Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and what better way to celebrate it than by tying the knot in a breathtaking location abroad? Destination weddings offer a unique opportunity to combine your special day with the adventure of travel, creating memories not just for you and your partner, but for your guests as well. Whether you envision a sun-drenched beach ceremony, a grand castle setting, or a quaint European town as the backdrop for your vows, getting married abroad allows you to choose from some of the most picturesque and romantic locations the world has to offer.
But planning a wedding overseas can also come with its challenges, from navigating different legal requirements to organizing travel logistics. That’s why choosing the right destination is crucial. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places for a wedding abroad, featuring locations that offer not only stunning beauty but also excellent facilities and services to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise, a rustic vineyard, or an enchanting city steeped in history, we have something for every couple’s vision of their perfect wedding.
Lake Como stands apart as a luxury destination, offering an elegant and timeless experience that feels worlds away from more modern, flashy locales. As Rachel Birthistle of The Lake Como Wedding Planner puts it, “The decadence is less obvious—it’s a traditional, historical luxury, not with flashy cars and designer stores, but an authentic, old-style, aristocratic luxury.” This understated grandeur, steeped in history and tradition, is what makes Lake Como so alluring for couples seeking a romantic and sophisticated wedding venue.
Birthistle recommends that couples take the time to fully explore the area, emphasizing that Lake Como’s charm lies in its unique contrasts. From the serene beauty of the lake to the grandeur of its villas, the region offers a variety of settings that can create a dynamic flow of events for an unforgettable Italian wedding. The combination of traditional Italian luxury and stunning natural beauty offers an authentic experience like no other, ensuring that your wedding will feel both timeless and magical.
For couples looking to host their celebration in a truly iconic venue, Villa Balbiano, part of The Heritage Collection, provides a stunning backdrop for a luxurious wedding.
The Côte d’Azur, a renowned holiday destination with scenic paths connecting numerous coastal villages and towns, is home to some of the world’s most luxurious beach locales, such as Saint-Tropez and Cannes. It also offers an array of stunning venues perfect for a destination wedding. Convincing your guests to travel to this glamorous region won’t be difficult, but it’s important to consider your wedding itinerary and allow some free time for guests to explore independently.
“Couples planning destination weddings often feel the need to schedule every hour to keep their guests entertained, but it’s okay to leave certain activities optional,” suggests David Beahm of David Beahm Experiences. “While some guests may enjoy a perfume-making workshop (highly recommended!), others might prefer to leisurely explore the medieval village of Èze. It’s a good idea to provide your guests with suggested local activities, along with maps and times for visiting, without creating rigid expectations,” he advises.
As for venues, Beahm’s top recommendation is the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. This luxurious hotel, which has a rich history, has been beautifully renovated to offer modern comforts while still capturing the relaxed elegance that defines the South of France.
With its unique textures, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors, Marrakech has become an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking an adventurous destination wedding. For inspiration, look no further than BAZAAR Bride couple Jane and Shane, whose Marrakech wedding featured camel rides, ATV adventures, and falconry.
Bruce Russell, who organizes 1-2 weddings in Morocco annually, notes that the atmosphere is often “very laid back.” He advises couples to hire a wedding planner familiar with the local culture, hotels, cuisine, and vendors. “It’s essential to visit your venue before signing a contract, do thorough research, and get trusted recommendations to ensure the vendors meet your expectations,” Russell suggests.
As for venues, he offers several top picks: The Royal Mansour for unmatched luxury and exceptional dining, La Mamounia for its stunning gardens, and Beldi Country Club, which showcases classic Moroccan style and is a photographer’s dream. For pre-ceremony events, Riad El-Fenn is ideal for a welcome party, while The Capaldi Hotel, nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, offers breathtaking panoramic views perfect for a memorable celebration.
Thailand, with its tropical beaches, grand royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples adorned with Buddha statues, offers a rich and vibrant culture, making it an incredible destination for a wedding. In the capital city of Bangkok, you’ll find a contrast between an ultramodern metropolis and serene canalside communities. Nearby, iconic temples like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew) stand proudly, while beach resorts such as lively Pattaya and trendy Hua Hin offer ideal getaways.
When planning a destination wedding in Thailand, Lynn Easton of Easton Events advises assembling “a small team on the ground” in addition to your primary wedding planner. The language barrier can be a challenge, so having local experts working alongside your planner will ensure everything runs smoothly. For venues, Easton suggests considering options like the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Resort, and Amanpuri Phuket—places that will make you want to pack your bags immediately.
With its unique textures, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors, Marrakech has become an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking an adventurous destination wedding. For inspiration, look no further than BAZAAR Bride couple Jane and Shane, whose Marrakech wedding featured camel rides, ATV adventures, and falconry.
Bruce Russell, who organizes 1-2 weddings in Morocco annually, notes that the atmosphere is often “very laid back.” He advises couples to hire a wedding planner familiar with the local culture, hotels, cuisine, and vendors. “It’s essential to visit your venue before signing a contract, do thorough research, and get trusted recommendations to ensure the vendors meet your expectations,” Russell suggests.
As for venues, he offers several top picks: The Royal Mansour for unmatched luxury and exceptional dining, La Mamounia for its stunning gardens, and Beldi Country Club, which showcases classic Moroccan style and is a photographer’s dream. For pre-ceremony events, Riad El-Fenn is ideal for a welcome party, while The Capaldi Hotel, nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, offers breathtaking panoramic views perfect for a memorable celebration.
