12 of the Best Destination Wedding Locations for the Modern Couple

Say "I do" in the mountains of Arizona, tie the knot in a Provence chateau, or indulge your wild side with nuptials in South Africa's Kruger National Park (feeding the mother-in-law to lions, optional). These destination wedding locations are your ticket to happily ever after.

Wedding destinations worth travelling for

Provence

France

With Van Gogh-esque olive trees and centuries-old chateaus, Provence is any idyllic setting for a wedding. Walk down the aisle through the pristine gardens of Chateau Fontaine, or choose Chateau d'Argent, where nostalgic window shutters match the blanket of lavender on the nearby hills. If the location isn't enough to stun your guests, then the Provençal rosé wine should do the trick.

Paradise Valley

Arizona

With an average of 299 days of sunshine each year, Arizona is a pretty sure bet for those who want perfect weather on The Big Day. Say "I do" against a backdrop of chiselled sienna mountainscape - The Hermosa Inn and El Chorro offer beautiful outdoor receptions.

Catania, Sicily

Italy

On the east coast of Sicily is Catania, where baroque palaces and country houses serve as opulent backdrops for nuptials. Immerse yourselves in the floral setting of Villa La Limonaia or sip champagne underneath tree-hung chandeliers at Castello Xirumi. Fill your menu with the fresh seafood that's in abundance here next to the Mediterranean coast.

County Wicklow

Ireland

County Wicklow's dramatic rolling green hills and picturesque lakes catch the attention of many soon-to-be-weds. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to venues - our favourites include Trudder Lodge, Powerscourt House and Rathsallagh Country House. An hour's drive from Dublin, County Wicklow is easily accessible for those travelling in to the Irish capital.

Kruger National Park

South Africa

South Africa's largest game reserve is the perfect destination wedding location for those with a wild side Home to lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos, this spot is a surefire way to make your wedding snaps stand out. Lion Sands River Lodge, Leopard Hills Lodge and Jock Safari Lodge rank among the many beautiful contenders for venues here.

Oxfordshire

England

Oxfordshire is not short of stately homes and country houses - you can even get wed at Blenheim Palace. Couples more academically inclined can get hitched in one of the University of Oxford's colleges or libraries, and follow the vows with a feast in one of its great dining halls.

Tulum

Mexico

Your guests will forgive you for any long flights incurred as soon as they touch down in Tulum. Host the reception on the beach or at an enchanting venue such as Casa Malca, Ak'iin and Papaya Playa Project. For the eco-conscious, boutique hotel Sanara Tulum will provide a wedding menu that's sustainably sourced.

Aberdeen & Deeside

Scotland

Tying the knot in Scotland could turn your idea of a fairy-tale wedding into a reality with its romantic, sculpted landscapes. The ethereal facade of Cluny Castle will make any brides and grooms feel like royalty, while Logie Country House and Ballogie Estate are other favorable venue choices. Although Scotland isn't famed for good weather, its hearty food is guaranteed to warm the cockles.

Guanacaste Province

Costa Rica

Do you dream of an exotic wedding? Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province offers picture-perfect beaches and jungles. Choose eco-conscious El Mangroove for natural wooden decor and locally sourced produce, or one of the province's many villa-style hotels that can be hired out in their entirety.

Rome

Italy

With centuries-old architecture and food to satisfy even the fussiest of taste buds, Rome is a no-brainer when it comes to destination weddings. Ask your parish priest to request a spot for the ceremony in St Peter's Basilica or, if you prefer somewhere out of the centre, opt for Castello di Tor Crescenza. Skip breakfast; Italian wedding banquets are known to offer course after course - you don't want to get left behind.

Cappadocia

Turkey

The otherworldly honeycombed hills here should convince you to start destination-wedding planning straight away. Host the ceremony on Museum Hotel's terrace (if you don't mind your guests' attention being stolen by the surroundings) or choose Mithra Cave Hotel, where rooms are carved into the landscape. Balloon rides and Turkish banquets are the icing on the (wedding) cake.

Marrakech

Morocco

The colourful city of Marrakech is becoming an ever-more popular hotspot for bohemian nuptials. The Red City leaves you with little need to worry about rain, while its rich sunlight makes for a gorgeous wedding album. Poppy Delevigne tied the knot at La Mamounia - and we can see why; not only is it visually magnificent, its restaurant has two Michelin-starred chefs, so your wedding breakfast won't disappoint.

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