Ensure stunning photos by setting your wedding against one of these gorgeous backdrops
If you have your heart set on a destination wedding, you don’t have to go long-haul to find the venue of your dreams. From beach-side nuptials in Italy to the Swiss chapel chosen by Audrey Hepburn for her 1954 wedding to Mel Ferrer, say ‘I do’ in one of the best European wedding venues. Bon mariage!
The Best European Wedding Venues For 2023 & Beyond
Where To Get Married In Europe:
- Italy: Lake Como, Gulf of Trieste
- France: Provence, French Riviera
- Greece: Santorini, Zakynthos, Rhodes
- Switzerland: Lake Lucerne,
- Georgia
- Spain: Andalusia, Ibiza
Villa Sola Cabiati, Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Lake Como, Italy
Make like the A-list and take your nuptials to Lake Como for a day to remember. The Villa Sola Cabiati at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo dates back to the 1500s and is a treasure trove of original antique furnishings, textiles and frescoes by notable Renaissance painters. The neoclassical villa on the shores of Lake Como comes with touches of modern luxury such as Bluetooth music systems, private butlers for banquet dinners and a hidden swimming pool, as well as the seamless service of the five-star hotel. There is even an incredible private museum floor which offers guests unrivalled and unique up-close access to a magical collection of artefacts including a bed belonging to Napoleon, a friend of the Serbelloni family, as well as silk dresses belonging to his lovers.
HOW? Exclusive hire available from 6,000 EUR / £5,302 per night +VAT on a minimum 3-night basis. grandhoteltremezzo.com
Portopiccolo Sistiana
Gulf of Trieste, Italy
With panoramic views from every location stretching across crystal clear waters of the Northern Adriatic, Portopiccolo is nestled in a private bay along the Gulf of Trieste. Think Italian Borgo combined with seaside living, Portopiccolo Sistiana resort includes the five-star Falisia Hotel, Yacht Club and private marina, Spa and Medical Spa by Bakel, fitness area, seaside Beach Club, restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars and boutiques.
Wedding spaces include the Pavilion, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and catering for a wedding of up to 350 guests with spell binding views across the Adriatic from the second floor terrace. Alternatively, for a more relaxed and casual beachfront setting, Portopiccolo’s Beach Club, perched on a private white shingle beach where the water is at its clearest, is the ideal location.
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide
Provence, France
If it’s a Provençal Palace fairytale your heart desires, La Bastide De Gordes is one of the best European wedding venues there is. Set at the heart of the hilltop village of Gordes, this idyllic French destination is sure to make for the most beautiful wedding album. With 12th century architecture, antique floor tiles, bouquets of lavender, cherry wood furniture, and floral cottons in reds and greens, it is one of the most romantic venues in France. The private 5 bedroom La Maison de Constance is an intimate residence, able to accommodate a bridal party of up to 10 guests, with all of the amenities of the Provencal Luxury Hotel. A dedicated team is on hand to ensure each wedding is unforgettable.
HOW? gordes.airelles.com
Airelles’ Château d’Estoublon
Provence, France
Or really indulge at Airelles’ ten-bedroom, private hire only Château D’estoublon, a picture perfect Provençal venue on the southern slopes of the Alpillies mountains, with only a handful of bookings available each year. The expert team of event planners are on hand to curate the perfect wedding across the 1,500 sqm property, which dates back to 1489 – whether it’s an enchanting dinner in the rose gardens or a celebration beneath a blanket of stars, olive oil tasting or horse riding, al fresco lunches or picnics. The ten elegant suites make Château D’estoublon an idyllic celebratory getaway.
HOW? From €200,000 for a bespoke four-day event. airelles.com
Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat
French Riviera
For glamorous couples and old romantics, a wedding at Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, is the definition of Riviera glamour and classic Mediterranean beauty. Tucked in the French Riviera with 17 acres of greenery overlooking the sea, this iconic hotel embodies the Côte d’Azur lifestyle, ensuring all couples and their guests a night to remember full of French romance. You can walk down the aisle surrounded by the manicured French gardens, or exchange vows overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. After the ceremony, guests are invited to celebrate at Club Dauphin, a cornerstone of Côte d’Azur chic lifestyle since 1908, and the newlyweds can retreat to Villa Rose Pierre, a private retreat offering a more intimate space.
Fancy celebrating pre-wedding? Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat is well prepped for bridal parties, who can celebrate with cocktails on the Villa Rose Pierre rooftop terrace after a day lounging by the pool or exploring the local marina. For an extra special touch, firework displays and private meals can be arranged.
HOW? Villa Rose-Pierre from €25,000 per night. fourseasons.com
Erosantorini
Santorini, Greece
This private two-acre estate has beautifully landscaped grounds plus a charming open-air chapel surrounded by vines and set on a picturesque hill, the perfect place to exchange vows. If you’re looking for the most beautiful Santorini wedding venue – this is it. The space can easily accommodate 350 for seated dining, or up to 800 for cocktails, dancing and live music at the wedding of the year.
HOW? erosantorini.com
Peligoni Club
Zakynthos, Greece
Available for private hire a handful of times a year, the Peligoni Club is the perfect place for a chic, white-washed cliffside wedding celebration. The nuptials themselves can take place at the beautiful beach club overlooking the sea, while one of the club’s stunning villas can host the wedding party (and the after party), with the dedicated events team able to arrange everything from a rehearsal dinner in a cosy, traditional Greek restaurant to the day-after pool party at the club’s flagship villa. There are also a host of accommodation options at all budgets for your guests to choose from, should they wish to extend their stay and enjoy the club’s excellent facilities.
HOW? peligoni.com
Lindos Village Resort & Spa
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is known for its serene sunsets, breathtaking beauty, and family friendly amenities. Say ‘I do’ in an intimate chapel at Lindos Village Resort & Spa, beginning with a relaxing couple’s spa treatment, unique facial or tailored massage to ease any pre-wedding anxieties.
HOW? Enquire at [email protected] lindos-village.gr
Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Choose from a range of unique venues at Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, including the famous Wedding Chapel where Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer tied the knot in 1954. As European wedding venues go, this one is has it all, including breath-taking panorama and old-world charm. So, if it’s an Alps destination wedding you’re searching for, why not say ‘I do’ perched 500m above Lake Lucerne?
HOW? buergenstock.ch
Tsinandali Estate
Georgia
Overlooking the Caucasus Mountains, the Tsinandali Estate is one of the most beautiful destination wedding venues of the moment. Set in the heart of the Kakheti wine district, this estate was once home to Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, and offers an authentic Georgian experience for guests.
HOW? Room rates start at £127 per night from mid-June for room-only stays and £141 for B&B. radissonhotels.com
Finca Cortesin
Andalusia, Spain
One of the most beautiful hotels in the world, the rolling hills of Andalusia make the perfect backdrop for a romantic Mediterranean wedding. Designed in the style of a traditional Spanish ‘finca’, it features spectacular interiors with antique terracotta floors, wooden doors salvaged from ancient castles, hand-painted wall coverings in soft pastel tones and beautiful ceramics. Weddings at Finca Cortesin are entirely bespoke with a team of experts working closely with the couple to create the perfect celebration, however intimate or grand.
HOW? Nightly rates at Finca Cortesin start from €584 (currently approx. £520) per night in an entry-level Junior Suite, including breakfast. Rates for a total hotel buy-out are available upon request. fincacortesin.com
Aiyanna
Ibiza
Set within the picturesque and secluded Cala Nova Bay on the Northern shores of The White Isle, couples celebrating their wedding day at Aiyanna Ibiza can say ‘I do’ in the open-plan laid-back spacious natural wooden terrace just steps from the beach. Hosting up to 150 guests, couples can choose from a choice of two wedding packages; the Sabina or Posidonia wedding selections, each carefully adapted to create each couple’s personal visions.
HOW? aiyannaibiza.com
Featured Image: Villa Sola Cabiati in Lake Como, Italy
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