If you and your partner have the travel bug, you’ll probably be looking for ways to combine your wanderlust with your love for one another by tying the knot overseas. Whether you and your spouse want to elope, or you’re planning a small ceremony with your nearest and dearest away from home, chances are you’ll be looking to find that perfect spot to exchange your vows.
Are you planning a destination wedding? No matter what plans you’re dreaming up for the big day, you’ll want to pick the ideal location for your nuptials. To help you narrow down the search, here are ten of the most romantic wedding spots from around the globe.
Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii
This beautiful green bay on the aptly named “Big Island” is the perfect place to get hitched. Framed by black lava, the island provides a luscious backdrop for your vows. The sky is blue, the sea is clear, and you may even see some dolphins – could it get any better? If you’re looking for a relaxing, tranquil venue with spectacular views, Kealakekua Bay could be the destination for you.
Vail Mountain, Colorado
If it’s mountain views you’re hoping for, consider hosting your wedding on Vail Mountain in Colorado. Not only does the mountain’s famous outdoor amphitheater have its own steeped wedding deck, but the view provides a dramatic backdrop to your ceremony that will look great in your photographs.
Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
If getting married on a 300-foot cliff overlooking clear waters complete with whales and other sea life sounds appealing, look no further than the salty-aired tranquility of Annapolis Valley. If you’re looking for accommodation, Old Orchard Inn hotel and spa has a number of facilities – from lavish dining rooms and relaxing spas to rustic barns –that will complete your wedding experience. What’s more, guests can enjoy panoramic views, visit wineries, and even take bus tours around the valley to make the most of their trip.
Payangan, Bali
Get married under a canopy of tropical trees in Bali’s Payangan village. With views of the untouched riverfront surrounded by nature and pristine architecture, this spot will provide a backdrop to complete any occasion. Look out for the numerous exotic, hillside retreats in Bali for top quality accommodation and dining.
Newport Beach, California
Enjoy the charming, boat-filled harbor of southern California’s coastal city, known for its ocean views, impressive waves, and old-school piers and amusement parks. If a beach wedding isn’t what you had in mind, why not book the luxury Pelican Hill for your ceremony? Set over 500 acres of green land, guests visiting this iconic spot can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as access to the hill’s luxury spa and golf resort. There are numerous wedding packages available but sufficed to say, this isn’t the most affordable option for couples on a budget.
Venice, Italy
Pegged as one of Europe’s most romantic capitals, Venice is the ideal destination to tie the knot. Gaze up at the city’s architectural achievements like St. Mark’s Basilica, and navigate the city’s charming web of canals by gondola, complete with singing gondoliers and (hopefully) some local wine. Italy is home to numerous wedding spots, and Venice is only one of them, so consider looking at Rome or Sicily as other options.
Cyprus, Greece
Longing for a spot of Mediterranean sun? Cyprus is blessed with blue skies and warm weather for most of the year, making it an ideal wedding and honeymoon location. As well as its rich ancient history dating back to the 10th Millennium BC, Cyprus is also known for its abundant nightlife. So, whether you’re dreaming of an idyllic ceremony by the sea, a honeymoon steeped in history and culture, or a vibrant place to party, a wedding in Greece could be the answer.
Melbourne Waterfront, Australia
What is there not to love about Melbourne? It ticks every box that you can possibly have for a wedding destination – making it ideal for a couple’s retreat. There are countless beautiful beach destinations in Australia, but the Melbourne waterfront is something special. The view across the water is breathtaking, and at nighttime the whole city lights up, making for a truly magical experience.
Manhattan, New York
If it’s a hip, city wedding you’re dreaming of, look no further than the most renowned city in America: the heart of metropolitan life and culture. If you’re looking for wow-factor, book the Tribeca Rooftop for your ceremony, where you can enjoy skyline views over the Empire State building and the Hudson River from way up high. Rooftop weddings have become exceedingly popular, but if heights aren’t you’re thing, you may want to look for another venue.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Voted one of the most luxurious wedding destinations in the world, Stellenbosch in South Africa has one major attraction: the MolenVliet Wine Estate. Here, you can enjoy views overlooking the mountains and the majestic Dwars River while you sip the local vino. Travelling couples can choose to get married in one of the estate’s beautiful landscaped gardens or in the middle of the vineyards themselves – what could be more romantic? The setting is secluded, but it is still easily accessible for your guests.
Conclusion
Other than your choice of spouse, the location of your ceremony is arguably one of the most important decisions to make when it comes to planning the big day, so think carefully about what the physical location of your wedding means to you.
Sit down with your partner and come up with a few ideas each, factoring in travel time, budget, and how many guests you plan to invite. Obviously, the further you travel overseas, the fewer people may be able to join you as you tie the knot, but that shouldn’t prevent you booking the destination of your dreams if that’s what’s important. If you and your partner long to get married overseas, invite just a few close friends and family members, or just elope as a couple – you can always host your reception when you get back.