Full honesty here—I’ve never been one of those people who had their whole wedding planned out since childhood. There are some breathtaking wedding destinations. I didn’t doodle wedding dresses in the margins of my notebooks. I was more of a “how many packs of Gushers can I sneak into this sleepover” kind of planner. But something in me shifted the second I saw a couple get married on a freaking cliff in Santorini with the Aegean Sea just… existing in the background.
I mean—how do you even compete with that? My cousin got married at a hotel by the airport. (Lovely couple. Smelled faintly of jet fuel.)
Anyway, that moment sent me spiraling down a Pinterest rabbit hole of breathtaking wedding destinations that I definitely couldn’t afford… and yet, here we are. Dreaming big. Or at least planning vicariously. So, if you’re even kind of thinking about doing the “I do” thing somewhere magical, scroll on, my chaotic lovebirds.
1. Santorini, Greece — White Walls, Blue Domes, and Instant Tears
Look, I’m not saying you have to cry when you see the sun set behind a whitewashed chapel, but if you don’t, you might actually be a robot.
I saw a wedding video set here, and it looked like a perfume commercial. People were barefoot. Olive branches everywhere. Dramatic wind in the veil. Like, calm down, Aphrodite.
Why it slaps: That golden hour glow? Ridiculous. The views? Unfair. The wine? Slightly dangerous.
Pro tip: If you’re clumsy like me, skip the heels. The cobblestones will humble you.
2. Banff, Canada — For Couples Who Think Mountains Are Sexy
Banff looks like someone copy-pasted a Windows desktop background and made it real life. I once stood in front of Lake Louise and just said “wow” for like… 7 minutes straight. It was awkward.
If you and your partner are outdoorsy, love plaid, or own a Subaru, this one’s for you.
Why it slaps: You can get married on a glacier. Also—hot springs for the honeymoon? Yes, please.
Pro tip: Bring tissues. For the tears. Or the frostbite.
3. Udaipur, India — Like a Royal Wedding, But Spicier
So my friend Priya got married here last year, and when I say I’ve never seen so much color, food, and fire in one event… I mean it. Udaipur is nicknamed the “City of Lakes” and it’s got palaces literally floating on water. FLOATING. Perfect breathtaking wedding destinations.
Why it slaps: You get to feel like royalty. There are elephants. Possibly peacocks. Definitely a choreographed dance sequence.
Pro tip: Arrive early. Jet lag + spicy food + 4-day wedding = chaos.
4. Tuscany, Italy — Wine, Rolling Hills, and That Pasta Belly
I swear I could get married in the middle of a Tuscan vineyard and not even need decorations. Nature did the heavy lifting already. And the wine? It understands you. It cradles you.
Why it slaps: You’ll basically be in a romantic indie film. Everyone’s cheeks will be rosé-flushed, and someone’s uncle will start quoting Shakespeare after two Negronis.
Pro tip: Budget for a “dress bloat” situation. Italian carbs are not messing around.
5. Iceland — Weirdly Romantic, In a Viking Kind of Way
Okay, this one’s for the adventure couples. You know the ones. They own headlamps. They casually use words like “crampons.” Iceland is WILD.
You can get married under a freaking waterfall. I mean. Come on.
Why it slaps: Black sand beaches, moss-covered lava, geothermal lagoons… it’s like Middle Earth had a baby with Pinterest.
Pro tip: Layers. And maybe a waterproof mascara that can survive a geyser surprise.
6. Kyoto, Japan — Peaceful, Poetic, and Cherry-Blossom Approved
If your love language is quiet tea gardens, temple bells, and soft pink petals falling in slow motion, Kyoto will absolutely ruin you—in the best way.
Why it slaps: Spring weddings are basically a Studio Ghibli movie come to life.
Pro tip: Avoid Golden Week (late April–early May). Unless you like crowds. Like… sardine-level crowds.
7. Big Sur, California — Cliffside Vows, Whale Watching Optional
I live in the U.S., and this might be one of the most underrated wedding spots we’ve got. I mean, yes, it’s expensive. But you literally get ocean cliffs, redwoods, and artsy vibes all in one place. It’s moody, romantic and very Tumblr 2014, but in a good way.
Why it slaps: It’s dramatic without trying too hard. Also—In-N-Out on the wedding night? Not out of the question.
Pro tip: Have a backup plan for fog. Sometimes it shows up uninvited, like your ex at the reception. It is a breathtaking wedding destinations.
8. Marrakech, Morocco — Color Explosion + Camel Drama
This one is vibrant. I mean, I went to a wedding here and I’m still not over the fact that the bride arrived on a camel. I would’ve paid money to see her climb down gracefully in heels. (She did it. Queen behavior.)
Why it slaps: Mosaic tiles, lantern-lit courtyards, literal spice in the air.
Pro tip: Hire a planner who knows Morocco. Or risk booking a “quaint villa” that turns out to be next to a goat market.
9. Queenstown, New Zealand — Jet Boats and Wedding Vows
You want adrenaline? You want insane scenery? Queenstown’s your place. I met a couple who said their vows mid-skydiving jump. I don’t think they actually heard each other, but still. Iconic.
Why it slaps: You can go from saying “I do” to bungee jumping within the hour. The photos alone? Worth it.
Pro tip: Double-check passport expiration dates. Learned that the hard way. Not for a wedding. For… other things.
10. The Maldives — Overwater Bungalows and Actual Heaven
Okay, listen. I don’t even know if I want a traditional wedding, but if someone said, “Hey, let’s get married barefoot on a private island with fish swimming under our room,” I would consider it.
Why it slaps: Ultimate honeymoon combo. Turquoise water so clear it makes your tap water feel bad about itself.
Pro tip: Go in the dry season. Wet wedding + blowout = tragedy.
A Few Final Thoughts (aka Me Getting Sentimental)
Planning a wedding is kind of like trying to organize a group text—messy, full of emotion, and someone always forgets to RSVP. But choosing a breathtaking wedding destination? That part should be fun. Magical, even.
So whether you’re dreaming of cliffs, castles, camels, or carbs—go big. Go bold. And please, for the love of all things holy, hire a photographer who doesn’t crop your head off. check https://kohopoho.com/best-hidden-vacation-spots-us/.
Outbound Link Suggestions:
- This wild story of a skydiving wedding gone right
- Funny post about wedding fails that made me cry-laugh
Let me know if you wanna hear about elopement horror stories next. I’ve got those too.
