7 Stunning Places Around The World For A Destination Wedding

Whether you’re dreaming of a royal wedding in a castle or a seafront ceremony in the sand, sometimes you have to venture a little further away from London to find your dream wedding venue.  

From the charming vineyards of Napa Valley to the regal palaces of Rajasthan, there’s a perfect place waiting to host your big day, whether you want to keep it grand or intimate. So start planning your destination wedding outfits and check out our guide on the world’s most stunning spots for a wedding away from home:

Europe

Lake Como, Italy

A celebrity favourite, some of Hollywood and Bollywood’s biggest stars have married at Lake Como. (Fun facts: Emily Blunt and John Krasinski said “I do” here in 2010, and Bollywood royalty Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh tied the knot in 2018 in a lush, private ceremony. It’s easy to see why people choose to get married here: With breathtaking lake views and grand villas, there’s something about Lake Como that feels like a fairytale.

Where to book: Villa Pizzo is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Lake Como. If you’re chasing after a stunning backdrop for your photos, you will not be disappointed with their spectacular lakeside terrace which perfectly frames the tranquil waters and dramatic mountain scenery behind you.

Edinburgh, Scotland

For couples who dream of a royal castle wedding, Edinburgh makes the perfect choice. With its historic charm, medieval architecture, and scenic highlands, Scotland offers a magical backdrop. You can even incorporate Scottish traditions like bagpipes into your celebration (and how about some haggis on the menu?).

Surrey, England

For a destination wedding that’s just a stone’s throw away from London, Surrey is the perfect spot for a countryside wedding that feels like a world away – but is actually just an hour’s journey from London. Surrey is a dreamy destination for weddings, offering a perfect blend of timeless elegance, stunning countryside, and historic charm. It also boasts a variety of breathtaking venues, from grand stately homes and historic castles to picturesque gardens and luxury hotels, where couples can exchange vows amidst rolling hills, lush woodlands, and scenic rivers.

Where to book: The majestic Barnett Hill hosts bespoke weddings, whether you are looking for a small, intimate lunch party, a relaxed barbeque on a sunny terrace or to exclusively hire the whole property for a spectacular wedding weekend. There are two different ceremony spaces and three reception spaces, that can host up to 80 day guests and 120 evening guests.

North America

Napa Valley, California

Known for its world-class vineyards and rolling hills, Napa Valley is an elegant location for wine-loving couples. Whether you prefer a rustic barn wedding or a luxurious estate ceremony, Napa offers a refined yet charming setting. One of Napa Valley’s main attractions is of course its collection of world-class wineries with popular venues such as Domaine Carneros, Castello di Amorosa, and Charles Krug Winery providing breathtaking views and exceptional wines. The warm, sunny days and cool evenings provide comfortable conditions for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Spring and fall are particularly popular wedding seasons, as the vineyards are in full bloom during these times, offering a picturesque setting.

Where to book: From traditional indoor weddings to unique outdoor ceremonies overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills, Carneros Resort & Spa is a picturesque setting for a dreamy wedding. They also have a new 10,000 square-foot outdoor event space that’s ideal for a grand dinner under the stars, complemented by scenic vineyards and rolling hills – the perfect backdrop to say “I do”.

Asia

Rajasthan, India

With its regal palaces, gorgeous lakes, hills and gardens, Rajasthan is a stunning spot for a destination wedding. It is best for a winter wedding, when the weather is ideal, or when you plan to have a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Choose lake or hill views (or both) and expect classic, warm Indian hospitality and the most luxurious, bespoke services. You can choose to incorporate a local touch to your wedding, with traditional Rajasthani folk musicians and dancers, and don’t miss the opportunity to have a Rajasthani meal.

Sumba, Indonesia

For an intimate but luxurious wedding celebration, Indonesia is the perfect spot for a wedding for the ones who like to keep it adventurous. With its stunning beaches, dramatic clifftop views, and lush jungles, Indonesia offers a perfect mix of adventure and luxury with lots of options to choose from whether you want to keep it small or go all out and splurge on the wedding of the year.

Where to book: NIHI Sumba is a remote hideaway in Sumba, Indonesia and even though it’s a long flight away, it’s one of the most stunning resorts we’ve seen. The team can accommodate everything from intimate functions to a resort-wise takeover – and they’ve even orchestrated impromptu ceremonies. You can marry on a long stretch of beach, in the rain forest or even on a clifftop above the ocean, with village priests available to lead the ceremony and you can even have a ceremonial march of horses as part of it – because what is a wedding without some horses running around in the background?

Africa

Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius

A picture-perfect island paradise, Mauritius boasts pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts. It’s an ideal destination for a beachfront wedding with a backdrop of palm trees and the Indian Ocean. You can also plan a whole itinerary for your guests to explore the island – there’s lots to see and do, from hiking the Le Morne Brabant for a fabulous view of the famous “underwater waterfall” to touring Chamarel, famous for its exquisite seven coloured earth. The island also has a great nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants open until the wee hours of the morning so you’re all set for a fabulous after-party too.