Kiwi Curated
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
by Darren DunneSaying “I do” with toes in the sand of a Caribbean beach remains the classic ideal of a destination wedding, but don’t let that be the only focus when planning far-flung nuptials. Herein, find nine picturesque locations for making it official.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Acapulco, Mexico: Banyan Tree Cabo Marques
Long known as Mexico’s original party town, Acapulco has undergone a transformation in recent years into a more mature resort destination. Rowdy crowds are a thing of the past and now a host of modern, luxury resorts cater to those in search of stunning scenery in romantic surrounds. Banyan Tree Cabo Marques blends Asian design with Mexican flair to produce a spectacular setting for a wedding ceremony, be it cliffside or on the nearby beach.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Mayo, Ireland: Ashford Castle
“Céad míle fáilte” (or a “hundred thousand welcomes” for those not fluent in Irish) is the least visitors to Ashford Castle can expect during their stay. This storied castle dates back to 1228, and is set on a sprawling estate in one of Ireland’s most photogenic corners. The dark waters of Lough Corrib provide a fairytale setting for any wedding, with the castle adept at hosting ceremonies of all sizes.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Las Vegas, United States: Vdara Hotel & Spa, ARIA Las Vegas
Long established as one of Hollywood’s most well-tread tropes, Sin City weddings needn’t be overseen by a gaudily dressed Elvis impersonator, especially with such bountiful alternatives available. Vdara’s all-suite accommodations, sophisticated ballrooms and intimate pool deck make it the perfect choice for an elegant Vegas ceremony.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Tuscany, Italy: Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte
The seaside town of Viareggo was almost entirely rebuilt in the 1920s in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire, leading to the creation of Art Nouveau gems like Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte. Despite an extensive refit, the hotel lost none of its period charms, while on-site Michelin-starred dining makes it a tasteful proposition in every sense of the word.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Hawaii, United States: Turtle Bay Resort
Despite appearing as the backdrop to Hollywood break-up movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Turtle Bay is perhaps more famously known for its ability to host a sumptuous soiree, as over 350 weddings take place on the lawns and beaches of the resort each year. As guests will soon appreciate, its name isn’t for naught, as massive sea turtles are regular visitors to the beaches here.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Santorini, Greece: Canaves Oia Hotel
Few hotels in the world rival Canaves Oia Hotel for first impressions. After all, few hotels are carved into the cliffside over a volcanic caldera. Bedecked in stark white like the surrounding village of Oia, the hotel invites guests to exchange vows with the reflective waters of the caldera as their backdrop.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Mahe, Seychelles: Constance Ephelia Seychelles
Encompassing two beaches and a marine national park, Constance Ephelia makes getting memorable wedding photos as easy as the area’s ocean breezes. Both the ceremony and the reception can be held outdoors, and the presence of 10 food and beverage outlets will satisfy the fussiest of palates.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Shanghai, China: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
The palatial surrounds of the Shanghai Club ballroom, backdrop of an iconic neon cityscape and waterfront location on the Bund combine to make Waldorf Astoria Shanghai our pick for a dream city wedding. The hotel counts a wedding specialist and even a dedicated wedding butler as part of their staff, removing some of the burden of planning from the bride and groom.
9 Dreamy Wedding Destinations
Aitutaki, Cook Islands: Pacific Resort Aitutaki
The isolation of the Pacific has allowed the Cook Islands to develop a culture that’s unique around the world, and this permeates Pacific Resort Aitutaki making it a fascinating proposition for a fairytale wedding. Ceremonies can be held at the island’s quaint limestone church or on the property’s white sands fringed by palm trees and a turquoise lagoon.
Acapulco, Mexico: Banyan Tree Cabo Marques
Long known as Mexico’s original party town, Acapulco has undergone a transformation in recent years into a more mature resort destination. Rowdy crowds are a thing of the past and now a host of modern, luxury resorts cater to those in search of stunning scenery in romantic surrounds. Banyan Tree Cabo Marques blends Asian design with Mexican flair to produce a spectacular setting for a wedding ceremony, be it cliffside or on the nearby beach.
Mayo, Ireland: Ashford Castle
“Céad míle fáilte” (or a “hundred thousand welcomes” for those not fluent in Irish) is the least visitors to Ashford Castle can expect during their stay. This storied castle dates back to 1228, and is set on a sprawling estate in one of Ireland’s most photogenic corners. The dark waters of Lough Corrib provide a fairytale setting for any wedding, with the castle adept at hosting ceremonies of all sizes.
Las Vegas, United States: Vdara Hotel & Spa, ARIA Las Vegas
Long established as one of Hollywood’s most well-tread tropes, Sin City weddings needn’t be overseen by a gaudily dressed Elvis impersonator, especially with such bountiful alternatives available. Vdara’s all-suite accommodations, sophisticated ballrooms and intimate pool deck make it the perfect choice for an elegant Vegas ceremony.
Tuscany, Italy: Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte
The seaside town of Viareggo was almost entirely rebuilt in the 1920s in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire, leading to the creation of Art Nouveau gems like Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte. Despite an extensive refit, the hotel lost none of its period charms, while on-site Michelin-starred dining makes it a tasteful proposition in every sense of the word.
Hawaii, United States: Turtle Bay Resort
Despite appearing as the backdrop to Hollywood break-up movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Turtle Bay is perhaps more famously known for its ability to host a sumptuous soiree, as over 350 weddings take place on the lawns and beaches of the resort each year. As guests will soon appreciate, its name isn’t for naught, as massive sea turtles are regular visitors to the beaches here.
Santorini, Greece: Canaves Oia Hotel
Few hotels in the world rival Canaves Oia Hotel for first impressions. After all, few hotels are carved into the cliffside over a volcanic caldera. Bedecked in stark white like the surrounding village of Oia, the hotel invites guests to exchange vows with the reflective waters of the caldera as their backdrop.
Mahe, Seychelles: Constance Ephelia Seychelles
Encompassing two beaches and a marine national park, Constance Ephelia makes getting memorable wedding photos as easy as the area’s ocean breezes. Both the ceremony and the reception can be held outdoors, and the presence of 10 food and beverage outlets will satisfy the fussiest of palates.
Shanghai, China: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
The palatial surrounds of the Shanghai Club ballroom, backdrop of an iconic neon cityscape and waterfront location on the Bund combine to make Waldorf Astoria Shanghai our pick for a dream city wedding. The hotel counts a wedding specialist and even a dedicated wedding butler as part of their staff, removing some of the burden of planning from the bride and groom.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands: Pacific Resort Aitutaki
The isolation of the Pacific has allowed the Cook Islands to develop a culture that’s unique around the world, and this permeates Pacific Resort Aitutaki making it a fascinating proposition for a fairytale wedding. Ceremonies can be held at the island’s quaint limestone church or on the property’s white sands fringed by palm trees and a turquoise lagoon.