photo by Johansson Correia
Weddings
It's True: These Are the Dreamiest Wedding Venues Across Europe
We get it. You want a wedding that wows. And bold statements call for even bolder moves, like taking your big day abroad for a dream destination wedding. On our list of must-haves? Historic castles, Italian villas, elegant estates,...
photo by Johansson Correia
We get it. You want a wedding that wows. And bold statements call for even bolder moves, like taking your big day abroad for a dream destination wedding. On our list of must-haves? Historic castles, Italian villas, elegant estates, ancient ruins—places that can bring your fairytale wedding to life with history, style and unbeatable views. For that order, we turn to Europe. Filled with ancient hideaways and coastal retreats, the EU is full of hidden gems ideal for saying “I do,” and we’ve found the creme de la creme of wedding venues all across Europe.
Reporter: Erica Nichols
This 18th-century chateau is reputed to be one of the three most beautiful chateaus in Europe and combines historic romanticism with an informal, inviting ambiance. Admire the detailed interiors featuring Versailles parquet floors, original fireplaces and more, then step out to continue your celebration among the neatly manicured landscape.
There are wedding venues and then there are wedding villages. Boconnoc nails the latter with a dazzling main house, an enclave of guest cottages, a private church and ceremony room all available for your use. Surrounded by private parkland, your big day can turn into a big weekend celebration of music, laughter and a whole lot of love.
This castle wows with delicious cuisine from the on-site farm, indulgent red wine from the on-site vineyard and swoon-worthy views no matter where you look. The luxury venue can make both an intimate gathering and a large celebration feel totally natural with its unique style and unbeatable service.
It won’t take much convincing to get your guests to celebrate you at this five-star country house in the heart of Ireland. Considered one of the most lavish Georgian homes in the country, Ballyfin is a step back in time, where guests can even dress in period costumes from the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Give your wedding the glam treatment at the Ritz, right in the heart of the City of Light. The famed destination carries its celebrity reputation through every inch of the property with elegant furnishings and modern amenities to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch. Take advantage of the Prestige Suites, decorated in honor of guests like Coco Chanel and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
A glimpse of Old World elegance, La Foce is a stylish retreat that will have your heart the moment you spy the grand and formal Italian garden. Towering columns and bright green hedges take you around the property, leading to the timeless interior of antique furnishings and architectural details.
This isn’t your normal chapel! 120 of your favorite people can watch you and your S.O. say “I do” in theater-style seating at this historic chapel in London. Once a home for artists and retired pub landlords, this venue impresses with a unique history, rich architectural details and colorful stained glass.
Fete in true French fashion at this enchanting countryside retreat. You’ll have five unique reception halls to choose from, each decorated with stately furnishings, along with sweeping outdoor views.
Set on the edge of the valley, This Must Be The Place has the view, the accommodations and the charm for your destination wedding. Although there are multiple celebration spots on the property, their main stars are their restored, brick barns—complete with a grand arch, doors that open to the courtyard and space to host up to 150 people.
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Villa Cimbrone brings the Amalfi Coast to life with expansive gardens, lavish suites to retreat to and a stone crypt overlooking the Mediterranean. Here, you can incorporate your unique style to enjoy a backdrop filled with natural beauty and personalized charm.
Plan a coastal wedding for the books at The Peligoni Club. This boutique beach club is ideal for a boho-inspired crowd and delivers with amazing views, food, cocktails and service to ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch.
Say “I do” at this 400-year-old seaside chateau, which was once home to a Swedish prince. Overlooking the French Riviera, the property can host intimate weddings in romantic indoor and outdoor sites—including the Royal Salon, complete with a fireplace, bay windows and panoramic terrace views. And did we mention the Michelin-starred restaurant on site?
Modern meets traditional at this restored venue ideal for your intimate wedding with your closest family and friends. Built on the ruins of a 15th-century chateau, Chateau de Redon blends the past and present to create an elegant setting for you and your S.O. to say “I do.”
Live out Downtown Abbey-esque dreams at this classic English manor set in the peaceful countryside. Take your pick from elegant settings including a private chapel, grand ballroom, garden and swimming pool, and watch as your guests get lost in the magic of this historic venue.
To host a Mediterranean wedding for the books, look no further than this luxury island getaway. Considered the “jewel” of Salina Island, the boutique hotel ensures you always have an eye on that mesmerizing blue sea, no matter where you are on the property. If you’ve been hunting for the perfect seaside wedding, this may be it.
Among the beautiful Moldavian hills and tranquil woodlands, Polizu Manor is an idyllic venue for those yearning for a woodsy wedding steps away from modern comfort. The garden pavilion steals the spotlight, complete with a dance floor and stage for live music, but the Alexandrina banquet hall is just as magical—especially for those unexpected rainy days!
At The Lazy Olive, you’ll exchange your vows on a perch overlooking the Siena hills, completely surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields. Time your ceremony just right and watch as everything around you and your S.O. turns to gold just before sunset.
Delicately restored by the expertise of local designers, artists and laborers, Carrowroe House is a 200-year-old gem steeped in tradition and natural beauty. Picture your ceremony in the intimate glasshouse, just steps away from the stunning gardens.
Blending history and modern beauty, Royal Museums Greenwich offers a dazzling array of event spaces perfect for your big day. Just a short distance from the Thames (we’re thinking boat arrivals!), this must-see venue can accommodate all of your desires, no matter how big or small your wedding is.
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It’s love at first sight with this castle, one of the oldest in Catalunya. For civil ceremonies, take advantage of their expansive and lush gardens. If you’re looking for a more religious ceremony, the property has a cozy chapel for smaller affairs.
Chateau La Durantie fits the bill with tree-lined pathways, gold embellishments and classic black-and-white tiled floors. The historic home also has 14 bedrooms and a cottage that accommodates 10 guests to keep your friends and family close for multi-day celebrations.
Give your wedding the “Under the Tuscan Sun” treatment at Villa Laura. The romantic property was the home featured in the film, now complete with luxury accommodations. There are both indoor and outdoor locations available, depending on the length of your invite list!
It’s all about the view at Château de la Chèvre d'Or. This stunner delivers with hilltop sights overlooking the charming medieval town below and the Mediterranean beyond. The chateau is ideal for your romantic outdoor ceremony, but you’ll want to be sure to make your way to the two-time Michelin-starred restaurant on-site as well.
This charming cottage is a cozy respite with peaceful gardens and tranquil nooks abound. Steeped in the history of Provence cuisine La Pitchoune’s main feature is the stunning kitchen (there’s even a book about it!). Hot Tip: This property hosts one wedding a year at the beginning of June, so plan accordingly!
This exclusive-use venue is tucked away in peaceful Herefordshire and includes a renovated barn you’ll want to exchange your vows in. Everything from the first look to day-after yoga has an idyllic backdrop at Dewsall Court.
This family-owned villa brings all of your Tuscan wedding dreams to life. Along with your closest friends and family, you can explore the classic Italian garden, sprawling olive groves and the inviting atmosphere of the 17th-century family home.
A historic estate filled with unique wonders and modern whimsy, AYNHOE PARK is a completely one-of-a-kind venue to host your wedding. For the wedding party that likes to, well, party, there is no better place thanks to its many whimsical spaces and surrounding 250 acres of land.
We love the effortless, romantic charm of this rustic-chic estate in Toledo. There are plenty of unique locations throughout the estate to choose from, but no matter where you seal your vows, you won’t be far from the beautiful gardens and timeless decor that make this place so special.
Fort George’s two-hundred-year-old remnants are breathtaking as is, but add in your magic touch for a ceremony overlooking the Adriatic and you’ve got a mesmerizing experience to last a lifetime. Plan your wedding around sunset and watch as the sea transforms into ethereal shades of pink.
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This historic watchtower is a major bucket list venue thanks to its remote location and grand views looking out over the rolling hills of Umbria. Minimalistic interiors modernize the space, but it’s the outdoor nooks you’ll want to take advantage of to create a wedding that people will talk about for years to come.
Brenners has wowed guests with refined elegance and effortless “cool” for the past 140 years. With eight separate venues to choose from, including a Culture Lab and Black Forest backdrop, this Grand Hotel can help you put a signature touch on your wedding.
From the inside to out, Mas Torroella wows with impressive details and a stunningly serene ambiance. The luxury villa offers a blank-slate event hall to personalize your reception, as well as breathtaking views if you prefer an outdoor wedding.
Fans of traditional Italian flair will love Villa Orsi. The three-story villa was once home to Angelo Orsi, the owner of a brush factory. Original ancient frescoes, neatly manicured gardens and a peaceful terrace are just a few of the beautiful touches that will take your wedding to the next level.
Ashford Castle Hotel stands in a field all its own, blending historical ruins with modern luxury to create a dream setting where time seems to stand still. Give your wedding a royal touch with five unique locations to choose from (including the dungeons), five-star amenities and plenty of space to spread out.
This renaissance castle is home to classic interiors and outdoor venues that are beautiful year-round. A timeless blend of romance and history, every inch of this property will help bring your destination wedding vision to life.
Le Grand Bellevue puts a contemporary spin on its traditional foundation, all the while ensuring its scenic views are always the main attraction. Unique, colorful touches are around every corner and its on-site Michelin-starred restaurant LEONARD’s is not to be missed for your big day.
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