Dreaming of getting married somewhere extraordinary? Here are six of the best luxury destination wedding venues around the world, recommended by a seasoned travel advisor.

Some of the world’s most beautiful places also happen to make incredible wedding venues. I love that couples today are choosing to celebrate in locations that truly reflect who they are — rather than defaulting to a hotel ballroom.

Whether you’re drawn to tropical coastlines, centuries-old estates, or remote island hideaways, a destination wedding turns the whole experience into something that feels as much like a great trip as it does a celebration.

How To Choose The Best Luxury Destination Wedding Venues

Choosing a luxury destination wedding venue really comes down to how well the space, service and overall experience align with your vision. Here are the things I look at first before recommending a venue to a client:

• Exclusive-use estate configuration: How is the property laid out? Think about capacity, flow and whether it works for a multiday stay.
• Event versatility: Can the venue flex between a small ceremony and a larger reception? Having multiple spaces makes a big difference.
• Service infrastructure: On-site concierges, private chefs, and dedicated staff can make or break the experience — for you and your guests.
• Venue environments: Ocean-view terraces, rooftops, indoor-outdoor spaces — the setting matters as much as the venue itself.
• Guest experience quality: Privacy, comfort, design, and amenities all add up. You want your guests to feel taken care of from the moment they arrive.

Top 6 Best Wedding Venues

Here are six of the best luxury destination wedding venues around the world. Each one offers something completely unique.

1. Villa Punto de Vista, Costa Rica

Villa Punto de Vista is one of those places that just works for weddings — whether you’re hosting an intimate micro wedding of 15–25 guests or a full buyout for up to 100. The estate has 18 bedrooms across two villas, so your whole group can stay together with plenty of space, privacy and stunning views of the ocean or rainforest.

What I really love here is that everything is handled for you. There’s a full-service team on-site — bartenders, private chefs, housekeeping, a chauffeur and concierges — who take care of all the logistics so you can actually enjoy the celebration. The event spaces are spectacular too.

Picture saying your vows on a rooftop deck with sweeping ocean views, then moving to a glass-walled ballroom overlooking the rainforest for dinner. A lighted outdoor staircase connects both villas, which creates a really natural flow throughout the event.

Key Features:

• Hosts up to 100 guests with overnight accommodations for 54, plus concierge support for additional stays and transportation
• Thoughtfully designed spaces create a seamless blend of connection, celebration and relaxation
• Luxury villa amenities include saltwater infinity pools, a gym, a rooftop jacuzzi, game rooms and cinema rooms

2. Villa Cetinale, Italy

If you’ve ever dreamed of a Tuscan wedding, Villa Cetinale is hard to beat. Tucked into the rolling hills near Siena, this 17th-century villa is one of the most romantic settings in Europe. The architecture, gardens and surrounding countryside all feel perfectly connected — like the whole place was designed to be photographed.

The gardens are filled with roses, cypress trees and vine-covered walkways that change beautifully with the seasons. Beyond the ceremony itself, there’s so much space to spread out — from the pool to picnic spots in the peaceful woodland known as the Thebaid. The rooms inside are elegant but still feel like home, and with a private chef and housekeeping included, the whole stay is wonderfully easy.

Key Features:

• Ideal for large groups, perfect for families or friends traveling together
• Peaceful setting near the Montagnola Senese with scenic hills and wildlife
• Hosts up to 100 guests with support for local wedding planners and vendors; 48 can be accommodated across 4 properties, with 25 in the villa itself

Read more: 15 Best Places To Have A Destination Wedding

3. Martinis Marchi, Croatia

Croatia is one of my favorite places in the world, and Martinis Marchi is like a dream. Located in the village of Maslinica on the island of Šolta (just a short distance from Split) this 18th-century castle brings real history and character to your celebration. The Adriatic Sea views from the property are stunning, and the nine spacious suites make it an ideal spot for a small, intimate group.

Between events, your guests can unwind by the pool, stroll through gardens overlooking the marina, or head out sailing and island-hopping directly from the Martinis Marchi Marina. The wine cellar alone is worth the trip. Everything here feels intimate, considered and genuinely special.

Key Features:

• Historic castle, gardens and Adriatic views create a stunning backdrop for weddings and special events
• Exclusive access to elegant interiors and outdoor spaces, including a two-floor garden, wine cellar, pool, restaurant and lounge
• Dedicated team ensures a personalized, seamless and unforgettable guest experience

4. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hawaii

Kauaʻi’s North Shore is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay makes the most of every inch of that landscape. The property overlooks stunning Hanalei Bay with sweeping views of the mountains and ocean, and the design feels completely connected to nature — think natural materials, local craftsmanship and open, light-filled spaces throughout.

You can host your wedding on a cliffside lawn or in an oceanfront setting surrounded by palm trees. The property can accommodate everything from intimate ceremonies to large gatherings, and the curated wedding packages include ceremony details, dining, music and traditional Hawaiian touches like leis. It’s the kind of place where guests will already be emotional before the vows even start.

Key Features:

• Wellness offerings include yoga, fitness classes and spa treatments for relaxation and renewal
• Seasonal menus highlight fresh, local ingredients and island-inspired flavors
• Strong sustainability focus with reclaimed materials and deep ties to the local community

Read more: Top 25 Honeymoon Destinations (For Every Type of Traveler)

5. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives

If you want a wedding that feels truly out of this world, the Maldives delivers — and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is one of the most beautiful settings for it. Oceanfront venues highlight the island’s natural beauty, with flexible spaces that work for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. The Muraka Boardroom stands out as a serene beachfront option, perfect for a calm, connected reception dinner.

The dedicated wedding specialists here are great at helping you design a day that actually reflects your personal style — not a cookie-cutter resort package. Planning, coordination, floral design, ceremony setups and traditional elements are all part of what they offer.

Key Features:

• Curated dining experiences showcase fresh flavors and refined presentation
• Private dinners and event catering elevate weddings and special celebrations
• Tailored wedding services include ceremony setups, floral design and traditional elements

Read more: The Safest All-Inclusive Resorts For Couples

6. Stones of the Yarra Valley, Australia

Stones of the Yarra Valley is one of those venues that feels both timeless and totally relaxed — which is exactly the kind of energy you want on your wedding day. Restored barns, vineyards and century-old oak trees create an atmosphere that’s elegant without being stuffy.

I love that there’s a dedicated Day Room where you can get ready in peace, and an in-house styling team that brings your vision to life using floral arrangements and design details inspired by the surroundings. On-site accommodations (The Villa and The Farmhouse) mean you and your guests can stay right on the property, so there’s no rushing around between locations.

Key Features:

• Flexible approach tailored to support each couple’s unique vision
• Scenic vineyards and open landscapes provide a timeless setting for ceremonies and photos
• Structured packages with clear inclusions, guided by an experienced, detail-focused team

No matter what style you’re drawn to, the venues on this list all deliver on the things that matter most: stunning scenery, great service, and the kind of atmosphere where you and your guests feel like you’re part of something special. Do your research, ask lots of questions, and if you can, visit before you commit. A place that photographs beautifully and actually feels right in person is the one worth booking.

The post The Best Luxury Destination Wedding Venues Around The World appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since April 10, all travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries must now undergo biometric checks — including facial imaging and fingerprinting — at airports and border crossings across the bloc.

Bucking that trend, Greece, a popular holiday destination for Brits, has chosen to do its own thing to avoid the sorts of airport chaos at various European locations for the past week, including flights taking off without the majority of passengers due to EES queues.

Greece has confirmed that British passport holders will be exempt from new EU biometric border checks, in a move designed to streamline arrivals and reduce airport congestion ahead of the busy travel season.

Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, said the decision reflects Greece’s commitment to maintaining a smooth visitor experience for UK travellers.

The exemption applies to the EU’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to introduce fingerprint and facial recognition checks for non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area.

Speaking about the change, Skarveli said the move is intended to ensure “a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece” and is “expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports”.

Instead of implementing the new biometric procedures for British visitors, Greece will retain its existing entry process. “Practically, this means that the entry process in place before the implementation of the EES will remain unchanged,” she explained.

The decision effectively sets Greece apart from other Schengen destinations expected to roll out the biometric system, offering UK travellers a faster and more familiar arrival experience at Greek border points this year.

You may also like: Which of the Cyclades should you visit?

The post Greece goes its own way and drops biometric testing for British travellers appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Cruise operator Celestyal has confirmed the safe and successful transit of both its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a notable operational milestone during a period of heightened regional sensitivity.

On 17 April, Celestyal Discovery, under the command of Captain Nikolaos Vasileiou, became the first cruise vessel to depart the Arabian Gulf, following a carefully coordinated voyage plan developed in collaboration with regional authorities and maritime security teams. The transit established a safe and viable route through the Strait, paving the way for other cruise operators.

The following day, 18 April, Celestyal Journey, led by Captain Angelos Vasilakos, successfully navigated the same passage, heading a wider convoy of cruise vessels departing the region along the established corridor.

According to the company, the voyage plans were the result of extensive coordination with key authorities and security stakeholders, ensuring all movements were carried out with a high degree of safety, precision and situational awareness.

Celestyal highlighted that safety remained the overriding priority throughout, with both captains and their onboard and shoreside teams demonstrating strong leadership and expertise in managing complex operating conditions. The company also acknowledged the support of regional authorities and partners in enabling a coordinated and responsible approach for the wider cruise industry.

Following the successful transits, both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are now repositioning to the Mediterranean ahead of the summer season, where they are expected to operate as scheduled.

Celestyal added that all future sailings currently on sale will proceed as planned, providing reassurance and continuity for guests and travel partners as the line transitions to its Mediterranean deployment.

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