Not all destination weddings have to take place on the beach. City wedding destinations are rising in popularity for couples who want a bustling, cosmopolitan setting. Below, we explore some of the top city wedding destinations from around the world.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most treasured and iconic cities, offering the perfect backdrop for an idyllic European wedding filled with Dutch charm, tulips and bicycle photo moments. Golden Age canals lined with gabled buildings frame museums, vintage shops and atmospheric lanes. As you wander through its narrow streets, you never quite know what you’ll find next. With its magical atmosphere and canal-woven layout, Amsterdam is a picture-perfect European city wedding destination.
Athens
Named after the goddess of wisdom, the arts and civilisation, Athens sets the stage for romantic and unforgettable weddings. The Greek capital is home to centuries-old historical and cultural sites, attracting millions of visitors each year. The Acropolis is Athens’ most-visited landmark, offering dramatic views of the sea and the cityscape.
Beyond the monuments, Athens is full of lively neighbourhoods, bustling markets, quaint cafés and excellent shopping. With its rich history and ancient-world charm, Athens is one of the most compelling city wedding destinations.
Berlin
Berlin blends old and new with a distinctive energy that makes it a standout city wedding destination. The city’s mix of vibrant culture, cutting-edge architecture, influential food scene and impactful history creates an unforgettable setting.
Despite its size, Berlin retains the charm of an international village. Leafy green streets, spacious parks and relaxed cafés give parts of the city a Parisian feel. This unique mix makes Berlin a memorable choice for a city destination wedding.
Budapest
Budapest offers something for everyone, from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to famous thermal waters and an unmatched nightlife scene. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, showcasing baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau design.
The city is also known for its culinary heritage, dating back to the 19th century. Budapest’s abundance of hot springs has shaped local culture for centuries, and its generous selection of bathhouses remains a highlight. Whether you’re drawn to elegant ballrooms, panoramic terraces or historic palaces, Budapest is a gorgeous choice for a city destination wedding.
Cape Town
Cape Town is an unforgettable blend of cultures, cuisines and landscapes. Crowned by Table Mountain National Park, this South African city delivers breathtaking views at every turn.
After exploring the mountaintop, you can visit colourful Afro-European storefronts, the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or the lively V&A Waterfront. With beaches, vineyards and forests backed by dramatic peaks, Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful and exciting city wedding destinations.
Dubai
Dubai combines profound traditions with ambitious futuristic design, set within striking desert surroundings. It is a true microcosm of cultures from around the world, reflected in its food, fashion, music and arts.
By night, Dubai offers an incredible range of entertainment, from luxury nightlife to beach clubs. For high-end glamour and dramatic cityscapes, Dubai is hard to beat as a city wedding destination.
Las Vegas
While Vegas remains famous for drive-through chapels and Elvis officiants, it also offers a sophisticated, modern wedding scene. Luxury ballrooms, stylish restaurants, chic poolside settings and hotels with tailored wedding packages make Las Vegas an appealing choice.
Guests will never run out of things to do. The Strip is packed with world-class dining, shopping and entertainment. Outside the city, vast canyons, mountains and forests give adventurous guests plenty to explore. With its glamour and energy, Las Vegas is a fun and iconic city destination wedding spot.
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is the cultural heartbeat of the country. Its architectural landscape spans medieval mansions, royal palaces and bold contemporary designs. From the Baroque skyline to Belle Époque elegance, Madrid offers a spectacular visual backdrop.
Renowned for its artistic heritage and evolving culinary scene, Madrid brings together history, creativity and modern vibrancy – all ideal for a memorable city wedding destination.
New York City
New York City lives up to its reputation as the city that never sleeps. A destination wedding here promises unlimited romantic possibilities. Compact yet overflowing with character, NYC is a wanderer’s paradise with its iconic cafés, bookstores and architectural gems.
Broadway shows, museums, galleries, four-star restaurants and exciting nightlife give guests endless options. From the Empire State Building to Central Park, the city delivers unforgettable settings. For couples wanting a cosmopolitan atmosphere, NYC is the ultimate city wedding destination.
Paris
The list would not be complete without Paris, the city of love. With its effortless charm and elegance, Paris offers brides and grooms a dreamlike backdrop. Monument-lined boulevards, world-class museums, traditional bistros and stylish boutiques define the Parisian experience.
The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the lamplit bridges of the Seine create iconic photo opportunities. Paired with renowned French cuisine, Paris is one of the most romantic city wedding destinations in the world.
Prague
Known as the “City of a Thousand Spires,” Prague is an emerging favourite for city weddings. Its cobbled lanes, hidden courtyards and medieval architecture invite exploration.
With Gothic altarpieces, art nouveau treasures and modern art collections, Prague offers incredible cultural depth. Its historic chapels, quiet gardens and welcoming cafés create a charming, intimate city wedding destination.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a dream location for a city wedding. Dramatic mountains frame shimmering beaches, lush forests surround the city and tiny islands dot the coastline.
Music drives Rio’s energy, with samba setting the rhythm for celebrations. From Christ the Redeemer to Sugarloaf Mountain, the scenery is incomparable. Lavish theatres, golden beaches and lively samba clubs give Rio a vibrant and dramatic appeal for city weddings.
Rome
Rome is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon evoke its golden age, while grand basilicas and ornate piazzas reflect centuries of history.
The city is rich with artistic treasures and architectural beauty, offering countless photo opportunities. With its classic cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, Rome is a captivating choice for a city wedding destination.
San Francisco
San Francisco offers an urban setting with remarkable natural beauty. Known for its hills, sweeping views and diverse neighbourhoods, the city blends sophistication with a relaxed, welcoming attitude.
Guests can explore sprawling parks, Victorian architecture and famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Fresh, local cuisine and world-class restaurants only add to the appeal. San Francisco is ideal for a relaxed yet stylish city wedding.
Venice
Photo by The Chaffins
Venice, connected by more than 100 islands, is one of the most romantic and picturesque cities in the world. Though built on water, Venice continues to enchant visitors with its timeless charm.
Gondolas, plazas and centuries-old churches line the waterways. The Grand Canal showcases Venetian architecture at its finest. Known for its seafood and creative cuisine, Venice remains one of Italy’s favourite city wedding destinations.
Find the perfect city wedding destination
If you’re planning a destination wedding, you can find more inspiration on our Beyond Weddings platform, where we showcase exceptional wedding locations around the world.