10 Best Exotic Wedding Locations

10 Best Exotic Wedding Locations

By Alex Cordier

Photo Credit: Jeremy Wong Weddings via Unsplash under License

Have you ever dreamed of reciting your vows in Paris? Or perhaps you would prefer to walk down an aisle of white sand? Destination weddings provide a unique opportunity for guests to congregate from all corners of the globe to help you celebrate in style.

Choosing the perfect wedding backdrop is both exciting and challenging. To get you started, here are some of the best places in the world to get married. This list is ordered by region, country then city, so you can easily follow along with a map, creating your own list of top wedding destinations.

And if you can’t decide? Remember, there is always the honeymoon to embark on a grand tour of Europe or even the whole world…

Europe

Paris, France

Known as the city of love and lights, Paris is one of the top wedding destinations. There are countless venues to choose from, including the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Le Meurice and the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. With its classic romantic ambience, renowned wine, mouth-watering cuisine and countless opportunities for iconic wedding photo shoots, Paris is the crème-de-la-crème of destination weddings.

Italy

In a country steeped in history, beauty, and some of the world’s finest cuisine, it is near impossible to choose the single best wedding location. From the romantic gondolas in Venice to the vineyards in Tuscany, and the trendy culture of Milan to the Renaissance charm of Florence, there is a special place to suit every couple.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam offers a unique and slightly more offbeat setting for your wedding. Brimming with art, architecture, and attitude. Rivalling Paris for romance, there are plenty of historic churches available to hold the ceremony, while a luxury cruise through the city is a novel idea for the reception. A short and affordable flight from London and other major European centres, Amsterdam has the advantage of being easily accessible for international travellers.

Americas

Caribbean

Picture this: pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, tropical sun and some Caribbean beats to set the mood. What could be more perfect? This entire region deserves mention. Top picks include the Bahamas, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antigua, and Aruba. Each island differs slightly on atmosphere, activities, accessibility, and cost depending on what you want.

Although the US may not be the first country that springs to mind when thinking of exotic destinations, it should not be dismissed. Affordable and frequent flights to the main centres from all around the world is a huge advantage. This large and diverse country is filled with opportunities to entertain and impress guests, from the beaches of Miami on the East Coast – a great alternative to the Caribbean – to the Hollywood culture of Los Angeles on the Western Seaboard.

Chicago – one of the most vibrant cities in the US – is truly a dream avenue for destination weddings, with multitudes of global themes ready for you to explore – choose from lush, beautiful locations such as the tranquil Anderson Japanese gardens, the perfectly manicured North Rose Garden at Buckingham Fountain, and acres of marvellous landscape on Orchard Ridge Farms. Professional services from Chicago DJs can help set the celebration mood for your perfect wedding, with live DJ entertainment, photobooths, and brilliant lighting and audio packages as the backdrop to your wonderful lifelong memories.

Photo Credit: Tatiana Gonzales via Unsplash under License

Asia/Australasia

Bali

Weddings in Bali can be tailored to suit a range of budgets and themes, whether you want a traditional Balinese wedding or modern, Western-style celebration. Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, characterised by unforgettable scenery and ancient temples. Pandawa Beach, Lake Tamblingan and the Royal Water Palace are just some of the picturesque locations ideal for memorable photo shoots.

Thailand

Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for exotic weddings. With its vibrant culture, friendly people, and unforgettable scenery, it’s easy to see why. Choose from a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and wildlife in the northwest, or partying in luxurious resorts and hotels in Phuket. Thailand is a relatively accessible, affordable, and safe destination. The tasty national cuisine is also a huge plus.

Vietnam

A truly unique and exotic wedding destination, Vietnam is renowned for its friendly people and vibrant culture. If you have your heart set on a beach wedding, the extensive coastline has some of the most idyllic beaches to choose from. Da Nang is a modern, well-kept and stylish beach-side retreat. Alternatively, Mui Ne is close to Ho Chi Minh City while maintaining spectacular natural scenery and historical temples.

Pacific

Hawaii

Treat yourself to a dream Hawaiian ceremony that offers the perfect balance of romance, adventure, and relaxed island lifestyle. You are spoilt for choice for top wedding spots, with the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui and Oahu all being popular destinations. Potential photo shoot backdrops include waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, and tropical rainforests. Activities range from snorkelling, surfing, horseback riding, whale watching and island-hopping, to keep the guests entertained. The large international airport and frequent flights from around the world also mean that getting there is a breeze.

Samoa

The friendly people in Samoa go out of their way to ensure your dream wedding becomes a reality, filled with smiles and music. Treat yourself to a spa, massage or cocktails on the beach. There are plenty of hotels, resorts, and venues to cater for all sizes and styles of weddings. Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, located on a peaceful peninsula near the capital of Apia, is one such example. The romantic atmosphere, relaxed island lifestyle and opportunities to go island hopping means that Samoa is a perfect honeymoon destination as well.

Alex Cordier is a freelance writer who has been published across various sites on topics including home, travel, health and lifestyle. In her free time, she enjoys reading about event planning, event management and organising parties for family and friends. You can find more of her work here.