Destination Wedding Inspiration: The Best Real Destination Weddings
Photography by Emma-Jane PhotographyPlanning a wedding abroad has never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why. More and more couples are trading traditional ceremonies for unforgettable experiences in stunning locations where the backdrop is as memorable as the vows themselves. From sun-drenched coastlines to historic cities, destination weddings offer an irresistible blend of adventure, romance, and intimacy.
To spark your imagination, we’ve rounded up some of our all-time favourite real destination weddings, from the rolling hills of Italy and France to the charm of Greece and the vibrant colours of Morocco. You’ll also find jaw-dropping celebrations in Croatia and Ibiza. These incredible love stories are packed with creative ideas, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of wanderlust-worthy details to inspire your own dream wedding abroad.
The ultimate destination wedding inspiration from Ibiza to Morocco
Romantic & Stylish Ibiza Vow Renewal
Sophie & Alistair tied the knot for a second time at Romeo’s, with its nostalgic, neon-soaked charm acting as the perfect backdrop. Sophie & Alistair's Ibiza elopement proves that sometimes running away together is the most romantic choice of all. For this couple, Ibiza isn’t just another destination; it’s their place. So when they decided to renew their vows, there was only ever one location in mind!
Intimate Giraffe Manor Wedding in Kenya
This Giraffe Manor wedding is arguably going to be the best thing you see today. Not only was Ida & Lasse's destination elopement wedding beautiful to the extent that it has brought tears to our eyes, but their big day involved real-life giraffes. Having visited Giraffe Manor in 2019, the couple had the pleasure of revisiting the manor for their intimate wedding, accompanied by only their parents and daughter. With a shared passion for travel, a fondness for animals, and prior familiarity with the manor, they couldn't have chosen a better location to celebrate their vows.
Ski Wedding at La Cabane Des Praz
Take a look at Lucy & Shao's sensational destination ski wedding at La Cabane Des Praz, France. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Lucy & Shao exchanged vows on a pristine alpine slope. The rustic log cabin, adorned with lofty ceilings and exquisite chandeliers, paired pretty perfectly with the duo's chic wedding looks and those utterly fabulous skiing photos. They held their sunset black tie wedding ceremony on the terrace outside with 75 guests, then headed inside to the bar area for cocktail hour and bridesmaid speeches! We're glad the bridesmaids had a lot to say because it's left us totally speechless!
Dreamy Italian Destination Wedding
Dominique & Robert’s wedding was nothing short of a five-day Italian extravaganza, stretching from the romantic streets of Florence to the rolling hills of Volterra. With friends and family jetting in from the US, UK, and Canada, the celebration was as international as it was unforgettable. Their rescue dog, Pierre, stole hearts as the dashing ring bearer – a feat made possible by the couple’s ambitious road trip from England to Italy (because, of course, Pierre deserved the grand entrance). Dominique added a sentimental touch by wearing her best friend’s wedding veil, while a UK drag queen turned up the party with a show-stopping performance.
Boho Destination Wedding In Santorini
We’ve got absolute destination wedding heaven with another stunning real wedding, this time taking place in Santorini. Hannah & Justine tied the knot in Santorini, and what a location it is! With an unparalleled golden hour, an intimate feel and the iconic blue and white buildings (perfect for weddings!), Santorini is a gorgeous wedding destination. Hannah & Justine kept the styling of their wedding relaxed with a boho edge. The couple both wore delicate lace wedding dresses and chose a coral and gold colour palette that naturally complemented the azure blue scenery and the Aegean Sea. It’s a total fairytale wedding, complete with flower men throwing petals to the Top Gun theme song.
Day of The Dead Wedding in Tulum, Mexico
The wedding was just as Gina & Christian had dreamed it. They had a traditional Mexican Day of the Dead celebration in the most magical setting in Tulum. Gina & Christian wanted to create a rewarding and enriching experience for all their guests that would properly celebrate or familiarise them with aspects of Mexican culture. They served tacos for dinner, accompanied by tequila-based signature drinks and other traditional Mexican dishes.
Vintage Glam Wedding on The French Riviera
Leah & Ryan brought Old Hollywood glamour to life as they said “I do” at the enchanting Bastide du Roy on the French Riviera. With summer in full swing, they leaned into an elegant vintage-glam theme that perfectly complemented the venue’s natural beauty. Having first met at school when they were just 16, their wedding was a beautiful milestone, celebrating nearly 15 years of love and partnership. Leah & Ryan’s wedding day became a celebration of love and laughter as well as celebrating themselves. Guests were treated to personalised poem favours, sipped on Harry Potter-themed cocktails (Accio Champagne, anyone?), and danced to music almost entirely made up of their guest’s requests.
Boho Pastel Theme For Croatia Wedding
We are obsessed with Carly & Lee’s pastel theme for their Croatia wedding. The couple tied the knot at the stunning Villa Lav, a gorgeous family estate with views that make it the perfect venue for an outdoor wedding. Carly & Lee’s intimate wedding included so many sentimental moments that made the day so special. When Carly’s dad walked her to the aisle, he kissed her hand and let Carly walk the rest of the aisle on her own. The bride had no idea he was going to do that and it resulted in beautiful and emotional wedding photos. The couple said their vows with 40 guests wishing them happiness in their marriage before an al fresco wedding breakfast followed by an outdoor dance floor!
Enchanting Castle Wedding in Italy
This wedding at Castello di Torcrescenza in the heart of Rome in Italy is completely enchanting with extravagant wedding flowers and a timeless all-white wedding theme. The gorgeous couple, Traci & Jon, met 10 years ago during Traci’s first week attending the University of Florida. They have been side by side ever since and invited all their friends and family on a trip to Italy to celebrate their love.
Being that the venue is so iconic, the couple wanted to let the venue speak for itself with its beautiful gardens and painted walls. They kept the decor simple and added to the natural beauty with lots of flowers, including gypsophila and roses. They even created the Chuppah out of flowers! Complete with a spectacular Jewish wedding ceremony and traditions, Traci & Jon’s wedding is one we won’t be forgetting any time soon!
Boho Chic Marrakech Desert Elopement
This couple tied the knot in the Agafay desert in Marrakech complete with all the usual desert activities including camel rides, a traditional Moroccan band, fire-blowing entertainment and so much more! It’s not every day you see a wedding as stunning as this. Aleigha & Mike's intimate boho wedding ceremony in the desert was intimate and serene but the whole wedding weekend in Marrakech was memorable and adventurous with a Moroccan band, exciting camel rides, acrobatic entertainment and romantic candlelit dinners. We’ve just never seen anything so incredible!
Rustic Can Frare Villa Ibiza Wedding
Rebecca & Victoria’s rustic Ibiza wedding at Can Frare Villa was two years in the making! The brides settled on Ibiza as the destination for their wedding as they completely fell in love with the island when they previously went to celebrate their 30th birthdays. Ibiza is easy to fall in love with views of once-in-a-lifetime sunsets and just the right amount of rest, relaxation and partying. The inspiration for the styling and fashion (particularly Rebecca’s bridal hat) came from the iconic movie, The Parent Trap. Channelling all the Meredith Blake vibes, Rebecca looks so chic and sophisticated in her satin wedding dress and bridal hat!
Intimate Wedding at The Dolomites in Italy
Even if we asked AI to create an image of the perfect wedding, we don’t think it would look half as good as Debbie & Kevin’s wedding day. The Dolomites in Italy are one of the most enchanting and magical places we’ve ever seen. The mountains just do not seem real with water that looks as clear and blue as the sky! It looks like an untouched corner of the world and its secluded scenery makes it one of the most romantic locations for a wedding. Debbie & Kevin originally wanted to elope by themselves (oh, you romantics!). Instead, they decided on a micro wedding and invited their parents and siblings to watch them tie the knot!
Feeling inspired to plan your own destination wedding? Don’t miss our expert guide on how to plan a destination wedding, where we cover everything from choosing the perfect location to handling logistics with ease. When it comes to looking your best on the big day, check out our ultimate guide to hair and makeup for destination weddings. This article is packed with tips to help you stay flawless, no matter the climate or setting. Wherever you choose to say "I do," let these incredible real weddings show you what’s possible when love and travel come together.
