If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, a destination wedding could be perfect.
Sure, they can be pricey, but you only say “I do” once (or so you hope!), and there’s never a better time to go all-out and over the top than when marrying the love of your life. If you can swing it financially and fancy a different kind of celebration, here are some of the best places to tie the knot these days.
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast has long been a favourite for couples looking for a mix of romance and wow-factor. With colourful clifftop villages like Positano and Ravello, endless sea views, and that golden Mediterranean light, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful backdrop for your wedding day. You can exchange vows on a terrace overlooking the sea or inside a centuries-old church, with lemon groves and pastel houses setting the scene.
Beyond the ceremony, the Amalfi Coast turns your whole wedding trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your guests. Days can be spent exploring hidden coves, sipping Aperol Spritz in little piazzas, and indulging in long, leisurely Italian dinners. It’s the kind of setting where celebration naturally stretches into an unforgettable holiday.
2. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum continues to be a hotspot for couples who want a wedding that feels stylish, relaxed, and effortlessly cool. With its eco-chic resorts, white sand beaches, and lush jungle backdrops, Tulum is where barefoot luxury comes alive. You can host your ceremony on the beach with just the sound of the waves, followed by a candlelit dinner party right on the sand.
What makes Tulum stand out is the vibe—it’s polished without feeling pretentious. Think woven lanterns, minimalist decor, and cocktail hours that roll into beach bonfires. If you want a destination wedding that feels authentically you without all the formality, Tulum might be exactly where you need to be.
3. Santorini, Greece
Santorini feels like it was made for weddings, with its iconic blue domes, whitewashed buildings, and sunsets that set the entire sky on fire. The island’s clifftop terraces create natural ceremony spots that offer jaw-dropping views over the caldera, perfect for couples chasing that once-in-a-lifetime, movie-scene moment. It’s no wonder so many people travel halfway across the world to marry here.
What makes Santorini extra special is how intimate it feels, even if you’re inviting a larger group. The winding alleys, boutique hotels, and family-run tavernas create a sense of closeness, where every dinner and every stroll becomes a memory in itself. It’s beauty and romance, concentrated into one breathtaking island.
4. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como offers a completely different side of Italy, one that’s more about grand elegance and timeless sophistication. Think stunning historic villas, manicured gardens, and sparkling waters framed by towering mountains. It’s no wonder celebrities constantly choose Lake Como for their big days—it’s pure luxury without ever feeling over-the-top.
Whether you arrive by boat or host a lakeside reception under twinkling lights, Lake Como sets the tone for a wedding that feels cinematic and special. The slower pace also means you and your guests get to truly soak in the beauty, turning your wedding weekend into something that feels like stepping into a dream.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
For couples looking for a destination that’s vibrant, colourful, and completely different from the typical beach wedding, Marrakech is a dream. Between the ornate palaces, riad rooftops, and desert landscapes just outside the city, there’s no shortage of unforgettable spots to say “I do.” The atmosphere is rich, sensory, and full of life, making your entire wedding weekend feel like an adventure.
Beyond the ceremony, Marrakech offers endless ways to wow your guests—rooftop dinners under fairy lights, camel rides into the dunes, and late-night parties in beautiful courtyard gardens. It’s bold, glamorous, and guaranteed to give your guests a story they’ll tell forever.
6. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has a way of making every moment feel spiritual and meaningful, which is why it continues to be one of the most sought-after wedding destinations. Whether you’re marrying in a clifftop chapel overlooking the ocean or in a hidden jungle villa, there’s a real sense of magic here. The natural beauty is almost overwhelming, and the laid-back energy makes it easy to stay present during every moment.
On top of that, Bali weddings tend to blend tradition and personal touches beautifully. You can include local blessings, floral offerings, or traditional dancers to create a ceremony that feels deeply connected to the island’s spirit. Plus, Bali’s wellness culture means you and your guests can recharge with spa days, yoga sessions, and fresh tropical feasts in between celebrations.
7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of those places that feels straight out of a fairy tale, with its medieval stone walls, winding cobblestone streets, and breathtaking coastal views. Weddings here feel steeped in history and romance, whether you’re exchanging vows inside a centuries-old fortress or hosting an outdoor ceremony with the Adriatic Sea as your backdrop.
It’s a destination that’s perfect if you want something unique without sacrificing beauty or atmosphere. Plus, Dubrovnik’s growing popularity means it’s well set up for weddings, with stunning boutique hotels, expert planners, and fantastic food that will have your guests raving long after they’ve flown home.
8. Hawaii, USA
Hawaii has always been a dream destination for weddings, but these days couples are leaning towards more intimate, adventurous celebrations. Instead of resort-heavy vibes, think cliffside vows on Kauai, barefoot beach ceremonies in Maui, or mountaintop elopements overlooking volcanic landscapes. It’s about blending natural beauty with a laid-back but meaningful energy.
One of the best things about Hawaii is how easy it is to create a full experience for your guests. Snorkelling, hiking, surfing lessons, and traditional luaus turn your wedding trip into an epic group adventure. Plus, you can pretty much guarantee unforgettable sunset views no matter where you’re standing.
9. Provence, France
Provence offers an effortlessly romantic backdrop for couples who dream of lavender fields, stone farmhouses, and rustic vineyard settings. It’s all about relaxed luxury here—nothing feels staged, yet everything looks like it belongs on a magazine cover. Long-table dinners under strings of lights and starry skies are practically a given in this part of the world.
Weddings in Provence tend to have a timeless quality, blending elegance with a slow, joyful pace. Your guests will love wandering through tiny villages, sipping rosé, and feeling like they’ve stepped into a slower, more beautiful version of life for a few days.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
For couples who want breathtaking landscapes and a little bit of everything, Cape Town is impossible to beat. One moment you’re saying your vows with Table Mountain towering behind you, the next you’re celebrating by the ocean or in a vineyard. It’s dynamic, dramatic, and perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a real adventure.
Beyond the wedding day, Cape Town offers incredible experiences for you and your guests, from wine tasting in Stellenbosch to safaris just a short flight away. It’s an unforgettable destination for a wedding that feels personal, exciting, and larger than life all at once.
