Planning to have a destination wedding? You’re not alone. More couples are trading a traditional English ceremony for a wedding abroad. There are many places where you can celebrate this special occasion. Let’s start with the top 11 destinations weddings locations abroad.
1. Barbados
This beautiful island northeast of Venezuela is known as the Little Britain of the Carribean. Barbados is popular for its white-sand beaches and water sporting activities. The west coast is perfect for relaxing with its luxury hotels and resorts, while the bars and restaurants on the south coast make up most of the island’s nightlife. If you venture inland, you can get picturesque views from the highlands, as well as have a chance to see some historical sites like plantations.
Getting married in Barbados is easy. To apply for a marriage license, both parties must appear before the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. Costa del Sol, Spain
The 150-km stretch of Mediterranean coastline is one of Spain’s most popular attractions. Costa del Sol or the “Sun Coast” gets sunshine throughout the year, and features stunning beaches and quaint villages nearby.
There are hotels, bars, and shops within the area for everyone’s convenience. After the wedding, you can travel to historical cities like Seville, Ronda, and Malaga for some sightseeing.
3. The Dominican Republic
Situated at the heart of the Caribbean, you can’t possibly go wrong with a dream wedding in the Dominican Republic. It owes much of its charm to its beaches as well as its untouched natural landscape. Long-winding rivers, breathtaking waterfalls, and tropical rainforests await you as well in this exotic country.
When visiting, remember to spend time at Punta Cana just 20 minutes away from the airport. It’s an idyllic beach with white sands and a stretch of palm trees in the background.
4. New York, USA
Ditch a tropical-themed ceremony for a big city wedding in New York City! Central Park is perfect for this occasion, though you can also exchange vows at a skyrise penthouse. If you go with Central Park, you must choose one of its gardens for the venue. Depending on your budget and the size of the wedding, options include Beldevere Castle, Bow Bridge, Ladies Pavilion, Shakespeare Garden, Strawberry Field, and Wagner’s Cove.
Following the wedding, you can spend your remaining days touring Manhattan’s iconic landmarks.
5. Las Vegas, USA
Lavish hotels, casinos, and extravagant shows have earned Las Vegas the title as Entertainment Capital of the World. People place their hopes and dreams into this city, and you could too by planning your Las Vegas wedding. And since it’s the Wedding Capital of the United States, you can choose from different packages ranging from the simplest to the most extreme.
Most couples go with a classic chapel wedding, but there are drive-thru and Elvis-themed weddings for fun-loving couples. You can take it up a notch by opting for a Grand Canyon or a helicopter wedding – that is, if you’re in for a wild ride.
6. Ireland
If you are looking to include some amazing scenery in your wedding day photos, Ireland is your choice. The country offers some magnificent architecture, nature at its most mesmerizing, and the chance to serve some of the best beer in the world at your reception. With so many different venue options, you might want to consider hiring an event planner to help you find the perfect one.
7. Cancun, Mexico
This coastal city used to be the favorite honeymoon spot of newlyweds. Today, couples go there to exchange “I Do’s” in one of three choices – a tropical garden, the beachfront, or a gazebo surrounded with luxurious pools.
While in Cancun, be sure to make the most out of your trip by visiting local museums. Historic landmarks like Parque de las Palapas and Chichen Itza, an ancient pre-Columbian city founded by the Mayans, should also be included in your itinerary.
8. Orlando, USA
Weddings are meant to be a family affair. And if you’re expecting kids as guests, you should consider flying them to Orlando for your marriage ceremony. Couples tend to opt for beach weddings at Miami Beach. But as soon as it’s over, you and your guests can go theme park hopping over the next few days. How fun!
9. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is quickly becoming a top destination for weddings abroad. Its beautiful architecture immediately sets a romantic atmosphere and offers incredible venue options for your wedding. Combined with a rich history and culture, Prague provides a multi-faceted experience that couples can surely enjoy. Stunningly intricate Art Nouveau buildings and Europe’s largest castle complex are just some of the sights you can expect to see there.
10. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The 50-km coastline is situated on the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula and is quite popular during the holidays. However, its sharp cliffs and rugged beaches also make a picture-perfect background for a simple ceremony. For the wedding, couples normally go with Capri, Positano, or Sorrento.
Aside from its beaches, the cliffside fishing villages are excellent for day trips. These medieval constructions have earned Amalfi Coast the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11. Turkey
Turkey is the epitome of “east meets west” and provides a wealth of natural, historic, and cultural attractions. You might even find their Mediterranean hospitality both surprising and familiar. You can choose to wed along the Aegean coast or any of the local churches. Turkey is renowned for architectural wonders like Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, so you better not miss them on your honeymoon.
Destination Wedding: Should I Go For It?
It may seem like a far-fetched plan for upcoming newlyweds, but it’s actually more reasonable than most people think. Wedding packages are usually offered alongside the trip or your chosen accommodations. So while you normally have to pay for a caterer, florist, transportation, and venue if you held your wedding at home, a destination wedding package will drastically reduce your expenses. Not to mention, it will spare you from months worth of stressful wedding preparations!