Don’t do ordinary! Are you looking for inspiration for your destination wedding? Maybe something a bit different? Then we’ve created this list of unique wedding destinations just for you!
We’ve put together a guide to 5 of our favourite, off-the-beaten-path wedding destinations. Places that you may not have thought of that will definitely resonate with your adventurous spirit and love of all things different.
Ready to explore somewhere new. Let’s dive in!
Unique Wedding Destinations – Our 5 Favourites
- San Sebastian. Spain
- Cappadocia. Turkey
- Lake Bled. Slovenia
- Salar de Uyuni. Bolivia
- Madeira. Portugal
1. San Sebastian, Spain
Summary: breathtaking scenery, world-class food, and a touch of adventure in rugged northern Spain.
Details: For couples who crave more than just a venue with a nice view, San Sebastian is a sophisticated coastal city in the Basque Country. It has golden beaches, grand belle-epoque buildings, and a renowned culinary experience. A mix of luxury and relaxed seaside charm with great food as standard.
Wedding Venues:
Hotel Maria Cristina – A grand, five-star Belle Époque hotel with opulent ballrooms and riverside views.
Elegant interiors with chandeliers, marble staircases, and regal decor. A glamorous and historic setting.
Akelaree – A luxury boutique hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant with breathtaking cliffside views.
Ideal for foodie couples who want a world-class dining experience alongside stunning scenery.
Finca Bengoetxe– A 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by rolling green hills. Rustic yet refined, with stone walls, wooden beams, and lush gardens.
Great for couples looking for a relaxed, countryside wedding with an authentic Basque flavour.
Best Time of Year: Spring & Late summer.
Further reading: https://destinationweddinginsider.com/wedding-destinations/san-sebastian-wedding/
Cappadocia, Turkey
Summary: A surreal landscape of stark sandstone and hot air balloons, perfect for exploring and for creating a magical wedding setting.
Details: Couples can exchange vows in unique cave hotels or even during a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the enchanting terrain.
Wedding Venues:
Museum Hotel – A luxury cave hotel with terraces overlooking the valley, perfect for dreamy sunset ceremonies.
Argos in Cappadocia – A former monastery turned boutique hotel, offering intimate stone-carved spaces and sweeping landscapes.
Seki Cave Hotel – A hidden gem with panoramic views and authentic Cappadocian charm.
Best Time of Year: Typically April, May, September, and October. These months offer mild weather, making it ideal for weddings.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Summary: A fairy-tale setting featuring a picturesque island church in the middle of a pristine lake.
Details: Lake Bled is found in the Julian Alps region of northern Slovenia, with picturesque mountain peaks in the distance. It’s not far from the Austrian border. The lake is the focal point, but the surrounding area is also stunning. Couples can arrive at their ceremony by traditional Pletna boat and ring the wishing bell for good luck which is a cute touch.
Wedding Venues:
Bled Castle – A fairy-tale venue perched on a cliff, overlooking the lake and surrounding Alps.
Vila Bled – A historic lakeside villa that once belonged to Yugoslav royalty, offering a private pier.
Grand Hotel Toplice – A five-star lakeside hotel with a romantic terrace and direct access to the lake.
Best time of year: April, May, September & October, if you want to avoid the peak tourist season.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Summary: Breath-taking salt flats that create a mirror effect, making for truly otherworldly wedding photos. One of the most extreme and remarkable vistas in all of South America, if not Earth.
Details: At certain times of the year, nearby lakes overflow and a thin layer of water transforms the flats into a stunning reflection of the sky providing a unique and mesmerising backdrop for intimate ceremonies with wow.
Wedding Venues:
Luna Salada Hotel – A unique salt hotel that blends seamlessly with the white desert landscape.
Palacio de Sal – The world’s first hotel built entirely from salt, offering an unforgettable setting.
Kachi Lodge – A futuristic, domed retreat with clear views of the salt flats and night skies.
Best time of year: Late April is probably the best time to visit as it gives you the best opportunity of seeing both the salt desert and the incredible mirror effect.
Further reading: https://tika.com.bo/en/events/
Madeira, Portugal
Summary: Unspoiled nature, breathtaking sceneries, diverse landscapes, and warm subtropical climate. Madeira’s nickname is the floating garden.
Details: Couples can enjoy botanical gardens, spectacular scenery and beautiful beaches so this is a great choice for anyone who wants a different island adventure still within Europe.
Wedding Venues:
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel. A historic luxury hotel perched on a clifftop with sweeping ocean views. Offers elegant gardens, grand terraces, and a stunning ballroom: timeless glamour and a touch of old-world charm.
Quinta do Furão – A charming cliffside estate surrounded by vineyards overlooking the Atlantic. Rustic yet elegant, with breathtaking natural scenery and a relaxed vibe.
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol – A sleek and modern boutique hotel set on a dramatic cliff. Offers infinity pools, minimalist architecture, and panoramic sunset views.
Best time of year: Spring and autumn offer a good balance of fine weather and fewer crowds. Temperatures are comfortable, making them excellent times to visit Madeira and enjoy its magnificent scenery.
Further Reading: https://visitmadeira.com/en/experiences/weddings/
5 Unique Wedding Destinations – Final Words
True hidden gems are hard to find, especially for a unique wedding. Over-tourism and social media can create chaos in places that deserve a little more respect and tranquillity making it difficult to get the intimate experience you’d dreamed of.
We’re hoping that these 5 unique wedding destinations will give you a good insight into the exciting possibilities out there and inspiration to celebrate your destination wedding somewhere truly special.