Valentine’s Day is just behind us and proposals are still sparkling in the air like confetti!
If you’re one of the newly engaged (or just daydreaming about it) now is the perfect moment to imagine something different – a wedding that’s more about experience than expectation and more “personal” than “persons on the guestlist.” Lets explore some more unusual destinations for weddings and elopements.
Whether you’re travelling with a small group of your nearest and dearest (so there’s no debating whether you need to invite the ladies from Mum’s book club) or it’s just the two of you for the ultimate distraction-free escape, getting married abroad turns the whole experience into something truly special. It can even double as your honeymoon, stretching how far your money and ultimately those memories go.
Or (as I did!) you can celebrate your union stress-free somewhere meaningful for the two of you …. then throw a big, joy-filled party once you’re home. Meaning the Big Day itself, is all about you.
Some unusual destinations may require a quick civil ceremony before or after your symbolic vows, which can actually be the chance to share that official moment.
Whilst there are more obvious “destination wedding” venues these can feel a bit like you’re on a conveyer belt or one of a few on the day, taking away some of the magic so why not so something a little different!
Here are a few ideas:
Switzerland – Breath-taking Beauty and Alpine Serenity
Suits: The outdoorsy couple (perhaps you met on the slopes?)
Aesthetic: Ethereal winter chic or wildflower romance
Switzerland is where natural elegance meets cinematic grandeur. Think glacier-topped peaks, mirror-still lakes and meadows that burst into colour come summer. Whether you arrive by glass-windowed train through the Alps, glide in by gondola or ascend via cable car, the journey itself feels part of the celebration.
Expect swanky five-star hotels, Michelin-starred dining and effortless travel between valleys.
For winter weddings, picture a structured gown with icy crystal embellishments or embroidery that shimmers like frost. In summer, soft blush chiffon with wildflowers woven into loose hair captures that alpine romance.
Paperwork takes around six months to arrange and same-sex marriages are fully recognised.
Iceland – Wild Romance and Raw Drama
Suits: The adventurous couple
Aesthetic: Bold and expressive – us against the elements
Few places capture the imagination like Iceland. With a landscape carved by fire and ice, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and black-sand beaches create the world’s most dramatic aisle. Just picture exchanging vows beneath the northern lights (unfortunately not guaranteed!) or beside a steaming geyser, with a helicopter waiting for your post-ceremony escape.
Here, contrast is everything. Lean into the rugged beauty with bold colours rich red, emerald or burnt orange for a striking silhouette that pops against the monochrome landscape. Add quirky details or statement accessories for a look that feels almost editorial.
Paperwork takes about a month to arrange and same-sex marriages are fully recognised.
South Africa – Safari Soul and Starry Skies
Suits: Couples who love wildlife, conservation and the quiet rhythm of the bush
Aesthetic: Natural elegance with golden warmth
This one’s personal for me, I’ve seen first hand how romantic a safari wedding can be. Imagine saying your vows as the sun melts behind distant hills or beside a waterhole while elephants wander nearby. From private treehouses to lantern-lit decks, the settings here are soulful and spectacular.
South Africa offers endless variety. Maybe marry in Cape Town with the ocean behind you or in Franschhoek’s vine-covered valleys before heading out on safari so you don’t miss a game drive! Or follow a safari wedding with a short hop to a beach honeymoon with Mauritius and Seychelles within easy logistics.
When it comes to style, think lightweight and practical to transport and soft, breathable fabrics that move with the afternoon breeze. Draw inspiration from the earthy palette around you: cream, sand, gold. A touch of subtle beading or texture mirrors the shimmer the sunset across the savannah.
Legalities take around three months and same-sex marriages are welcomed.
The Philippines – Barefoot Boho and Island Bliss
Suits: The beachy, free-spirited couple
Aesthetic: Bohemian romance meets island simplicity
If your idea of perfection involves white sand, cobalt seas and frangipani-scented air, the Philippines is your barefoot dream. This vast archipelago offers everything from rustic-chic villas to luxury resorts, framed by lush hills and turquoise lagoons.
Many couples combine island-hopping with their celebration, handling the legal part on one island, then gliding into honeymoon mode on another. It’s paradise with personality, and Filipino hospitality makes it totally unforgettable.
For the boho bride, think floaty lace, backless styles and effortless fabrics that dance with the sea breeze. Bare feet in the sand, shells in your hair and sun-kissed simplicity.
Paperwork takes about a month to arrange. Same-sex marriage isn’t yet legal here, though the Philippines is widely recognised as Asia’s most LGBT+ friendly destination, with many resorts happily offering blessing ceremonies following a UK civil service.
Love Without Limits
Whether it’s the icy majesty of Iceland, the tranquil luxury of Switzerland, the soulful wilderness of South Africa or the sun-drenched beaches of the Philippines, destination weddings are a way to express yourselves to each other and make memories to last that life time together.
With no rigid timelines and no endless guest lists – this is your story, told your way.
Get in touch if you’d like to explore an adevnturous wedding arrangement or a honeymoon of memories to last a lifetime.
