This page walks you through the process you’ll need to follow!

If you’d rather not have to go through the process of getting a marriage license in Egypt as a foreigner, then you can opt to get legally married back in your home country before your trip. This means you’ll simply get your marriage license at home and have a legal ceremony (it can be at your local courthouse, in your backyard, etc.), then have a symbolic (but not legal) ceremony in Egypt! This takes away the stress of following the legal process to get your license and lets you just enjoy your time + celebrate with a symbolic ceremony, knowing you’re already legally married.

No matter which route you take, you will need to get a tourist visa to visit Egypt – more info on that a little later in this guide!

What to Wear for Your Egypt Elopement

What do you wear for your elopement in Egypt?

This is a great question and an important one when it comes to visiting this beautiful country! Egypt is a much more conservative country, as it’s mostly Muslim, but it is one of the more modern & progressive areas of Africa. While tourists don’t necessarily need to follow such conservative dress codes, it’s important to always be respectful of local cultures!

If you want to wear a dress for your Egypt elopement, opt for something that covers your shoulders and goes below your knees, but is breathable, lightweight, and flowy to accommodate for the hot & dry climate. Not only will this type of dress be easier to pack while you travel, and will help you avoid too many wrinkles – it will also keep you cool throughout the day! I recommend choosing a dress made of mostly linen or cotton to keep you as cool as possible. 

A must-have item for your time in Egypt is a pashmina scarf, just in case you need to cover up more when visiting more conservative areas such as mosques. It also just adds a little je ne sais quoi to photos that I love!

Now when it comes to wearing a suit for your Egypt elopement, you’ll also want to opt for something as lightweight as possible to avoid overheating in the sun. Long-sleeve shirts and long pants are the typical attire for men in Egypt, and you could even opt for dress pants & a lightweight long-sleeve shirt in lieu of a full suit! 

One last thing: no shorts! Shorts are not in line with the dress code, so avoid wearing them to make sure you’re respecting the local culture.

My Top Egypt Travel Tips for Your Elopement

As you think about eloping in Egypt, I wanted to share some of my top tips that I learned from my recent visit! There are a few things you’ll need to know in order to make the most of your time in Egypt and to make sure you have a safe, smooth trip. 

1. Egyptians can be very loud and pushy, especially when they are trying to sell you things on the street – but they aren’t unsafe! Learning a few phrases in Arabic will go a long way, and so will learning to haggle when you’re purchasing anything in Egypt.
2. You’ll need a visa to visit Egypt, which you can get beforehand or upon arrival for $25 USD. This renewable single-entry tourist visa will be valid for 30 days!
3. The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), and the current exchange rate (as of February 21, 2023) is 1 EGP to 0.033 USD.
4. Egypt is a tipping country, so make sure you have some cash on hand for drivers, guides, etc.
5. There’s usually a small fee for public bathrooms – another reason it’s important to carry some cash on hand.
6. I highly recommend traveling with a guide so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or running into obstacles with the language barrier & having trouble communicating with locals. Traveling with a guide is also great because they’ll show & teach you more about Egyptian history and local culture. I recommend Sameh from Egypt Eye Tour!
7. Tap water isn’t safe in Egypt, so only drink bottled water.
8. Finally, remember to respect the local culture by wearing clothes that cover the majority of your skin, avoiding shorts & short sleeve shirts, and bringing a pashmina scarf around with you in case you visit locations that require further covering.

Is It Safe to Elope in Egypt?

The short answer? YES!

When I first visited Egypt, so many people were concerned for my safety. Honestly, I was wondering if I should be concerned, too, until I was actually there – and let me tell you, Egypt felt like one of the safest places I’ve ever experienced in all my years of travel! Seriously, the security was top-notch – all of my hotels, drivers, guides, etc. had so many safety procedures in place to make sure I always felt safe while traveling.

Egypt has definitely gotten a bad rap from many foreigners, but I truly felt incredibly safe and very much welcomed into the country. The warmth, kindness, and hospitality there was unlike any other I’ve ever experienced & is completely unmatched.

As with any location, always check with travel advisories first, and in general, stay aware of your surroundings, as any kind of tourist is usually a target. But don’t let the dated opinions of others stop you from considering this beautiful country for your adventure elopement!

Best Time of Year to Elope in Egypt

Last but not least, let’s talk about WHEN you should elope in Egypt! 

There are two seasons in Egypt: summer and winter. June-September is the hottest time of year, so the climate is pretty dry, but it’s the off-season for tourism, so you’ll encounter fewer tourists. I recommend eloping at sunrise or sunset to beat the heat as best as you can!

November-April is the most pleasant time of year, weather-wise, but is also the high season for tourists. So if you’re okay with more tourists and working a little harder to find quieter spots, then you can elope during this season and enjoy the nice temperatures all day & cooler evenings!

Egypt Elopement Photographer

In case you couldn’t tell, after my recent Egypt trip I am absolutely in LOVE with this incredible country, and want to encourage more couples to consider it as an elopement destination! I would be thrilled to photograph your elopement in Egypt and show you around all the amazing places I got to visit during my time there, and to help you create the most magical experience possible. Visit my website to learn more about me & my approach to elopement photography, and take a look at my Egypt elopement packages + pricing below. You can inquire about your elopement through my contact form if you’re ready to start planning your dream Egypt elopement – I can’t wait!!

Egypt Elopement Packages and Pricing

I hope you enjoyed this Egypt elopement guide and that you feel SO confident in your ability to plan an amazing elopement in this stunning country!!

For more elopement inspiration, tips & tricks, and in-depth resources, take a look at my blog! I’ve linked some of my top favorite guides below for you to check out that I KNOW you’ll love if you enjoyed this one 😉

Ultimate List of the Top 60 Elopement Destinations in the U.S.

A Complete Guide to Picking Your Perfect Hiking Elopement Dress

Why You Need to Have Backup Plans for Your Elopement

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