These ten gorgeous locations chosen for our 100 Best Wedding Venues 2020 range from Italian treasures to jewels of the Caribbean – perfect for a dream destination wedding with unforgettable honeymoon
Words: Isabella Eckett
Destination wedding locations chosen for our 100 Best Wedding Venues 2020 have it all – superb locations, glamorous interiors and gardens and lots of space for you and your guests to enjoy a party to end all parties. From European treasures and Caribbean gems to a perfect country house in the south of France, these are unforgettable places to make happy memories.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy
There is nowhere more luxurious to tie the knot than Lake Como. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a Belle-Epoque palace on the water’s edge, has hosted opulent parties for over a hundred years. Hold a glamorous cocktail reception with unbeatable views over the lake and Grigne mountains. Candlelit Sala Contessa is the place for decadent dinners, while the hotel’s leafy park has spectacular outdoor dining (and dancing!) options. Planning a destination wedding here is a breeze as you have a personal wedding planner. grandluxuryhotels.com
Parklane Limassol, Cyprus
A sun-drenched beach resort not far from Limassol, Parklane has plenty of accommodation for wedding guests – including family-friendly villas or adults only suites that are perfect for honeymooners. The options are endless, whatever your party size. Say ‘I do’ at the charming chapel nestled in the grounds or on the Great Lawn with the Med as your backdrop. Other highlights include a splendid ballroom, five restaurants and Kalloni SPA. marriott.com
Mont Rochelle, South Africa
Fancy a wedding in the winelands? Mont Rochelle is Sir Richard Branson’s stunning 26-bedroom personal hotel and vineyard, just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Exchange vows in the Rose Garden against the dramatic Klein Dassenberg Mountain Range – imagine the wedding photos! Catering to celebrations large or small, Mont Rochelle can create a tailored wedding experience that’s as unique and beautiful as its glorious location. montrochelle.virgin.com
Jamaica Inn, Jamaica
Jamaica Inn is old-school island life, the perfect place for an intimate Caribbean wedding, although they can cater for up to 100 guests here. The traditional low-rise hotel is still family owned (there’s even a resident labrador) and sits on an impossibly perfect sandy bay outside Ocho Rios – so Jamaica just as you’d dreamed it. Former guests include everyone from Winston Churchill to Kate Winslet and the barman Teddy is a legend, but it’s the friendliness and personal service that make it a one-off. jamaicainn.com
Elounda Peninsula, Crete
Greece’s largest island is not short of locations for an Insta-worthy wedding, but Elounda Peninsula offers even more, with Six Senses Spa, gorgeous all-suite accommodation with private pools and unmatched views over beautiful Mirabello Bay. Weddings here are created around you, and with endless opportunities for pre and post-celebration dining, watersports and golf – all arranged by an exceptional events team. eloundapeninsula.com
Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico
Located 30-minutes from Cancun airport, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is luxury with Mexican verve. The setting, rooms and public spaces offer standout glamour – sparkling Caribbean to one side and Yucatan jungle to the other – so you are spoiled for locations to tie the knot. The cuisine is gourmet and stylish, while personal wedding planners organise celebrations of every size. You have to stay on for pampering – the spa has been judged one of the world’s most luxurious by Forbes rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
The Phoenicia, Malta
Located in the historic capital Valletta, The Phoenicia is an Art Deco gem steeped in island history. A smart refurbishment has given it real star quality, with stunning gardens and infinity pool for a perfect party overlooking Marsamxett Harbour. Rooms are charming and the food here is a real star. With easy flights from the UK and a superb climate for much of the year, this is a great choice for a wedding with dreamy island minimoon. phoeniciamalta.com
Marigot Bay, St Lucia
St Lucia is surely one of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands, and Marigot Bay Resort & Marina has bagged a top spot – writer James A. Michener called this the most beautiful bay in the whole Caribbean. Despite its reputation, and the super-yachts that often moor up here, this is a super-chilled place, with lovely gardens for a ceremony and all sorts of pre and post wedding pampering opportunities – including rum tastings, private treehouse dining and spa sessions. marigotbayresort.com
Adare Manor, Ireland
An award-winning and spellbinding 19th century castle, Adare is unlike anything else in Europe. Make an entrance into The Grand Ballroom with sweeping staircase, sparkling chandeliers and private terraces with views of the River Maigue – ideal for a banquet-style, celebrations on a grand scale. Master chefs and sommeliers will create a divine menu built around your heart’s desires. Head to the La Mer spa for pre-wed pampering to prepare for your ultimate fairytale wedding. adaremanor.com
Chateau du Bijou, France
The excitement begins as soon as you’re given the keys to your very own château for the weekend. Located in the Rhone Valley wine region, the stunning landscape here is sure to impress. It’s everything you’d hope for – warm stone exterior, original rustic shutters, 20 bedrooms, swimming pools, tennis courts and fragrant lavender gardens. You can choose your own caterers and bring all of your own wine, making it totally flexible. Decorate with fresh sunflowers for the ultimate Provençale look. bijouweddingvenues.co.uk
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