The Best Destination Wedding Location Ideas

What’s your dream destination wedding? Perhaps the roaring cataract of a waterfall, the summer blues of a hill station, or the serene beaches of an island? Perhaps some other exotic location? Well, whatever it is, numerous destination wedding venues across the world can help you make your dream come true.

Whether you want a small intimate wedding with just family and friends or prefer something more extravagant with 300 guests, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to choosing a destination for your wedding.

Firstly the why. The plus side of a destination wedding is it takes the stress out of arranging and organising by utlising the hotels in-house wedding planner or wedding packages. You can pick the location, and take just your key friends and family to celebrate your marriage to each other. Once you factor in honeymoon savings, it can actually be cheaper, plus the photo opportunities are usually outstanding with the jaw-dropping scenery. And lets be honest, the weather is likely to be better.

If you don’t know where to start with your search, here is a list of some of the best destination wedding ideas in locations around the world. And bear in mind, you could easily have the wedding in week one and then move to a different location for the second week to spend some quality newly wed alone time. It’s worth checking out local laws too, especially for same-sex weddings.

The Amalfi Coast has some stunning villages

Amalfi Coast – Italy

The Amalfi Coast is well-known for its rocky coastline lined with little beaches and pastel-hued Italian fishing communities, but it offers so much more when it comes to weddings. Italy appears on our list a lot mostly as it’s a short trip from the UK and affordable for most wedding guests.

The best wedding destinations along the Amalfi Coast are those that are a little off the beaten path—those without websites because they are government-owned historical sites or private islands that only accept bookings through recommendations. Working with a local planner who is familiar with the area is necessary to gain access to these kinds of wedding venues for a genuinely distinctive event.

Istanbul has some stunning buildings

Istanbul – Turkey

Istanbul, renowned for its wonderful scenery, history, and culture, might be far more enjoyable for an active group than a beach vacation. For guests who have travelled a distance, there are many things to do, and there are so many wedding organisers to choose from when it comes to crafting a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.

Any wedding held in the Turkish capital is guaranteed to be one that guests will never forget because of the city’s mild year-round temperature, delectable cuisine, and world-class five-star hospitality.

The trees and vineyards of Tuscany make for some ideal pictures

Tuscany – Italy

The stunning area of Tuscany is located in the centre of Italy. The capital of Tuscany, Florence, is home to some of the most famous art and architecture in the world and is a top bucket list trip because of its history, culture, and romance. The beautiful Tuscan hills are only a brief drive from this magnificent city and make a perfect backdrop for the wedding photos.

This beautiful Italian location will teleport your guests to a realm of serenity and romance with its unending fields of gorgeous grapes in the many vineyards. A Tuscan wedding is an amazing way to begin your new life together, with sunsets that belong in an art gallery.

Fiji

With a tropical Fijian wedding, you can stroll down a white sand aisle while listening to the sound of crashing crystal blue waters. You will have a difficult time choosing the ideal island for your special day because this archipelago in the South Pacific is made up of more than 3000 islands all with gorgeous beaches. Palm trees border the beaches in this tropical haven, and colourful coral reefs are just waiting to be discovered. You and your future spouse will adore this location if your wedding dreams include an exotic coastal setting.

The village of Oli is the white houses you imagine for the dream Greek Islands destination wedding

Santorini – Greece

The Greek Island of Santorini is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a location that complements any bride’s lovely white attire. The iconic azure blue roofs of the whitewashed homes here match the infinite expanse of the shimmering ocean below, and they cling to the beautiful cliffs.

You can increase the heat with a ceremony on a beach with volcanic sand while a flaming copper sunset provides a spectacular wedding moment. Visit the captivating black sand beaches on the island’s east coast or the red sand beaches in the south for something unique.

Rome – Italy

Set a standard for a union that will last a lifetime in a city where the history is rich and beautiful. Travellers from all over the world have been coming to Rome for centuries to see how many of history’s most important figures have shaped the city, such as Julius Caesar and the artistic geniuses Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

By accompanying your visitors and future husband or wife to this timeless city, you can make your own mark on history. A wedding in Rome will be nothing short of amazing with gorgeous attractions like the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Spanish Steps hiding around every turn.

Mexico is a great choice for a beach wedding destination with idyllic white sand beaches

Tulum – Mexico

Tulum is a favourite destination for couples for several reasons, including its lovely weather, magnificent beaches, incredible food, and green surroundings. There are many incredible locations to pick from where you can organise your unforgettable wedding day celebration, including a combination of spectacular historical ruins, sandy beaches, and artistic touches to make your special day magical.

Sanará and Papaya Playa Project are two sites with sea views and can see more incredible Tulum venues from other gorgeous destination weddings here.

Marrakech – Morocco

Morocco provides a wide range of wonderful possibilities that are appropriate for a unique wedding venue, from the desert sand of Morocco to the textures and brilliant colours of Marrakech. This is undoubtedly growing in popularity as a wedding destination for the runaway couple looking to elope.

La Mamounia is a well-liked Marrakech wedding location; the Grand Salon can accommodate up to 300 guests, and the Tente Tent, which is located on the top floor of Le Marocain restaurant, makes for an epic party.

Paris – France

There is still a romantic tinge in the capital of France for those that prefer a city break escape rather than a exotic getaway. Since Paris has traditionally been associated with love, it is a popular choice for engaged couples looking to plan an exceptional wedding. Finding the ideal location to celebrate your wedding in this attractive city provides no difficulties because of the abundance of creative and architectural marvels, lush gardens, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Paris is a timeless, traditional wedding setting, whether you choose a daytime event in the gardens or a night-time occasion when the city comes to life and the Eiffel Tower glows.

Lake Como – Italy

George Clooney selected Lake Como as his cherished home away from home for a reason. The location, hidden in the northern Italian countryside, resembles a scene from a novel. There are certain to be breath-taking views and natural beauty everywhere, whether you’re looking at the lake’s wide waves or the nearby Alps’ towering heights. Additionally, this is a great location to learn more about history, culture, and, of course, delicious food!

Consider emulating George Clooney and reserve a sizable Italian villa for your wedding. Each of the lake’s ancient villas boasts stunning architecture and lots of space for your visitors to explore. Around Lake Como, there are a lot of five-star hotels. The Mandarian Oriental Lake Como and Villa Balbiano are two popular choices among locals.

French Riviera – France

The French Riviera was a popular holiday site for royalty in the 19th century and was one of the first modern resort areas in the world. Celebrities like Elton John and Brigitte Bardot now reside in what was once a popular destination for famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

It is easy to see why the world is enamoured with this gorgeous area given that it experiences 310 to 330 days of sunshine annually and has 115 kilometres of coastline that spans Saint Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco. If you want your wedding to have lush forests, stunning cliffs, azure ocean, and vibrant flowers, then put this location at the top of your list.

Thailand is an affordable beach wedding destination

Phuket – Thailand

This may be a location which has been associated as a holiday hub for many backpackers across the world, however, this Thai island is a perfect location for an exotic wedding destination. The beaches are stunning, and the variety of foods will leave you wanting more.

The ability to immediately enter honeymoon mode after saying “I do” is what makes Phuket such an ideal location for a destination wedding. It is advised that you spend at least a week in Phuket to completely unwind, possibly interspersed with excursions to see some other islands, like Koh Lanta and Surin for a romantic getaway.

Several opulently luxury hotels in Phuket offer stunning backdrops for weddings and are romantic hideaways if you plan to stay on after the ceremony. Sri Panwa is well-known for its beautiful private villas with all-around sea views, private infinity pools, and incredibly helpful and kind staff. And there are plenty of all inclusive resorts for that relaxing break.

Florida – USA

Trust us when we say that the Sunshine State is a great location for a destination wedding and honeymoon. With pristine beaches and so many fun things to do for the whole wedding party, it’s a great option for those who love the nightlife of Miami to the entertainment of the theme parks.