Top Wedding Destinations For 2018
From the wedding ceremony, to the reception, to the many after parties and brunches to precede and follow — a cookie-cutter wedding venue and package just won’t do. Brides and grooms-to-be need a venue with services that define them as a couple and reflect on their unique personality, their love story and add to the celebration with friends and family.
Here are our top picks of the best venues for each couple tribe, shortlisted using trending polls from the Venue Report—the world’s top database for upcoming and evergreen wedding venues.
CLOSE TO NATURE:
The Conservatory at Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne
Classic botanicals and Spanish mission architectural style come together to create a unique greenhouse experience at The Conservatory at Fitzroy Gardens. This gorgeous greenhouse’s raised beds, tropical trees, and tall displays makes the venue perfect for beautifully lit couple photos and intimate, romantic ceremonies.
Babylonstoren, Western Cape, South Africa
A garden spa, an outdoor restaurant, and a celebrated wine list await you at the stylish, classic-turned-modern suites of this indoor outdoor hotel. Founded in the late 1600s, this historical gem is one of Cape Dutch’s oldest and most well-preserved farms, and without question, makes for the ultimate in destination nuptials.
The Foundry, New York
The 19th century building that has been meticulously restored to showcase its industrial character boasts 3,000 square feet of raw space with a lush outdoor courtyard, rooftop terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline, indoor greenhouse and lounge space.
FOR GRAND GESTURES:
The concept of a fairytale wedding has long been something of a cliché. Tiaras and, horse-drawn carriages—are often not the best look for a modern-day bride. But if you do have your heart set on a ceremony fit for a princess, a real-life palace is one step closer to your dream.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Rising majestically from the still waters of its moat, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful venues in Kent. Coined ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’, it is the perfect place for a great day out with the family or a romantic getaway with a loved one!
Castello Odescalchi, Rome
A stone’s throw from Rome, the Odescalchi is one of the most impressive castles in Italy. Completed in 1485 by the Orsini family, around an existing 12th century Vico fortress, it is one of the few renaissance castles in Italy that is open to the public. The most high profile wedding to take place was that of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Standing proudly on the shores of the Bosphorus waterway in Turkey, the unique 19th-century Ottoman palace offers a relaxed atmosphere of the grand hotel from one of the stunning rooms or suites, while the lush gardens, infinity pool and panoramic views are best described as ‘simply spellbinding’.
FOR ARTISTIC ACCENTS:
Globally, many renowned art galleries, niche museums, and libraries have opened their doors for guests to host the wedding of their dreams, or have a reception in their quirky spaces filled with contemporary and fine masterpieces. A newcomer in the category are art-inspired hotels with peculiar setting, perfect for a vibrant creative vibe.
The Frick Collection, New York
Evoking the glamour of the the Gatsbyesque gilded age of New York, The Frick Collection provides a uniquely elegant setting for any reception, cocktail party, or dinner. In various configurations, the Frick can accommodate up to 450 people for a cocktail reception and 180 for a seated dinner.
The Peggy Guggenheim, Venice
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection not only contains an impressive collection of modern art but is also located on the Grand Canal, in the heart of Venice. Guests can enjoy a memorable night soaking n the Venetian vistas while experiencing the exclusive art collection under the guide of a private tour leader.
The National Gallery, Singapore
The nation’s oldest museum is packed with visually arresting art installations along with a variety of fine dining options with an eclectic range of cuisines, that can cater to a small or large wedding with much ease. Not to forget the stunning photo-ops to add the magical element to the wedding album!
FOR OENOPHILES:
If a mutual love of wine is what brought you and your spouse together, then there’s no doubt it should be a part of your special day. Add to that a lush green backdrop and a classic rustic vibe and you have yourself a wine-lovers dream wedding. The greatest reason why most couples pick wineries to host their friends and families is to keep their days packed with wine tastings, hiking and long walks among other natural excursions.
Saddlerock Ranch Vineyards, California
The beautiful ranch of over 15,000 acres includes a captivating spread of avocado trees, flowers, orchards, lakes, and exotic animals. This ranch became a haven to the Semler Family and grown into one of California’s best Cabernet producer.
Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux
The exclusive French getaway features excellent regional wines which can be found in bottles, barrels and infused into facials, scrubs, massages and more. Designed to look like a country village from an antique postcard, each of the hotel’s elegant rustic buildings has exquisite features to host a beautiful countryside wedding.
Viña Vik at VIK Vineyard, Chile
The retreat is perched on a hilltop above a lake at the center of this spectacular 11,000- acre vineyard with panoramic 360-degree views of the vines, multiple valleys, hills, forests and mountains up to 1000 meters with the majestic Andes Mountains in the distance.
FOR SUN & SAND:
Pristine oceans and sands so beautiful, you wouldn’t need a decorator! Beach weddings are predominantly associated with laidback couples looking for a relaxed environment to declare their love for each other. But that does not mean that one should compromise on the luxury of marrying in a tropical gem. Top resorts with world-class architecture and services now offer bespoke event planning services to walk you through the whole process, and allow you to make the most of the destination.
Tirtha Luhur, Bali
Set on the Southern cliff top of Bali with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, this property was designed to host weddings that provide a sense of magic. The magnificent views, the architecture, and just the place itself evoke a sense of grandeur. The concept destination also offers bespoke wedding services such as access to a selection of entertainers, performers, hair and makeup services and even mobile apps and on-site planners.
Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora
The award winning Polynesian paradise, goes above and beyond when hosting a beach wedding. The resort has a chapel with a full wall of windows behind the altar offering a great view of the lagoon. A sunset cruise on the resort’s new catamaran is among the unique ways to exchange vows on Bora Bora in a traditional style but without sacrificing on the theatrics.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
The luxe private island in the Maldivian archipelago offers a variety of wedding packages including an utterly gorgeous, white sandy beach against an unmissable sunset backdrop; with the simple but stunning delicate confetti and a designer bouquet. Their “Happily Ever After” selection offers long term full floral décor with an elegant gazebo made of exotic flowers and intricate baskets brimming with soft petals, lanterns and candles.