Verve explores some stunning international destinations that blend the romance of marriage with the romance of travel.
Whether you’re looking to the tie the knot overseas, or for a dream honeymoon destination, we’ve got you covered!
For European Romance
Dramatic coastlines, pastel fishing villages, and streets lined with priceless works of art, there are few countries in the world that offer as breathtaking backdrops as Italy. From the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and A-lister favourite Lake Como, from rustic to glamourous and everything in between, Italy promises a setting straight from a fairytale. Greece is another European destination steeped in history, culture, and romance. Popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini, and hidden gems like Koufonisia and Anafi make up just a fraction of the nation’s hundreds of inhabited islands, home to ancient ruins and Unesco sites. Jaw-dropping sunsets, whitewashed beaches and big skies create the ideal backdrops for your big day.
Paris may be considered the world’s most romantic city, but there’s far more romance to France than simply the City of Light. France’s second city, Marseilles, fresh off hosting the Olympic sailing competitions, is another fashionable destination, while those seeking something a little more idyllic should check out the nation’s plethora of rustic châteaux which overlook coasts, vineyards, and forests.
Paradise Lost
Famed for its palm-lined beaches, vibrant sunsets, and fresh seafood, Ko Samui is just one of an abundance of gems in Thailand. From the ancient temples, royal palaces, and ornate Buddha statues to modern Bangkok’s bustling streets and serene canals, the country cradles history and contemporary charm.
In the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a particularly popular choice for couples seeking a stress-free big day thanks to resorts that excel at wedding planning. For a more unique experience, the secluded Samaná Peninsula hosts boutique hotels surrounded by serene landscapes.
Hawai’i is another dream destination, offering sugar sand beaches, lush jungles, and dramatic, towering cliffs. With luxurious resorts across its islands, Hawai’i can accommodate the grand to the intimate, not to mention a honeymoon like no other.
The Exotic and the Cultural
The city of Marrakesh in Morrocco boasts an abundance of spectacular backdrops, from the lively median quarter to the lush Atlas Mountains and dreamy dunes of the Agafay Desert. Home to one of the world’s largest mosques, vibrant streets and markets, and evocations of that greatest of romantic dramas (“Here’s looking at you, kid”), the grand old city of Casablanca is a must-do for honeymooners in Morocco.
Gorgeous rice paddies, stunning temples, and world-class resorts and villas make Bali among the most wonderous wedding spots on the list. What better spot to exchange vows than this spiritual paradise – Uluwatu is an especially popular location owing to its clifftop setting with views of the Indian Ocean.
Adventure and Nature Calls
Positioned towards the tip of South America and spread across the Andes in the southern reaches of Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a haven for adventure-loving couples. The ultimate outdoor playground, the landscape of fjords, glaciers, mountains and forests are graced by an abundance of wildlife including the orcas, pumas, and whales.
Dramatic waterfalls, pristine glaciers, volcanoes, and iron rich beaches makes Iceland among the most photogenic destinations on Earth – a major box tick for your honeymoon or big day! Popular locations include the historic Búdir Church, with its spectacularly moody surroundings, and the incredible Gatklettur Arch Rock that almost looks hand carved. The rugged Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach offers basalt columns and stunning cliffs, while glaciers like Langjökull and Vatnajökull provide icy, inspirational enchantment.
