7 Unique and Underrated Wedding Destinations Around the World
When people think, “destination wedding”, they often imagine over-the-top receptions and 5-star hotels. Some destination weddings are made to appeal to the wealthy. But couples don’t have to go to a beach in the Bahamas to have a great wedding abroad. it comes down to your clients enjoying their special day with loved ones, and their honeymoon afterward!
If your clients are looking for a truly unique experience, you should be able to quickly recommend some sweet destinations. Depending on where your clients reside, some of these wedding locations could even be budget-friendly!
Here’s a list of our favorite offbeat wedding spots!
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This jaw-dropping Romanesque revival castle is nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Located just 2 hours from Munich, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Bavarian King Ludwig II built the castle to live in but passed away before completion. After he died, the palace opened up to the public for visiting. It’s right out of a fairytale! Did you know that it inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle?
It’s unfortunate that weddings can’t be held inside the castle. But that doesn’t mean a storybook wedding is out of reach! Ceremonies can take place on the grassy lawn outside or at the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle where Ludwig II grew up!
2. Byron Bay, Australia
This area is a huge tourist destination in the summer for foreigners and schoolies. The winter season is during peak North American travelling season. Lucky for us! From June to August, the weather in Byron Bay averages 20 degrees. With a nightly drum circle and bohemian vibes, this location is for the free-spirited couple. Did we mention the gorgeous purple sunsets? Brave couples will also be happy about this destination. Skydiving and snorkeling are popular activities. The list is rounded out by hang-gliding, whale-watching, and surfing—there’s no shortage of cool activities!
Check out the Secret Garden if your client is looking for a truly unique location. This quiet escape is formerly owned by Australian artist David Bromley. Where else will you find a wedding location littered with quirky treasures? From a hand-painted vintage bus to larger-than-life sculptures, these works of art make the leafy oasis worth a visit.
3. Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Are your clients looking to jump straight into their honeymoon post-ceremony? Lush scenery and diverse wildlife can be found everywhere in Sri Lanka! Imagine sitting with your legs dangling out the train doors as it zips through the tea plantations. Clients who love to hike will see giant Buddha statues popping up over the jungle canopies. Elephants and monkeys roam freely there as well. The city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! This capital is famous for its well-kept ruins from ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
For weddings, the Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya (Little England) offers great wedding packages. Rolling green hills, tea estates, waterfalls, and colonial period mansions offer options for those who want more than just beaches.
4. Tuscany, Italy
This country is oozing with heritage. It’s famous for food and wine. Not to mention historical sites, of which there are thousands of locations to choose from. Staying away from tourist traps like Rome will keep your clients’ wedding both cheap and quiet. Rolling green hills and wine estates decorate Tuscany. This region offers romance without the steep price tag.
The Abbey at San Galgano will bring some serious drama to your nuptials. This Gothic-style abbey was erected in the 13th century and is located right in the countryside. We recommend May or October for a rustic wedding without the high heat and humidity.
Check out QC Event School graduate Luba Gankin who specializes in Italian destination weddings!
5. Iceland (any part of it, really!)
Choosing one location doesn’t do this country justice. It’s known for its mountains and volcanos. And of course, glaciers. Couples can tick multiple items off their bucket lists! Most destination weddings occur in tropical destinations, but it shouldn’t be a rule! Besides the landscape, you can look up to the sky for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Don’t believe us? How about the nearly 24 hours of sunlight in the summer? Or the dancing Aurora Borealis in the winter? Yeah, insane, right?
If you haven’t seen wedding photos taken in the dramatic Black Sand Beach or the Blue Lagoon of Grindavik, head to Google right now! One look at the beautiful landscape photography will have your clients’ hearts set on this country in a heartbeat.
6. Haiku Mill, Hawaii
We know Hawaii is a popular spot for destination weddings. But most people stick to the white beaches and all-inclusive resorts. What do we recommend? The Haiku Mill!
This 19th-century sugar mill is located on the island of Maui. It’s not far from the beach, but its secluded location bodes well for intimate weddings. While some of the mill is no longer intact, the roofless ruins is crawling with vines and leaves. The property has twinkling fairy lights weaving between the lush and vibrant backdrop. You don’t have to travel far for enchanting wedding photos at this spot. We could go into detail describing all the fantastic photo opportunities, but this slideshow does it better justice!
7. Fogo Island Inn, Canada
No list is complete without an entry from Canada! This modern inn is located in Newfoundland & Labrador. Seated above a rocky shore, every room has an ocean view! The urban architecture contrasts with its rural fishing village surroundings. With “a library, art gallery, cinema, and sauna” on site, guests and honeymooners alike won’t have trouble finding things to do.
And for their wedding package? How can you turn down this offer: “An evening of stargazing and gentle ocean breezes on the Inn’s fourth floor rooftop terrace”?
Are there any other offbeat wedding spots worth mentioning? Let us know!
