There's Nothing Like a Wedding in an Ice Castle
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, but it can fall flat if you choose the wrong venue. If you want luxury, glamor, and history, you need to find a venue that is distinct and offers all three. Here are 20 of the most distinct wedding venues in the world.
1. Ashford Castle
Located in County Mayo, Ireland, Ashford Castle is a medieval fortress that was converted into a luxury hotel. It offers a fairytale wedding on the banks of Lough Corrib, and is surrounded by ancient woodlands and stone turrets.
2. Taj Lake Palace
Floating in the middle of Lake Pichola, this venue in Udaipur, India, is distinct thanks to its shimmering white marble and breathtaking views of the Aravalli Hills. It feels like something out of a dream, and arriving by boat will make the couple achieve the most magical entrance.
3. Santorini Caldera
There are only a few places in the world that match the romance of Santorini's iconic caldera views. This venue in Santorini, Greece, offers cliffside terraces, whitewashed chapels, and sapphire seas. These make for the most unforgettable and distinct backdrops for wedding photos.
4. Plaza Hotel
The iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City has embodied glamor and sophistication since 1907. It overlooks Central Park and has gilded ballrooms with crystal chandeliers.
5. Villa del Balbianello
On picturesque Lake Como, Italy, this venue is perched on a wooden peninsula and provides sweeping views of the sparkling waters of Lake Como. Couples and guests will enjoy terraced gardens, arched loggias, and historic interiors.
6. Ulusaba Safari Lodge
More adventurous couples should book their wedding at this impreesive venue in the heart of the African wilderness. You can exchange vows overlooking savannahs filled with elephants, giraffes, and lions. Even the lodge has an authentic safari vibe.
7. Reyjavik Ice Caves
Few venues offer the mind-blowing experience of being inside Iceland's natural ice caves. The shimmering blue walls create a magical experience and surreal atmosphere. A wedding here requires careful planning, but the uniqueness makes it worthwhile.
8. Alila Villas Uluwatu
Head to Bali, Indonesia and book this contemporary and exquisite venue for your dream wedding. It offers tropical luxury with minimalist design, inifnity pools, and an open-air cliffside chapel. It's dramatic and the service is considered to be world-class.
Abdelrahman Ismail on Unsplash
9. Neuschwanstein Castle
This castle in Bavaria, Germany, is rumored to have served as inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. This iconic castle features soaring towers, an alpine setting, and a swooningly romantic history.
10. Borgo Egnazia
This luxury resort is designed like a traditional Apulian village, and its mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication makes it something to behold. Your wedding will look amazing, spread out among stone courtyards, olive groves, and rustic-chic architecture.
11. Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a distinct wedding venue thanks to its turquoise glacier-fed waters and Rocky Mountain backdrop. You can exchange vows with your partner while being enveloped by stunning Alpine beauty. This venue is intimate, so you'll need to cut down your guest list.
12. Palacio de Cibeles
This venue was once Madrid's central post office, but has since been transformed into a cultural center and event space. Couples can greet guests in one of its grand halls, complete with glass ceilings. The marble staircase is regal yet modern and perfect for a dramatic wedding entrance.
13. Matakauri Lodge
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, this venue provides couples with panoramic views of a stunning mountain range. It's intimate and contemporary and offers the right mix of natural beauty and exclusivity.
14. Mont Saint-Michel
This UNESCO World Heritage site in Normandy, France, is a medieval abbey on a tidal island. A wedding here would feel as if it were taking place in another world. There are ancient stone walls, winding streets, and stunning tides.
15. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Located in Jodhpur, India, this venue is one of the world's largest private residences. It's a sandstone marvel where couples can get married surrounded by art deco opulence and inspired courtyards and gardens.
16. The Little White Chapel
This venue in Las Vegas, Nevada, is famous for its quick ceremonies, neon lights, and kitsch. It has hosted a ton of celebrities' weddings, and even offers drive-thru vows and Elvis impersonator officiants. It's a charming option for quirkier couples.
Lola's Big Adventure! from Washington/Newcastle/Sunderland, UK on Wikimedia
17. Cliffs of Moher
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland, is a wind-swept setting for couples who want their wedding drenched in natural beauty. It's an intimate setting with unparalleled views of jagged cliffs and an endless sea.
18. Hotel de Glace
The Hotel de Glace is a seasonal ice hotel that's rebuilt every winter. You can get married in the ice chapel that features frozen pews and crystalline carvings. It's a magical experience, and the reception options include ice bars and warm fireside feasts.
Simon Desmarais from Wuhan, China on Wikimedia
19. Ayers Rock
This large sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory, Australia, is a sacred space that offers a wedding venue unlike anything you've ever experienced. It experiences a beautiful red glow at sunrise and sunset, which creates a mystical backdrop steeped in culture and history.
20. Skibo Castle
Skibo Castle is where Madonna married Guy Ritchie, and it combines an exclusive feel with the traditionally rugged Highland charm. Located on a vast estate of lochs and forests, couples will enjoy complete privacy and grandeur. The castle also offers stunningly decorated halls and lush gardens.
