As a luxury wedding planner, I specialize in curating unforgettable nuptials at the world’s most exclusive venues. From breathtaking beach resorts to regal castles, I’ll explore my top luxury wedding destinations to help you find your perfect venue.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the most upscale honeymoon resorts and lavish ceremony venues for your dream wedding
- Explore opulent bridal packages and extravagant destination weddings at exclusive nuptial getaways
- Find the perfect setting for your elegant beach wedding, sumptuous castle wedding, or regal mansion celebration
- Consider a palatial mountain retreat or other romantic getaways for your high-end venue
- Discover the best destination weddings, including beach weddings, mountain weddings, vineyard weddings, castle weddings, island weddings, and more
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is known for its rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored Italian fishing villages—but when it comes to weddings, it offers so much more. Some of the best wedding venues along the Amalfi Coast are the locations that are a bit off the radar—the ones that don’t have websites because they are historical locations owned by the government, or private islands which book by recommendation only. To access these types of wedding properties for a truly unique event, you must work with a local planner who knows the area.
Villa Tre Ville in Positano
One of the chic and lemon-infused venues in the Amalfi Coast is the Villa Tre Ville in Positano. This stunning property boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and provides an intimate, exclusive setting for a luxurious destination wedding.
Da Paolino Restaurant in Capri
Another remarkable venue in the Amalfi region is the Da Paolino restaurant in Capri. Nestled amidst the island’s iconic lemon groves, this restaurant offers a charming and romantic getaway for couples seeking an elegant beach wedding experience.
Villa Astor in Sorrento
The lush outdoor gardens of Villa Astor in Sorrento provide a truly regal mansion celebration setting for those dreaming of a sumptuous castle wedding. With its palatial architecture and meticulously manicured grounds, this venue exudes luxury wedding elegance.
Quattro Passi Restaurant in Nerano
For couples seeking a more bohemian feel, the Quattro Passi restaurant in Nerano offers a unique and intimate atmosphere. This venue’s lavish ceremony spaces and opulent bridal packages make it a standout option for extravagant destination weddings along the Amalfi Coast.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is a luxury destination, unlike other luxury destinations. The decadence here is less obvious—it’s a traditional, historical luxury, not with flashy cars and designer stores, but an authentic, old-style, aristocratic luxury. Couples should take time to explore the area thoroughly as it is a unique place full of contrasts, which can create an exciting flow of events that make for a truly phenomenal and authentic Italian experience.
Villa Balbiano
Some top venues include the picturesque Villa Balbiano of The Heritage Collection, a stunning 16th-century villa on the shores of Lake Como that offers an unparalleled setting for a lavish, upscale wedding celebration.
Villa Pizzo
Another exceptional option is the exclusive and utterly romantic Villa Pizzo, where celebrity power couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen tied the knot in a breathtaking destination wedding.
Villa Sola
Just down the road from the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the indulgent Villa Sola provides another incredible lakeside venue for couples seeking a truly opulent and extravagant destination wedding experience.
Puglia, Italy
Puglia, a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland, and miles of Mediterranean coastline. The best part about Puglia is its variety in scenery and styles for luxury weddings, offering opulent bridal packages and extravagant destination wedding experiences. One spectacular wedding event was produced at
Borgo Egnazia
, which was able to accommodate 480 wedding guests on-site and provide a plethora of activities and vibes for the full wedding weekend, which was packed with various dinners, parties, and celebrations.
Ireland
When it comes to getting married in Ireland, Dublin-based event planner Tara Fay insists couples always keep the weather top of mind. “We have been known to have four seasons in one day [in Ireland]. We always plan for rain and hope for sun.” For those planning a luxury wedding abroad, Fay suggests having your legal or civil ceremony in your home country and a blessing or second ceremony in Ireland, one of the most breathtaking and romantic getaways for destination weddings.
As for choosing your Irish venue, Fay recommends the newly renovated five-star Adare Manor, the Ballyfin estate, the historic Ashford Castle, the charming Ballynahinch Castle, the regal Markree Castle, and the famous Luttrellstown Castle (made renowned by David and Victoria Beckham when they wed here in 1999).
These luxury wedding destinations and lavish ceremony venues offer couples an opportunity to exchange vows in a truly opulent bridal package at an exclusive nuptial getaway, surrounded by the sumptuous castle weddings and regal mansion celebrations that Ireland is renowned for.
The Cote d’Azur
An established holiday destination, with paths connecting many coastal villages and towns, the Cote d’Azur features some of the world’s most famously luxe beach locales, like Saint-Tropez and Cannes—and beautiful venues for a destination wedding. David Beahm of David Beahm Experiences says, “Far and beyond, [our] favorite venue is the
Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
on the Côte d’Azur.” While the hotel boasts a richly storied past, it has been beautifully renovated with modern amenities, all the while maintaining the South of France’s undeniably relaxed glamour.
London, England
With world-class facilities, available international air links, and an unparalleled selection of unique venues—from 5-star luxury hotels to medieval and royal palaces, London offers a truly exceptional experience for a destination wedding. London-based Sarah Haywood of Sarah Haywood Events says, “In terms of style, finesse, and authentic 21st-century glamour, our vendors have experience at the very highest-end of the spectrum. Having worked on weddings for A-list royals, state banquets for Her Majesty the Queen, and unique celebrations for the world’s leading international families.”
Couples could marry at any of London’s working palaces overseen by Historic Royal Palaces, such as a Rehearsal Dinner at the Tower of London, a Wedding Ceremony in the Kensington Palace State Rooms, a reception at Banqueting House, and a farewell event at Hampton Court Palace. These regal mansion celebrations and palatial retreats offer an unparalleled level of luxury wedding destinations, lavish ceremony venues, and opulent bridal packages for discerning couples seeking an extravagant destination wedding experience.
| Venue | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Tower of London | Rehearsal Dinner |
| Kensington Palace | Wedding Ceremony |
| Banqueting House | Reception |
| Hampton Court Palace | Farewell Event |
“In terms of style, finesse, and authentic 21st-century glamour, our vendors have experience at the very highest-end of the spectrum. Having worked on weddings for A-list royals, state banquets for Her Majesty the Queen, and unique celebrations for the world’s leading international families.”
Marrakech, Morocco
Unique textures, patterns, and vibrant colors highlight the Moroccan city of Marrakech, which is gaining popularity as an adventurous luxury wedding destination. Bruce Russell, an experienced wedding planner who typically works on 1-2 weddings per year in Morocco, recalls how “very laid back” the city can be. He suggests couples hire a wedding planner with deep experience in the area who is well-versed in the local culture, hotels, food, vendors, and more.
Some of Bruce’s top venue recommendations in Marrakech include the opulent
Royal Mansour
, the beautiful gardens of
La Mamounia
, the classic Moroccan style of
Beldi Country Club
, the perfect location for a welcome party at
Riad El-Fenn
, and the panoramic mountain views of
The Capaldi Hotel
. Each of these luxury wedding venues offers a unique blend of exotic charm, extravagant amenities, and exclusive nuptial getaway experiences for discerning couples.
Luxury Wedding Destinations
As a luxury wedding planner, I have curated unforgettable nuptials at the world’s most exclusive venues, from breathtaking beach resorts to regal castles. These jaw-dropping wedding venues are the epitome of glamour and luxury. If you’re someone who has dreamed of getting married in a 19th-century mansion or an art deco inspired grand ballroom, then this list of top luxury wedding destinations should be your go-to source for inspiration.
From the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast and the serene Lake Como in Italy, to the charming Puglia region and the Cote d’Azur in France, these locations offer a stunning array of upscale honeymoon resorts, lavish ceremony venues, and opulent bridal packages. Couples seeking extravagant destination weddings and exclusive nuptial getaways will find a wealth of options, including elegant beach weddings, sumptuous castle weddings, regal mansion celebrations, and palatial mountain retreats.
For those craving a truly romantic getaway, destinations like Ireland and Marrakech, Morocco boast an abundance of high-end venues perfect for destination weddings, be it beach weddings, mountain weddings, vineyard weddings, castle weddings, island weddings, or other exotic locations. With endless options for creating a one-of-a-kind celebration, these luxury wedding destinations are sure to make your big day an unforgettable experience.
Istanbul, Turkey
Famous for its rich history, culture, and incredible scenery, Istanbul “can be so much more exciting for an active group than a beach destination,” says Marcy Blum of Marcy Blum Associates. There are a plethora of things to do for guests that have traveled far, and there are so many artisans to work with when it comes to creating a one-of-a-kind luxury wedding experience. Blum suggests moving guests by sea if you must relocate for various parts of the wedding weekend, as traffic can be a challenge. She recommends the venue Çubuklu 29 for its spectacular views.
Çubuklu 29
Situated along the Bosphorus Strait, Çubuklu 29 offers a truly breathtaking setting for an unforgettable destination wedding. With its opulent interiors, stunning panoramic views, and exceptional culinary offerings, this exclusive venue is a top choice for couples seeking a lavish celebration in the heart of historic Istanbul. Çubuklu 29’s elegant ambiance and exceptional service make it the perfect backdrop for extravagant nuptial getaways and regal mansion celebrations.
Bali, Indonesia
When it comes to luxury wedding destinations, the enchanting island of Bali in Indonesia stands out as a true gem. With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class hospitality, Bali offers couples a truly exotic and romantic setting to exchange their vows. From elegant beach weddings amidst swaying palms to lavish ceremonies in palatial mountain retreats, Bali has a remarkable array of high-end venues to cater to the most discerning couples.
One of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Bali is the Bulgari Resort Bali, a breathtaking property perched atop a limestone cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. This opulent bridal package offers couples the opportunity to tie the knot in an exclusive nuptial getaway, complete with extravagant destination weddings and a serene, palatial mountain retreat atmosphere. Another popular choice is the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, where couples can exchange vows in a regal mansion celebration amidst the serene Ayung River valley.
For those seeking a more elegant beach wedding experience, the Amanpuri in Phuket is a stunning option, with its sumptuous castle-like architecture and picturesque island wedding setting. Regardless of the venue, Bali’s luxury wedding destinations promise to deliver an unforgettable and truly unique celebration for couples seeking an exotic and romantic destination to tie the knot.
