The 7 Best Destination Wedding Locations for 2021

There’s nothing more romantic than exchanging vows against the backdrop of a picturesque location in some far-flung country. The idea of having an intimate wedding with only a handful of family and friends in tow has never been more alluring. That’s why destination weddings have soared in popularity over the years.

There’s this inexplicable thrill of having a wedding where the venue is a celebration in itself. With only family and close relatives and friends in the guest list, it becomes more of an intimate stress-free gathering where everyone gets to enjoy the moment and the stunning views.

Depending on the theme that you’re going for, there’s always a perfect location for your destination wedding. Here are 7 of the best destination wedding locations perfect for saying “I do”.

 

South Africa

The magnificent views and stunning landscapes of South Africa are the picture-perfect backdrop for your destination wedding. There’s a whole lot of options when it comes to finding the right location and setting for your nature-inspired wedding.

If a beach wedding is in the cards, you’ll not have any trouble finding white sandy beaches with a spectacular view of the sunset. The blue skies and the warm weather make for an unforgettable beach ceremony. You can expect to find reception venues were seafood and South African cuisine are served up.

Aside from the beaches, South Africa is also home to breath-taking mountain ranges, rolling hills, and winelands. There are locations where you can get striking panoramic views of the mountains and rustic vineyards. Nothing is more exhilarating than getting married on top of the mountain.

If you want the African wildlife experience, you can opt for a game reserve wedding in one of the many private game reserve locations in South Africa. Imagine being surrounded by nature and wildlife as you exchange your vows. It’s as exotic and as luxurious as it can get.

For a more enchanting vibe, you can have your forest wedding in Die Woud where a glass tent stands right smack in the middle of the forest surrounded by trees. Its elegant setting combines the beauty of nature and the opulence of modern-day wedding accoutrements.

South Africa has all the best outdoor wedding locations imaginable. There is a wide array of options that will meet and exceed your destination wedding expectations. Whatever venue you choose, it’s going to be a magical experience for you and your partner.  View a growing list of South Africa destination wedding venues here.

 

Iceland

Iceland may not even be a blip in your destination wedding radar, but there’s plenty of reasons why it should be in your shortlist of wedding locations. Getting married in Iceland is like going on a secret adventure. Many of the wedding venues are private and intimate that it will make you feel you’re one with nature.

The stunning wedding locations are unlike anything you’ve seen in other places. Beaches are surrounded by sea stacks and black sands. You can even have your own private waterfall as a picturesque backdrop as you recite your wedding vows. It’s not uncommon to find lighthouses and sea cliffs in Iceland and they make for a perfect wedding scenery.

A wedding at the famed glacier lagoon with its magnificent icebergs is truly an Icelandic experience that you will never forget. Intimate ceremonies also happen in caves which also serve as shelter from the wild weather. With nature as your venue, there’s nothing much to do but be there and take in the breath-taking views.

Of course, there’s nothing more Icelandic than a Northern Lights wedding. The best time to get married is during the equinoxes in September and March where the lights are likely to be more visible. The intense displays of lights don’t happen every night so there’s an element of luck if you want to capture the beautiful lights on your wedding. If you want a Northern Lights wedding, your best bet is to book the Little Black Church in Budir from where you can see the spectacular lights display.

If you want a more unconventional wedding, the perfect venue is the crash site of a DC plane were the wreck still stands to this day. Alternatively, you can have your wedding near a historical shipwreck beach. Either way works if you have a hankering for something off-beat.

Iceland may come across as an unlikely wedding destination but it offers something unique, bold, and daring. It’s made our best destination wedding list for the last 5 years due to the truly unique experience where planning a wedding is an adventure in itself.

 

Morocco

Exotic destination wedding is all the rage right now. If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the location and its culture, Morocco can make that happen for you and your partner. Fire-eaters, oriental dancers, and folk musicians make for a flashy and extravagant Moroccan wedding that’s guaranteed to entertain the guests.

Traveling thousands of miles is going to be worth it when you experience the beauty of the Moroccan deserts. Instead of a bridal car, you can have a bridal camel to walk you down the expansive desert aisle. What’s great about a Moroccan wedding is that you can get as creative as you want with how you want to execute the wedding theme and motif. The best part is that the reception can be held on luxurious campgrounds where guests can enjoy delectable Moroccan cuisine while enjoying the hues of the sunset.   

For a more quiet and intimate wedding where you can have the whole place to yourselves, you can opt for private villas, grand palaces, or luxury hotels in Marrakech. They typically have picturesque Moroccan architecture, lush gardens, and gorgeous decors. These venues also offer in-house wedding services like on-site catering, in-house florist, wedding cake, fireworks, and event planning. There’s no shortage of options for venues in Morocco. Whatever you choose, it’s going to be magical.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a perennial favorite and must-have on any best destination wedding locations list.  This paradise island in French Polynesia is home to white-sand beaches and secluded resorts perfect for a tropical wedaway. Out of the more than 100 islands in French Polynesia, Bora-Bora stands out because of its famed turquoise sea.

You can enjoy your luxurious barefoot wedding on the sandy beach and hold the reception on any of the boutique resorts around Bora Bora. Highly recommended wedding resorts include St. Regis, Four Seasons, and Le Meridien.

You can’t go wrong with a traditional Polynesian wedding, complete with dancers, island music, fireworks, and local food. The remote location of Bora Bora gives you a feeling of tranquillity and oneness with nature. It will definitely take all your wedding stress away.

What’s great about having a Bora Bora wedding is that your honeymoon is already covered. You don’t have to go elsewhere for your romantic honeymoon because you can explore the island by air or sea. Your guest, too, will have an enjoyable time frolicking at the sea or partaking in island activities like shark feeding, kayaking, or scuba diving.

At Bora Bora, you can have a spectacular wedding or a quiet, intimate one. The choice ultimately lies in how you want your wedding to be. In any case, you’ll have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Hawaii

There is no shortage of wedding spots in Hawaii, it’s an essential spot in any best destination wedding locations list. In fact, there are so many of them that choosing one can be a challenge. Hawaii is always on the top of destination wedding list because it has everything you need to pull off a perfect wedding—warm weather, gorgeous beaches, beautiful sunsets, amazing views, and delicious food.

You have a lot of options when it comes to venues.  You can have a laidback beach wedding in any of the islands, a lively and spirited ranch wedding, or a luxurious garden wedding. These are just some of the more well-known options. Converted sugar mills in Maui, botanical gardens in Kauai, or natural reserves in Oahu are other great wedding locations in Hawaii.

It’s hard to beat Hawaii when it comes to location, amenities, and food. Depending on the guest count, the cost is also relatively less expensive than other island wedding destinations. The weather is also a huge factor in choosing Hawaii over other locations. With gorgeous semi-tropical weather, nights are cool and days are warm. Even during the rainy season, the rains don’t last very long and you can expect sunshine and clear blue skies.

Although some places in Hawaii can feel a bit more touristy than the others, there are places where you can celebrate your wedding in private and away from prying eyes. Each of the islands has its own tourist spots and quiet areas. You can go for a romantic wedding with only a handful of guests or a wedding with a party atmosphere when there’s a lot of dancing, drinking, and merry-making. The choice is yours and whatever you choose, you will certainly find the right wedding venue.

Greece

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear Greek destination wedding is Santorini because it’s a favorite tourist spot in all of Greece. It’s one of those iconic places that attracts the attention of travelers. It has built a reputation for having stunning panoramic views of towering cliffs and clusters of whitewashed building structures that seem to spill down from the cliff.

Perhaps one the most recognizable architectures is the famous blue-domed church in Santorini—the Church of Anastasis in Imerovigli village. It’s one thing to see it in postcards and an entirely different thing to see it up close. You’d have to go through a maze of narrow pathways to find it. Many couples want to get married in this Orthodox Church because it’s so iconic and once you’re there, you’ll have a breath-taking view of the sea.

While it’s easy to fall madly in love with Santorini, there are other wedding spots in Greece that are worthy of your attention. If you prefer a more intimate setting for your wedding far from tourists, consider going to small islands such as Anafi, Antiparos, or Folegandros. You’ll get a taste of Greek island living. What’s great about holding your wedding on a tiny island is that you get to experience the culture by using local products, eating local cuisine, and enjoying the hospitality of the people. It’s the traditional Greek wedding of your dreams where you do things in line with the culture of the chosen island.

On the other hand, if you want the luxury services and amenities provided by 5-star hotels, you should check out the islands of Kythnos, Paros, Mykonos, or Santorini. They are more cosmopolitan and more accessible to tourists. You’ll be guaranteed of top-notch service and accommodation with the trademark Greek hospitality.

Italy

Italy has always been that picture-perfect romantic destination wedding. There is a long list of locales that you can choose from for your wedding venue. Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Capri, and Florence are popular spots worth considering. Each city has its own unique charm and allure so choosing one over the other is simply a matter of preference. Of course, costs and logistics factor greatly in the decision-making, but ultimately, it’s all about how you want your wedding to be remembered. Is it a fun wedding with a party vibe or an intimate affair with family and friends?

Always on top of the list is Lake Como. It is home to magnificent villas with picturesque views. Villa d’Este is one of the more popular villas known for its grandiose interior and décor. It is by no means the only villa worth considering. There are other villas with sprawling gardens and spacious terraces. This also doesn’t mean that you’re limited to one villa for your wedding. Some couples hold the wedding ceremony in one villa and then hold the reception on another. Guests are transported to the venue by boat, which is really an opportunity to experience and explore Lake Como.

It’s clear that Italy has everything a wedding should have—stunning sceneries, glorious weather, exquisite cuisine, fine wine, luxurious amenities, and a romantic atmosphere.

 

There are many other locations that were part of our best destination weddings list from last year, and still great places to get married.  If you’re thinking of a destination wedding – we’re happy to talk if you have questions, and happy to recommend planners of venues for you.

To see more images from this beautiful wedding, shoot us an email – info@clanegessel.com.

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