The beauty of a destination wedding lies in the freedom and intimacy it offers nearlyweds. Smaller guest lists, iconic views, and a built-in holiday with all your favourite people in one go? No wonder up to 25% off UK couples opt for destination weddings.
Hitched.co.uk has reported that UK nearlyweds opt to plan destination weddings most frequently in Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Portugal. That doesn’t mean, however, that other, less well-known destination wedding venues lack their charms. In fact, you might find that these hidden gems will set your wedding apart from the others.
For the bride or nearlywed seeking out an underrated, unique, or hidden destination wedding venue in Europe, Team ABC has curated a list of gorgeous venues for every aesthetic. We’ve even added some of our favourite wedding gowns available at Aimee Bridal Couture that match the vibe of these European wedding venues.
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For a coastal wedding venue with unbeatable views, we’ve fallen in love with Fort George in Vis, Croatia The vivid sunsets, sea cliff views, lush greenery, and sparkling waters of Vis Island might look familiar to fans of the Mamma Mia franchise, because Mamma Mia 2 was filmed here!
Perched on a rugged hilltop overlooking the charming town of Vis and the Adriatic Sea, the owners of this exclusive-use, Croatian wedding venue took a historic naval fortress and transformed it into a luxurious Mediterranean getaway. Designed to accommodate 70-150 guests, this historic wedding venue features multiple levels that allow for a wedding, dinner, and reception to occur in one place. |
Say your vows in the courtyard amid the historic fort walls, or in the garden with a gorgeous view of the sea at sunset. Sit underneath lanterns and fairy
lights with views of the Adriatic to enjoy your dinner. Dance the night away on the rooftop terrace or in the lounge bar. Relax and enjoy all the freedom of a Mediterranean wedding without the hassle or crowds of more well-known destinations in places like the Amalfi Coast. Match the free spirit of this coastal wedding venue with an airy chiffon wedding gown, like Serene Bridal’s Rink.
The flowy A-line skirt of this simple wedding dress has a split added to allow the refreshing sea breeze to cool you down, while subtle pearl details, like beaded off-shoulder pearl straps and a matching pearl choker, add a touch of sophistication to the look. Featuring an on-trend basque waist and a soft scoop neckline, Rink by Serene by Madi Lane is the perfect balance of elegance and comfort.
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Surrounded by rolling hills and acres of fragrant lavender fields, Domaine Les Grillons is a 9th-century farmhouse in Réauville, France that ticks every box for a perfect countryside wedding venue. Rustic, charming, private, and surrounded by stunning natural scenery, this destination wedding venue in France features a historic farmhouse, an ancient Linden tree, centuries-old olive and oak trees, a natural stream, seven historic masets, a summer kitchen, a converted stone barn with a fireplace, a pool, and a rum, whisky, and cigar cellar.
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Romantic layers of tulle and chantilly lace flow from the Basque waist into an airy A-line skirt, while embellished 3-D floral motifs add a touch of whimsy to your wedding gown. Light tulle drapes over the sweetheart neckline, falling into delicate off-the-shoulder straps, creating a storybook-inspired wedding day look that’s perfect for dancing through lavender fields.
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The UK is famous for its many castle wedding venues. Still, for couples wanting a moodier vibe with a fantastic bit of literary history attached, Bran Castle in Bran, Romania is the perfect Gothic setting for your destination wedding. Located in the mountains of the historic region of Transylvania, Bran Castle is often known as the real-life Dracula’s Castle, with links to the man who inspired Bram Stoker’s famous vampire: Vlad III. The description of Dracula’s castle in the book claims that it looms over a rugged cliff, with high, intimidating walls and a sumptuous, elegantly decorated interior, and that’s exactly what this majestic castle venue offers to-be-weds. Lovers of dark romance, castlecore aesthetics, BookTok trends, and Gothic architecture can hold their ceremony in the inner courtyard, with the high medieval walls serving as a spectacular backdrop. |
More intimate weddings can be held in the music room, where dark timber beams, long tables, historical decor, and dramatic candelabras create a mysterious but undeniably beautiful atmosphere.
You can capture the dark romance of this castle venue with Mary by Evie Young. A dream in Chantilly lace, this princess-style wedding dress has a softly scooped neckline, a bodice wrapped in asymmetrical pleats, a dropped Basque waist, and a voluminous A-line skirt that flares out into a regal train. Soft sequins embedded in the lace give this lace wedding gown a subtle sparkle that will glimmer gorgeously in candlelight, while the matching high-neck jacket gives your wedding day look a vintage spirit.
Ready to match your destination wedding venue with the perfect wedding dress? Book in with Aimee Bridal Couture for a magical appointment.