Destination weddings have become extremely popular, with so many beautiful locations around the world to choose from. Plus, it’s like going on vacation with your entire family and all of your friends! There’s something for everybody, whether you want to say “I do” in a tropical rainforest or in California wine country. From the exotic beaches of Kauai to the sprawling hills of Italy, we’ve rounded up 7 of the most ideal places for a wedding around the world.
7 Epic Wedding Destinations in the World
1. Tuscany, Italy
Often featured in romantic movies, Italy is a dream wedding destination. The picturesque countryside in Tuscany offers multiple options for wedding goers, from historical castles and luxury private villas to stunning churches. Some castles and villas can be rented for several days, so your guests can all stay together at the site of the wedding and spend more time together. The spring and fall are the best times to have a wedding in Tuscany, as the summer months tend to his the 80s and 90s and are extremely hot.
2. Kauai
The islands of Hawaii are the perfect tropical setting for an exotic wedding, and Kauai has become a particularly popular destination for weddings and honeymoons. In addition to the pristine beaches, the island is also home to Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, as well as grand waterfalls. There are several luxury resorts on the island that are ideal wedding venues, including The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resorts and Spa on Keoneloa Bay, as well as The St. Regis Princeville in the northern part of the island. The weather is gorgeous year-round, but the ideal times to get married are between September and November, or from April to June.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers couples-to-be a wedding destination that is also diverse with multiple settings to get married in, including rain forests, beaches, and a volcano. With many outdoor activities that are available, as well as some chic eco-retreats, wedding parties and guests will have the time of their lives before and after the big ceremony. The best time to have a wedding is from mid-December to April, which is during the dry season when the temperatures range between the 70s and 80s.
4. Sonoma, California
Wine country has become one of the most popular wedding destinations these days, and Sonoma is home to countless inns, guest ranches, and turn-of-the-century farmhouses, which are perfect for weddings, receptions, and lodging as well. Each winery has its own unique charm, whether it’s the gothic-inspired Ledson Winery & Vineyards, or the Tuscan ranch-style Nicholson Ranch Vineyards and Winery. The ideal time to get married in Sonoma is June through October, and during the grape harvest in September and October.
5. Thailand
This southeast Asian country has become a premier wedding destination due to its affordability and beautiful location. There are many oceanfront resorts like Paresa Resort on Phuket Island, which overlooks the Andaman Sea and lets wedding parties get married on the infinity lawn, by the pool, or on the beach. There are numerous boutique resorts and secluded jungle villas, in addition to large riverfront resorts in the capital city of Bangkok, so your guests will be in close proximity to many fun activities. The months of November through February are the best to get married, as the summer months can get extremely hot and humid.
6. Bahamas
The Bahamas are made up of 700 islands, offering endless beaches, warm weather, and high-end accommodations, it’s no wonder this untouched paradise is the perfect wedding destination. In addition to being close to the United States which means easier travel for guests, the Bahamas also offers a quick turnover for marriage licenses. Some of the popular spots to get married include Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort, The Cove Eleuthera, and Breezes Resort – or you can book a private home or estate through Tripping.com and have your wedding in a more intimate setting. After the ceremony, you and your guests can explore the nearby beaches, go snorkeling, and even visit other islands. The weather is great year-round, although May tends to be an especially popular month for weddings.
7. Mexico
Mexico has become a popular destination wedding location due to its proximity to the United States, its beautiful setting, as well as its affordability. Several popular cities for weddings include Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta. Mexico has more than 6,000 miles of coastline with beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, and there are numerous seaside resorts and all-inclusive hotels that offer beachfront weddings, pro golf courses, and other activities like exploring jungles and ancient ruins, which are perfect for wedding parties and honeymoons. The ideal time for weddings are January through March, when the days are sunny and the temperature is moderate. Things get really hot from July through September, and October is Mexico’s peak rainy season.
This article was written by Kamala Kirk.