Planning a wedding is said to be one of the most stressful things we can go through in life, and whilst there’s no denying that the big day is also supposed to be one of the happiest of your life, arranging the venue, the flowers and ensuring the catering are all sorted can all become a little overwhelming long before the day itself has arrived.
Then, there’s ensuring you’ve invited all the right people and drawn up the perfect seating plan to avoid any friction between guests who don’t see eye to eye, in a bid to ensure the whole celebration runs smoothly.
For some spouses-to-be, the answer is to leave it all behind and opt for a lavish destination wedding abroad instead, which as well as allowing you to keep the guest list minimal, offers the chance to say ‘I do’ in a truly spectacular setting, ensuring that your special day is not just special, but unique.
When no expense is spared, the world really is your oyster, and you can take your pick from a host of dream locales that promise to provide the perfect backdrop for your ceremony – from spectacular beach destinations to charming cities and stunning rural escapes.
Best of all, many venues will also do all of the planning of your destination wedding for you, leaving you free to relax, enjoy and combine the joy of exchanging your vows with the excitement of an incredible getaway and beginning married life somewhere truly special.
Here, we take a look at five amazing destinations to consider for your dream destination wedding.
Tuscany, Italy
The rolling green hills, verdant vineyards, and historic villas of Tuscany have long made it a popular choice for destination weddings – after all, it really doesn’t get much more idyllic. Awash with old world charm, its quaint villages and vine-covered landscapes make the perfect backdrop for a rustic yet sophisticated ceremony amidst the peace and tranquility of nature, with the scent of olive groves and lavender in the air as you say ‘I do’. A region known for its fine wines, you can be sure that the post-ceremony celebrations will be well catered to, and the region’s mouth-watering gastronomy means that food and drink will make for a memorable part of the day.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a dream destination for couples seeking a picturesque setting for their wedding day, and is known for its beautiful white-washed buildings and stunning views down over the Aegean Sea. A cliffside ceremony overlooking the caldera at sunset promises an undeniably romantic wedding with breath-taking photographs to match, while barefoot nuptials on one of the island’s pretty beaches is another wonderful way to make the most out of this stunning island destination.
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking for a more exotic destination for your dream wedding, then Bali is it, and with its lush rice terraces, jaw-dropping beaches and ornate temples, it’s a photographer’s dream. The island’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality make it a popular choice amongst tourists, and the luxurious beachfront resorts of Nusa Dua set the perfect scene for a memorable destination wedding, with truly Instagram-worthy photo moments including floating honeymoon breakfasts in your private pool and barefoot wedding shots on the sand.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is known for its cosmopolitan vibe and interesting culture, and offers up the perfect blend of urban sophistication and beautiful scenery – not to mention plenty of great weather throughout the year, and especially during the British winter. Its high-rise buildings create a spectacular skyline, making a rooftop ceremony a unique choice for your big day and ensuring your wedding photos are set against an impressive backdrop, with panoramic views over the city. Seaworks – a one-of-a-kind waterfront venue that is popular for events of all kinds and is even home to a maritime museum, so if you and your spouse-to-be are ocean lovers with an interest in maritime history, then it’s an unusual yet memorable choice for venue hire in Melbourne.
Cape Town, South Africa
If you dream of having your wedding photos captured against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes, then nowhere in the world rivals the breath-taking natural beauty of South Africa. From the iconic Table Mountain to its picturesque coastline, if you’re looking for a destination for your wedding that is truly unforgettable, then this one is bound to leave you in awe. From the romantic to the truly adventurous, the possibilities here are endless, and there are plenty of incredible venues to choose from, too.
