Icehotel
JUKKASJÄRVI, SWEDEN
The world’s first hotel built of snow and ice, Icehotel is a unique destination for a winter wedding. It has its own private domed Ice Church, complete with pews covered in reindeer skin, for an intimate Arctic wedding ceremony. Couples can also opt for a ceremony at the nearby rustic Jukkasjärvi village church, dating back to the 1600s, or a romantic union in the wild against a backdrop of rivers and forests, and under the glow of the midnight sun. Couples can marry here year round thanks to the opening of the permanent ICEHOTEL365, which offers 20 luxury suites.
San Clemente Palace Kempinski
VENICE, ITALY
San Clemente Island offers an atmospheric heritage setting on the doorstep of romantic Venice. Couples can opt for a glamorous celebration in the centuries-old park, or a lavish garden reception. Or, say “I do” within the Lombard Renaissance-styled San Clemente Church – one of the must-see chapels in Venice and a symbol of the long history of the lagoon city and the island of San Clemente. Follow your vows with an intimate dinner in the church’s sacristy. It’s a dream Italian destination wedding like no other.
L’Andana
TUSCANY, ITALY
Part of the La Badiola Estate in Italy’s Tuscany region, L’Andana was once a Medici villa where Grand Duke Leopold II and his court resided during the summer season. Within the grounds is a charming chapel with bell tower, and the gardens around the chapel are also consecrated, should you prefer an outdoor ceremony. Rolling hills covered in grapevines surround the chapel, offering superb views over Tuscany, while the long driveway with cypress and maritime pine trees makes for a stunning entrance. Receptions are held at the elegant La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini, while luxury accommodation at L’Andana will suit both newlyweds and guests.
Convento do Espinheiro Hotel and Spa
EVORA, PORTUGAL
Since the 15th century, Portugal’s royalty have chosen the Convento do Espinheiro as their preferred spiritual retreat. Located in the heart of beautiful Alentejo, Convento do Espinheiro is now one of the country’s most impressive wedding venues, combining a rich history with the best of modern luxury. A 15th-century church is perfect for those planning a religious ceremony, while the Manueline-style cloisters set the scene for an intimate cocktail hour. The D Vasco banqueting room, which can hold up to 300 guests, offers glorious views of the surrounding gardens.
Château de Varennes
SOUTH BURGUNDY, FRANCE
Dreaming of a chic French wedding? Located in the finest vineyards of Beaune in Burgundy, Château de Varennes is a luxury estate where dreams come true. The grounds of the château offer a magical setting for an outdoor wedding, especially as South Burgundy enjoys warm and sunny weather from spring to autumn. Named by CNN among the top 10 wedding venues worldwide, Château de Varennes offers couples all the services of a modern luxury resort, including private chef, airport transfers and concierge services for you and your guests.
Castiglion del Bosco
MONTALCINO, ITALY
The 5,000-acre Castiglion del Bosco estate offers the perfect backdrop for a Tuscan wedding, with an enchanting setting for both the ceremony and reception. An array of exclusive wedding venues on the estate includes the historic church of San Michele Arcangelo with its frescos by Pietro Lorenzetti and meticulously restored furnishings. Whether hosting an intimate exchange of vows or an extravagant ceremony and reception, all weddings at Castiglion del Bosco are paired with personalised service and delivered with signature Italian sophistication.
Ashford Castle
IRELAND
Dating back to the 13th century and surrounded bywoods, a lake and mountains, spectacular Ashford Castleis a fairytale setting for your Irish “I do”. The castle has hosted many celebrity weddings – Pierce Brosnan celebrated his 2001 nuptials here – as it offers exclusive use of the grounds for up to 164 guests. For smaller events, the elegant Connaught Room is available on a nonexclusive basis for up to 40 guests and enjoys incredible views of Lough Corrib, while the Inglenook Room with its Renaissance fireplace is perfect for an intimate elopement or wedding for up to 10 guests.
La Maltese
SANTORINI, GREECE
The La Maltese luxury complex in Imerovigli is a spectacular location for a wedding on the romantic island of Santorini. A neo-classical mansion that was re-imagined as a luxe boutique hotel, there are just nine rooms which can all be booked out for a private three-day wedding celebration. The wedding package covers everything from a small civil registration to a buffet reception for up to 200 guests. A sprawling whitewashed terrace overlooking the world-famous Santorini caldera makes for an unbelievably beautiful ceremony setting – especially at sunset.
Achnagairn Castle
INVERNESS, SCOTLAND
Located on the Achnagairn Estate in Inverness, this beautiful castle wedding venue in the heart of Scotland is all about opulence and luxury. You’ll feel like a princess preparing in the palatial Bridal Suite, before a ceremony in the ornate vaulted ballroom, which can host up to 260 people for a cocktail party or 200 for dinner. There are 24 designer bedrooms for guests, as well as the option of an additional 40 bedrooms only 200 metres from the castle in the estate’s luxury lodges. Couples can also choose to marry underneath the grand stone arch in the castle grounds, with the exquisite formal gardens offering the ultimate backdrop for the ceremony. Achnagairn Castle is an exclusive-use venue, making it perfect for a private destination wedding in the Highlands.
Header image: Weddings on the Amalfi Coast
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