From Western Europe to the Australasia, there are practically thousands of venues to choose from for your big day. However, here is a selection of ten particularly special destinations that are guaranteed to be the perfect camera-ready venues for your wedding.
Grand Hotel Minerva, Florence
The luxurious 4-start boutique Grand Hotel Minerva is renowned for its panoramic views over the Renaissance city of Florence, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than 100 rooms and elaborate interior decoration of the famous architects Scarpa and Detti, it is undeniably one of the world’s most romantic wedding venues.
Blenheim Palace, UK
The birthplace of the famous 20th century British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by impeccable Georgian grounds, designed by the talented Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. One of Britain’s finest stately homes, it is an enviable location for weddings and all special occasions, just 7 miles from the medieval university city of Oxford.
Chambord, France
Few buildings are quite as extravagant as the Château de Chambord in the lush Loire Valley of north-western France. The 16th century building is acclaimed for its special art collections from the Louvre and features a magnificent ballroom, the perfect fit for a luxury wedding.
Neuschwanstein, Germany
Although unfinished and rather modern for a castle, this 19th century building is one of Europe’s most astonishing Romanesque buildings and probably features the most impressive physical backdrop of any castle in the world, immortalised in the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim. Although no weddings can take place inside the castle, the view of the Bavarian Alps makes this the perfect location for an outdoor reception.
Maldives
The Maldives islands remain one of the least spoilt holiday destinations on the globe and are famed for their tropical climate and outstanding sandy beaches. Listening to the sound of Boduberu Drummers in the background and observing the clarity of the impeccable turquoise waters, you will really want to live here.
Rhodes, Greece
Well known for its dramatic sunrises and sunsets, Rhodes is the largest Dodecanese Island, overlooked by the imposing Palace of the Grand Master castle and known locally as ‘The Island of the Knights’. With some of the longest summers and highest sunshine hours in Europe, this is the place to be if you are longing for a summer wedding with almost guaranteed sunshine.
The Kitano, New York
Guests at the Kitano Hotel in New York City can boast some of the best views in North America and will appreciate the venue’s attractive Japanese-style interior wonderful boutique hospitality. The luxury establishment is acclaimed for its delicious Kaiseki cuisine and features soundproof windows to keep the noise of America’s busiest city locked out.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France
Adjacent to Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the most picturesque coastal towns in the Mediterranean, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild feels like a tropical paradise and features one of the finest exotic gardens in Europe, ideal for large wedding gatherings.
Tamarit Castle, Spain
This remarkable 11th century landmark features beautiful Romanesque style architecture and offers remarkable coastal views of the surrounding cliffs and beach below. The castle is also revered for its traditional Mediterranean gastronomy and can accommodate up to 350 guests.
Pier One Harbour Hotel, Sydney
If you’re considering travelling further afield for your wedding, the Pier One Hotel in Sydney Harbour combines decadence with refinement. The venue is probably home to the finest view of Australia’s largest city and its splendid Harbour Bridge.
Remember, your Wedding doesn’t have to be on a ‘Grand’ Scale
Sometimes, more intimate, quieter weddings can be much more enjoyable, because there is much less preparation and cost involved. What matters first and foremost, however, is finding a venue that’s right for you.
Andrew Shepherd is the Founder of Crystal Clear Visuals which is based in Southend, Essex and specialises in creating unique and stunning wedding videography
