If you’ve ever planned a wedding, are in the process of planning a wedding, or just like to dream about planning your wedding (we have a feeling you fit one of these profiles if you clicked the link...) you've come to the right place. You know that one of the most magical pieces of the puzzle is finding the perfect destination to set the backdrop for one of the most important days of your life. Lucky for all of us, the wedding industry has become a global force to be reckoned with, and thousands of venues around the world offer competitive pricing, all-inclusive packages, on-site planners––the full monty.
We also understand that it can be tricky to even know where to begin when it comes to choosing a destination, let alone seek out the ideal venue that checks all of your boxes. Whether you’re in search of a luxury private beach-side getaway for a destination wedding with close friends and family, or you want a big ‘ol weekend-long bash on a sprawling farm in the south––or maybe something that weds both of those things––we’ve got a little something for everyone. We've put together a list that should provide a bit of inspiration, or maybe checks one of the biggest items off of your wedding to-do list!
Our top picks for some of the most picturesque wedding venues in the world, below.
Conrad, Maldives Rangali Island
Take one look at the homepage for the Conrad, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, and you’ll probably go weak at the knees. Maybe it’s the glistening blue water, the undersea restaurant, the white-sand beaches, or the marvelous fact that you can reserve the entire island for your wedding––either way, get to booking. This would be the trip of a lifetime.
Rosecliff at Newport Mansions, Newport, Rhode Island
Cue scenes from the Great Gatsby––especially because, ahem, this venue was featured in the movie (among other films). The epitome of New England Gilded Age charm, this beautiful 20th-century mansion is the stuff of dreams. Between the massive ballroom, the heart-shaped staircase, and a pristine front lawn that sweeps down to a grand fountain and then the crashing sea below, there is no doubt that Rosecliff Mansion offers unparalleled views and memories.
The Inn at Perry Cabin, Eastern Shore of Maryland
Your loved ones and you will have no trouble feeling right at home at the Inn at Perry Cabin on Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore. Sprawling farmland meets the white-capped Chesapeake Bay, yielding a breathtaking setting for a late-summer or fall waterside wedding. The Inn accommodations are just as picture-perfect as the property’s bright green golf course and clean crisp courts; you’ll quickly find that there’s no shortage of fun activities to plan during the celebratory weekend. Welcome to a nautical farmland paradise.
Eldermann's Overlook Barn, Banner Elk, North Carolina
Set in front of the picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Overlook Barn sits on Beech Mountain in North Carolina. The sprawling, white, 6,500-square-foot barn has 30-foot arched ceilings and rustic exposed wooden beams, resulting in a delightfully elegant, countryside ceremony location. Couples can also choose to utilize the new Cliffside Barn, which is 1,000-square-feet of newly renovated, wooden-floored, high-ceilinged barn space with a covered deck overlooking the mountains. Southern charm starts right here.
The Plaza Hotel, New York, New York
There’s simply nothing like The Plaza, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Property. For city slickers in search of a venue that epitomizes sophistication, this legendary New York City hotel is as timeless as they come. Between the Grand Ballroom, the Terrace Room, Palm Court, and many others, options abound for couples to create a picture-perfect ceremony and reception at this iconic New York landmark.
The Wauwinet, Nantucket, Massachusetts
There are so many special things about one of the Faraway Island’s most private resorts––one of which is that it’s accessible by land or sea. Imagine cruising up to the northeast shore of this stunning island and greeting your guests at this beautiful seaside luxury hotel. You can sip cocktails in front of an unparalleled sunset and dance the night away under the stars, 30 miles out to see. The best part? You can rent the entire Wauwinet, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, for your special weekend.
Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg, Austria
Regardless of what season you choose for your big day, Hotel Schloss will provide an unforgettable experience––just check out the photos. But if you’re in search of a winter wonderland for your wedding, this luxury hotel, nestled next to a sparkling lake in beautiful Salzburg, couldn’t be more idyllic. A historic estate originally commissioned in the 1700s by Austrian royalty, remnants of the various royal hands the property passed through are reflected in both the well-appointed accommodations and the breathtaking property.
Lake Garda, Italy
Surrounded by the striking Italian Alps, Isola Del Garda is the biggest island located within Italy’s storied Lake Garda, known for its cerulean, sparkling blue waters and beautiful vistas. The Cavazza Family Villa, a romantic 20th-century Neo-Gothic home, offers views of the mountains and lake from rooms with high-vaulted ceilings and massive arched windows––fair warning: you may never want to leave.
