Once the preserve of celebrities, whose palm-fringed nuptials were staple fixtures in glossy magazines, destination weddings have now captured the imagination of ordinary couples, too. Whether it’s a gothic, mist-swathed chateau or a sun-bleached beachfront, these far-flung celebrations are more popular than ever.
Last year, around 21 per cent of UK weddings took place abroad, while research from American Express found that 40 per cent of UK wedding guests plan to attend nuptials overseas this year.
‘The idea of a couple exchanging vows in a picturesque destination far from home adds an extra touch of magic to their special day,’ says Matthew Shaw, founder and creative director at event planners, Sauveur Studios.
Kunal Madan, wedding expert and chief executive of Dress Preservation, agrees: ‘Destination weddings are becoming even more popular as couples embrace multi-day celebrations, creating end-to-end holiday experiences for their guests. They’re also a reflection of how couples want to feel – escaping the everyday for something elevated and memorable.’
But it’s not just about the Instagram-worthy backdrop. The average cost of a UK wedding topped £23,000 last year, according to wedding planning company Hitched. In contrast, getting married abroad can sometimes be more cost-effective, even when factoring in travel and accommodation. Equally, it may just feel that if you’re spending thousands, why not do it somewhere more exotic than a hotel off the M62?
Another benefit is that destination weddings may filter the guest list down to those closest to the couple – since being there requires extra effort in terms of cost and time off work. All of which makes the celebration feel even more personal.
So, where are some of the most beautiful places to tie the knot? We’ve spoken to wedding planners and travel experts to bring you the very best destinations for your dream wedding.
1. Borgo Pignano Volterra, Italy
Craving a taste of Tuscan romance? This 750-acre estate and five-star hotel may be just the place. Located between Volterra and San Gimignano, the rural counterpart of this luxury Italian hotel collection (its sister sits in Florence), is a riot of vineyards, olive groves and wildflower meadows – so there’s no need to splurge on the florist!
Centred around an elegantly restored 18th-century villa and medieval hamlet, the property boasts a rustic, intimate feel, and ceremonies can take place in a consecrated church, the Italian gardens, or beneath ancient oak trees, followed by aperitivos on the panoramic terrace and dinner under the stars in the historic courtyard.
Book it: Wedding packages start from £47,000 (borgopignano.com).
2. Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens, Ireland
This 200-year-old Georgian estate in West Cork has just completed a major expansion, including The Fernery, a glass-walled event space in its award-winning gardens. It’s also home to Ireland’s largest bridal styling lounge (a dedicated space for the wedding party to get ready – without everyone elbowing for the mirror).
Described as ‘stepping into Tuscany – without leaving Ireland’, there’s plenty of old world charm, including the unique garden marquee where wisteria-dripped chandeliers add to the sense of intimacy.
Book it: The hotel offers wedding packages starting from around £77 per guest, depending on the chosen package and season (fernhillhousehotel.com).
3. Amara Hotel, Cyprus
Combining coastal views and a decent record of sunny days, this is the place to take advantage of Cyprus’s year-round balmy weather. The Amara Events Lawn is right next to the Med, and this grassy space is perfectly placed for anything from big bash wedding dinners (for up to 250 people), to more intimate cocktail receptions.
Book it: A wedding for 50 people starts around £6,000 (amarahotel.com).
4. Church of the Assumption, Bled Island
The Church of the Assumption sits on Slovenia’s only natural island, and is accessed exclusively by traditional ‘pletna’ boats.
‘Couples are ferried across the lake, and according to centuries-old tradition, the groom carries the bride up 99 steps to ring the wishing bell for good luck. It’s pure fairy tale,’ says Vukan Simic, founder and chief executive of BoatBooker. The post-ceremony reception can be held on the outdoor terrace, or in the gallery should the weather change.
Book it: A destination wedding at Lake Bled typically starts from around £7,000 for an intimate ceremony of around 50 guests (lakebledweddings.si/bled-island).
5. Beach Club Hvar, Croatia
Don’t let the idea of a ‘beach club’ put you off – this Croatian retreat is about as far from Malibu bling as you could imagine. Built in 1927, the place is all about old-school Mediterranean luxury, and sits right on the waterfront with panoramic views of nearby islands. The spectacular white stone colonnade also adds to the wow factor.
Book it: Wedding packages start from £2,600 (beachhvar.com).
6. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St Lucia
Renowned as one of the island’s most sought-after wedding destinations, couples tying the knot at this award-winning resort can choose between a white sand beach ceremony or a sophisticated oceanfront gazebo. While there are several tiers from which to choose, The Pearl Package comprises a three-day event, including a beach barbecue, a sunset catamaran cruise, a wedding ceremony and a beachfront reception with a sit-down three-course meal – all at private venues.
Book it: From £8,837 for up to 40 guests including bride and groom (cbayresort.com).
7. Borgo Antichi Orti, Italy
Inside the ancient walls of Assisi, this former 15th-century Benedictine monastery offers 12 beautifully restored suites, 10,000 square metres of organic gardens (known as The Hortuli), and sweeping views over Umbria’s rolling hills. There are various options for the wedding ceremony, too: beneath the pergola, beside the gardens or overlooking the basilica-esque skyline.
Book it: Packages start from around £5,000 (borgoantichiortiassisi.it).
8. Crillon le Brave Hotel, Provence
Located in France’s Vaucluse area, in the heart of the Provençal countryside, this castle-like five-star hotel offers panoramic views of Mont Ventoux, and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
A few steps away from the hotel, small church Saint Romain de Crillon le Brave is available for the ceremony, while full buyout packages are available back at the hotel for the reception. The property itself consists of nine restored stone houses with 34 suites and rooms for up to 70 guests.
Book it: Wedding packages start from around £85,000 (crillonlebrave.com).
9. Hostal de la Gavina, Costa Brava
Perched on a secluded, leafy peninsula between two tranquil bays, Hostal de la Gavina overlooks the Bay of Sant Pol, one of Europe’s most untouched and romantic stretches of coastline. This is the place for a wedding with old-world Spanish glamour. Couples can exchange vows amid the hotel’s gardens, or choose a more traditional ceremony at the private neo-classical church, Nostra Senyora de l’Esperanca, perched on a nearby hillock just a two-minute drive from the hotel.
Book it: For 100 guests, minimum spend for a wedding at La Gavina is around £21,000.
10. Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll, The Maldives
The luxury island resort has a range of wedding packages but the stand out has to be Hithu Vindhu or ‘Heartbeat’ ceremonies which take place at 5 ° North, a wooden platform in the middle of the resort’s tropical lagoon located five degrees north of the equator. Ceremonies are followed by a four-course dinner on the platform, and a 30-minute sunset cruise on a traditional Maldivian boat.
Book it: Wedding packages start from £2,500 (finolhu.com).
11. Burgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
This elegant Alpine venue sits 500 metres above Lake Lucerne, and is framed by the dramatic peaks of the surrounding mountains. Ceremony options include the Burgenstock Chapel – immortalised by Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer, who exchanged vows there in 1954 – or looking out over the sweeping views of the Lakeview Terrace. Indeed, the resort has long been a scene of glamour: Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti lived at a chalet in Burgenstock for seven years.
Book it: Packages start around £30,000 (burgenstockresort.com).
12. Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Deep in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this extraordinary alpine valley is where Lily Collins tied the knot with her now-husband, director and screenwriter Charlie McDowell, in 2021. Framed by views of the San Juan Mountains, the meticulously restored 1800s ghost town is surrounded by lush meadows, rugged peaks, and natural hot springs. The property is available for exclusive weddings, and can accommodate up to 52 guests via 13 hand-hewn log cabins, an all-weather tent, a spa, and private chef-prepared dining.
Book it: From £1,500 for couples seeking a more intimate experience. Package includes a two-night stay at the lodge and marriage license (duntondestinations.com).
13. Chateau Mcely, Prague
This luxury, five-star hotel in the heart of Bohemia is just 40 km north-east of Prague. A beautifully restored 17th-century castle, it dishes up a fairytale setting for couples seeking a romantic and intimate wedding. Ceremonies can be held inside the chateau, or outdoors amid the landscaped gardens, estate’s fountains and ancient trees. Receptions can be held inside for up to 90 persons. For larger numbers of guests, a marquee tent can be arranged in the grounds.
Book it: Exclusive wedding packages start at £8,057 (chateaumcely.cz/en/).
14. Finca Cortesin, Spain
Set in the hills of Andalusia overlooking the coastline, the venue has been designed in the style of a traditional Spanish ‘finca’ – think antique terracotta floors, wooden doors salvaged from ancient castles and hand-painted pastel-coloured wall coverings.
The 67-suite hotel is available for a total buyout for weddings. Couples seeking a Hollywood entrance have access to a private helipad.
Book it: Buyout rates start from around £25,000 (fincacortesin.com).
15. Lone Star, Barbados
With swaying palms and a pristine beachfront, weddings here combine luxurious accommodation, attentive service, and the natural beauty of Barbados, says top party planner Liz Taylor.
‘For couples craving luxury with a laid-back vibe, Lone Star is my top pick,’ she adds. ‘The pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and chic atmosphere set an effortlessly glamorous stage. I’ve planned countless weddings here, and every time, they leave me speechless (which is a hard thing to do). Impeccable service and exceptional cuisine make it the perfect spot for a stylish yet relaxed beach wedding.’
With seven suites and rooms, the Lone Star provides exclusive access for wedding parties.
Book it: Prices start from £6000 (thelonestar.com).
16. The Capra, Switzerland
In the heart of the Saas Valley in southern Switzerland, The Capra is surrounded by 18 dramatic 4,000m peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the breathtaking sweep of the Fee Glacier. What’s more, Saas-Fee is an authentic car-free village, adding to the elegance and slowing down the pace. The property is just a few metres away from several ski lifts, and there’s a spa and wellness centre for pre – or post – wedding relaxation.
Book it: Price on application to the hotel (capra.ch).
17. Magma Resort, Santorini
For a wedding set against vineyards and volcanic landscapes, opt for this upscale resort on the northeast coast of Santorini. There are plenty of choices for the ceremony, too, ranging from the poolside/terrace area to out in the vineyard for a more rustic touch. Couples looking for exclusive acccess can also buyout Magma’s 59 rooms and suites for two or three-night stays.
Book it: A two-night resort buyout starts from approximately £21,239 (hyatt.com/unbound-collection).
18. Aarunya Nature Resort, Sri Lanka
Tucked within ten acres of tea and spice gardens in Sri Lanka’s mist-wrapped Central Highlands, this boutique eco-luxury hideaway is the perfect venue if you want a quiet, spiritual celebration – the noisiest thing around is the bird song. Framed by the majestic Knuckles Mountain Range, the ceremony can take place on terraces overlooking lush green valleys. And for the couple’s wedding party, the resort’s ten freestanding villas offer panoramic views, private plunge pools or outdoor Jacuzzis, and, essentially, total seclusion.
Book it: Intimate weddings for 20–30 guests start from around £7,500 (aarunyaresort.com).
PS) And for those who cannot go abroad to tie the knot, but still want a destination wedding, here’s the five best of British… 1. Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Loch Linnhe
This historic 19th-century castle, with sweeping views of Ben Nevis, also happened to be a favourite retreat of Queen Victoria.
‘The opulent interiors and exceptional Scottish cuisine create a luxurious Highland wedding experience steeped in history,’ says Vukan Simic.
Couples can hire the entire castle for a highly private and fully contained celebration, and there are 17 luxurious bedrooms within the castle itself, plus additional rooms in the Gate Lodge and Walled Garden.
Book it: Wedding breakfasts start from £125 per person (inverlochycastlehotel.com).
2. Storrs Hall, Lake District
Fancy an intimate and romantic elopement on the picturesque shores of Lake Windermere? Storrs Hall’s ‘Just for Two’ package is the perfect choice. Set within 17 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this Grade II-listed Georgian mansion was built in the 1790s by Sir John Legard, and boasts a rotunda reception hall and a grand staircase. Couples can exchange vows in one of several stunning settings, including the secluded Temple of Heroes, a romantic lakeside folly accessed via a stone jetty.
Book it: Starting price for a wedding is £1,475 for the Just For Two package. Exclusive use weddings start from £18,199 for up to 60 guests (storrshall.com).
3. Pennsylvania Castle Estate, Dorset
Perched above the English Channel, this secluded estate features a neo-Gothic Pennsylvania Castle, contemporary cliffside lodges known as Clifftops, and additional accommodation at The Front Rows, comfortably hosting up to 40 guests on site.
There are also a variety of ceremony locations for couples to choose from: indoors in the elegant Orangery, outdoors at the Pagoda with sweeping lawns and dramatic sea views, the exquisitely manicured Olive Garden, or on the Clifftops roof terrace.
Book it: For two nights accommodation, ceremony amd reception, prices start from £14,344. (thepennestate.co.uk).
4. The Old Government House Hotel, Guernsey
Guernsey enjoys one of the mildest and sunniest climates in the British Isles, and with just a three-hour ferry or one-hour flight from the UK, it’s an easy journey for guests. Against a backdrop of St Peter Port and bordered by patios, a walled garden, and views of neighbouring islands, The Old Government House Hotel is Guernsey’s only five-star hotel. The ceremony can take place in the hotel’s Regency Room or amid its landscaped gardens.
Book it: Packages start from £145 per person for 125 guests (theoghhotel.com).
5. The Headland, Cornwall
A five-star Victorian hotel surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic and overlooking the wild ocean at Fistral Beach, this is the place for windswept vows and barefoot beach portraits.
‘Every wedding we host is entirely bespoke, there are no fixed packages or restrictions,’ says events co-ordinator Kerry Edney. Couples are able to hire the entire property for their special day, or the hotel can similarly accommodate smaller, more intimate celebrations.
Book it: Prices start from £3,000 for a small wedding (headlandhotel.co.uk).
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