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.

Lausanne is more than just a beautiful city, it’s perfectly placed for day trips around Switzerland. Within an hour or two, the landscape transforms dramatically: vineyards give way to medieval hill towns, and gentle lakeshores rise up to glaciated Alpine peaks. It’s all made dead easy by Switzerland’s seamless transport system,

Lausanne

Lausanne

Lausanne

Coming from London, I get off the plane at Geneva airport and the train takes me to Lausanne in less than an hour. And then there’s the spectacular steep driverless metro which is built on the old funicular track, taking me up to my hotel in the old town.  This is Swiss precision at its best.

Lausanne

Lausanne

Lausanne

The trouble is that the city is spread over three hills, each perched precipitously on the hillside, so you lose all sense of direction as you wander around.  Fortunately all roads seem to lead to the Flon – an area that used to be deserted industrial warehouses but is now home to vibrant restaurants and bars.

Lausanne

Lausanne

Lausanne

Above it is the old town, stretching all the way up to the cathedral, and it’s this mixture of the old and new that makes the city unique. Below the lake shore beckons and, even in early April, people are sunbathing on its banks and taking chilly dips in the water. There’s also the Olympic Museum, well worth a visit.

Château de Chillon

Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle

Few day trips from Lausanne are as effortlessly scenic as a journey across Lake Geneva to Château de Chillon. The castle sits dramatically on the water’s edge near Montreux, its stone walls rising directly from the lake in one of Europe’s most stunning settings. It was famously immortalized by Lord Byron in his 1816 poem, The Prisoner of Chillon.

Lausanne

Lausanne

Regular boat services depart from Ouchy, the city’s port, gliding along the lake past vineyard-covered hills and charming lakeside towns. This leisurely cruise is not just transportation, it’s an experience in itself, offering constantly shifting views of the Alps and shoreline. It even makes a quick stop on the other side of the lake.

Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle

As you approach, the castle reveals its full medieval grandeur. Dating back to the 9th century, it has served as a fortress, residence, and prison. Inside, visitors can explore more than 20 buildings, including grand halls, vaulted cellars, and historic chambers and even taste the Chateau’s famed wines.

Gruyères

Gruyères

Gruyères

Gruyères

Around 90 minutes by train from Lausanne, the hilltop town of Gruyères is surrounded by rolling green pastures and framed by distant Alpine peaks. Of course, this small medieval settlement is famous worldwide for its cheese, but there’s far more here than culinary appeal.

Gruyères

Gruyères

Gruyères

Food lovers will naturally gravitate toward La Maison du Gruyère, where the production of the famous Gruyère AOP cheese can be observed first-hand. The experience is immersive – visitors can watch the process, learn about traditional methods, and, of course, sample the finished product.

Gruyères

The town itself is largely pedestrianised, its cobbled streets leading visitors toward Gruyères Castle, which dominates the skyline. Inside, you’ll find vaulted halls, their walls covered by tapestries and artwork that reveal the region’s aristocratic past. Just outside, the HR Giger Museum dedicated to the surreal artist behind Alien adds an unexpected twist.

Gruyères

Gruyères

Gruyères

You can easily spend the whole day here – spend the morning exploring the castle and museum, enjoy a long lunch of fondue or raclette, and wander the village before returning to Lausanne by the GoldenPass Panoramic train. And don’t forget to buy some cheese.

Glacier 3000

Glacier 3000

Glacier 3000

If Gruyères offers nostalgia and tradition, Glacier 3000 delivers pure Alpine drama. Located near the village of Les Diablerets, this high-mountain destination is reachable from Lausanne in about two hours and rewards visitors with a completely different world – find snow, ice and staggering elevation.

GoldenPass Belle Epoque

Montreux

Montreux

The train journey itself is part of the experience. At Montreux, you board the GoldenPass Belle Époque to Gstaad, whose period carriages evoke the luxury of the Orient Express. Here you take a bus to Col-du-Pillom and then transfer to cable car. It climbs steeply up the side of the mountain to the top of Scex Rouge at 2971m, home to Gstaad’s glacier.

Glacier 3000

Glacier 3000 Peak Walk

Glacier 3000 Peak Walk

The big attraction here is the Peak Walk by Tissot, the first and only suspension bridge in the world to connect two peaks.  It’s not for the faint hearted as you walk the 107m bridge, hanging in mid-air between the small peak and the main Scex Rouge. Don’t look down but take in the breath-taking view of the Alps, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Glacier 3000

Glacier 3000

Glacier 3000

There’s also the world’s highest rail toboggan run, the Alpine Coaster, twisting for a kilometre down the mountain but not in operation this early in the season. Better to enjoy the fine food in Restaurant Botta, its huge windows perfect for admiring the majestic mountain scenery.

Glacier 3000

Geneva

Often overlooked by travellers as just a place of arrival and departure, Switzerland’s second largest city has plenty to offer. Set on the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, the most iconic symbol is the Jet d’Eau, a powerful fountain that shoots water 140 m into the air from the lake.

Geneva

Geneva

Geneva

Wandering through the Old Town, known locally as Vieille Ville, feels like stepping into another era. Narrow cobblestone streets wind uphill toward St. Pierre Cathedral, which dates from the 12th century. Climb the tower, and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of red rooftops, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.

Geneva

Geneva

The city has long been a centre of watchmaking and the Patek Philippe Museum offers an in-depth look at centuries of craftsmanship. You can even learn how to make your own watch or assemble a Swiza army knife at Initium in the old town. For something sweeter, the ChocoPass allow you to taste the finest chocolate at the best boutiques around the city.

Geneva

Geneva

Geneva

Factfile

GO: SWISS connects Switzerland with the world, offering more than 160 weekly flights from London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Zurich or Geneva. One way fares start from £76 to Zurich and £54 to Geneva including all taxes, fees and surcharges, one piece of checked luggage up to 23kg and hand luggage. 

Travel Switzerland’s Swiss Travel Pass offers international visitors to Switzerland unlimited travel on consecutive days across the rail, bus and boat network, plus scenic routes (seat reservation fees apply) and local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities. It also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which grants free entry to 500 museums and exhibitions. Prices start from £229 for a three-day second-class ticket.

INFO: Switzerland has information about the country.

La Maison du Gruyère  has details of cheese making.

Glacier 3000 has information about the attraction, including Restaurant Botta.

Initium has details of watch and knife making classes.

Geneva has information about the city.

Lausanne has information about the city.

STAY: Hotel de la Paix, in Lausanne, makes a comfortable base in the town centre.

Hotel Bristol****, in Geneva, offers luxury by the lake.

EAT:

Lausanne

Brasserie de Montbenon is in a beautiful location.

Café de Grancy serves good food.

Street Cellar has funky dishes in the Flon.

Café du Grütli  is a traditional bistro in the old town.

Hôtel Restaurant La Fleur de Lys offers cheese and more in Gruyères.

Geneva

Les Armures is a traditional restaurant in the old town.

Chez Phillipe is a modern bar and grill run by a famous Swiss chef.

The post Guide to Day Trips from Lausanne, Switzerland appeared first on The Travel Magazine.