The best wedding destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and the Carribbean

In part two of our dream wedding destinations, Brides Today takes you on a journey across breathtaking venues that are perfect for saying “I do.” From the luxe locales of the Middle East to the tranquil beauty of sun-soaked beaches in the Caribbean, this list is all about creating the perfect backdrop for your special day. 

The Middle East 

Muscat, Oman

It may be a beautiful port city, but besides the blue-green waters, Muscat also boasts mountains, deserts and rocky cliffs. Plan an ocean-facing wedding, or one in a beautiful mosque. Elegant yet grand hotels await in the Omani capital, with beautiful ballrooms and crystal chandeliers.

BT picks: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and The Ritz- Carlton, Al Bustan Palace

Dubai, UAE

The second home to many an Indian, Dubai is a no-brainer wedding destination, offering the ease of logistics, the convenience of its proximity to India and the opulence of the UAE. There’s no dearth of award-winning venues in this dazzling, cosmopolitan city specialising in multicultural ceremonies.

BT picks: Palazzo Versace Dubai and Atlantis, The Palm

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Bustling and sparkling with people from the world over, Abu Dhabi boasts some of the most renowned venues that offer a majestic setting for a fairytale wedding. Gold and crystal chandeliers, grand staircases, epic murals, waterfront gardens dotted with palm trees... There’s opulence at every turn here.

BT picks: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Dead Sea, Jordan

The morbid name aside, this region—the lowest point on Earth—is one of the most exotic and unique destinations one could pick for their special day. Host your ceremonies against spectacular sunsets, and enjoy memorable occasions at the magnificent properties and their array of venues.

BT picks: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea and Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

Doha, Qatar

An attractive wedding destination for couples the world over, the Qatari capital is the perfect blend of splendid climate, grand venues and superlative hospitality. The ease of access from India is another positive tick against Doha for your big day.

BT picks: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara and Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas

Africa

Marrakesh, Morocco

Few destinations around the world meet the vibrancy of Marrakesh. Old-world charm and Moroccan culture meet the globally renowned hospitality of the grand venues that are up for grabs here. As you prepare to immerse yourself in the welcoming chaos of your own celebrations, the colours, scents and sounds of Marrakesh are sure to draw you in, too.

BT picks: Royal Mansour Marrakech and Palais Namaskar

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

A fairytale wedding awaits couples at Sharm El Sheikh, for it would literally resemble celebrations out of Aladdin. Endless sandy beaches, imposing yachts and the most opulent hotels await your reservations. To stand apart, couples can also host a bedouin-style celebration.

BT picks: Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh and Park Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort

Seychelles

Africa’s answer to the Maldives, Seychelles brings you everything from pristine beaches and clear waters to lush vegetation and excellent hospitality, along with near-perfect climate all year round. The picturesque tropical landscape will steal the show in your photos, making it all the more unforgettable.

BT picks: JA Enchanted Island Resort and Story Seychelles

Mauritius

Over 50 miles of pristine coastline and a shoreline dotted with crystal-clear lagoons, a wedding in Mauritius would be a dream come true, for the island of love offers some of the most romantic venues in the Indian Ocean. Beach weddings here are especially popular for obvious reasons.

BT picks: Constance Belle Mare Plage and The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa

Madagascar

Madagascar isn’t on many destination wedding radars, and the industry is missing out. To enjoy the hospitality of the Malagasy people, couples can find their perfect setting in secluded beach resorts, eco-lodges, lush rainforest retreats and cultural landmarks. Plan between late April to mid November to avoid letting rain play spoilsport.

BT picks: Andilana Beach Resort and L’Heure Bleue

Cape Town, South Africa

The iconic Table Mountain, pristine beaches and lush vineyards of Cape Town call out to all couples looking for an offbeat yet exceptional wedding destination. From historic estates to luxury hotels, the city provides endless scenic backdrops for ceremonies. Outdoor weddings are feasible nearly all year round, thanks to the mild and pleasant climate.

BT picks: 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa and Nooitgedacht Wine Estate

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

It’s one of the world’s largest waterfalls and a sight to behold. Here, romance meets the adventure of a lifetime. Plan your wedding on the banks of the Zambezi River, or overlooking the sheer magnitude of Victoria Falls, or exchange your vows at sunset at the nearby wildlife-rich waterhole.

BT picks: Pure Africa Waterfront and Royal Livingstone Hotel

The Caribbean Islands

Barbados

Pick a historic plantation house or a private villa, a lush botanical garden or a beachfront resort. Barbados offers all, along with year-round warm weather for picture-perfect outdoor weddings. Also, being a tourist hotspot, the hospitality on the island is unparalleled, so expect exceptional service for all your wedding necessities.

BT picks: Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels and Fairmont Royal Pavilion

Turks & Caicos

Few backdrops look as beautiful as the sparkling turquoise waters of Turks & Caicos. The destination of choice for a number of celebrity weddings (think Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner from back in the day), couples can select from the island of Providenciales, which hosts most tourists, as well as the more secluded boutique isles.

BT picks: The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, and The Somerset on Grace Bay

Bahamas

Tying the knot in the Bahamas would be akin to saying “I do” in paradise, thanks to the islands’ white and pink sand beaches, tropical sunshine and equally warm hospitality. The colour of the water here can vary based on the island, but regardless of the shade, it never fails to present the most fabulous backdrop.

BT picks: British Colonial Nassau and Rosewood Baha Mar, New Providence

Catch the next part of our series on the 100 Best Wedding Destinations across the world. It will cover Asia—including the whole of India, of course—North and South America, and Oceania.

All images: Pexels

Lead Image: Pexels

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

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