Where Will You Say ‘I Do?’
A destination wedding feels exciting until the details hit you. Picking a good location takes more than just finding a pretty view. You need to consider guest travel, local weather, and overall costs. Some places photograph beautifully but bring unexpected challenges once planning begins, while others stay perfect from start to finish. To help you pick the right location, here is a list of 20 destinations that can make every moment of your wedding unforgettable.
1. Santorini, Greece
Local coordinators often handle legal paperwork for couples planning a Santorini wedding. Late spring through early autumn brings the best weather for cliffside ceremonies. The island’s sunset gives you the perfect moment to take photos, where venues like Santo Wines offer panoramic backdrops.
Gary Bembridge from London, UK on Wikimedia
2. Venice, Italy
In Venice, weddings often start with a civil ceremony inside Palazzo Cavalli, where windows overlook the Grand Canal and set the mood for what comes next. Couples then drift through quiet side canals for photos, with late spring or early autumn offering cooler weather and fewer crowds.
3. Maui, Hawaii
Fire dancers and beachfront sunsets turn Maui weddings into beautiful, multi-sensory celebrations. Non-residents face only minimal paperwork, which makes planning simple. Many couples choose Wailea’s golden beaches or historic venues like Olowalu Plantation House from December to April, aiming for clear skies.
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
4. Paris, France
Legal weddings need French residency, so most visitors hold symbolic ceremonies in Paris. Spring cherry blossoms pull many couples toward outdoor spots like Parc Monceau. Photographers often suggest early morning shoots near the Eiffel Tower when the streets stay quiet and empty.
5. Queenstown, New Zealand
Helicopter-access wedding sites near Queenstown let you exchange vows with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. December through February offers the clearest weather and full wildflower bloom. Popular locations include Stoneridge Estate and Trelawn Place for outdoor ceremonies.
Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA on Wikimedia
6. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum sits right next to ancient Mayan ruins. Most couples choose beachside resorts or jungle villas for a laid-back feel. Planners handle permits for both private beachfront setups and eco-reserve locations. For photoshoots, Tulum stays dry and sunny from November to April.
Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia
7. Bali, Indonesia
Flower arches, live gamelan music, and cliffside chapels—Bali weddings are sensory showcases. Couples often choose dramatic Uluwatu cliffs or Ubud’s lush gardens for their vows. Local teams handle logistics seamlessly, from permits to traditional Balinese blessings that add meaning without overwhelming the moment.
Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash
8. Lake Como, Italy
Arriving by boat for your ceremony is a famous moment here. Villa del Balbianello hosts many destination weddings with lakeside gardens and terrace views. May and September offer mild weather and fewer visitors. Lake Como photographers mostly recommend sunset timing for portrait sessions.
9. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town draws couples with its mix of vineyards, mountain views, and oceanfront settings. November through March, stay sunny and warm for outdoor ceremonies. The most popular spots for destination weddings are along the Constantia wine route or event spaces near Table Mountain.
10. Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossom season fills Kyoto with tourists, so couples often book weekday ceremonies for better crowd control. Famous places like Shosei-en Garden require you to obtain permits months in advance. October and November cover Kyoto in maple leaves, giving you the prettiest backdrop.
11. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Stone walls and sea views create dramatic photo settings, but Dubrovnik venues often limit noise due to preservation rules. May and September stay cooler for outdoor ceremonies. Historic site permits typically require additional time, so most wedding planners recommend submitting applications early.
12. Udaipur, India
Udaipur hosts weddings with traditional Indian elements and stunning lakeside views. Sought-after locations like the Jagmandir Island Palace bring royal flair to weddings. November to February keeps temperatures comfortable. Local planners will organize everything from decorated horses and chariots to ethnic wear and folk dances.
Hemant Singh Chauhan on Pexels
13. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley’s vineyard weddings are enchanting but often capped by local noise ordinances. Late planners might find better rates and availability on weekdays. The harvest season—from August through October—remains the peak time when golden vines and crisp light create a picture-perfect backdrop for romantic vows.
14. Reykjavik, Iceland
In Reykjavik, couples exchange vows beneath the midnight sun or beside frozen waterfalls. Iceland’s raw landscapes—volcanic cliffs, glaciers, and black sand beaches—turn weddings into visual poetry. Local planners specialize in remote ceremonies, while Reykjavik offers cozy post-ceremony celebrations fueled by Nordic cuisine and geothermal charm.
15. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Venues like Villa Cimbrone provide ocean-facing terraces for your vows. Lemon trees, sea cliffs, and pastel villas give the Amalfi Coast its wedding-day glow. April through June brings warmth without the overwhelming summer crowds. Many caterers highlight local seafood and lemon-infused desserts on reception menus.
Paolo Costa Baldi on Wikimedia
16. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is a favorite for its coastal scenery and polished resort infrastructure. Ceremonies often take place on private beaches or cliffside pavilions. Most couples opt for symbolic weddings, avoiding Bangkok’s legal process. The dry season—November to April—offers the best weather and stunning golden-hour photo ops.
17. Seville, Spain
Late afternoon ceremonies help avoid the intense midday heat. Many couples include flamenco dancers or live guitar performances during their reception. Locations like Casa de Pilatos fill quickly during Seville’s April and May festival season, so early booking becomes essential.
18. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen transforms weddings into high-altitude magic. Gondola rides lead to mountain-top ceremonies, while luxury lodges host fireside feasts. Snowy winter or golden autumn—each season brings a distinct charm. The guest count may be shaped by access and altitude, but seasoned vendors make planning smooth.
19. Banff, Canada
Banff weddings come with glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, and fresh alpine air. Ceremonies at popular spots like Lake Louise or Tunnel Mountain Meadow feel cinematic and require permits and early booking. For fewer crowds and golden hues, September hits the sweet spot.
20. Cartagena, Colombia
Colonial charm meets Caribbean color in Cartagena. Weddings unfold in walled courtyards, Baroque churches, or sea-facing rooftops. Horse-drawn carriages add romance, while local vendors craft vibrant, music-filled celebrations. December through March offers dry weather, though the city’s lively atmosphere turns every season into a celebration.
