Vows with a View: Breathtaking Wedding Venues You Will Instantly Love

A destination wedding is when you are married in some special location far from home. Everyone has a vision of a beach wedding on a sunny, warm day, but now there are so many other options! You can have your day in a lovely city, on an island, or even at the top of a mountain.

If you are looking for a remote, intimate wedding in a foreign country, you have found the right place. Some brides and grooms wed where they already have a special place in their hearts, but others take their wedding day to discover an entirely new location.

It is challenging to plan a wedding abroad. That is why it is highly recommended to have a destination-savvy wedding planner. They will be able to introduce you to nice venues, talk to you, and make the arrangements smooth.

We spoke with upscale wedding planners and asked them to give us their best tips for planning destination weddings. From cutting costs to picking the ideal destination, their tips can turn your dream wedding into a reality.

Here are the world’s top destinations for a destination wedding!

Top Destinations to Get Married Worldwide

1. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy is famous for its great food and stunning scenery. The Amalfi Coast is a honeymoon heaven with steep cliffs, quaint villages, and the lovely blue sea. This is your place if you love pasta and wine! You can have an intimate wedding in an overwater hotel with stunning sea views.

Best time to marry: April to June

Weather: 18°C to 23°C

Official language: Italian

2. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is ideal if you wish to have a beach wedding. Phuket has a blue sea, white sand, and quiet places. Hike in Phuket Town during the morning and have fresh seafood for lunch. Spend your honeymoon here following your wedding and explore other islands such as Koh Lanta and Surin.

Best time to marry: November to February

Weather: 30°C – 33°C

Official language: English

3. Istria, Croatia

The coast of Croatia is pure magic. Istria boasts adorable sea villages, a pale blue ocean, sandy beaches, and incredible food. The beaches are rocky, but they’re stunning. You can get married in a villa, hotel, or even on a yacht!

Best time to marry: March to June or September

Weather: 19°C to 27°C

Official language: Croatian

4. Brooklyn, New York City, USA

Brooklyn is a trendy and fashionable New York City district. It is just so cool with neat spots such as restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can get a contemporary wedding in something like Brooklyn Winery or the Botanic Garden. Celebrity NYC landmarks are just a subway ride away!

Best time to marry: May to October

Weather: 18°C to 27°C

Official language: English

5. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is not only about partying! In the countryside, there are peaceful spots and lovely nature. It is near the UK and has plenty of flights. There are pretty little chapels along the sea, ideal for a romantic wedding like in Mamma Mia!

Best time to marry: May to September

Weather: 18°C to 26°C

Official language: Spanish

6. Cape Winelands, South Africa

Want to get hitched “I do” between mountains and lush vineyards? The Cape Winelands region in South Africa is absolute heaven. It is just an hour from Cape Town and full of stunning views and yummy wine. There are quite a few weddings held at a lot of these vineyards here, so you’ll have delectable fare and drinking in a drop-dead, beautiful location.

More frolic: You can have a real South African safari on your honeymoon following the wedding!

Best time to marry: November to March

Weather: 25°C to 30°C

Official language: Afrikaans and English

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a hip city with charming streets, yummy food, and trendy buildings. Perfect for couples who want a lively city wedding! And vineyards and beaches are just a short drive from there! Just expect hills—some guests might want taxi rides.

Best time to marry: March to May or September to October

Weather: 15°C to 20°C

Official language: Portuguese

8. Santorini, Greece

Santorini has blue roofs, white houses, and beautiful sea views. You’ll adore its black sand beaches and beautiful sunsets. For a serene wedding, select a hidden resort and steer clear of peak tourist season. A hotel or villa on the seashore is the ideal option for your wedding.

Best time to marry: April to May or September to November

Weather: 15°C to 25°C

Official language: Greek

9. Var, France

This area of southern France is full of beautiful villages, gorgeous countryside, and lovely lavender fields. It is perfect if you can imagine a peaceful wedding in a French château. Var is not as touristy as other areas of Provence, so it is perfect if you want a quieter location to celebrate.

Best time to marry: March to May or September to November. Want to see lavender? Come in early July!

Weather: 11°C to 18°C

Official language: French

10. Marbella, Spain

Marbella is a warm Spanish coastal town with lovely streets, nice beaches, and plenty of upmarket venues. There are great villas, old towns, and even golf clubs where you can get married. It’s generally sunny most of the year, so it is ideal if you lead a hot-lovers lifestyle.

Best time to marry: June to September or May/early October for the crowd-avoider solution.

Weather: 18°C to 31°C

Official language: Spanish

11. Lombardy, Italy

The lakes of Lombardy, such as Lake Como and Lake Garda, are picture-postcard gorgeous and so romantically beautiful. You can hire lakeside villas or rural mansions—a dreamlike environment. And with that comes the food of Italy—you will receive your wedding meal in heaven!

Best time to marry: April to June or September to October.

Weather: 14°C to 20°C

Official language: Italian

12. Côte d’Azur, France

The Côte d’Azur is also known as the French Riviera. It’s been a luxury destination since the 1960s. The region abounds with stunning views, luxury hotels, and vineyards. It is pricey, but if you desire a wedding experience that feels like a movie, this is a wonderful destination with plenty of French glamour and French essence.

Best time to marry: May to June or September to October

Weather: 16°C to 21°C

Official language: French

13. Nantucket, USA

Nantucket is a modest island with pretty beaches and wooden houses that resemble a home. It may get populated with people for summer, yet the hotels have been constructed so that they will give you peace. The cuisine here is extraordinary, so your wedding feast will be scrumptious!

Best time to marry: March to April or September to October

Weather: 11°C-16°C

Official language: English

14. Paris, France

The city of love, so it was only to be expected that it would head the list for weddings. Even your trip will begin with Champagne at the railway station before arriving in the city. There are plenty of cool spots where to eat on the eve of your wedding, such as in the trendy Marais district. A fancy hotel, a fashionable restaurant, or even an opera house can be where you get married!

Best time to marry: April and June, or September and October

Weather: 20°C – 24°C

Official language: French

15. Rhode Island, USA

Rhode Island is a tiny state in New England with gorgeous scenery. It has long beaches and is perfect for outdoor weddings. If you hang around afterward, you can make wonderful trips, explore charming towns, and hike. It is also not difficult to travel around since the state is so small.

Best time to marry: March to May or September to November

Weather: 29°C to 30°C

Official language: English

16. Puglia, Italy

Puglia is a charming region in southern Italy. It is not as well-known as Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, but it’s no less stunning. There is wonderful countryside, welcoming beaches, and delicious home cuisine. You can have an intimate wedding at a restaurant or an elaborate wedding at a high-end resort.

Best time to marry: May-June or September

Weather: 19°C to 28°C

Official language: Italian

17. Sicily, Italy

Sicily is a sunbaked Mediterranean island. It possesses fine beaches, huge mountains, fine cuisine, and good wine – all you need for a great wedding. You also get cheap flights from the UK, and hence, the guests can easily reach there. You can get the assistance of a wedding planner to select a nice, sea-facing hotel.

Best time to marry: April to June or September to October

Weather: 22°C to 27°C

Official language: Italian

How to Plan a Destination Wedding?

Organizing a destination wedding can be a thrilling experience, and couples often blend travel and one of life’s most memorable experiences. Below is a great guide to assist you through the experience:

1. Select the Perfect Destination

Select a site that you both enjoy—whether a peaceful beach, a historical castle, or a city. Make sure your site is conveniently located for your guests and offers amenities of your choice. Take climate, local interest, and cultural importance into consideration.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Set down how much you want to spend and budget accordingly. Don’t forget to add in travel, accommodation, venue, local suppliers, and contingency budgets for anything that might go wrong.

3. Employ a Local Wedding Planner

Having a planner at hand who knows the destination can be worth the cost. They will be able to suggest good vendors, negotiate local traditions, and take care of logistics so that your experience is smoother.

4. Know Legal Requirements

Research the marriage laws of your chosen destination. Some countries have residency requirements or specific documentation needs. It is essential to ensure your marriage will be legally recognized both abroad and at home.

5. Communicate Clearly with Guests

Provide guests sufficient notice—ideally 8-12 months in advance. Provide them with concrete details about travel arrangements, accommodation, and the itinerary. Offering a diversity of accommodations can serve different budgets.

6. Make it Local

Immerse the event with the local ambience by integrating regional food, music, and customs into the event. Apart from adding color to the event, it is likely to prove economical as well.

7. Plan for the Unexpected

Purchase wedding insurance to cover yourself in case there are unforeseen events like poor weather ruining or cancellations by vendors. Contingency preparation could be a comforting measure.

8. Inspect the Site Ahead of Time

In case you have the chance, go out to check out your preferred location before your wedding day. It will allow you to meet vendors, tie up loose ends, and confirm that it all works with your vision.

9. Make Your Celebration Personal

Let your personalities shine at the wedding with customized décor, unique favors, or personalized vows. These personalized touches render the wedding intimate and memorable for the guests.

Conclusion

A destination wedding is the perfect way to start your life together in an amazing destination, surrounded by your dearest friends and family. You may imagine a beautiful beach wedding in Thailand, a country wedding in South Africa, or a sophisticated city wedding in Paris – the choices for destinations are virtually endless to suit any couple’s own individual style.

Though planning a destination wedding involves more planning—everything from legality to booking your flights—the work is worth it. Booking a local wedding coordinator, doing your research at your destination, and informing your guests will result in a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

Wherever you decide to speak those magic words, “I do,” your destination wedding will be your very own celebration of your love story—one that you and your family and friends will cherish for a lifetime. So choose your dream destination, plan, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime!