A vacation, honeymoon and wedding all in one? Who wouldn’t get excited about the idea of a destination wedding? Think jaw-dropping backdrops, a hint of the exotic, incredible photographs, and the chance to spend some guilt-free time with your nearest and dearest. We have picked a handful of the dreamiest places across the far-flung globe that are utterly desirable for a destination wedding.
Marrakech
Packed with hundreds of gorgeous Riads complete with courtyard gardens, tinkling fountains, and elaborate tilework – romance is forever in the air in Marrakech. While the city may not be your usual destination wedding, Marrakech is more than affordable, boasts a unique and enchanting atmosphere, and provides a perfect backdrop for some amazing wedding pics against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, the perfumed souks, or the melody of rooftops. Honeymooners can also head out to wild Atlantic coast or the Sahara for their honeymoon.
Fiji
Sugar spun sands, impossibly blue waters, and lush jungle littered with the exotic flash of flora and fauna – it’s no wonder Fiji is such a popular place for destination weddings. With a long-running and consistent dry season, a ton of world-class resorts that offer wedding packages, and an endless tapestry of lagoons, stilted villas, and barefoot beach bliss, those looking for a signature south pacific style wedding should head straight for the Mamanucas Islands.
Greece
Gorgeous white and blue landscapes, warm weather, lashings of ancient history, and some of the worlds most celebrated sunsets – Greece is a glorious choice for a destination wedding. Whether you want to pick a party island like Mykonos for a mega celebration or the sophisticated sweetness of Santorini, there’s an island or pretty corner to match your dreams. Weave in the splendour of boutique villas, mouthwatering mezze, and goddess mythology and you have a dream spot for saying I do.
South Africa
Imagine an elephant crashing your wedding, picture standing beneath the imposing presence of Table Mountain, or dream of saying your vows against the bursting blooms of the Garden Route. South Africa is a smorgasbord of creative ideas for those seeking an off the chart destination wedding. From savannah wildlife to barnyard wonder, chic city or rolling surf – South Africa delivers a multitude of backdrops for you to plan the perfect day.
Scotland
Sure it rains a lot, but Scotland’s drama isn’t one to be sniffed at. For those couples seeking castles, rolling Munros, gorgeous glens, and all the whiskey you can drink then Scotland makes for a spectacular wedding destination choice. Head into the highlands for a wild and unbridled wedding, pick one of the Hebridean Isles for remote romance or go to Edinburgh for a cool cultural affair.
St Lucia
Palm trees, the tang of saltwater, the clang of a steel drum accompanying your walk down the aisle, and all the rum your wedding party can drink – St Lucia lends itself well to a glorious tropical wedding affair. Endless months of winter sun combined with elegant resorts make St Lucia a firm contender for sun-soaked nuptials. From the glowering green pitons to the barefoot style on the beach, impeccable seafood feasts, and snorkelling adventures – St Lucia is the epitome of a destination wedding.
Finland
Wildflowers and white nights or powdered snow and the aurora borealis – Finland is a striking backdrop for the story of your love. A Finnish wedding invites a truly unique experience with igloos, faux furs and reindeers in Lapland or wild berries and summer solstice style – the perfect opportunity to rock a flower crown. From cosy cabins to ice chapels and rock churches; few places in the world can offer a dreamy array of dramatic backdrops for an ethereal wedding scene.
Colorado
Getting hitched in beautiful Colorado is a no brainer if you like breathtaking backdrops and lots of places to explore. Colorado literally translates to "colored", which is said to be an ode to the epic colors that paint the mountains during the fall. And the winters are even more mesmerizing. If you can't get away for a destination wedding, then a Colorado winter elopement will give you all the same exotic excitement without the major jet lag. Whether you choose to get married on the peaks or down in the grassy fields below, this dreamy location will make your wedding a beautiful and long-lasting memory.
The perfect day is all about the wedding dress, being with friends and family, and an exquisite backdrop that will make the day memorable in more ways than one. Where would you love to say I do? Share your favourite destination wedding spots with us in the comments.