Destination weddings are increasingly popular. These are some of the coveted locations for destination weddings in 2025.
For the world’s well-heeled couples, the journey to the altar is paved with style, exclusivity, and a dash of adventure—often set against the planet’s most spectacular backdrops.
Today’s affluent brides and grooms are opting for ultra-luxurious destinations, not just for the scenery or weather, but for the promise of an extraordinary, multi-day experience filled with world-class cuisine and impeccable hospitality.
Global luxury wedding destinations are evolving as the most indulgent, imaginative celebrations for affluent couples—where each ceremony is defined by world-class hotels, top culinary partnerships, and meaningful, memory-making experiences.
Whether set in a royal château, a contemporary beach resort, or a secluded island palace, these weddings offer not just a spectacular day, but an unforgettable journey—for couples and guests alike.
Here’s how elite couples select their dream wedding destination, the five-star venues and restaurants shaping trends in 2025, and the planners who bring it all to life.
The Rise of the Destination Wedding for the Affluent
Luxury destination weddings aren’t just about the locale—they’re about curating a blend of privacy, grandeur, and immersive experience, where every detail is bespoke.
The most coveted celebrations span several days, starting with rooftop welcome parties, followed by poolside brunches, yacht excursions, and wellness retreats for guests.
Social media influence, peer inspiration, and a passion for travel have fueled this global movement—making every wedding not only a ceremony, but a statement of taste and ambition.
France: The Timeless Elegance of Châteaux and Riviera Palaces
No list of luxury wedding destinations is complete without France. On the French Riviera, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild features a stunning pink façade, exceptional gardens, and panoramic terraces.
Overlooking the Mediterranean, this former Rothschild home offers decadent wedding banquets by Michelin-starred chefs and is often styled by leading planners such as Lavender and Rose.
In Paris, the Château de Versailles brings regal grandeur, while the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes draws celebrities for its Belle Époque charm and private coastal setting.
Where the Elite Dine: Iconic venues often collaborate with Michelin-starred restaurants and sommeliers, serving refined French menus with vintage champagne.
Italy: Dramatic Lakefront Villas and Amalfi Coast Romance
Italy continues to capture the hearts of sophisticated globetrotters. Villa d’Este on Lake Como is celebrated for its Renaissance gardens, opulent interiors, and private jetty arrivals; its in-house restaurant is known for classic Italian gastronomy.
The Amalfi Coast features the legendary Belmond Hotel Caruso and Villa Cimbrone, where ceremonies overlook lemon groves and the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Venice, the storied Aman Venice, a 16th-century palazzo, offers private canal-side gardens—unrivalled for intimate events.
Culinary Notes: Italy’s luxury venues source produce from local markets and vineyards, pairing menus with rare Barolos or bespoke gelato carts.
Greece: Aegean Glamour, Modern Luxury
Greece dazzles with venues such as Amanzoe (Porto Heli), Santorini’s Canaves Oia, and cliff-top gems like Le Ciel.
Expect infinity pools, iconic sunset views, and contemporary Greek menus featuring the freshest seafood and local olive oil. Elite planners such as Julia & Evita create seamless, lavish events—often including private island excursions or sunrise yoga for wedding guests.
Spain: Sun-Drenched Estates and Private Castles
Spain’s luxury wedding circuit highlights venues such as Bell Recó, the secluded Castell de Sant Marçal, and Andalusia’s iconic Finca Cortesin.
These settings blend rural elegance with world-class cuisine, orchestrated by planners like Crystal Events. The Spanish table is laden with premium olive oils, jamón ibérico, and local wines—perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired wedding feast.
The United States: Cosmopolitan and Coastal Icons
New York’s The Plaza Hotel remains a favorite for the city’s elite—its grand ballrooms and world-famous restaurant partners making every event a society affair.
In California, weddings at The Beverly Hills Hotel (the “Pink Palace”) are legendary—think poolside soirees and custom menus by the hotel’s star chefs. In Hawaii, the Four Seasons Resort Maui offers beachfront vows with Polynesian-inspired banquets and private luau experiences.
India: Royalty Revival
For those craving a regal celebration, few experiences rival a palace wedding at Rajasthan’s Umaid Bhawan Palace or Alila Fort Bishangarh.
These venues offer authentic Indian hospitality and fusion menus created by master chefs, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques—often staged in glittering courtyards or historic halls.
The U.K. and Ireland: Castles and Contemporary Cool
In the British Isles, the trend leans to historic castles like Ashford Castle (Ireland) for its 800 years of tradition and grand banqueting halls.
London’s Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire blends rural charm with rooftop-to-table cuisine. Coworth Park in Ascot offers a stunningly modern oasis just 45 minutes from London.Star planners such as Katrina Otter Weddings ensure every event marries old-world grandeur with modern luxury.
The Middle East & Asia: Modern Marvels
Dubai remains unrivalled for lavishness, with top venues like Atlantis, The Palm and the Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa. In Qatar, couples choose the Fairmont Doha or lush Al Messila. Indonesia’s Bali boasts cliff-edge estates like Pandawa Cliff Estate and designer hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Bali, pairing dramatic vistas with curated menus by celebrity chefs.
Australia & the Pacific: Coastal Chic
Australia makes the list with its unique blend of city sophistication and natural beauty—Sydney’s InterContinental Sydney offers panoramic harbor weddings, while Fiji’s Castaway Island Resort immerses guests in island luxury with toes-in-the-sand receptions and personalized menus inspired by market-fresh seafood and native produce.
Global Wedding Experts and Planners
Across all these destinations, prominent event planners such as Lavender and Rose (France), Matthew Oliver (Spain), Amy Abbott Events (Los Cabos), and a host of boutique luxury consultants coordinate everything from transportation to private guest experiences. These experts secure high season venue dates, negotiate exclusive restaurant partnerships, and craft immersive itineraries for VIP guests, ensuring no detail is left to chance.
