15 Unique Destinations For Your Dream Wedding

When two people are in love, weddings can take place anywhere. It could be by the beach outside the country where guests enjoy their piña coladas while talking about old memories and making new ones. It can happen on a hot-air-balloon or even under water. While it sounds perfect, most people have reservations about having their own destination wedding. They find it too grand a hassle to plan their ceremony at one of the unique wedding destinations you can find online.

Sure, a wedding in a dreamy destination sounds amazing, but most people are skeptical about the feasibility of such an option. However, with the right guidance, people, and resources, you can have your dream destination wedding even in places you thought are way out of your reach. To prove that, we crafted this list of 15 unique wedding destinations around the world!

Say yes in a 100-foot deep overhanging cave

Ash Cave, Hocking Hills, Ohio

We start of this list of unique wedding destinations with Ash Cave. How does a wedding next to a stunning waterfall inside a cave sounds? If you want an unusual and unique wedding experience, only a few places in the world can match Ash Cave. The cave is 100-foot deep and has an amphitheater-like shape and is completely surrounded by nature and greenery. No wonder more and more nature lovers choose Ash Cave as their wedding destination.

Unique wedding destinations with hot-air balloons

Example: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Can you imagine having your wedding in the air while seeing hundreds of other hot-air balloons filled with your guests in the sunny skies of New Mexico? With that amazing view, you will surely have some stunning wedding photos! This experience would surely give the phrase “taking your love to new heights” a whole different meaning!

Enjoying this list? Then you should definitely check this list of hidden gems in Minnesota.

Have your wedding under water

The Ruins Lagoon at Atlantis, Paradise Island

If you’re looking for something different than a typical wedding on a secluded white-sand beach, you should consider Ruins Lagoon. The Ruins Lagoon Atlantis, Paradise Island is decorated to look like the Lost City of Atlantis. The place gives couples the unique opportunity to say their “yes” under water. Well, technically you won’t be able to talk since you know, you’re under water but it’s definitely a different experience. If you’re wondering about how are you going to get a priest to do the ceremony, don’t worry. The hotel has a lot of certified divers that are authorized to carry out the service.

A wedding on a glacier

Juneau, Alaska

For couples that are fond of the great outdoors, there aren’t really a lot of unique weding destinations that can match Alaska’s great wilderness. Near Alaska’s capital, in the Juneau Icefield, you will find 38 glaciers located from which you can choose. The local hotel, Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa can turn this dream of yours into a reality. Needless to say, it’s a costly experience but one that will surely last a lifetime.

The only way you can reach the glaciers is by a helicopter and you will have to wear something warmer than the traditional wedding clothes but if you’re looking for a different wedding experience, you won’t find many better options out there. Additionally, there are a lot of scenic Alaskan cruises that will show you the most magnificent aspects of Alaska; its glaciers.

Have an Inca-themed wedding Ceremony

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel in Lima, Peru

How does a traditional Inca-themed ceremony performed by a Shaman in the Peruvian mountains sound like? It’s one of the most unique and interesting wedding experiences a couple can have. The whole venue is refurbished with an interior inspired by the ancient Andean culture and is completely surrounded by beautiful nature and the always-present intoxicating foggy mist.

A wedding at one of Europe’s most photogenic places

Lake Bled, Slovenia

With its unreal azure waters and the gorgeous medieval castle on the top of the cliff, Lake Bled is one of the most photogenic places in Europe. No wonder it established itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia. Nowadays, the lake is also becoming one of the best wedding destinations for couples looking for a different experience.

Say yes in the historic capital of renaissance

Florence, Italy

The beautiful city of Florence in Italy is another distinct spot to tie the knot. Popular for its contributions to the art and history of Europe, it is one of the most romantic places in the world. La Salla Rosa is the favorite place for weddings. It has a well-decorated hall and immaculate carpets and drapes. It also has wall art that has been in place since the 1860s. Your guests will also enjoy the trip because of the museums and exhibits. You can visit the Uffizi Gallery that features the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo to name a few. Florence also boasts the best Italian cuisine which would be perfect for your wedding reception.

Sounds interesting? Then you’ll surely love this list of fun facts about Florence.

Say yes next to an active volcano

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

A Cancun Beach Wedding is definitely a great start to your married life but if you’re looking for a different experience, nothing tops saying yes next to an active volcano. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of only a few places on Earth where couples can say their vows next to an active volcano that splashes plumes of lava against the sky.

Even though the volcano is technically active, there hasn’t been a single eruption in the last 200 years, so that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about. The only company that is authorized to organize ceremonies is the Ali`i Garden Volcano Weddings in Volcano Village. Another thing that makes the park a great wedding destination is that since you’re in Hawaii, you don’t have to travel anywhere else for your honeymoon and just stick around, enjoying the divine white-sand beaches and lush greenery of the island.

An underground cavern wedding

Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset, UK

Wookey Hole Caves is one of the most spectacular caves in England and since recently, also a magical venue for wedding ceremonies. The cave is lit with candles that make the diverse rook formation appear even more spectacular, creating a unique, pleasant atmosphere. The only drawback is that you can’t have a big wedding, as the biggest venue in the caves can accommodate up to 110 people.

Enjoying this article? Check out my list of the best holiday destinations in the UK.

Have a wedding on a private getaway island

Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

What’s better than a wedding on a private secluded Caribbean island with an endless stretch of white-sand beaches? Peter Island is the largest private island of the BVI. The island doesn’t have a lot of tourist facilities and it’s one of the most pristine islands in the Caribbean. The only hotel on the island is the 52-room resort, Peter Island that was mentioned as one of the best places to stay in the world by many different travel magazines.

Have a wedding at the top of a mountain

Malibu Rocky Oaks in Malibu, California

If you’re an adventurous, mountain-loving couple, you should definitely think about a wedding at Malibu Rocky Oaks in California. Malibu Rocky Oaks is a small, private vineyard at the top of a mountain with a breath-taking 360 panoramic view of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s certainly not what you’d call a budget-friendly place but if you want your wedding to be special, only a few unique wedding destinations across the world can compare to the Malibu Rocky Oaks.

A Hot springs wedding next to a volcano

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in Arenal, Costa Rica

Located in the rainforest next to the (active) Arenal Volcano, the Tabacón Thermal Resort is becoming a popular choice for couples interested in unique wedding destinations. After all, only a few things in this world can match saying “I do” while looking at the impressive sight of a volcano overlooking a lush green rainforest. But that’s not all. The scenery includes mineral springs and waterfalls which are naturally heated by the active volcano, creating beautiful thermal baths that you thought only existed in movies.

Bring ancient marriage rituals into your wedding

If you’re into unique cultural experiences and you want your wedding to feature a few ancient rituals, a wedding at the Casa Palopo in Guatemala is a great choice. The luxury boutique hotel is overlooking an active volcano and a beautiful blue lake where the wedding ceremony conducted by a Mayan Shaman takes place. And trust me, the rituals performed by the Shaman will be just as breath-taking as the views of the volcanoes overlooking the lush jungle surrounding the local village. If you want a more traditional wedding and you just want to enjoy the surrounding, there’s a small chapel on site as well.

Say your “I do” in Antarctica

Scott Island, Antarctica

Is there something more romantic than a journey that will take you to the end of the world where you will say “I do”? The whole continent is (almost) uninhabited and most people aren’t even brave enough to visit. The number of Antarctica expeditions is limited and there are only around 30,000 visitors in a year. If you’re brave enough to tackle the extreme temperatures, this is as unique as it gets when it comes to different wedding experiences. The first wedding on Antarctica took place in 2009 and today, there are several companies that offer wedding packages in Antarctica.

Have a safari wedding

Ulusaba, South Africa

Talking about unique wedding destinations, this list couldn’t be complete without Ulusaba in South Africa. In case you haven’t heard about it, Ulusaba is a famous safari destination but many couples that want a quirky special day, choose this place as their wedding venue. It’s adventurous, it’s a city with a rich history, it’s exotic but the staff also knows how to pamper newlyweds. They get a complimentary wedding cake, a complimentary massage, and breakfast in bed after the wedding, making this experience a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Are you planning a trip to South Africa and thinking where to start from? Check out our guide to unusual things to do in Cape Town.

Finally, before you choose your perfect destination, you shouldn’t forget to pack everything you might need for your special day. If you do decide to have your wedding in a foreign destination,  definitely check out this wedding packing list. After everything is done, you might be searching for a luxurious (but not too expensive) hotel for your honeymoon. Check out this website and save up to 20% on your luxury hotel booking.

There you have it: those were the 10 most unusual and unique wedding destinations. Have you come across another venue that deserves to be on this list? Let me know in the comments.