12 of The Best Destination Wedding Locations Near Europe
Are you considering a destination wedding? When choosing where to get married, the world really is your oyster and with it being such a momentous occasion why not consider a stunning location that you and your loved ones can escape away to?!
Having a destination wedding means you really get to spend proper quality time with those attending your wedding as people will usually arrive one or two days prior to your celebrations, it’s a chance to explore a new part of the world or return to somewhere special that’s significant to you both. It’s an amazing opportunity to create memories that will last forever. Plus, having a destination wedding means you’ll get some truly stunning wedding photos.
There are some really incredible locations to see and explore so we’ve rounded up 12 of the best destination wedding locations near Europe for you to pick from…
Edinburgh
Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and its capital city Edinburgh is no different. From fairytale castles to historical landmarks, odes to Harry Potter and a whole host of luxury wedding venues, bars and restaurants - it’s the perfect place if you’re wanting somewhere with a lot of character, a lot of choice and the ability to make the most of having a city wedding. Why not take a look at some of these stunning wedding venues in and around Edinburgh so you can get a feel for just how luxurious and magical the venues there are? We’ve captured some amazing weddings in Edinburgh. Bettina & Henry’s wedding, they met in Edinburgh at Scott’s Monument and we have captured their wedding there for them! Natalie & Samuel flew all the way from America to tie the knot at Carberry Tower Mansion & Estate, a beautiful coastal town in East Lothian, 15 minutes outside of Edinburgh, check out their wedding story here.
Santorini
If you want romance, amazing wedding photography (with the famous white washed houses), beautiful beaches and the best Greek cuisine then look no further than Santorini! The weather in Santorini is usually good from May to October with temperatures peaking in June - August but if you don’t mind it slightly cooler then September and October are equally as lovely. Plus they’ll be slightly cheaper! We have a whole guide on how to plan a destination wedding in Santorini complete with all the rules and regulations regarding documents (you have to consider these things) as well as the best spots for a wedding in Santorini and all the things you need to consider from guests to hair and makeup and wedding photography.
Tuscany
If you’re rural at heart then you’ll fall in love with Tuscany’s rustic landscapes that remain just as they were years ago, winding between renaissance towns, lemon groves and beautiful Italian monasteries. Tuscany is a patchwork dream of vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards. It’s no wonder the drinks and the cuisine are always so delicious. There are some incredible places to celebrate your wedding, hilltop castles, amongst the cascading hills of Chianti or head to the hustle and bustle of the cities - Florence and Siena. If you’re after the most lavish and opulent weddings, head to Lucca - for a real fairytale wedding.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is one of the Canary islands situated just off the coast of West Africa and is famed for its amazing weather all year round, its pretty beaches and unique volcanic landscape. This beautiful island is simply magical and there are endless choices to choose from when finding that perfect place to spend your special day. Opt for luxury 5* hotels, fine dining luxury restaurants or local cultural venues that offer something unique like having your ceremony inside a cave or at a castle! Everyone will most definitely be coming home with a tan from this wedding!
The Algarve
The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as lush greenery. It’s a mini paradise. And with over 300 days of sunshine a year it’s perfect for outdoor weddings all year round. So for those who dream of the ultimate beach wedding with white canopies blowing in the breeze, sand in your toes and the sound of the ocean waves lapping against the shore then there’s no better place than the Algarve. Praia dos Tres Irmaos has some amazing rock formations which have formed arches and caves and the cliffs make the perfect place for some insane wedding photos. There is even a restaurant called Canico in the rock formations which caters for weddings up to 250 people!
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a dream wedding location. Think stunning shores, picturesque coastal views and alleyways full of character. It’s home to gorgeous scenery and exudes the traditional old-school Italian lifestyle every corner you turn. It really is full of charm. You’ll most likely be onto a winner with the weather in Amalfi with mild winters and lovely sunny summers - so if you’re not quite sure when to have your wedding, don’t worry, it’s likely to be good all year round. Whether you choose to have your wedding in one of the colourful villas that climb up the mountainside overlooking the ocean or in one of the region's wedding venues you’re really spoilt for choice as every venue really is gorgeous. Positano is a popular place to have your wedding. Its name even means “a piece of heaven on Earth”. What better place is there to start the next chapter with your partner?
Croatia
Croatia is a magical place. The crystal clear sparkling sea, the picturesque seaside towns and breathtaking vistas. It’s an amazing location to have a mini holiday with your guests, from boat trips and parties to picturesque mediaeval towns to water-sports. There’s something for everyone. Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations for weddings with the architecture and history drawing in lovers of history and the mediterranean. It’s also a popular spot for all the Game of Thrones lovers acting as the capital kings landing. If you’re all about the action then Hvar is the perfect place. It’s home to some of the best restaurants along the Adriatic sea and also boasts a great party scene for those wanting the party of a lifetime. Not only that but there’s lots of options for adrenaline junkies with rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking all on offer. It’s one of the best places for a wedding in Croatia.
Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest of the three Balearic islands and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful wedding destinations in Europe. With numerous areas of outstanding natural beauty, the chic capital of Palma, sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and rugged coastline against a backdrop of magnificent mountains, it’s the perfect place for people wanting to get married and have that real sense of being somewhere special and memorable. There is so much to do in Mallorca from the coves and bays of Cala D’or to hot air balloon rides, wine tastings in the old town to the Cuevas del Drach that seem surreal and magical. It’s perfect for those with a wedding party where people will want to be experiencing all the island has to offer.
Sicily
Sicily has a lot to offer. It’s got glorious beaches and mountains, small islands waiting to be explored and the food is really exceptional. Getting married in Sicily means a truly authentic Italian wedding and there are a whole host of amazing venues to accommodate you and your wedding party. From palaces and villas nestled between historical sites with lush gardens blooming with flowers, you’ll have an unparalleled backdrop for your big day.
Morocco
Morocco is an enchanting gem. There’s something different and magical about having a destination wedding in Morocco because it feels so far from home in every way - the bazaars, the burning golden sunsets, atlas mountains, and the opportunity to go stargazing in the Sahara desert. It’s the perfect place to jet away, escape and have a really glamorous and adventurous wedding. Morocco is home to some of the most glamorous and luxurious wedding venues. The Riad El Fenn is home to some of the best Cosmo cocktails, whilst at The Selman you can stay in your own private Riad with your own fountain, garden and private butler. It’s true glamour and style here. Check out our guide to getting married in Marrakech to see all the amazing venues on offer.
Corfu
It’s no wonder Corfu is a popular wedding destination, its gorgeous beaches, luxury hotels and private villas on offer leave you spoilt for choice on picking your dream wedding destination. There is a lot that this place has to offer and is probably one of the best known of all the Ionian islands and is often deemed as the most beautiful island in Greece. Quite the accolade! The Old Town of Corfu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site recently, a wonderful recognition of its heritage and beauty. Its three Venetian forts and neoclassical housing were said to be “a fortified Mediterranean port town of high integrity and authenticity”. With its rich history and beauty, you really can’t go wrong with Corfu as a wedding destination.
Venice
Fancy getting married on a Gondola? Or perhaps a terrace wedding followed by a wedding reception inside a venetian palace or a secret garden? A wedding in Venice will always be a memorable one. It’s a truly captivating city that exudes elegance, romance and glamour. The venues in Venice are incredible, think Venetian hotels and lavish palaces with their glamorous and elegant interiors that scream royalty. If you’re after a glamorous wedding then Venice is your place…