The best wedding destinations in Europe

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments in your life, and it deserves to be celebrated in a location as magical as your love story. In this Brides Today hotlist, we bring you a curated selection of some of the most breathtaking wedding destinations across Europe. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the snow-covered peaks of Switzerland, surrounded by the ethereal beauty of Iceland's dramatic landscapes, or beside the peaceful, shimmering fjords of Norway. These stunning locations promise to make your big day unforgettable, offering the perfect backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime.

Europe

Santorini, Greece

The iconic whitewashed and blue-roofed buildings, coupled with the picturesque setting of the deep blue Aegean Sea, make Santorini ideal for couples seeking a memorable destination wedding. The island boasts superb hospitality, world-class cuisine and a variety of venues where couples can exchange vows against the backdrop of the caldera and dramatic sunsets.

BT picks: Rocabella Hotel and Le Ciel Santorini

Mykonos, Greece

Stunning landscapes, architectural treasures and restaurants that leave you reaching for seconds... Mykonos is all of this and more. The beautiful white-and-blue buildings, winding pathways and designer stores aside, couples can take in the breathtaking sunset as they exchange vows at an elegant beach wedding, or even pick from several luxury venues.

BT picks: Santa Marina Resort & Villas, Mykonos and Royal Myconian

Corfu, Greece

The low-key villas and mansions here, inspired by Venetian, French and English culture, located alongside breathtaking crystal blue beaches, make for the perfect venues for weddings. The charming island, believed to be the setting for Shakespear’s Tempest, allows for beach weddings, as well as ceremonies at the Corfiot village square and churches of the Greek Orthodox, Catholics and Anglicans.

BT picks: Corfu Palace and Grecotel Corfu Imperial

Provence, France

From endless rows of lavender and rolling vineyards to hilltop villages and olive trees, there’s no setting as romantic as Provence for a destination wedding. For the best photographs and dreamiest wedding, plan your big day between mid-June and mid-July, when the lavender fields are in full bloom. Pick a majestic French château or a serene hamlet for the ceremonies.

BT picks: Château de Tourreau and Château de Berne

Paris, France

What better place to make your love official than the city of love? The remarkable architecture, scrumptious cuisine, stunning scenic views and the convenience of easily available vendors and logistic partners are reasons enough for a Paris elopement. And there’s no dearth of luxurious locations to pick from either.

BT picks: Saint James Paris and Le Meurice Paris

St. Tropez, France

The charming coast of Saint Tropez on the French Riviera is as good as it gets for a memorable destination wedding. Couples have their choice of incredible villas with a sea view, mansions, vineyards and the Pampelonne Beach to plan their special day, shrouded by the rich cultural experience of its old town, cafés, bars and restaurants.

BT picks: Hotel Villa Belrose and Château de la Messardière

Nice, France

Moving north up the French Riviera brings us to Nice, where one is greeted by a stunning Mediterranean coastline, a charming old town and a perfect blend of French elegance and a laid-back coastal vibe. Venues ranging from luxurious hotels and sea-view villas to historic churches and quaint chapels offer the perfect picturesque settings for ceremonies.

BT picks: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, and Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild

Positano, Italy

Nestled along the Amalfi Coast, this seaside town boasts postcard-perfect views, cascading colourful buildings and clear Mediterranean waters. Whether you want a luxury celebration or a more laid-back affair, Positano’s narrow streets are lined with boutique hotels, elegant villas and cosy restaurants that offer a variety of stunning venues.

BT picks: Il San Pietro di Positano and Villa San Giacomo

Florence, Italy

There’s a rustic yet romantic allure in the picturesque landscapes of this Tuscan gem, where history meets architectural splendour. The place is dotted with beautiful venues, from romantic private luxury villas and lavish estates to farmhouses and castles, surrounded by rolling hills, towering cypress trees, olive groves and culture.

BT picks: Villa Cora and Villa di Striano

Lake Como, Italy

The tranquillity ensconced in an opulent ambience in the foothills of the Italian Alps made Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, and Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone fall in love with Lake Como. The lake is surrounded by picturesque villages, lush gardens and grand historic villas that make for an elegant settings.

BT picks: Villa del Balbianello and Palazzo Gallio

Sicily, Italy

Be it a wedding by the sea, in the countryside or even by a volcano, the island of Sicily in the Mediterranean offers varied landscapes, amid culture, art, nature and breathtaking views. Choose from on a sun-soaked beach, in a historic villa, or beneath the shadow of Mount Etna.

BT picks: Baia Taormina and Castello Lanza Branciforte di Trabia

Lake Garda, Italy

This northern Italian site comes with dramatic mediaeval villages and harbour towns along the tranquil lake, the largest in the country. Stunning Alpine scenery, pleasant climate, olive and lemon groves and jaw-dropping palatial villas that boast picturesque gardens make Lake Garda an idyllic location for a destination wedding in Italy.

BT picks: Isola Del Garda and Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza may be known as a party town but has a serene side with charming villages. Its endless assortment of wedding venues makes it popular among couples, too—especially those looking for outdoor celebrations. There’s contemporary resorts, beachside villas as well as quaint fincas in the countryside for your ceremonies.

BT picks: 7Pines Resort Ibiza and Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca ticks all the boxes—stunning beaches, scenic countryside, mesmerising mountains and splendid weather. The turquoise Mediterranean waters offer the ideal backdrop for beach weddings, while the luxurious villas perched on the cliffs ooze style and grandeur.

BT picks: La Residencia Belmond Hotel and Villa Son Doblons

Seville, Spain

Seville is an idyllic location for couples looking to tie the knot in a unique, memorable way. From historic haciendas marked by lush gardens and private Moorish palaces to luxurious hotels and charming cortijos (traditional rural dwellings in Spain), Seville offers a diverse range of venues for every style and preference, whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair.

BT picks: Hotel Fontecruz Los Seises and Hotel Alfonso XIII

Montreux, Switzerland

While snow-capped mountains may be your first thought at the mention of Switzerland, for some of the country’s incredible scenery, you’ll want to plan your nuptials in Montreux. Located on the banks of Lake Geneva, it’s surrounded by mountains and vibrant nature at its best. The stunning setting aside, the luxurious hospitality at the city’s venues make it a no-brainer for destination weddings.

BT picks: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace and The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic

Interlaken, Switzerland

This resort town in central Switzerland delights visitors with views of lakes Thun and Brienz, mountains, forests and meadows. What more could a couple need for D-Day? The hotels here combine the natural beauty around them with modern luxury, making them well-suited for all the festivities leading up to your wedding day.

BT picks: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa and Kursaal Interlaken

Geneva, Switzerland

For the pleasures of nature and the convenience of urban hustle, Geneva is your answer. At nearly every turn are spectacular sights of Lake Geneva or the Swiss Alps—the towering Mont Blanc the most prominent of all. There’s a romantic yet cosmopolitan charm to the city and evident French influences, especially in its cuisine. Pick from a host of luxurious hotels, the historic châteaux and scenic lakeside venues for your celebrations.

BT picks: Château de Chillon and Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues

St. Moritz, Switzerland

This resort town in Engadin Valley is a haven for couples who enjoy the comfort of luxury and the thrill of adventure sports. The plushy venues have all the trimmings that could make for a memorable wedding, including a plethora of wellness spas. All in all, the Alpine scenery renders the town a magical spot for a destination wedding.

BT picks: Suvretta House and Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland

If you love the architecture of yore, dramatic hills, gloomy not sunny skies and the best Scotch one can find, then the postcard-perfect Scottish capital must be calling to you. The city provides a storybook setting for nuptials and has no dearth of astounding venues, each a notch above the other—from grand castles and stately manors to chic hotels and rustic country estates.

BT picks: InterContinental Edinburgh The George and The Roseate Edinburgh

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

With undulating green hills and dramatic mountains dotted with historic castles, the Scottish highlands are among the most ruggedly romantic destinations in Europe, from Inverness all the way to Aberdeen. Nearly every venue is a castle, ready for couples to wed like royalty. The wild landscape serves as a scenic backdrop for photographs, and the experience, straight out of novels.

BT picks: Inverlochy Castle Hotel and Glenapp Castle - A Relais & Châteaux Hotel

The Cotswolds, England

Across the Cotswolds, in the heart of the English countryside, are storybook villages that set the stage for surreal destination weddings. Couples can pick from historic manors and elegant estates to quaint barns and romantic country retreats, surrounded by lush, green landscapes.

BT picks: Blenheim Palace and Thornbury Castle

Vienna, Austria

One of the most beautiful urban centres of Europe, Vienna is a truly unique location for weddings. The city’s well-preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture, charming cobblestone streets and lush parks create a fairy-tale setting to preserve memories as photos. Its central location also makes it easily accessible to numerous places around Europe for your honeymoon.

BT picks: Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace

Innsbruck, Austria

In Innsbruck, one can be in the heart of city culture one moment and atop an Alpine peak the next, taking in panoramic views that could create breathtaking backdrops for your special day. Be it for a relaxed city elopement or an adventure out on skis, the villages around the region house plenty of incredible venues.

BT picks: Schloss Ambras Innsbruck and Hotel Speckbacherhof

Salzburg, Austria

The romantic aura of the city attracts the betrothed and honeymooners alike. Across the picturesque city are palaces and churches that serve as the ultimate scenery for the most wonderful ceremonies and even prettier photographs. The dramatic Alpine setting and the Salzach River provide stunning views for outdoor ceremonies, too.

BT picks: Hotel Schloss Mönchstein and Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron

Hallstatt, Austria

Despite its understated value and population of less than a thousand people, this remote Austrian village remains a popular location for destination weddings. Get married on a boat or by the shore of lakes with crystal clear waters, surrounded by surreal views. Whatever be the choice, a wedding in Hallstatt would be straight out of a dream.

BT picks: Schloss Grub Castle and Seehotel Grüner Baum

Lisbon, Portugal

The colourful tiled buildings and cobblestone streets of this enchanting city provide a romantic invite to all. The pleasant weather all year round makes Lisbon ideal for outdoor celebrations, though couples can also choose from elegant palaces and historic monasteries.

BT PICKS: Pena Palace, Sintra, and Pestana Palace Lisboa

Madeira, Portugal

From stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffside views and charming coastal villages, to lush gardens and picturesque beaches, this hidden gem on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean houses idyllic places for your special day. A beautiful Portuguese island, it’s easily accessible from many European cities and offers a variety of venues, like vineyards and beachfront settings as well as luxury plus boutique hotels.

BT picks: Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, and Quinta Jardins do Lago

Porto, Portugal

Pick from Porto’s historic castles, palaces and monasteries, or countryside locations, rustic wine estates in the Douro Valley, as well as beachfront hotels to host your D-Day. The rich cultural heritage of this coastal city will have guests enamoured amid the bustle of the wedding and will no doubt be part of the best memories.

BT picks: Pestana Palácio do Freixo and InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas

Lustica, Montenegro

One of Europe’s best-kept secrets, Montenegro has no dearth of untainted spots to share your vows, but we have a soft spot for Lustica Bay. Host a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, as an outdoor summer ceremony with serene views of the Adriatic Sea or a cosy indoor occasion.

BT picks: The Chedi Lustica Bay and One&Only Portonovi

Tenerife, Canary Islands

On this island, one can find golden beaches, verdant mountains, volcanic landscapes as well as castles all in one canvas of varied and vibrant colours. The blend of Spanish and Canary Island culture in the air is bound to present a unique yet wonderful wedding experience.

BT picks: The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama, and Castillo de Los Realejos

Dubrovnik, Croatia

For couples who are diehard fans of the Game of Thrones TV series, this one’s a no-brainer. Pop culture aside, Dubrovnik’s pleasantly mild climate married with views of the Mediterranean and venue options aplenty—from enchanting fortresses and private villas, to historical venues and luxury resorts—make it as perfect as can be for a destination wedding.

BT picks: Sponza Palace and Fort Lawrence

Lake Bled, Slovenia

A must-visit in Slovenia, Lake Bled has always been a prime wedding destination. Whether you choose the Vila Bled presidential mansion, a castle on a cliff, a postcard-perfect church or any of the luxury hotels on the shore, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the crystal clear waters, which will make for gorgeous backgrounds for your photos.

BT picks: Bled Castle and Villa Bled

Norwegian Fjords, Norway

The Norwegian Fjords are on every bucket list, and a wedding here would be nothing short of magical, as you’d be surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Hike up to the Trolltunga rock formation in Ullensvang before the ceremony for a spot of adventure, or opt for a garden wedding at one of the hotels by the fjords.

BT picks: Hotel Union Oye and Hotel Ullensvang

Reykjavik, Iceland

A night wedding under the Northern Lights? Yes, please! When in Iceland, you can host your special day in an ice cave, atop a mountain, on a glacier, or on a black sand beach. In Reykjavik, you’d have the added benefit of a luxury hotel, or choose a gorgeous spot in the suburbs.

BT picks: Hotel Rangá and Hotel Grímsborgir

All Images: Pexels

Lead Image: Pexels 

This piece originally appeared in the October-December print edition of Brides Today India.

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