Let’s face it, the reason we choose a destination wedding isn’t just to get away from the stresses of a wedding back home (the guest list, the seating plan and the playlist being just a few of the obstacles prospective couples have to navigate). No, the top reasons for going overseas are to guarantee good weather and to exchange vows in some of the most jaw-droppingly amazing locations in the world. These settings will not only ensure you and your guests have an unforgettable and unique wedding day, but they’ll also provide awesome backdrops for your wedding photos.
We’ve compiled compile a roundup of the best destination wedding locations you might like to consider, if you’re looking for the striking and unusual:
Italy – Coastal Glamour
Italy has it all – beautiful scenery, delicious food and it’s steeped in history, so you’re assured of some magnificent locations for your wedding ceremony. If you want awe-inspiring vistas, then look no further than the Amalfi coast. Think historic villages tightly clung to the rock, with amazing panoramas – from plunging ravines to medieval palazzos and exotic gardens – all set against the blue sea of the Med. For exclusive luxury and the finest views of this magnificent coastline, then our advice would be to choose a clifftop hotel in the town of Ravello. Your photos will rival even the most glamorous scenes in a James Bond movie!
Mauritius – Stunning Beaches
Let’s face it, when we think destination wedding, we visualise picture-perfect beaches, with powdery white sand, sparkling turquoise waters and lagoons fringed by palm trees. If you’re looking for the ultimate beach wedding, with the photos to prove it, then the tropical island of Mauritius has got to be your number one destination. While certain countries, such as the Maldives, will only allow a blessing ceremony, with the correct paperwork and a minimum of one day’s stay on the island, you can legally marry here. In fact, it’s one of the top choices for destination weddings, so the process is relatively straightforward and many tour operators offer package deals here.
The stunning Lux Belle Mare resort is one of the most popular wedding venues on Mauritius. Situated in the quaint seaside village of Belle Mare on the eastern side of the island, this resort is located on a beautiful beach, with waves kissing the shoreline, and is sure to provide the desert island setting of your dreams.
New York – Iconic Cityscapes
If you’re looking for a stunning cityscape wedding, then there’s only one place to head – New York. And not just New York, we’re talking the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps …. Manhattan. For the most iconic backdrop, look to Tribeca Rooftop. Set in a 1920’s printing press building in the trendy downtown area of Tribeca, the rooftop terrace offers amazing panoramas of the city’s landmarks and skyscrapers. Again, with the right planning getting married in New York is straightforward. Simply complete all the online paperwork with the New York City clerk beforehand (you’ll need to hold the license for 24 hours before you can legally get married). With a fee of just $35, we can easily see why this destination is becoming increasingly popular for British couples looking for something that little bit different. It also means you’re well placed for that Miami honeymoon!
Australia – Mystical Uluru
OK, so we know that our Antipodean cousins are most famous for sweeping beaches and barbecues, but if you’re looking for a mystical, fabled wedding venue, and fancy a trip down under, then a wedding at Uluru will hit the spot. This amazing location, in the heart of the Australian outback, comes alive at sunrise and sunset, as the rays of light hit the blazing rock. If you fancy exchanging vows with the scarlet rocks of Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your background, then The Ayers Rock Resort can help fulfil your dreams. At this resort, couples can get married on top of their own private dune, as the rocks behind come alive with the ascending light of dawn or as the sunset glow envelops the sky. Just remember that if you go for a sunset wedding in the Winter months, your guests will need a blanket or two as the weather can get chilly.
Iceland – Northern Lights
For dramatic, other worldly scenery that’s less than 3 hours flight time from the UK, the ‘land of fire and ice’ has got to be one of the world’s best settings for spectacular wedding photos. With wedding venues available on glaciers, in a cave, in front of stunning waterfalls, on volcanic beaches or atop soaring clifftops, we can easily see why Iceland appeals to so many intrepid couples. If you’re looking for the solemnity of a chapel, with the achingly beautiful backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the Snaefellsjokull glacier, then the dramatic Budir Black Church in the remote western region of the island will appeal to you.
This is a nature lovers paradise and as well as being spoilt for choice when it comes to locations, you can also witness one of the world’s truly celestial events – the Northern Lights. While the aurora borealis can’t be arranged to order, if you’re hoping your wedding will coincide with this incredible light show, then plan your nuptials between September and March.
