Thinking of saying “I do” abroad? For those who dream of a wedding that transcends the ordinary and embraces opulence, Europe’s best luxury venues provide a selection of enchanting settings, each promising a truly unforgettable experience. Bespoke amenities and personalised services will cater to your every desire, ensuring no detail is overlooked and your journey to the “altar” (both metaphorical and literal) is seamless. These are the places where fairytales become reality, from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, the Alps to the Caucasus mountains and even on home turf, here are some of the choicest places to wed.
Tsinandali Estate, Georgia
Centuries old, this regal estate in the heart of wine country provides a unique and historic setting. The Tsinandali Estate can cater for the largest through to the most intimate of celebrations, with venue options including a 1200 seater amphitheatre (with a retractable roof), a 500 seater grand ballroom with cutting edge acoustics, vineyards and secret nooks of its gardens. There are plenty of opportunities for unique photos, whether in the bamboo forest, beside the fifth-floor pool, in the oenotheque, or in front of the traditional Georgian house onsite. And of course, you can expect the finest local vintages to accompany your wedding breakfast.
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, Antibes, France
Brides can spend time in the Dior Spa Eden-Roc the day before, to relax and have some last-minute beauty treatments. The ceremony and reception will take place overlooking the Mediterranean and Lérins Islands. 40 to 100 guests can be accommodated at the Eden-Roc Lounge, while for events of over 100, the entire hotel can be yours, with no limits on music and the entire team at your disposal. Whichever you choose, your wedding feast will be prepared by Michelin-starred chef Sébastien Broda, with your cake lovingly created by pasty chef extraordinaire Lillian Bonnefoi.
Villa Sola Cabiati, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
Join the ranks of Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin, all of whom tied the knot in the Lake Como region. This particular property is found in the village of Tremezzo and dates back to the 16th century. Bring 10 of your nearest and dearest (the villa sleeps 12), for a boutique celebration, surrounded by original stuccoes, frescoes, tapestries, paintings, majolica and Chinese vases. Say I Do in the Italian flowering garden overlooking the water, or in the romantic Winter Garden, followed by drinks accompanied by the grand piano in the Belle Epoque drawing room, and a candlelit meal on the terrace.
The Tythe Barn, Cotswolds, UK
Stone barns, a shepherd’s hut and a 17th Century farmhouse on a working family-owned manor farm in Oxfordshire, provide a rural feel for your special day. Yet, you’re just 10 minutes from the motorway. Spend the night before in the Nook, self-catering accommodation with everything you need to get ready in style, before walking down the aisle in a 14th-century thatched barn with double-height doors for a dramatic entrance, or in the local 12th-century church. Follow this with drinks and some pizza from the woodfired oven at the Cowshed and host dinner under an outdoor canopy.
Natural History Museum London, UK
This landmark building, steeped in history, brings a Victorian-era grandeur and gravitas to your nuptials. 12 of the galleries are licensed to hold the ceremony, with key options being the Hintze Hall, catering for up to 450 guests (this can also serve as the setting for your opulent wedding breakfast). Those bringing a smaller group may prefer to choose the Images of Nature Gallery, or for a more modern backdrop, the Darwin Centre with its al fresco courtyard perfect for summer drinks. And if you want a particularly unusual Insta-moment, opt to say your vows beneath the Stegosaurus fossil in Earth Hall!
Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Follow in the footsteps of film icon Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer who tied the knot in 1954 at this venue’s famed wedding chapel — chosen for its remote setting and native charm. The resort itself – set high above the lake with an Alpine backdrop – was first established in 1873. And couples choosing this option for their big day can choose from several spaces for both ceremony and reception. A team will be on hand to provide dreamy floral displays and fine feasts and to help with every aspect of planning.
Pennyhill Park, Surrey, UK
Set within a 120-acre estate in the heart of the Surrey countryside, Pennyhill Park provides a classically romantic backdrop with its charming ivy-clad mansion house defined by its 19th-century traditional architecture to its garden terraces and manicured lawns. Only the best for their wedding day, couples can now enjoy exclusive use of the hotel’s private terrace wing in its entirety. Drinks receptions can be enjoyed in the artfully refurbished Water Lily suite, or on the Lily Pond Terrace overlooking the grounds when the weather is kind. Wedding receptions for up to 120 guests can be hosted in the newly renovated Parkview suite complete with a full bar for evening celebrations. The private terrace wing is also home to five stunningly refurbished rooms and suites for members of the wedding party to stay in on the wedding night or longer.
