10 Dreamy Wedding Destinations Around the World
The most magical spots to tie to knot.
The World’s Most Magical Wedding Venues
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Quebec City, Quebec
With its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, it’s hard to feel anything but romantic in Canada’s oldest city. But step inside Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and that sentiment is magnified tenfold. With the magic of the right wedding planner and a whole lot of Pinterest browsing, the historic Salon Rose Room, which has seen couples walk down its aisle since 1893, has the ability to reinvent itself into the most regal of wedding venues. Plus, with its plush carpeted aisle, you’ll forget cold feet were ever a thing.
Biltmore Estate
Asheville, North Carolina
This estate isn’t advertised as a castle but it might as well be. The Biltmore is the USA’s largest estate at 8,000 square feet, with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and southern hospitality-done-ritzy. In true nineteenth-century fashion, they offer horse-drawn carriage rides to the altar—just one of the many reasons to tie the knot in a North Caroline estate of mind.Â
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Grand Caribe
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Fairytales were once reserved for Disney books, but at this Central American dream spot, you can have your wedding cake and eat it, too. Putting run-of-the-mill beach weddings to shame since the Mayan era, the adjacent tropical barrier reef is only second to Australia’s. From underwater caves to jungles, it won’t be hard to find the perfect spot to utter those two words.
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Aman-i-Khas Resort
New Delhi, India
Former couple Katy Perry and Russell Brand said “I do” to the roar of tigers in their natural habitat at this safari camp that’s quite the opposite of the ruggedness it may evoke. Ten tents (more like cream-coloured villas) pepper the edge of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park (above), a hub of rare wildlife including camels and elephants. It may be a chain, but don’t be deterred: Travel + Leisure once named it the World’s Top Hotel Brand.
Don’t miss these helpful hints for Canadians travelling to India for the first time.
Hotel Bel-Air
Los Angeles, California
The true one-man-band of luxury weddings, one of North America’s swankiest wedding venues overlooks Swan Lake and its real live swans—not the plastic kind you put on your lawn. Lucky guests are sure to leave Hotel Bel-Air with the happiest of food babies, but most importantly, with memories of idyllic grottos, charming bridges and lush gardens surrounding extravagant fountains.
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Rockhouse Hotel
Negril, Jamaica
Test the waters of your love on a bridge, suspended nine metres above the Caribbean Sea, for an exchanging of vows that’s as meaningful as it is scenic. By meeting halfway on the bridge overlooking Pristine Cove, you’re a walking metaphor for compromises down the matrimonial road—if you want to get all philosophical. What else does this boutique hotel have to offer? Secluded villas boasting unparalleled water views, an infinity pool and a world-class spa. There are worse ways to begin your life together.
Explore more of the world’s most romantic destinations.
Gibraltar Botanic Gardens
Rock of Gibraltar
You might as well go big or go home, since how many times in your life are you going to get married? Wait, that was a rhetorical question. This nature lover’s dream is peppered with flora and fauna, but you won’t have to worry about ignuanas and parrots disturbing your ceremony at one of the site’s most popular wedding venues, the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens.
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New York Public Library
New York City, New York
Calling all Carrie Bradshaw-wannabes: The iconic venue where our favourite glam gal wed Big is open to all. Rent the Stephen A. Schwarzman building for the night and imbue it with all the glitz you can afford—it is, after all, “the landmark that housed all the great love stories,” according to Bradshaw. Once voted “Best Wedding Venue” by the marriage authorities at The Knot, this library’s marble walls and endless ceilings won’t disappoint.
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Bastide Saint Mathieu
Cote d’Azur, France
You’ve heard about it in fairytales, but did you ever envision yourself tying the knot in Provence? With rooms inspired by iconic French characters like Coco Chanel, your guests are sure to be pampered at Bastide St. Mathieu. An historic manor house situated just 15 minutes from Cannes, book a weekend or week-long affair for true pampering à la Français to the tune of world-class cuisine and a swimming pool—a location brides gravitate towards for their cocktail reception.
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Iolani Palace
Honolulu, Hawaii
Fit for a king (most certainly not complete without his queen), the Iolani Palace, home to Hawaii’s monarchy, is the only official royal palace in the US. Built in the medieval European style with a modern touch, this castle, built in 1882, is both a historic and cultural hub. Weddings are only permitted on the Iolani Barracks grounds as opposed to within the palace walls, which is a blessing in disguise—unmatched Hawaiian sunsets mean jaw-dropping wedding photos.
Looking for more majestic wedding venues? Explore these famous castles with fascinating histories.
