Looking for a beautiful destination wedding with backdrops to die for and views that come straight out of a movie? Europe is an ideal place to get away and marry in the venue of your dreams. But while there are the classics – Amalfi Coast, Santorini, the Algarve – there are also some hidden gems that might just tick that box of being completely and utterly unique. Ten of the best destination wedding venues are listed below.
Amazing European Destination Wedding Venues
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia as a country has become far more popular in recent years, and one place which really stands out above the rest is the magical lake of Bled. Religious couples might choose to get married in the tiny little Chapel of St Maria on the island in the middle of the lake. However, the best views come from Bled Castle, which is perched regally on a rocky outcrop with stupendous views of the lake below. If you’re looking to add that touch of grandeur to your occasion, as well as getting some truly incredible destination wedding snaps, Bled is the place to be.
Český Krumlov, Czechia
If you’ve never heard of Český Krumlov, you might be wondering where it is and how you pronounce it! Deep in the heart of Bohemia, Český Krumlov is a gorgeous medieval town that is perfect for a quaint and elegant wedding. It offers several unique venues full of character. In the summer, you can enjoy some picturesque views with a destination wedding in the castle that overlooks the town. Alternatively, a dusk wedding in the enchanting Old Town will engulf you in its enthralling old-time charm.
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
One of the newest countries in Europe also has one of the fastest-growing tourism industries on the continent. But Sveti Stefan, an island-peninsula near Budva, is still a relatively unknown hidden gem. With the island attached to the mainland by a thin sliver of reinforced land, your wedding photos will boast sea and sky as far as the horizon. Venues such as the luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan offer plenty of destination wedding options for the adventurous couple. Paradise has never looked better.
Dingli, Malta
If you’re looking for something a little more rugged, Dingli in Malta might be right up your street. The town boasts some quite astonishing cliffs – aptly named the ‘Dingli Cliffs’ – that hearken unto the Cliffs of Dover. Perched on top of the cliff is a gorgeous little 18th-century chapel that is available for small, intimate weddings through the local council. Post-ceremony, the views over the Mediterranean are quite simply breathtaking. If you get the angles right, your wedding photos could be a combination of deep blue sea, blazing blue sky, and pearly white cliffs. Truly a destination wedding you’ll never forget.
Zakopane, Poland
Nestled in the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, Zakopane is a beautiful, picturesque town with a host of destination wedding options and stunning scenery. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist wedding in the heart of nature, or simply searching for snow in the middle of summer, Zakopane, and the nearby lake Morskie Oko, has everything you could possibly want in abundance. Mountains, forest, crystal clear water, and a touch of the Bohemian; a wedding in Zakopane would certainly be one to remember!
Klevan, Ukraine
You might not necessarily think of Ukraine as one of Europe’s most romantic destinations, but under the surface, there is a plethora of charming venues that will make your wedding unlike any other. One such place is the Tunnel of Love near Klevan. For years it was just an ordinary stretch of rail, but as the trees were left to grow, the passing train was the only thing shaping them, and the magnificent natural ‘tunnel’ below was formed. If you do get married here, make sure you get your timings right – you don’t want to have your destination wedding disrupted by a loud locomotive!
Bran, Romania
Getting married in ‘Dracula’s Castle’ might be appealing in several ways: if you’re looking for a themed wedding and vampires are your thing, what better place to tie the knot than the place where it all began? But a Bran Castle wedding doesn’t need to be all about fangs and blood-sucking; it’s also simply a sensational venue that would suit any type of destination wedding – medieval-themed, Game of Thrones-themed, and even just a standard, traditional ceremony. Very few people have ever got married at this stunning venue – will you be one of the first?
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Our third venue on this list boasting a magnificent lake is Ohrid. The lake straddles both North Macedonia and Albania, but Ohrid town is in the former and consists of those orange-roofed Balkan houses we’ve come to know and love. Travel around the lake itself and you’ll find a smorgasbord of potential destination wedding venues, from elegant chapels to peaceful beaches. You could even sail a boat out to the middle of the lake and get married in two countries at once!
Skogafoss, Iceland
It’s difficult to narrow down a specific place in Iceland to recommend to adventurous couples. There are so many potential venues, from hot springs to the slopes of an active volcano, but perhaps the most eye-catching is Iceland’s collection of waterfalls. The most stunning is Skogafoss, which has a drop of 60 metres and provides one of the most stunning backdrops to any destination wedding you can imagine. Couples looking for a more rocky and rugged adventure on their big day, look no further.
The Azores
Technically still Europe even if they’re half-way to the United States, the Azores are some of the most remote islands in the world. The Portuguese islands boast some stunning scenery and are perfect for a couple looking to get away from it all and enjoy a destination wedding surrounded by nature. One of the best venues is the ‘Lake of Fire’, or ‘Lagoa do Fogo’, which is a crater lake formed by a now-inactive volcano. With regulations banning any construction in the vicinity, it’ll just be you, your partner, and Mother Nature.
So many choices! Which venue makes you want to set off on an adventure with your partner and tie the knot surrounded by incredible beauty?
Whatever your preference, at Mark Your Occasion, we’ll be there to say the words and perform the rituals you desire at the venue of your choice. Get in touch now, and start your journey towards your perfect wedding.
