When it comes to wedding destinations, there are a few countries that have been popular for many years. High demand for luxury weddings in those areas tends to make it easier to find high quality suppliers and high standards of hospitality, however high demand also drives prices upwards, and planners and couples are always looking for new locations to ensure they receive the best value for money. This article gives a very brief overview of 10 up-and-coming wedding destinations that you might not have considered... until now.
Abu Dhabi
If you love the climate and culture of Dubai, but would like somewhere a little quieter and less developed, just over an hour away is Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi is more compact that Dubai but still offers plenty of choice when it comes to wedding venues, and as a wedding planner you'll be able to get to them all in less than 2 days. There are three very distinct styles of wedding venue, with sky terraces and poolside weddings in of the 5* downtown hotel venues, impressive ballrooms and gardens in the Emirates Palace, and romantic white sandy beaches in the Saadiyat Island area, where new luxury venues seem to appear every year. If you are looking for a country with magnificent architectural structures, historic mosques, and the modest culture of an authentically Arabian city, I would encourage you to consider Abu Dhabi.
Iceland
Within surprisingly easy reach of both the UK and the US, Iceland is a great choice if you'd like to bring your family and friends together in a unique unique destination that they may never have considered, but will never forget. As we search for the most Instagram-worthy backdrops, we'll see more and more destination wedding photographers featuring striking moonscapes, rugged volcanic mountains, crystal white glaciers and incredible Icelandic skies in their photography. Bursting with natural wonders (quite literally) and a lively cultural scene, it's a great fit for couples keen to incorporate some adventure into their wedding plans. In addition to the wedding ceremony, which could be on a glacier, in a cave, on a cliff, by a waterfall, on the beach, or anywhere else in the stunning landscape of Iceland, you will want to plan pre-wedding relaxation at the Blue Lagoon and an extended post wedding photoshoot, exploring the natural wonders with your guests and a photographer. Iceland is a wedding destination that is less about the wedding day, and more about the experience.
India
India hosts some of the most jaw-dropping weddings in the world, and it always surprises me that more couples from the UK and US haven't thought about getting married amidst the splendour and affluence of Jaipur, in the bustling cities of Mumbai or Delhi, or on the beaches of Goa. India's landscapes are as fantastically varied as its cultural traditions. Indian wedding venues range from enchanting palaces and 5* hotels in captivating cities, to more relaxed island and beach weddings. With its exciting mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture and stunning landscapes, guests will want to stay a while once the wedding celebrations have ended. Weddings in India are always grand affairs, curated by teams of professional event planners and designers with a strong focus on decor, live music and incredible cuisine.
Morocco
With blue skies and sunshine most of the year, yet less than a 4 hour flight from London, Morocco is a year round destination and is a particularly good choice for weddings during the winter months. Weddings in Morocco tends to feature traditional cuisine of tagines with Moroccan spices, Arabian sunsets, and beautiful Arabic architecture. There are a number of luxury resort hotels, each within their own secure grounds, in the desert area close to Marrakech and this tends to be where the majority of UK and US couples and planners focus their attention. Several of these hotels seem to have been designed specifically with weddings in mind, making it one of the fastest growing wedding destinations in the world. For larger, luxury weddings in the summer months, you'll probably want to head out of the bustling city of Marrakech and choose from the resort hotels towards to the cooler Atlas Mountains. For beach locations, it's hard to beat the Tamouda Bay area to the east of Tangiers. This popular holiday region is Morocco's version of the Hampton's so avoid the summer season for the best value for money for weddings.
Oman
With an abundance of natural beauty, from spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts, and a pristine coastline, Oman is perfect for those seeking the modern face of Arabia while still wanting to sense its ancient soul. This wedding destination is a great blend of modern conveniences and facilities, history, natural beauty, and delicious flavours. From opulent hotel resorts to the tranquillity of the Wahiba Sands' towering red dunes, you will not be disappointed with your unique Omani wedding.
Peru
The most amazing food in the world, the warmest and most charming people, and the most memorable parties – Peru is a country like no other. It has everything to make it perfect: music, dancing, vibrant colors, culture, fantastic architecture, and full of traditions. Peru offers beautiful Inca wedding venues; you can choose to exchange vows in the midst of the emerald Andean mountains or in the depths of the Amazonian rainforest. Machu Picchu, one of the world's most beloved landmarks, will be right on your doorstep too. A Peruvian wedding is certain to be unique.
Sri Lanka
The beautiful island of Sri Lanka awaits those couples who are wanting to get married somewhere out of the ordinary. Sri Lanka is home to ancient fortresses, quiet beaches, and national parks where elephants roam free. Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea, and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. The crystal clear waters and warm climate pair together for the perfect beach wedding, or you can head to the hills and tie the knot in one of the luscious tea plantations. Lying between the more trodden parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka's history, culture, and natural beauty create an undeniably alluring wedding destination.
Sweden
From magical winter weddings to contemporary urban celebrations, Sweden has it all. Offering everything from deep-blue archipelagos and Northern Lights, to killer fashion, food, and design, Sweden is a Nordic dream. Across the country, walled medieval cities, seaside fortresses, turreted palaces, and revealing museums attest to Sweden's long and complex backstory. With its Arcadian landscapes and gorgeous panoramas, Sweden is undoubtedly a stunningly unique wedding destination!
Tanzania
Wildlife, beaches, fascinating cultures, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mt Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Archipelago – Tanzania has all these and more wrapped up in one adventurous, welcoming package. More than almost any other destination, Tanzania is the land of safaris, with unparalleled opportunities to experience the incredible natural environment throughout the country. Also, Tanzania's Indian Ocean coastline is magical, with tranquil islands and sleepy coastal villages steeped in centuries of Swahili culture. With breath-taking backdrops and warm climates, Tanzania is a truly enchanting and unique wedding destination.
Vietnam
A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling. Unforgettable experiences are everywhere in Vietnam. Whether your dream wedding is on a sun-kissed beach or in a bustling city with a mountain backdrop, Vietnam offers endless destination wedding venues. Teeming with romantic charm, golden temples, and ethereal beauty, you cannot go wrong choosing Vietnam as your unique wedding destination.
