While many couples opt to have their big day closer to home, others want to incorporate an element of travel and wanderlust into their plans. If that’s you, a destination wedding might be your type on paper.
Dreaming of saying ‘I do’ in Ibiza, exchanging vows with a French chateau for a backdrop, or banking on a destination that, ahem, actually has a summer? Whether you’re looking for a long or short-haul location, a city ceremony, or a sun-soaked beach celebration to share with all your closest pals and family, here are 15 dreamy wedding destination ideas to help you find the perfect setting to tie the knot away from home.
1. Provence, France
Pretty Provence boasts vibrant fields of lavender, rolling vineyards and olive groves, remote valleys and, of course, the best rosé wine. This magical sun-drenched region is home to an abundance of breathtaking wedding venues from authentic private villas to ancient honey-coloured chateaux and manor houses steeped in history and charm, so you’re sure to have your pick of romantic settings for your special day.
2. Amalfi, Italy
Who wouldn’t want to start married life in the Med? With the promise of reliable sunshine, pasta and seafood aplenty, and matchless coastal scenery to boot, it’s easy to see why couples flock to the Amalfi Coast to say, ‘I do’. From hidden hillside venues to waterside villas and enchanting farmhouses surrounded by olive groves, this stretch of Italian coastline has all the wedding appeal.
3. Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Just a convenient two-hour and 20 minute flight from the UK and home to iconic sunsets, stunning beaches and laidback vibes, the White Isle is one of the most sought-after wedding locations amongst UK couples.
4. Lake Como, Italy
If you’ve got Italian paradise on your wedding vision board, prepare to let Lake Como charm your veil off. With its sunny climate, dramatic mountain scenery, rainbow-coloured villages and romantic cobbled streets, the legendary Lake Como is the once-in-a-lifetime location for your big day.
5. Santorini, Greece
Clear blue skies, white-washed buildings, sparkling turquoise waters, magical sunsets and Caldera views – Santorini provides the most romantic backdrop for destination weddings. Imagine soaking up that Aegean sunshine as newlyweds – you’d be truly besotted!
6. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The crowning jewel of the Irish coastline – this remarkable setting is calling out of an intimate coastal wedding with your nearest and dearest or a romantic outdoor elopement with the wild Atlantic below. Finish off the celebrations in one of the friendly local pubs, raising a Guinness to the rest of forever!
7. The Algarve, Portugal
Fancy an Iberian elopement? Portugal’s southernmost region is renowned for its sunny climate, making it the perfect outdoor wedding destination. Blessed with glorious sandy beaches, secluded bays, unique cliff formations and wild countryside, the authentic Algarve makes for the perfect backdrop to exchange vows. Just think of the wedding photos! S-w-o-o-n.
8. Mallorca, Spain
How about a bit of Balearic beauty for your big day? Whether you’re seeking a rustic centuries-old finca that oozes authentic Mallorcan charm, a neo-Gothic style castle complete with amazing terraces, romantic courtyards, sprawling gardens and majestic stone staircases or a Mediterranean seaside spot underneath a pergola, Mallorca is home to some of the most captivating settings.
9. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Nature-loving couples, this island gem will tick a lot of boxes. With glistening lochs accessible only by boat (depending on the weather), wild mountain landscapes, iconic castles and winding roads, the Isle of Skye is one beautiful slice of rugged Folklore paradise. Be it a whimsical elopement or a big Highland celebration complete with bagpipes, The Misty Isle will ensure you have a jaw-dropping backdrop for the most romantic day of your life. Check out Fairy Glen – yep, it’s as magical as it sounds – for the most enchanting wedding photo backdrop you’ve ever seen. Come rain or shine, the Isle of Skye is ridiculously photogenic all through the seasons.
10. Dalmatia, Croatia
Croatia’s rugged ‘Dalmatian Riviera’ is one of the most outstanding stretches of coastline in the world and is one of Europe’s hidden gems for destination weddings. Dotted with enchanting cities such as Split and Dubrovnik, sun-kissed islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea, historic fortresses and iconic beaches, this region would make for one unforgettable spot to wed.
11. Cote d’Azur, South of France
Famous for its beautiful coastal villages such as Saint Tropez, Cannes and Menton as well as its bougie cities Nice and Monaco, the French Riviera was made for wedding day wonderment.
A wedding ceremony with sea views over the dazzling azure waters of the Cote d’Azur sounds like a pretty epic way to celebrate your nuptials in our book. Quaint villages, luxury boutique hotels, Renaissance castles and intimate private villas, all with the sun-kissed horizon of the Mediterranean for a witness, it’s easy to see why this coastal stretch is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world. Why not tack on a few days and stick around for your honeymoon – savour every moment!
The soft blush walls of Villa Ephrussi or the Temple of Love overlooking the medieval town of Grasse in the exclusive Chateau Saint Georges should be all the persuasion you need to get hitched on Cote d’Azur.
12. London, England
With cottagecore delights like Petersham nurseries, botanical gardens, quirky theatres, Georgian townhouses, rustic chapels and orangeries, the capital’s got a lot to work with when it comes to ‘I do’ appeal.
13. Sedona, Arizona
Dreaming of desert vibes and an adventure elopement? Say hello to Sedona, a setting that looks like it’s been plucked right from the pages of a storybook. Hiking up Cathedral Rock at 4am and exchanging vows at sunrise with Arizona’s famed red rock formations for a backdrop is bound to make your wedding day a one-of-a-kind experience.
14. Bali, Indonesia
Need your something blue? The Indian ocean will do! It may be on the other side of the world but a trip to the Island of the Gods is sure to make for one unforgettable wedding location for you and your guests. With soulful Ubud offering lush jungle hideaways and the bucolic rice paddies, Uluwatu boasting insanely photogenic cliff houses and cabanas and Nusa Dua serving the ultimate shoe-less beach ceremony, Bali might make it slightly difficult to narrow down your options…
15. Tulum, Mexico
A world away from the hustle and bustle of the neighbouring resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya, discover the jewelled Caribbean waters, pristine white sand beaches and ancient Mayan ruins of the laidback locale, Tulum. Check out the private boutique hotel NEST for the ultimate bohemian style beachfront wedding, surrounded by the natural beauty of Tulum beach or for a secluded jungle hideaway, 16 Tulum is ideal for intimate gatherings with your favourite people.
