When we think of destination wedding locations our minds often turn to white sandy beaches in tropical climates. That is understandable. Who doesn’t enjoy lazy days on the beach in the warmth of a tropical breeze? But if you have been there and done that, or just want something a little more memorable for your destination wedding where do you turn? Consider these five options for building nuptial memories that are as rich in culture as they are in luxury.
Crete: Enjoy the rich history of the Island of Crete with a destination wedding on this sparkling island in the Mediterranean Sea. Imagine your wedding ceremony at sunset with the deep blue waters of the sea behind you and a warm breeze fluttering by. Afterwards spend a week or more relaxing on the beaches of Crete and alternately touring the rich historical sights of this ancient Island.
Stockholm: There are few places as romantic and overlooked as Stockholm, Sweden. Built around one of Europe’s largest most beautifully maintained medieval city centers spread out over fourteen islands Stockholm and the surrounding picturesque countryside is the perfect spot for a memorable destination wedding getaway. Go in the spring and see the spectacular carpet of flowers dotting the countryside. Get married by the light of the midnight sun in June and July or time your destination wedding to coincide with the traditional and spectacularly beautiful celebration of Santa Lucia on December 13th.
Venice: Who can resist the seductive charm of the Italian city of romance? Famous for its gondola trips through canals that intersect throughout the city Venice is an adventurer’s paradise. With centuries old architecture all around the history and romance of the city seems to seep into your soul. Create a lavish memory by choosing to hold your destination wedding in a historic villa with breathtaking scenery all around you in the historic hub of travel between Europe and the east.
Salzburg: Nestled snugly into the snowcapped Alps, Salzburg is often overlooked as the romantic getaway that it is. So much the better for the rest of us who are in the know. Rich in history and stunning scenery, Salzburg is one place where time seems to slow down. Not only okay to stop and smell the roses in Salzburg, it is expected. As such, it is the perfect place for a destination wedding. Add the fact that Salzburg is the home of Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music,” and there is plenty to engage your senses while you explore your honeymoon with your new spouse.
Israel: Israel holds the promise of a wealth of opportunities for a couple seeking a destination wedding. For Christians and Jewish people alike, Israel is a land of great history and meaning. Imagine exchanging nuptials on a terrace overlooking the old city of Jerusalem as the setting sun causes the stone to burn copper. For some a ceremony by the Western Wall would fulfill a lifetime dream. Or perhaps a ceremony back dropped by the Sea of Galilee where Jesus performed so many of his miracles… Or maybe simply feeling the warm breezes blow off the Mediterranean Sea with palm trees swaying overhead and the pulse of thousands of years of human history behind you is the right setting for your destination wedding.