Did she say yes? Are you finally going to get married to the love of your life? The amount of planning that goes behind the D-day is incomparable. You experience a bag of emotions — excitement, butterflies in stomach, and zest for the new beginning. However, finding the right destination away from your home seems an overwhelming task. It takes a village to plan a destination wedding. Whether you look for a seaside resort in Tuscany, an island in Australia, or a royal palace in India, this guide will save you from the hassle.
What is a Destination Wedding?
Didn’t we all fall in love with the pictures of Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh tying the knot in a traditional way in Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como, Italy? Or, wasn’t the world ecstatic watching the vibrant wedding of Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre in a luxurious boutique hotel in Morocco? Well, a destination wedding is a marriage ceremony and reception organized in a location far flung from the couple’s hometown. It requires the couple and their families to travel to the new location. The destination wedding is especially held in picturesque or exotic locations such as tropical beaches, cliffside resorts, lush vineyards, historic venues, or charming towns. It definitely promises a unique and memorable experience for guests, providing a more intimate and scenic atmosphere.
Best Places for a Destination Wedding
Choosing a destination for a wedding highly depends on sentiments. There are amazing locations tucked in various corners of the globe. We have done the research for you, so roll up your sleeves and grab your diary to note down the A-factors of each destination. These are wedding planners’ approved destinations.
1. Mexico
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Best Location for Affordable Destination Wedding
Boasting a variety of landscapes, from islands filled with coral reefs to tropical jungles and deserts, Mexico offers the cheapest destination wedding. A country in North America, Mexico is famous for its movie-like beaches, delicious cuisine, and welcoming culture. Plus, it is easily accessible by flights and other ways of transportation. There is a range of locations in Mexico for destination weddings: stunning backdrops of rugged cliffs, beaches, and desert at Loc Cabos, a pretty charming town of Puerto Vallarta, the bustling resort town of Cancun, and soft white sand beaches of Riviera Maya. Its warm weather is ideal for outdoor weddings, creating a festive atmosphere for guests. Mexico, overall, provides the vibe of Hawaii in an economical package.
2. Greece
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Best Location for Private Destination Weddings
Are you into white weddings? Visit the quaint towns and coastal villages of Greece. The sun-soaked ceremonies can go on till you let your hair down in the vibrant night. Be it a decadent villa overlooking the Aegean Sea in Santorini or a fairytale setting in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Rhodes and Athens, Greece welcomes you with natural wonders. It is a beautiful country steeped in history and romance where the sapphire waters hit your legs as you walk the ramp. Your guests will embrace the local culture, savor delicious food, and revel in affordable luxury.
3. Maldives
Best Location for Beach Destination Wedding
Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded beach as the waves lap gently at the shore. It’s hard to dethrone Maldives as the ultimate beach wedding destination. The country looks like a scattered string of pearls on the Indian Ocean. Take turns around the fire (as per Indian wedding) beneath swaying palm trees with turquoise waters whispering your story, followed by a candlelit dinner on a private beach under a star-studded sky. Some of the popular resorts in the Maldives are One&Only Reethi Rah, Gili Lankanfushi, and Six Senses Laamu. You can also choose personalized Maldives tour packages with a cruise wedding, allowing you to unwind on your private deck, enjoy spa treatments, or simply soak in the stunning sunset hand in hand.
4. Ireland
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Best Location for Historic Destination Wedding
Do you admire the love stories from period films? Well, you can plan one for yourself in the classic wedding place, Ireland. From dramatic coastlines to rolling hills, Ireland lets you uncover Celtic mythology, dine succulent seafood, and add a touch of magic. It is dotted with historic castles, manicured gardens, cliffside estates, verdant forests, and boutique hotels. You can bespoke your wedding in a multi-star way amidst green landscapes across enchanting backdrops. Set a truly romantic wedding photoshoot in Killarney National Park, or take the plunge at Ballymagarvey Village in County Meath.
5. UAE
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Best Location for Luxury Destination Wedding
Say “I do” in the most opulent and exotic settings of Dubai, the richest emirates in the Middle East. The gleaming skyscrapers, pristine beaches, undulated desert, and deluxe resorts offer a blend of old-world and contemporary landscapes. Home to some of the unique wedding venues around the world, the UAE is extraordinary. Couples can get hitched on the top of Burj Khalifa or walk down the aisle in an oasis. For a truly unforgettable experience, weddings can be hosted aboard a luxury yacht cruising along the Dubai Marina or an intimate setting in the UAE desert, followed by a sumptuous feast of Middle Eastern cuisine and entertainment.
6. Czech Republic
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Best Location for Destination Wedding in Castles
Also called the ‘Heart of Europe,’ the’ Czech Republic is rich in awe-inspiring countryside locations with over 2,000 castles. What can be a more splendid experience than getting married across the Renaissance architecture that takes you back in time? Its capital, Prague, provides romantic bliss in its unparalleled setting, bringing unique charm and character to your wedding. You have varied options, from magnificent Gothic churches such as St. Vitus Cathedral or St. Nicholas Church to a romantic outdoor ceremony in one of the city’s lush gardens or parks.
7. Italy
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Best Location for Casual Destination Wedding
One of the celebrity-approved destinations for weddings is Italy. Its Lake Como and Amalfi Coast are absolutely dreamy and breathtaking. The place abounds with exotic locations for an Instragrammable wedding. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are a few celebrities who made things official in Lake Como. Tie the knots in the City of Love and Canals, Venice, on a gondola ride, or exchange garlands in the medieval villages of Tuscany. To plan a destination wedding Italy, there is an array of famous estates with numerous rooms, private villas, and luxe amenities that promise a day that will be etched in your heart.
8. Portugal
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Best Location for Serene Destination Wedding
We are ditching Spain for Portugal because the country offers calmer and charmer towns with stunning coastlines and inventive setups for ceremonies and receptions. It has a mild Mediterranean climate with 10 hours of sunshine and eclectic cultural variety. The dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, charming rooftop terraces of Lisbon, ancient sites of Coimbra, and world-famous vineyards of Duro Valley promise a sophisticated and stylish wedding. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful tiled buildings, and historic landmarks, the capital city of Lisbon provides a picturesque backdrop for a memorable wedding celebration. You can also organize golf rounds for various occasions of your wedding or go for a historic wedding in iconic churches at Jerónimos Monastery or São Vicente de Fora.
9. India
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Best Location for Cultural Destination Wedding
When we talk about India, we think about unparalleled diversity. Through its myriad cultures, rich heritage, and delicious food, it has become a hotspot for foreigners, especially for weddings. The Taj Mahal has been the immensely popular background for popping the question. But, in recent years, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, the lush coconut groves of Goa, and the royal palaces of Rajasthan have come into the picture. Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, and the Leela Kovalam in Kerala are some of the popular resorts in India for destination weddings. In a nutshell, whether you need royal ceremonies, beachside bliss, or hilltop escape, India has got you covered. Also, you can enjoy all kinds of weather from north to south.
10. Australia
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Best Location for Adventurous Destination Wedding
Want to organize a wedding that has ocean views, luxurious facilities, and thrilling events? Or do you want to throw a rainforest wedding with waterfront views? Fly to Australia, a heavenly escape and relaxation retreat. Stop at any of the cities, Melbourne, Sydney, or Victoria, and you would be served with warmth and energy. Some of the notable venues for destination weddings in Australia are One & Only Hayman Island, Paronella Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Darlington Estate Winery, and Park Hyatt Sydney. All the places vary in their distinctive settings, be it rustic or island weddings with views.
FAQs
1. Which country is the best destination for marriage?
The best country for a destination wedding depends on your preference. For example, Mexico and Portugals are an affordable wedding destinations, Ireland has beautiful castles, while the UAE is one of the most luxurious places.
2. Which country is the best for Indian weddings?
Some of the best countries for Indian weddings are Italy, Australia, and the UAE.
3. Which is the cheapest place to get married abroad?
Mexico is one of the cheapest countries for destination wedding.
4. How do I choose the best country for my destination wedding?
When choosing the best country for your destination wedding, consider factors such as your budget, desired ambiance (beach, countryside, historic city, etc.), travel necessities, legal requirements, and any cultural or language barriers you may encounter.
5. Are there any legal requirements for a destination wedding?
Legal requirements for getting married abroad vary by country and can include documentation such as passports, birth certificates, divorce decrees (if applicable), and affidavits of eligibility to marry.
Conclusion
So, with this list of wedding locations around the world, plan your perfect D-day and turn the wedding into a wonderful vacation for everyone.
