The choice of wedding venues around the world is so vast it's difficult to know where to start. From the leafy terraces of Bali to the sweeping sands of Portugal, love stories start, and flourish, against backdrops like this - which truly take your breath away - in venues where you couldn’t fault the service, style or sumptuous finishing touches even if you tried (really hard).
‘The best’ is obviously a completely subjective concept depending on your style, while some would veto a 16th century villa dripping in decadent glamour and sweeping cliff top views for the ‘I do’, others might opt for a barefoot beach retreat. Nevertheless, this list is deserving of its 'best' title, purely based on the fact that the 12 venues we've chosen are some of the most breathtaking buildings you'll ever see.
Whether you’re desperate to get wed in wine country, pop corks near Paris or send your Save the Dates for Santorini, the dreamiest destinations are all here. Compiled by The White Edit - your source for one-of-a-kind destination wedding venues with the wow factor - all these wedding spots have a unique charm, benefit from nature’s prime assets and, of course, are awash with no holds barred romance.
From a fashionable private residence to eco-friendly luxe, the best wedding venues in the world offer something special to couples keen to have a truly memorable experience. No dream need go unfulfilled when you’ve got a list like this to work from - even if you close your eyes and stick a pin in it, every one’s a winner.
2023 and beyond is a new horizon for wedding venues that are out of the ordinary and that makes now the ideal time to start dreaming big for your once-in-a-lifetime day.
Sublime Comporta, Portugal
Nearest airport: Lisbon (LIS) 130km / 1hr 15
Best time to go: March – October
Insider tip: Opt for a secluded beachfront Ceremony at Sublime Comporta’s beach club, just 5 minutes from the main hotel.
Not far from the historic beauty of Lisbon and a conveniently short hop from most major European Cities, Sublime Comporta is nestled in a tranquil and effortlessly cool coastal spot. A boutique hotel wedding venue that was itself born out of a love story; originally bought by owners Gonçalo and Patricia after they visited and fell in love with the area. The 17 hectare estate was intended to be a retreat for their family but slowly over the years developed into a breathtaking boutique hotel. It’s giving Hamptons, plus Balearics, with an undercut of Alentjeo – a mix of the slow living culture of the region and the easy style of Comporta itself. This is a venue that truly lives up to it’s name.
Dimora delle Balze, Sicily, Italy
Nearest airport: Catania (CTA) 96km / 1 hr
Best time to go: April - September
Insider tip: Dine in true Italian al fresco style with your guests in the courtyard
Dimora delle Balze is a stop-you-in-your-tracks nineteenth century estate, turned boutique hotel wedding venue in Noto, Sicily. A pretty spectacular up-scale farm stay that screams exclusive charm and luxurious wedding character. You’ll find 11 beautifully designed rooms on site centred around 3 courtyards, hectares of gardens, a saltwater pool and a lemon orchard. This heavenly location might just be the Italian wedding venue dream and it can host up to 200 guests if you’re opting for a larger affair.
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Morocco
Nearest airport: Marrakech (RAK) 42km / 1hr
Best time to go: May, June, Sept, Oct
Insider tip: For your guests staying a while – hike the surrounding national parks, visit local waterfalls or even camel trek through the valley with your bridal party.
Perched in the Atlas Mountains with mind blowing views of the surrounding Ourika Valley, Kasbah Bab Ourika is a pretty impressive eco-friendly wedding venue. With accommodation on site for up to 90 guests in 41 rooms, 360 degree panoramic views - a destination wedding at Kasbah Bab Ourika is one of a kind and you can guarantee this venue will fill your body and soul with nothing but positive newlywed energy.
Villa Balbiano, Lake Como, Italy
Nearest airports: Catania (CTA) 96km / 1 hr 10 or Comiso (CIY) 55km / 1 hr
Best time to go: April – October
Insider tip: During the post ceremony cocktail hour, take off for a ride as newlyweds on Villa Balbiano’s classic Italian Riva boat.
Dreaming of unparalleled Italian romance on Lake Como? This 16th century estate sits on 3 acres and is the largest private residence on the lake. With two outdoor swimming pools, extensive gardens (for that iconic lakeside wedding ceremony), a glass marquee, private pier and boathouse – it’s no wonder this venue recently featured as the iconic home of Aldo Gucci in the proclaimed House of Gucci.
Le Mas de Poiriers, Provence, France
Nearest airport: Montpellier (MPL) 79km / 1 hr
Best time to go: May - September
Insider tip: The Chateau only hosts a limited number of weddings per year so we’d recommend booking fast.
Some might say the most exquisite wedding venue in the South of France, this exclusive 18th century farmhouse sits on a whopping 65 acre estate in the heart of Provence. Le Mas de Poiriers is, simply put, a destination wedding venue that nails impeccable french flair. A multi-day wedding here is sure to knock your guests’ socks off.
The Peligoni Club, Greece
Nearest Airport: Zakynthos (ZTH) 32km / 50 Mins
Best Time To Go: May – September
Insider Tip: Organise a surprise trip for your guests on the Peligoni Club’s vintage yacht, Odyssey.
A members only barefoot beach retreat, the perfect wedding venue for a fun loving bohemian crowd and a couple who don’t want to skimp on delicious food and creative cocktails. Peligoni is paired back beach chic; a wedding venue without all the fuss that can often come with a high end hotel wedding.
Amangiri, Utah, United States
Nearest airport: Page Municipal (PGA) 17km / 20 minutes
Best time to go: May – October
Insider tip: Dine al fresco with up to 30 guests at ‘The Ravens Nest’.
Amangiri is undeniably one of the world’s most dramatic, secluded wedding locations. A stunning hotel wedding venue that blends seamlessly into it's surrounding desert landscape. Located in the original wild west, in Utah, this venue is for the ultimate cool couple looking to wed in understated luxury.
Amankila, Bali, Indonesia
Nearest airport: Denpasar (DPS) 59km / 1hr 20 minutes
Best time to go: May – October
Insider tip: If you’re opting for a more intimate affair, exchange vows on the black sand beach and hold your reception in the coconut grove.
Set in East Bali, this beautiful resort wedding venue sits on a dramatic clifftop with panoramic views over Lombok Strait. Nestled high above the jungle-edged coastline, this is a spectacular setting to celebrate a long-haul destination wedding, immersed in Balinese traditions and culture.
La Cotte Farm, Franschhoek, South Africa
Nearest airport: Cape Town Int Airport (CPT) 73km / 55 Minutes
Best time to go: Nov, April, May
Insider tip: Dine al fresco with your guests amongst the vineyards with a pretty incredible mountain backdrop.
This stunning farm can now be hired exclusively as a luxury wedding venue, offering you and your guests 360 degree views of the beautiful Franschhoek valley. With on-site accommodation for 102 guests, you can easily host everyone on site for the duration of your wedding celebrations.
Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini, Greece
Nearest airport: Zakynthos (ZTH) 32km / 45 Minutes
Best time to go: May - September
Insider tip: Spoil your guests with some delicious cocktails and some top-notch Greek food.
Unsurprisingly, Santorini is one of the most favoured islands to get hitched in Greece and Canaves Oia Epitome is a dreamy spot to do just that - perched above the picturesque fishing town of Ammoudi, this all-villa resort combines natural earthy materials with modern design and style to create a stunning cliffside wedding venue.
Château de Villette, Paris, France
Nearest airport: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) 58km / 40 Minutes
Best time to go: May - September
Insider tip: Have your ceremony inside the 18th century chapel on site and opt for late night fireworks on the lawn.
Just 40 minutes outside of Paris you’ll find the glamorous and oh so chic, Château de Villette - set in a 75 hectare woodland park with two lakes, a magnificent cascading fountain, a glass house and orangery. Château de Villette epitomizes elegance and the famous French expression “art de vivre”. A luxurious wedding venue that has played host to celebs like Tom Cruise, Lenny Kravitz and John Travolta to name a few.
La Fortaleza, Mallorca
Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca (PMI) 60km / 45 minutes
Best time to go: April - October
Insider tip: Booking this exclusive private estate will be no easy feat, find a wedding planner who has worked at this venue before.
Are you hunting for a luxurious and exclusive, one-of-a-kind wedding venue in Mallorca? Well then, let us introduce you to private estate, La Fortaleza. A historic fort built in the 17th Century to defend the territory – more recently you might recognise it from BBC’s The Night Manager. Celebrities such as Rafa Nadal, Rudy Fernández and Gareth Bale have also wed here.