Planning a European destination wedding for a special day with a fairytale setting? Great call, considering the many thousands of castles scattered across Europe. And some of the best places to get married in Europe are breathtakingly picturesque chateaux, ancient castles, and Disney-style palaces.
But there are equally romantic wedding venues in Europe that deliver other charms. If you want a mountain backdrop to your marriage ceremony, a historic city setting, or a European beach wedding, there are tons of stunning options.
Wherever you pick, check out the legal requirements of your chosen location and what documents you’ll need. If you’re a U.S. citizen, this U.S. Government travel page is a good place to start. The U.K. Government’s Weddings Abroad information is aimed at U.K. nationals getting married abroad, but other nationalities will find it useful. A wedding planner with experience in your dream destination is a must.
Or you might prefer a small civil ceremony at home, followed by a glamorous symbolic wedding celebration somewhere dreamy. From budget-friendly wedding venues to some of Europe’s most unique wedding locations, let us talk you through some of Europe’s best and most beautiful places to get married. What better way to start your new life together than in a gorgeous European destination – and one that you’ll want to revisit every anniversary?
TD;LR
| Category | Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Beach Wedding Venue in Europe | Amanthus Beach Hotel | Limassol, Cyprus | Up to 400 | 4 pools, Spa, Tennis court, Hair salon, Kids’ club |
| Best Castle Wedding Venue in Europe | Château De La Bourdaisière | Loire Valley, France | Up to 300 | Tennis court, Pool, Gardens, Orchard, Forest trails |
| Best Historic City Wedding Venue in Europe | St. Regis Venice | Venice, Italy | Up to 80 | Spa, Garden, Terraces overlooking Grand Canal. Close to St. Mark’s |
| Best Winter Wedding Venue in Europe | IceHotel Winter | Jukkasjarvi, Sweden | Up to 40 | Sauna, Ice Bar, Ice fishing, Dog sledding, Snowmobiling |
| Best Budget Wedding Venue in Europe | Kephahalos Beach Tourist Village | Paphos, Cyprus | 20 for budget deal | Beach, Pool, Gym, Spa, Hair salon |
| Best Secluded Wedding Venue in Europe | Ashford Castle | Cong, Ireland | Up to 160 | Spa, Falconry, Horseback riding, Golf, River cruising, Fishing |
Best Places to Get Married in Europe
1. Venice, Italy
Venice, among the most romantic spots on Earth, is one of the best wedding venues in Europe if you’re after a unique, dreamlike setting for your vows. Surrounded by magnificent Renaissance palaces, you’ll feel transported to an era of romance and grandeur. And what could be more romantic than a gondola ride?
You can even say “I do” in a palace. The 16th-century Palazzo Cavalli offers a choice of ceremonial chambers with stunning views of Venetian landmarks. For an al-fresco ceremony, choose the historic courtyard at the Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection. After it’s over, tuck yourselves up in their Honeymoon Suite, complete with a Jacuzzi with an absolutely stunning view.
The 5-star St. Regis Venice provides the perfect setting for a celebration, with private terraces overlooking the Grand Canal. And for romantic cocktails in the city of love, visit the rooftop terrace garden and bar at Hotel A La Commedia.
See Related: Best Destination Wedding Locations on a Budget
2. Côte D’Azur, France
The Côte d’Azur in the South of France oozes glamour and sophistication. This jet-setters’ playground offers some of the most ritzily romantic European wedding venues.
And though a destination wedding in a French Riviera city such as Cannes, St. Tropez, or Nice won’t come cheap, there’s a wide range of stunning venues. You’ll also enjoy a dazzling backdrop for your photos.
The stylish World of Hyatt Hôtel Martinez is one of the best wedding venues, offering a setting of Art Deco splendor. They also offer the option of a ceremony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There’s plenty of 5-star accommodation for your guests, and you’re at the heart of Cannes’ famous Croisette promenade.
The nearby Hôtel Croisette Beach can organize a dreamy French Riviera wedding on the beach. Or you could head inland to the Domaine Des Oliviers De L’Esterel.
This picturesque estate set among lavender fields and olive trees has fabulous views of St. Tropez. Or why not enjoy the sights from the deck of a sailing boat as you relax with the wedding party?
See Related: Best Tourist Destinations in the World
3. Akamas Peninsula, Western Cyprus
Legend has it that the Akamas Peninsula is the birthplace of the Love Goddess Aphrodite. Along with these super-romantic credentials, Akamas is blessed with magnificent scenery – rocky beaches, wooded mountains, and even a gorge. And as well as being a stunning destination wedding venue, Akamas is the ideal location for an action-packed honeymoon, too.
The secluded Anassa resort is one of the area’s best wedding venues. Minutes from Akamas National Forest Park, it has lush gardens and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel offers several locations for your ceremony, including the intimate Sunset Terrace and a vaulted cellar restaurant. The expansive Village Square even has its traditional Cypriot chapel.
The tourist resort of Paphos is another popular wedding destination. Many Paphos hotels offer packages with a wedding planner to suit different tastes and budgets.
You can find an all-inclusive package at Kefalos Beach Tourist Village for under $4,500. This includes everything for the ceremony plus a wedding reception for 20 guests. Alternatively, at the 5-star Mithnis Resort, you can tie the knot in front of a 12th-century monastery.
See Related: Best Places to Get Married on the Beach
4. Halkidiki, Greece
Halkidiki is the perfect location for a barefoot beach marriage ceremony. This peninsula in western Greece is famous for the breathtaking beauty of its golden sands, shimmering seas, and blissful sunsets.
Wedding couples interested in history will also love Halkidiki’s heritage. There are prehistoric caves, Bronze Age ruins, and ancient monasteries to explore.
The 4-star Antigone Resort specializes in cozy, intimate gatherings, either civil weddings or symbolic celebrations. It offers poolside or beachside ceremonies and you can even enjoy barefoot dining by candlelight on Trani Ammouda beach.
If you’re planning a de-luxe destination wedding, try Ammon Zeus Luxury Beach Hotel or the Blue Lagoon Princess. Alternatively, specialist wedding suppliers like Ionian Weddings or Aegean Dream Weddings offer budget packages that also meet local requirements. Translation services, legal paperwork, and even witnesses are usually included.
See Related: Best River Cruises in Europe
5. Gibraltar
Gibraltar, at Spain’s southern tip, is a hugely popular destination wedding venue. One reason is Gibraltar’s balmy weather from April through October.
If you plan an al-fresco ceremony, you won’t be restricted to the pricier high season. And why waste the perfect backdrop of the Rock and the Straits of Gibraltar?
Added to this, the one-night residency rule makes the legal process straightforward. Most locals speak English and Spanish, and all official documents are in English. The icing on the wedding cake is that Gibraltar welcomes same-sex weddings as well as civil ceremonies.
One fabulous location is the Open Air Theatre, where couples take their vows on a pier over a fish-filled lake. On the Rock itself, The Rock Hotel offers a range of venues, including a Moroccan marquee and a sea-view terrace. And while you’re on the Rock, you must try the Skywalk and feed the Barbary Macaque Apes!
See Related: Best Places to Get Married in the World
6. Prague, Czech Republic
With its magnificent architecture, Prague, in the Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most impressive cities. And if you’ve always dreamed of a castle wedding ceremony, you’ve come to the right place. The good news is that Prague is also much more affordable than many European locations.
One idyllic location for your wedding day is the Villa Richter. This neoclassical mansion is in the heart of St. Wenceslas’ Vineyard within the Prague Castle complex.
You can take your vows indoors or in the vineyard. And for intimate receptions, consider its basement Wine Tresor, home to 700+ wines.
The serene garden of the 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel Prague is another idyllic European wedding venue. Once a monastery, the hotel now focuses on comfort, offering guests a pillow menu. For an out-of-town castle wedding, pick Chateau Mcely, set in 12 acres of landscaped parkland.
See Related: Affordable Destination Weddings
7. Verona, Italy
The romantic city of Verona will always bring to mind Romeo and Juliet, poster kids for eternal devotion. What better location for your wedding day? Luckily, there are oodles of dreamy wedding venues to choose from. What’s more, the city’s also famous for its Soave and Amarone wines, as well as its delicious risottos.
The perfect wedding location is, of course, Juliet’s House, a reconstruction of a medieval palace. The house is now a museum, but couples can exchange vows there, with romantic wedding photos on the world-famous balcony. And for accommodations just across the courtyard, there is the Relais Balcone di Giulietta guest house and La Corte di Giulietta suites.
A few minutes walk away, in the heart of old Verona, is the 14th-century Due Torri Hotel. Here you can celebrate your wedding in the sumptuous restaurant and lounge. Another luxurious wedding venue is the nearby 17th-century NH Collection Palazzo Verona.
See Related: Cheap Places to Visit in Europe
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Game of Thrones fans will recognize the mighty walls of Dubrovnik, an increasingly popular wedding destination. And the city’s patchwork of towers, domes, and terracotta-tiled roofs set against the sparkling Adriatic provides the perfect wedding photo backdrop. You can actually get married on the city walls at St John’s Fortress – if you don’t mind being part of the guided tour.
Other historic wedding venues include Lovrjenac Fortress and the Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace. The 5-star Palace Natali is a 16th-century gem, and its Renaissance garden with breathtaking views over the ocean is perfect for small weddings.
Magical islands make some of the best wedding venues. It’s possible to tie the knot on the islands of Lokrum, Koločep, or Lopud. Or why not embark on this new phase of your lives together on a Karaka, a replica medieval galleon? And for the ultimate in theatricality, you could stage your wedding day in the 120-seater Srđ Amphitheatre.
See Related: Best Wedding Destinations in the US
9. Ibiza, Spain
With its sizzling reputation as a vacation hotspot, Ibiza is packed with resort-based destination wedding venues. Plenty to keep you and your guests entertained, including glorious beaches, water sports, and cruising – not forgetting the island’s famous nightlife.
For instance, the 7Pines Resort offers a range of venues, all with superb sea views. Their wedding package offers discounts on accommodation and spa treatments for your guests. And they’ll even arrange a 4-day itinerary, including a yacht charter.
The Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza is the perfect destination for a rock-star vibe on your wedding day. If you want to dance until dawn, the Gala Night wedding venue has an underground disco licensed until 6.00 a.m.
For a private retreat, why not book a villa for you and your special guests? The Villa Casa Azul accommodates 12 and has a gorgeous garden and pool. Happily, they can also organize shopping and a private chef.
10. Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
Unique locations for a dream destination wedding don’t come more one-off than Icehotel Winter in Jukkasjarvi. What other venue melts away, never to be seen again? The Icehotel’s Ceremony Hall is not only a structure of ethereal crystalline beauty. It’s also newly carved from ice each year.
For this reason, this venue in northern Sweden is only available for winter weddings. The advice is to think of layers when planning your wedding outfit! You can also stay in the Icehotel‘s ice rooms, surrounded by unique frosty artworks and snuggled under reindeer hides. But if this is a chilly step too far, the hotel also provides warm rooms.
Your guests will love the chance to take a snowmobile ride or a dogsled tour or to see the Northern Lights. If you’re planning a summer wedding, you can still enjoy the ice experience at Icehotel 365. If you don’t mind your wedding day being at night, you could choose to take your vows outdoors under the midnight sun.
11. Limassol, Cyprus
It’s all about beautiful blue skies, the azure blue waters of the Med, and miles of Blue-Flag beaches at Limassol. So with any resort destination wedding here, you’ll be sure of breathtaking scenery. And if you have time, you can take a cruise, surf, scuba dive, or even watch out for giant sea turtles.
For luxury hotels that host weddings on the beach, try the Amathus and the Royal Apollonia. The Elias Beach Hotel has a range of romantic settings, including its blue-domed chapel. Note, though, that at the Elias, you’ll have to book for at least seven days.
In fact, you’re allowed to organize a civil wedding at any hotel of your choice in Limassol district. If your special day needs a specially unique location, choose the lovely courtyard at the Cyprus Wine Museum. Here, at what’s reckoned to be the home of European wine, you can combine your festivities with a wine tasting experience.
12. Amalfi Coast, Italy
With its blend of stunning scenery and characterful, cliff-hugging towns, Italy’s Amalfi Coast has a unique charm. No wonder this romantic place is such a sought-after destination wedding choice. It also makes a superb honeymoon destination, especially for couples who love exploring.
The thought of a ceremony at Positano Town Hall might not excite you. I should point out, though, that its terrace has one of the most sumptuous sea views of any municipal building anywhere. Afterward, consider a wedding breakfast at Palazzo Murat, 300 yards from the beach – and check out their “That’s Amore” banquet menu.
The glorious 13th-century Hotel Parsifal – once a convent – and Hotel Santa Caterina offer luxury wedding packages. The Belmond Caruso holds ceremonies beside its infinity pool or in a splendid frescoed hall. And for a mountainside ceremony with outstanding views, there’s Hotel Bonadies.
See Related: Best Honeymoon Destinations
13. Crete Island, Greece
With its dramatic mountain ranges and beautiful sandy beaches, Crete’s just the place for stunning destination weddings. Add great wine and awe-inspiring traces of ancient civilizations into the mix, and you’ll have a wedding getaway that will impress all your guests.
Grecotel Creta Palace organizes stylish informal weddings where you can arrive by horse-drawn carriage, yacht, or helicopter. Or, if you’re looking for rustic charm, choose an Agrecofarm setting. You’ll exchange vows in a village square, surrounded by olive groves and grapevines.
You can have a romantic beach ceremony at Istron Bay Hotel in the popular resort town of Agios Nikolaos. Other beautiful beaches making dreamy wedding venues include Stalis, Malia, and Analipsi.
For the most breathtaking photo shoot, visit St. Nicholas Chapel in Georgioupolis. This tiny whitewashed church is perched at sea at the end of a rocky causeway.
14. Madeira Island, Portugal
Being closer to Casablanca than to Lisbon, this Portuguese island enjoys toasty temperatures all year round. What could be more perfect for a winter destination wedding? Madeira is also a place of great natural beauty. Its dramatic tree-cloaked slopes, craggy outcrops, and jaw-dropping ocean views make it one of the most fabulous European wedding venues.
The diverse Madeiran landscapes lend themselves to a wide range of styles for your big day. You could tie the knot among lush greenery in one of Madeira’s beautiful gardens, for example, Flower Palheiro Gardens or Monte Palace. How about arriving in a cable car? Or maybe opt for a clifftop wedding at the 5-star Belmond Reid’s Palace.
For something quintessentially Portuguese, choose a quinta. These historic country villas, usually with gorgeous gardens, make some of the best wedding venues. For example, Quinta de Santa Luzia accommodates 17 in the main house but has a romantic outdoor space for a wedding party of up to 200.
15. Tenerife Island, Spain
Tenerife’s dramatic landscape makes it one of the best wedding destinations for couples who know their guests enjoy action-packed holidays. There are tons of great activities to try once the festivities are over.
Quad-biking, whale-watching, camel-riding – you name it. And, of course, there are plenty of beautiful destinations perfect for saying “I do.”
Low taxes here mean luxury weddings in beautiful hotels can be surprisingly affordable. At the GF Victoria, the wedding ceremony takes place in a Japanese garden.
The Bahia del Duque‘s Lake Garden, one of the island’s hidden gems, is ideal for an elegant party surrounded by palm trees. Or the resort’s futuristic glass pyramid might be the perfect spot for your dream wedding.
You’ll always be sure of panoramic views and warm weather in Tenerife. But for something a little special, choose a black sand beach for your ceremony, for example, Playa de Benijo. Note that you’ll need an extra permit for a Tenerife Beach wedding.
16. Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is ideal if your heart’s set on a castle wedding in Europe. There are just so many fairytale castles to choose from.
The classic pointed towers of Château des Joyaux will look amazing in your wedding photos. At the magnificent Château de la Bourdaisière you can entertain your guests in the mystical caves. And at gorgeous Château Crystal, you can exchange vows on a private island in the estate’s lake.
The best wedding venues offer something a little bit special. You can have your ceremony by the ancient dovecote in the heart of a forest at Château Beloire.
Château de la Chance provides a grand piano. And at quirky Château Le Rivau, the newlyweds sit in an enormous chair!
A destination wedding here will also appeal to wine lovers. Extra activities for your party have to include a wine tasting. Or maybe a balloon ride over the vineyards?
17. Cong, Ireland
The scenic village of Cong is the perfect spot for a destination wedding where you can feel safely tucked away from the outside world. History buffs will also love the atmospheric ancient ruins. And with its rolling hills and fabulous lake views, the area’s a heaven for hikers.
Ashford Castle, one of Europe’s most romantic locations, is the ideal location for a fairytale wedding in the heart of a stunning landscape. If you hire the whole castle, your guests can enjoy extra activities such as falconry, golf, or fishing. For smaller parties, you can opt for the cozy Inglenook Room.
For a more relaxed 4-star country-house feel with stunning lake views, there’s The Lodge on the castle grounds. Brigit’s Garden offers Celtic-themed ceremonies in beautiful rustic settings if you want a natural vibe.
18. Lake Como, Italy
When it comes to jaw-droppingly lovely destination weddings, a Lake Como setting is hard to beat. Sometimes called the world’s most beautiful lake, it looks fabulous from any angle or weather. Prepare for some breathtaking wedding photos!
For an exclusive luxury feel, pick one of the sumptuous villas hugging the shoreline. Villa d’Este, Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, and Villa Pizzo cater to large parties. There’s Villa Regina Teodolinda for a smaller event, or you could hire the intimate Villa Meraviglia.
Perched on a promontory over Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni offers an extra-sensational setting. Mandarin Oriental Lake Como also offers a luxury wedding package.
For a more affordable option, consider hiring a villa away from the main tourist cities of Como and Bellagio. Villa Como Lake sleeps 10 and has a private beach. And this historic villa with park and pool next to Lake Como sleeps 13.
19. Brittany, France
If a rugged coastal setting for your destination wedding appeals, come to Brittany, home of the magnificent Mont St Michel. With its sensational views and gorgeous half-timbered houses, this beautiful corner of France is a bit of a hidden gem. And while it can’t offer all-year-round pleasant weather, it’s great for summer weddings – and is much cheaper than the French Riviera.
Brittany has plenty of rural estates offering wedding packages, for example, the Domain of Bû-sur-Rouvres and Domain of Tours Vauquelin. The Hotel Le Nessay is a bijou 19th-century castle with stunning sea views. It sleeps 34, and you can hire it for a wedding weekend.
The Manoir des Indes prides itself on an atmosphere of tranquility. It’s set in glorious parkland and has a lovely indoor pool.
And for a big day where you shut out the modern world, pick Le Domaine de la Briandais. This wifi-free hotel asks guests to switch off phones and embrace old-school communication. Instead, focus on the festivities!
20. Oxford, United Kingdom
If beaches and castles aren’t your thing, how about a wedding at the oldest university in the English-speaking world? For a destination wedding somewhere truly distinguished, consider the time-honored city of Oxford.
At the Bodleian Library, you can hold your reception in the medieval Divinity School, a Harry Potter movie location. Or have cocktails in the stunning 17th-century Sheldonian Theatre. You can exchange vows surrounded by unique ancient artifacts in the renowned Ashmolean Museum.
Just across the road is the majestic Randolph Hotel, which offers 11 different venues, large and small. For a more pocket-friendly celebration, consider a barn ceremony.
Stratton Court Barn is 20 miles north of Oxford and handily close to Bicester Shopping Village. Or there’s Cold Harbour Barn, on the edge of the charming rolling hills of The Chilterns.
FAQs
What are some of the most romantic places to get married in Europe?
Castles, beach locations, and historic cities are some of the most romantic places for a destination wedding. The castles around the River Loire have a fairytale appeal, while the ocean views in Madeira and the Almalfi Coast make for some stunning photos. And historic Venice, Verona, and Prague are timelessly romantic wedding destinations.
What are some budget-friendly European wedding venues?
Resort locations often offer a range of packages with a range of prices and options. Greece, Cyprus, and Ibiza are good places to find a wedding package to suit you.
If you have your heart set on France, opt for a rural venue in the northern part of the country rather than the Riviera. And Italy’s Lake Como and Amalfi Coast tend to be quite pricy.
Do I need any special paperwork or permits to get married in Europe?
You’ll need to check for your chosen destination – every country has requirements regarding wedding rules and permits. These may include passports, birth certificates, proof of residency, certificates of no impediment, and divorce documents.
Wedding planners with local knowledge often take care of all this and are a real asset. A more straightforward option is to have a private civil wedding at home, then a big destination wedding with your choice of blessing or symbolic ceremony.
Related Resources