Saying we LOVE to travel is an understatement. There is truly nothing that gets me more excited than hopping on a plane and exploring somewhere new so today I’m sharing my top 10 destination wedding locations and hint hint they are on my bucket list of places to shoot! If you or someone you know is getting married in one of these places hit a girl up!
1. Santorini, Greece
When it comes to modern romance is there anything that sounds more chic than Santorini? Santorini is a paradise, the blue skies, clear waters and white-washed houses create a painting-like backdrop. For the bride who wants the city to be her design inspiration, who dreams of riding a donkey down the winding paths of the white streets, who sees olive branches in her bouquet and a sunset over the Aegean Sea as her finale Santorini is the destination wedding of your dreams.
2. Lake Como, Italy
The wonderful aspect of Lake Como is the juxtaposition of locations it offers. From 5 star lakeside hotels to cantinas that are off the beaten track, the ease of combining contrasting locations either on the wedding day or over the course of a Wedding weekend, has given Lake Como a unique selling point. Plus, let’s not forget that John Legend and Chrissy Teigen said their “I Do’s” in the heart of this beautiful city. Lake Como is the ideal destination wedding city for the bride who wants to ‘wow’ her guests with romance, wine historical architecture and a luxurious ride on a private classic wooden boat for an epic getaway.
3. Phuket, Thailand
Exotic and mystique, Thailand offers an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. Having your Phuket beach wedding is sure to be a unique experience that you and your guests will never forget. Phuket, as a base of the Andaman Coast, with its white sand beaches, is home to some of Asia’s most popular and luxurious resorts and amazing venues. A destination wedding in Phuket is ideal for the bride who wants a tropical luxurious adventure.
4. Haiku Mill, Maui
Old World Europe meets natural Hawaiian splendor at Haiku Mill – a stunning property located on Maui’s north shore, off the famous Road to Hana. With its unmatched beauty and elegance, unique past, and lush, tropical location, Haiku Mill is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Haiku Mill is steeped in over 150 years of history, with roots in the island’s sugar cane industry, making it an important landmark site. Guests are treated to a breathtaking mix of French-inspired décor, vine-draped ruins and spectacular flora. A stroll beneath the Mill’s archway is like a trip back in time. A destination wedding in Hawaii at the Hiku Mill is perfect for the bride who dreams of a an elegant and tropical day that’s not too far from home!
5. Iceland
Iceland is indeed a landscape where you can find snow-covered glaciers and mountain ranges near thermal pools, hot springs, and active volcanoes. Destination weddings in Iceland allow couples to get married in a playground perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers looking for something out of the ordinary, with endlessly interesting and surreal backdrops. If you’re the bride who wants to explore, climb glaciers and bathe in hot springs this is the perfect destination wedding location for you!
6. South Africa (or any Safari location)
Ummmm hello adventure! South Africa is home to some of the most incredible game reserves and safari parks in the world and could be your dream wedding location. South Africa is perfect for the bride who dreams of a Safari Chic wedding, who isn’t afraid to ‘glamp’ under the stars and imagines her guests dancing the night away as elephants trumpet in the background. With a nearly endless display of jaw-dropping scenes to capture, your camera roll (and wedding album) will be thanking you for years to come! South Africa weddings bring you close to so many experiences: luxurious vineyards, crocodile-filled rivers, seemingly edge-of-the-earth beaches dotted with penguins (and jet-setting travelers), rickety jeeps careening the savannahs to catch site of lounging lions. It’s okay to go snap-happy.
7. Montenegro
If the small Balkan country of Montenegro isn’t on your radar yet, it will be! Think old world European charm paired with seaside views for days making it the ultimate backdrop to say “I do. Here you will find lush gardens, intimate villas and seaside venues that will ensure you have the the timeless wedding of your dreams. If you’re a girl who pictures herself tucked away in a romantic European city with views of the sea and strolls in the garden you might want to put Montenegro on your list!
8. India
Color, culture and curry are three things you think of when you hear ‘India’ but this beautiful country has so much more to offer, especially to the bride with deep traditional roots, an eye for chic luxurious spaces and a heart of wanderlust. Book a palace for the day of your dreams, ride into the ceremony on an elephant and throw Holi powder for your grand exit!
9. Banff
If you dream of exchanging vows and celebrating your nuptials on the shores of an emerald green lake, on top of a mountain at sunset, or in a luxury fairy-tale castle by a frozen lake then Banff and Lake Louise are the perfect destination for you. The dramatic scenery, romantic accommodations, fine cuisine, and stunning venues make Banff and Lake Louise one of the most magical wedding destinations in the world. This is for those of you who love the outdoors but also enjoy some luxurious accommodations!
10.New Zealand
New Zealand isn’t just for the Lord of the Rings fans, it’s for the bride who dreams of intimate settings, cliffside fields and breathtaking mountains. From the dramatic fjords and moss-covered forests to world-class hiking and unbeatable Sauvignon Blanc, the small and sparsely-populated South Pacific country of boasts views and culture that are both dramatic and oftentimes beautiful beyond comprehension.
Whether you’re looking for a chic wedding in Santorini, a timeless elopement in Iceland, an adventure packed ceremony in South Africa or a tropical celebration in Hawaii this list will surely inspire you. As you plan your destination wedding be sure to keep us in mind and know we will go anywhere you could dream to capture this incredible time! Do you have any favorite locations you think would be ideal for a destination wedding? Let me know in the comments below!