Planning a wedding is an exhilarating journey, filled with dreams of the perfect ceremony and reception. Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the most beautiful wedding venues around the world! Planning your wedding ceremony and reception is an exhilarating journey, filled with dreams of the perfect venue to celebrate your big day. Whether you envision exchanging vows in a private chapel surrounded by lush gardens or dancing the night away in an elegant ballroom with crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows, we’ve curated a collection of breathtaking venues to inspire your wedding dreams. From historic estates on the East Coast to luxurious resorts in Southern California, each destination offers a unique blend of elegance, charm, and natural beauty that will make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
From the golden sands of Palm Springs to the ancient oaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, from the modern design of venues in New York City to the Southern charm of properties in North Carolina, there’s a perfect location waiting to host your dream wedding. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering with close family and friends or a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, these venues offer versatile spaces and fab features to suit every type of wedding. So, let your imagination soar as you explore these gorgeous venues and envision the wedding of your dreams.
Lake Como, Italy: A Romantic Italian Escape
At the base of the Alps, Lake Como in Italy is a destination that exudes romance and charm. With its magnificent villas, manicured gardens, and crystal-clear waters, Lake Como is a true fairytale setting. Exchange vows in an authentic Italian church perched on a hillside, surrounded by breathtaking views. From the shores of the lake to the opulent hotels and waterfront locations, such as Villa Carlotta, Lake Como offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and vision. Imagine arriving and leaving via a boat, gliding across the glistening waters as you begin your journey as a married couple.
Best time for a destination wedding: April – June, September – October
Santorini, Greece: A Mythical Paradise
Santorini is known for its white-washed villages perched on cliffs overlooking the azure Aegean Sea. This Greek island is a natural wonder, with its stunning sunsets, volcanic caldera, and ancient wonders. For couples seeking an intimate and sun-soaked ceremony, Santorini offers a variety of venues. Choose from low-key retreats tucked away in secluded corners, cliffside villas with breathtaking views, or hotels adorned with vibrant flowers. The village of Pyrgos, nestled in the hillsides, provides a romantic and less crowded alternative to Fira and Oia. Experience the magic of Santorini as you exchange vows and dance the night away under the open sky.
Best time for a destination wedding: April – May, September – November
Scottish Highlands, Scotland: A Wilderness of Beauty
The Scottish Highlands offer a rugged and untamed landscape that is both romantic and atmospheric. From tapestry-clad ballrooms in magnificent castles to windswept clifftop ruins, the Highlands provide a diverse range of wedding venues. These venues capture the essence of Scottish heritage and offer breathtaking backdrops, from undulating forests and cliffs to twisting rivers. Whether you choose a historic castle like Forter Castle or a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of nature, the Scottish Highlands will enchant you and your guests with its wild beauty.
Best time for a destination wedding: June – August
Ibiza, Balearic Islands: A Mediterranean Retreat
Known for its vibrant party scene, Ibiza has transformed into a tranquil and romantic destination in recent years. The island’s countryside offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for a destination wedding. With its mild year-round climate, balmy weather is almost guaranteed for your special day. Ibiza is a practical choice, with a short flight time from London and plenty of entertainment options for your guests. From sunset beach BBQs to boutique rural hotels like Ca Na Xica, there are endless possibilities to create a magical experience. Ibiza’s rural retreats, nestled in the mountainside, provide enchanting accommodation options for your loved ones.
Best time for a destination wedding: May – September
Cape Winelands, South Africa: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
South Africa’s Cape Winelands region offers a unique blend of breathtaking vineyards and sweeping mountain landscapes. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this region is a haven for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Private wine estates, such as Zorgvliet and Beau Constantia, provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebrations. Each estate has its own distinct charm, combining the rich heritage of the area with contemporary touches. Say “I do” surrounded by verdant vineyards and enjoy the premium food and wine that the Cape Winelands are renowned for.
Best time for a destination wedding: November – March
Provence, France: A Tapestry of Romance
Provence, in southeastern France, has long been a source of inspiration for artists and lovers. With its picturesque villages, rolling olive groves, and lavender fields, Provence offers a unique tapestry of beauty. Château weddings are particularly enchanting in this region, with endless hills or pristine coastlines just a short drive away. Experience the magic of Provençal Rosé and the vibrant culture of the region. Lavender fields create an ethereal setting for your eternal promises, while venues like Lavender Domaine and Château Sainte Roseline offer a blend of history and contemporary elegance.
Best time for a destination wedding: March – May, September – November (early July for lavender fields)
Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains, Morocco: A Sensory Adventure
Marrakech, the vibrant city in Morocco, captivates visitors with its bustling markets, rich history, and architectural wonders. Riads, traditional Moroccan houses, offer tranquil settings amidst the chaos of the city. These riads provide an intimate corner where you can celebrate your love. Hotels like La Mamounia and Royal Mansour add a touch of luxury to your wedding experience, with their banqueting halls, outdoor terraces, and stunning gardens. For those seeking a more serene setting, the Atlas Mountains surrounding Marrakech offer private estates and venues that provide a perfect sanctuary for your special day.
Best time for a destination wedding: March – May, September – November
Split, Croatia: A Coastal Gem
Croatia has become a popular destination for weddings, thanks to its glittering coastline and historic quarters. Split, a lively coastal town, offers a vibrant atmosphere and architectural charm. The Mestrovic Gallery Terrace, located on Marjan Hill, provides breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. Numerous churches are embedded in the landscape, offering a touch of history and tradition to your ceremony. Boutique hotels like the Briig Boutique Hotel are ideal for smaller ceremonies, while larger venues like the Marvie Hotel can accommodate bigger celebrations. Celebrate your love in Split, where history and modernity meet in perfect harmony.
Best time for a destination wedding: May – September
As you embark on the planning process for your wedding day, we hope this guide has provided you with inspiration and insight into finding the perfect venue. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of a barn wedding in the countryside or the grandeur of a historic estate in New Orleans, there’s a beautiful venue to suit every style and preference, even in the United States. From beach weddings with views of pristine beaches to elegant ceremonies in grand ballrooms with high ceilings and large windows, each destination offers its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences.Whether you envision a cocktail hour on an outdoor terrace overlooking lush greenery or a romantic wedding ceremony in a private garden with French doors opening to a championship golf course, the possibilities are endless. Explore inclusive resorts with luxurious guest rooms and modern amenities, or opt for a more intimate wedding at a family-owned estate or private island. From Napa Valley vineyards to botanical gardens, each venue offers a gorgeous event space to celebrate with your wedding party and guests.
So, embrace the excitement, envision your dream wedding, and let these beautiful venues set the stage for your happily ever after. With the help of the Martha Stewart team’s expertise and recommendations for perfect wedding venues, you’re sure to find the ideal spot to say “I do” and create lasting memories with your happy couple. From the Martha Stewart editors’ curated list of destination wedding venues to the grand estates and bygone era charm of properties across the country, there’s something for every couple looking for that little different, yet perfect, place to celebrate their love.
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