Dreaming of getting away on your wedding day but aren’t sure what type of destination wedding is right for you? Or maybe you know you definitely want something unique but haven’t quite figured out what’s right for you and your future spouse? If you want to leave town for the big day, lucky for you, there’s no shortage of unique options. From ice hotels to hot air balloons, there’s something out there for every couple’s taste, style, AND temperature.
To help you figure out where to go, we’ve partnered with our friends at DestinationWeddings.com to present some of the most unique destinations and ideas around the world. Whether you’re looking for something across the state or across the sea, you can get help planning your destination wedding by talking to one of their certified destination wedding specialists. Not only can they help you plan your big day (for free!), but they can get you amazing discounts and perks for your wedding! All you have to do is start packing your bags.
On a Bridge
We love the concept of getting married on a bridge, be it big or small. Here are a few suggestions:
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- The quaint, covered bridges of The Keeler Property in Jacksonville, Florida
- The Artist’s Bridge in Newry, Maine
- Campbell’s Covered Bridge in Landrum, South Carolina
Be it an elopement with just the two of you, or a full wedding for friends and family, you can plan this wedding any way you want — all within the beautiful and romantic location that bridges two pieces of land into one (just like your marriage!) However, it’s important to note that these locations may require a permit, so do your due diligence before you start really planning!
A Tree House
Say hello to TreeHouse Point in Issaquah, Washington, where — you guessed it — you can get married in a real-life tree house. Guests will be delighted by the ceremony among the trees, and the venue can accommodate up to 18 people overnight. We also love the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California for a modern take on the word term “tree house.”
Over the Water
We all love overwater bungalows for the
At a National Park
Say your vows at the breathtakingly beautiful Horseshoe Bend at Antelope Canyon, east of Page, Arizona. Another fave is the Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, which offers up gorgeous sandstone arches. Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California has magnificent age-old Sequoia trees, and Glacier National Park in Montana boats pristine blue lakes and glaciers. Looking for something abroad? There are so many incredible national parks around the world, including those in South Africa. Don’t forget Banff National Park bordering the Canadian Rockies, either. Whichever park you choose, make sure you obtain any necessary permits!
A Luxury Ice Hotel
Cold weather lovers, this one’s for you! Hôtel de Glace in Quebec, Canada is only 10 minutes from downtown Québec City and is a must-see during the winter. The hotel is built of snow and ice, and is completely redesigned and rebuilt every winter. Guests can visit from January to March in any of the 45 themed rooms and suites. It’s truly a dreamy frozen paradise!
Contact a certified Destination Wedding specialist to help you start planning now!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Meet the Western U.S. company making hot air balloon weddings a real thing: Rainbow Ryders. They will quite literally take your wedding to new heights, whether it’s over the Phoenix to Scottsdale area or in Albuquerque — the latter of which is home to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, A.K.A. the world’s largest hot air ballooning event. If you decide to get hitched in the air, you’ll need to bring your officiant and a minimum of two witnesses with you. Rainbow Ryders can arrange for catering, flowers, a photographer, videographer, music and more! Plus, you can actually bring up to 75 guests with you if you book in advance. We didn’t even know they made hot air balloons that could accommodate so many people! Talk about a party.
‘Under the Sea’
This kind of wedding is guaranteed to totally up the ante. If you’re looking to say “I do” with a scuba tank in tow, our friends at DestinationWeddings.com can help you plan the perfect Little Mermaid-inspired wedding. Some of our favorite resorts for doing just that include Secrets Aura Cozumel and Suncape Sabor Cozumel.
The Fairytale Castle
What better place for a castle wedding than in Ireland? With an abundance to choose from, the magical land boasts some of the most beautiful venues. Our favorite? The luxe Ashford Castle, which is set on 350 acres by the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. The castle dates back to 1228 and is now part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. There are 83 rooms, suites and a even a lakeside cottage, with a ton of activities and, of course, Irish hospitality. The castle is one of Ireland’s top destinations, and for good reason.
All products featured on Woman Getting Married are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something. Learn more.
