The World’s Best Destination Wedding Locations

Incredible wedding destination venues around the world.

by Destination Wedding Photographer Jeff Brummett

Italy

For me, Italy is the most magical destination for weddings on earth.  The country boasts an incredible mix of natural and man made beauty.  Italian culture is steeped in delicious food, history, art, and food (also food… did I mention the food?).  But most important, the people exude a familial warmth that is unlike anywhere else you’ll find.  A destination Italy wedding is something you will always cherish.

Italy is perfect for an unforgettable destination weddings or elopement.  The region has something for everyone.  From pristine beaches, to the snow capped mountains.  Charming medieval villages, and sun drenched vineyards.  There is no shortage of natural beauty.  The way man made structures mix with nature make Italy extra special.

There is a setting for every couple and type of wedding in Italy. A few of my favorites include:

Many regions are close by each other and are easily accessible.  It is easy to jump on a train and be somewhere very different in an hour or two.  This gives couples a lot of possibilities for various Italian destination wedding backdrops.

Greek Isles

White-washed buildings perched on towering cliffs overlooking sandy beaches and sky blue water.   The Greek Islands have been world renowned for centuries.  Their rugged beauty and unique culture belong on any destination wedding short list.  With hundreds of islands of all shapes and sizes doting the Aegean Sea, there is a place for every taste.  I suggest finding a hotel that also serves as a wedding venue.  That way, there is no unforeseen travel anxiety on your wedding day.  The hotel staff can also help with recommendations and navigating the island.

There are thousands of picture perfect ceremony spots around the Cyclades.   It’s up to you to decide what size and type of setup is best for your big day.  Don’t worry, I’m here to help you find the perfect fit! Until then, here are a few favorite options:

Santorini

Venetsanos Winery

Cavo Ventus Villa

Perivolas Hotel

Rocabella Hotel

Mykonos

Royal Myconian hotel

180 Sunset Bar

Alemagou Beach Bar

Crete

Blue Palace

Agreco Farm

Kapsaliana Village hotel

Athens

Grand Resort Lagonissi

The Island Art & Taste

Ktima 48

The area was once difficult to access but new plane routes and island airports have made it much easier.  Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Paros all have airports a short flight from Athens.  Of course, the Greek mainland is not to be missed either.  Thankfully, it makes for a conveniently located honeymoon trip.

New York City

There is nowhere else like New York City. The capital of the world has an electricity that will make a wedding even more thrilling. The city has a an almost unlimited amount of things to see and do. New York is made up of neighborhoods that I love to explore with my couples. The city becomes a third member of the wedding day story.

New York City is know as a concrete jungle, but it boasts great amounts of natural beauty as well. The style, architecture, and nature, make this place what it is.

I have a few favorite venues in New York City, including:
Tribeca Rooftop

The Boathouse at Prospect Park
NY Public Library Stephen Schwarzman Building
Brooklyn Grange
The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

New York City is a year round wedding destination. Each season has a lot to offer couples getting married here. Fall is my favorite though. The changing leaves, holiday decorations, and cool weather, are all wonderful.  Even winter is a nice option in New York City. It can be fun to get bundled up for your wedding! A destination winter wedding can be a very unique event. As a destination wedding photographer, I believe a couple can’t go with New York City. The city is the star and it is always a spectacular backdrop.

Hawaii

Not all tropical wedding destinations are created equally. Yes, there are other islands with more pristine beaches, closer to the mainland. But nowhere can match the unique mix of culture, beauty, and history of Hawaii.

The Hawaii Islands are home to jaw dropping natural landscapes. They offer beaches, rainforests, lush canyons, rolling plains, and snow capped volcanos. Each can be found on almost every one of the islands. Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai are all fantastic choices.

A few favorite venues for Hawaii destination weddings include:
Haiku Mill
Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens
Grand Wailea
Waimea Valley

Any of these would make for a gorgeous destination wedding. Hawaii offers plenty of wedding venues for big celebrations with family and friends. But It’s best known for smaller romantic elopements. Either way, you can’t go wrong!

Palm Springs

Southern California is an obvious choice for a destination wedding. There are many great venues and locations along the coast. My favorite though, is a little town out in the desert. Of course, there is a lot more to Palm Springs that being a short drive from Los Angeles. It’s next to one of the most stunning desert landscapes on earth, Joshua Tree National Park.

The area has been a luxurious getaway for decades. Celebrities and wealthy Californians built mid-century hotels and homes all throughout Palm Springs. It’s the mecca of American mid-century modern architecture, furniture, and decor.

This mix of colorful vintage style and stark desert landscapes is what makes Palm Springs magic. There’s an element of fanciful kitsch that makes it a great place to experiment with your wedding. Want to throw an elegant garden wedding? Maybe a vintage pool party wedding? Or perhaps a boho desert elopement? Yes, yes, and yes!

A few favorite Palm Springs wedding venues include:
Frederick Loewe Estate
The O’Donnell House
Colony 29
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Charleston

There are quite a few wonderful options for destination weddings in the Southern US. Savannah is beautiful. New Orleans has such unique culture.  Nashville is an entertainment hub.  But my favorite place for a Southern wedding is Charleston, South Carolina.  The region is a great combination of what makes those other places great.  To say the city is picturesque, would be a huge understatement.  Plus, it’s got the historic Low Country charm that has become famous around the world.

The amazing wedding venue options are part of what makes Charleston stand out.  Couples can choose from waterfront, city, and country settings.  Most of these will include historic architecture and the fantastic food the area is known for!  There are many ways to include the unique local culture in your wedding experience.

Some favorite Charleston, South Carolina destination wedding options are:
Lowndes Grove Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation
William Aiken House
The Dewberry
Middleton Place

Paris

The city of light one of the most romantic places on earth. The name alone conjures up visions of romance. A sunset stroll along the Seine, a trip up the Eiffel Tower, or a cup of coffee at a sidewalk cafe. It’s a dream destination for a wedding or intimate elopement. As a photographer, this place is special. There is one gorgeous photo op after another everywhere you go. Get on your most elegant attire and go explore the city. It is Paris after all, you’ll fit right in! We will have a blast and get some stunning images.

Of course, there is plenty of amazing places to get married here. You can choose anything from a historic church, to a charming rooftop, or even a simple sidewalk. You can’t go wrong, so selecting the best neighborhood to stay in might be the biggest decision! That is because no matter what you pick, Paris is your actual wedding venue.

A few great places to start your Paris destination wedding planning:
Hôtel Ritz Paris
The Peninsula Paris
Shangri-La Hotel
Musée Rodin
Dorchester Collection, Paris Le Meurice
The Four Seasons Paris

South Africa

South Africa has so much to offer a couple looking to elope or have an exciting destination wedding. The country is blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere on the planet. Beaches, mountains, forests, vineyards, and savanna are all here. Along with landscapes, South Africa has great venues for hosting your dream wedding. You can even exchange vows in the presence of wild elephants or giraffes. How great is that!?

One of the most exciting places for a South African wedding is at a wilderness lodge. These lodges let you mix luxury and comfort, with wildlife and nature. It’s something Africa offers better than any other place on earth and South Africa leads the way

Let’s Get Started

Planning a destination engagement or wedding?  I’d love to be there and capture every moment from arrival to departure.  I want you to feel that you’re with a friend.  I will help guide you when needed, but also step back and document the day as if you were the only two on earth. Get in touch now to and let’s start the adventure.

Favorite Destination Wedding Venues

Italy

Greece

Santorini

Venetsanos Winery
Cavo Ventus Villa
Perivolas Hotel
Rocabella Hotel

Mykonos

Royal Myconian hotel
180 Sunset Bar
Alemagou Beach Bar

Crete

Blue Palace
Agreco Farm
Kapsaliana Village hotel

Athens

Grand Resort Lagonissi
The Island Art & Taste
Ktima 48

New York City

Tribeca Rooftop
The Boathouse at Prospect Park
NY Public Library Stephen Schwarzman Building
Brooklyn Grange
The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Hawaii

Haiku Mill
Grand Wailea
Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens
Waimea Valley

Palm Springs

Frederick Loewe Estate
The O’Donnell House
Colony 29
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

Charleston

Lowndes Grove Plantation
William Aiken House
The Dewberry
Middleton Place

Paris

Hôtel Ritz Paris
The Peninsula Paris
Shangri-La Hotel
Musée Rodin
Dorchester Collection, Paris Le Meurice
The Four Seasons Paris

South Africa

Lion Sands
MolenVliet Wine Estate
Cathedral Peak Hotel in Drakensberg
Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town
Allee Bleue in Franshoek
Makanyane Safari Lodge