Written by Nancy Lova
Image via Pinterest
You’re engaged! You and your forever person are about to embark on a new journey and what better way to celebrate the start of married life than a destination wedding! Saying your “I do’s” on a Caribbean island with beautiful beaches, or at an elegant greek villa above the Aegean Sea or perhaps in the Balearic Islands at a 17th century fort? No matter the place, I love seeing friends and family tie the knot abroad.
So as wedding season has arrived and whether you’re looking to secure a venue in a few months time or in a year or two, it helps to have a few options to choose from. And I’ve got just the five for you…
Santorini
Luxurious cliffside villas and hotels, crystal clear waters and indescribable sunsets, Santorini is an idyllic destination to get married in.
Imagine your photos as each beautiful moment is captured against a back drop of dazzling white Cycladic white homes with blue domes, all perched above the sparkling Aegan sea. One popular venue is Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa located in Akrotiri. A stunning property built around a 200 year old windmill with a private terrace and pool area. And with a comfortable amount of space for both smaller and larger weddings, this is certainly a perfect option for anyone considering a wedding in Santorini.
Ravello
Want to know where I’ve chosen to get to married? Villa Cimbrone in Ravello! Just a few minutes overlooking this charming, quaint Italian town and you’ll see why this is THE destination. Ravello is a more peaceful town located along the Amalfi Coast compared to its bustling neighbours. It offers a serene setting of the gorgeous Mediterranean sea, historic architecture and panoramic gardens, one of which being Villa Cimbrone. A historic villa now 5-star hotel, filled with elegant decor, antiques and paintings and situated on romantic grounds, it is truly a dream come true for anyone lucky enough to get married here.
I recommend declaring your eternal love on the “Terrace of Infinity” where as the name suggests, the views are infinite.
Mallorca
Natural beauty, gorgeous weather and plenty for guests to experience before and after the big day, Mallorca has it all! Some destination weddings are secluded locations making it tricky to explore surrounding areas but Mallorca is quite the opposite due to activities and landmarks being in close proximity to each other. Pristine beaches to soak up the sun, a spot of golf for lovers of the sport or boutique and designer shopping in Palma, there’s really so much for everyone.
Now, about the venue! For those who don’t look at price tags but are looking to go big, La Fortaleza is a must. The Google images alone, took my breath away. Built in the 17th century, the historic fort is now an exclusive, luxurious wedding venue presenting dramatic sea views with rolling hills, enchanting gardens and a spectacular pool for the bride to walk across as her aisle!
A venue adored by celebs, La Fortaleza is like no other and the answer to a wedding in the Balearic Islands.
St Lucia
Nothing says ‘relaxed beach wedding’ like a ceremony in St Lucia. The jaw-dropping natural scenery is some of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands and one of the main reasons couples choose to tie the knot here. No need to overdo the detail and decor too as the pearly white sands, calm azure waters and lush palm trees is all you need for a gorgeous venue. Take your dream Caribbean wedding to another level through A Viceroy Resort, Sugar Beach. A luxurious beach resort set among 100 acres of unspoiled rainforest and pristine landscapes offering various outdoor and indoor spaces to celebrate the occasion.
Zanzibar
How about getting married at an award winning, 5-star all-inclusive hotel in Zanzibar? If this tickles your interest then consider Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar, a wonderful resort with a fusion of Zanzibari, Swahili and Arabic design, a private beach, plunge pools and Frangipani Spa. With just 30 villas, you and your guests can have the pleasure of an intimate stay within your very own slice of paradise.
If you ask me, weddings should be special and worth remembering and if you and your partner are looking for a unique adventure to mark the start of married life then Zanzibar is the place for you.