The Journal / Venues
Best Destination Wedding Locations: Top 5 in the World
From the Spanish Mediterranean to the cliffs of Santorini and the jungles of Bali: five places to say I do, and how to choose between them.
The best destination wedding locations in the world are Spain, Italy, Greece, France and Bali. Spain is the best all-rounder for weather, variety and value. Italy and France lead on elegance and food, Greece on dramatic island scenery, and Bali on exotic luxury far from Europe. Which is best for you depends on budget, season and how far your guests can travel.
Choosing where to marry is one of the first decisions you make, and it shapes everything after it: the light at sunset, the food on the table and the way your guests remember the trip. Some couples picture barefoot vows on a tropical beach; others a centuries-old villa, a clifftop above the sea or a field of lavender. Below are five of the best destination wedding locations, each with its own character, followed by a quick comparison to help you choose.
1. Spain — The Mediterranean All-Rounder
If one destination does everything well, it is Spain. You get more than 300 days of sun in many regions, huge variety (beaches, vineyards, historic cities, mountain villages), excellent food and wine, and good value compared with the rest of Western Europe. Add easy flights and a culture that celebrates late into the night, and it is hard to beat. From the glamour of Marbella, where I work as a wedding videographer in Marbella, to the relaxed luxury of Mallorca, every region has its own character. I am a filmmaker based in Spain, so I may be biased, but the light agrees with me. For regions, paperwork and season in detail, read my destination wedding in Spain planning guide.
2. Italy — Tuscany, Lake Como & the Amalfi Coast
Italy is classic romance. Tuscany offers golden hills, cypress avenues and rustic stone villas for long dinners with plenty of wine. Lake Como brings lakeside grandeur, while the Amalfi Coast has dramatic cliffs and lemon groves. Italian weddings revolve around food, family and beauty, and few places make guests feel more looked after. It tends to sit at the higher end of the budget, especially Como and Amalfi, but for elegance and atmosphere it remains one of the best destination wedding locations in the world, and an easy favourite for couples who love food and art.
3. Greece — Santorini and the Cyclades
For pure drama, little rivals the Greek islands. Santorini’s whitewashed cliffs and caldera sunsets are famous for a reason and give some of the most striking ceremony backdrops anywhere. Islands like Paros, Naxos and Crete offer the same blue-and-white look with more space and better value. Greece suits intimate, sunny celebrations where the scenery does most of the work. Summers are hot and Santorini gets busy, so many couples choose late spring or early autumn. If a spectacular sunset is non-negotiable, Greece is one of the best places for destination wedding photography and film.
4. France — Provence and the French Riviera
France blends easy elegance with deep-rooted tradition. Provence means lavender fields, honey-stone châteaux and long rosé afternoons, while the French Riviera adds coastal glamour from Nice to Saint-Tropez. Bordeaux and the Loire Valley tempt wine lovers with vineyard estates and castles. French weddings are refined and unhurried, built around excellent food and wine. It is a premium choice, but for couples who want timeless style with food at the centre of the day, Provence in particular is one of the best destination wedding spots in Europe.
5. Bali — Tropical Island Romance
For couples who want something more exotic, Bali is hard to match. Clifftop villas with infinity pools over the ocean, green jungle, frangipani in the air and a deeply spiritual culture make it unlike anywhere in Europe. It is also good value once you arrive, with luxury villas and full-service planning at a fraction of Mediterranean prices. The trade-off is distance: long flights mean smaller, committed guest lists. The tropical climate is best enjoyed in the dry season, from May to September. For a true once-in-a-lifetime trip, Bali is among the best destination wedding locations outside Europe.
How to Compare the Five Destinations
| Destination | Best for | Budget level | Best season | Travel from the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | All-round: weather, variety, value | Good value | Late spring and early autumn | Short flights, many direct routes |
| Italy | Food, art, classic elegance | Higher, especially Como and Amalfi | Late spring and early autumn | Short flights |
| Greece | Dramatic island scenery | Good value on lesser-known islands | Late spring and early autumn | Short flights plus ferry or connection |
| France | Gastronomy, refined style | Premium | Late spring and early autumn | Short flights or train |
| Bali | Exotic, tropical luxury | Good value on arrival, costly flights | Dry season, May to September | Long-haul |
A few practical points I would weigh before deciding:
- Your guests. The further the destination, the smaller the guest list usually becomes. If grandparents or young children matter to you, short flights count for a lot.
- The budget beyond the venue. Flights, accommodation and transfers add up for guests and for you. My guide to destination wedding packages explains what is usually included and what is not.
- The light. As a filmmaker, I plan the day around the sun. Mediterranean destinations have long golden hours in late spring and early autumn, which is when ceremonies, portraits and dinner can all happen in good light.
- Paperwork. Legal requirements differ in every country. Many couples marry legally at home and hold a symbolic ceremony abroad. Check with the civil registry or your consulate.
If you are leaning towards Spain, read how much a wedding in Spain costs to set a realistic budget.
If you are reading this, your wedding matters, and it matters to me too. I am Ismael, a wedding filmmaker based in Spain who works with destination and international couples. Wherever you choose, plan the day around your guests and the light. If Spain is on your shortlist, tell me your date and region and we can talk about your wedding.
Questions
Which is the best location for a destination wedding?
There is no single answer; it depends on your style and budget. Spain offers the best all-round mix of weather, variety and value, Italy and France lead on elegance and food, Greece on dramatic scenery, and Bali on exotic luxury at good value.
What is the best place for a destination wedding on a budget?
Spain and Greece offer the strongest value in Europe, especially inland or on the lesser-known islands and outside peak summer. Bali is good value once you arrive, though long flights add to the overall cost for guests.
When should we book one of these destinations?
Book your venue 12 to 18 months ahead for peak dates and secure your photographer and videographer soon after. The most popular venues fill their best Saturdays first, often more than a year in advance.
What is the easiest destination for guests from the UK and Ireland?
Spain, Italy, France and Greece are all short flights from the UK and Ireland, with Spain offering the widest choice of direct routes to wedding regions such as Málaga, Palma and Alicante. Bali involves long-haul travel and usually a smaller guest list.
What is the best month for a Mediterranean destination wedding?
Late spring and early autumn, roughly May, June and September, give warm weather without the peak heat and crowds of July and August. This applies to Spain, Italy, Greece and the south of France.
