With Valentine’s Day upon us, romance is in the air and for some that means talk of weddings. We can all agree that full-on wedding planning is one of the most stressful things you’ll ever go through. So with that in mind, here are the best places on Earth to get hitched – places so spectacular and so visitor-focused that the planning will actually add to your enjoyment of prepping for the Big Day.
Important caveat – the price of these locations might cause their own level of stress.
Parrot Cay Resort, Turks and Caicos
Parrot Cay is one of the Caribbean’s preeminent private islands. It features mile-long powdered white-sand beach – with understated style, cosseting service and smiling staff. Plus – we’re always looking out for your health – Parrot Cay has an award-winning holistic spa and offers very healthy cuisine. This is where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner married in 2005. If the paparazzi are chasing you, no worries – Parrot Cay has a no-fly zone so you don’t have to worry about photographers snapping pictures of your nuptials from the air.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Imagine exchanging your vows in the open air, as close to the bottom of the globe as you want to get. You’ll have the city of Cape Town and the ocean spread out before you with the spectacular landmarks of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head.
The Mount Nelson Hotel is the place to stay in Cape Town.
Castello Odescalchi, Italy
History, natural beauty and spectacular views and being easily accessible make the Castello Odescalchi a great spot for a day you’ll never forget. This is where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes tied the knot.
Imagine a wedding reception overlooking the Mediterranean as the sun sets.
Villa D’Este, Italy
On the shores of Lake Como, this luxury hotel was built as a residence for a Cardinal of the Catholic Church in the 1500s and converted to a hotel in the late 1800s. It’s known for its remarkable gardens – 25 acres of beautiful azaleas, camellias and roses.
Of course, Lake Como is where George Clooney hangs out, so that could be dangerous for some brides-to-be.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. In other words, perfect for your wedding. Take in the world famous arts and culture as you visit the city. Maybe you’ll even want to get married in the air – at the top of the famous Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater amusement park. The Ferris Wheel has 15 private, luxury cabins. The Art Nouveau cabin is the one you should ask for – it accommodates 12 – including the bride and groom, two witnesses and the registrar.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Vienna sound too formal? How about the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi, a group of 104 islands officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah.
This exotic jungle location is close to phenomenal beaches. You can stay in a traditional Malay houe at this resort – they’ve been collected from around the country and rebuilt to form this small resort.
