Getting married in Europe offers a diverse range of enchanting and picturesque settings, from romantic castles in France to breathtaking coastal venues in Cyprus. There are endless unique wedding venues in Europe – Italy is renowned for its historical wedding venues, Spain takes pride not only in its history but also in its many modern wedding venues, and there are many charming rustic wedding venues in Croatia. Greece is perfect for an outdoor wedding, but Portugal is a truly romantic wedding destination.

To make choosing your dream venue easier, we offer a selection of top destination wedding venues in Europe.

Castle wedding venues in France

There are many castle wedding venues in Europe, but France is particularly rich in them. France is renowned for its enchanting castle wedding venues, offering a fairytale backdrop for your special day. From the romantic Loire Valley to picturesque Provence, there are numerous options to choose from. Château de Chambord, with its striking Renaissance architecture, is a popular choice, while Château de Chenonceau, spanning the Cher River, exudes elegance and charm. In southern France, Château de Castellaras boasts stunning gardens and panoramic views of the French Riviera. Additionally, the Dordogne region offers Château de la Durantie, surrounded by lush landscapes and historic charm.

If you’re looking for a really special wedding venue, Château de Villette, located just 40 minutes from Paris, is a remarkable historical landmark, boasting elegant interiors and a luxurious woodland park with lakes, a cascade fountain, a glass house, an orangery. Originally designed by architect François Mansart for the Count of Aufflay and completed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the chief architect of Louis XV, it has earned the nickname Le Petit Versailles. Throughout its history, Château de Villette hosted notable intellectuals like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, and, in modern times, it has been a sanctuary for celebrities like John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and Lenny Kravitz, inspiring works like Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code" which was partly written there, and served as a filming location for its adaptation.

Historical wedding venues in Italy

Italy boasts a myriad of historical wedding venues that exude charm and romance. Amongst other beautiful historical wedding venues in Europe, there is Villa Balbiano on Lake Como, one of the most iconic wedding venues in the world. This villa wedding venue stands out with breathtaking terraced gardens and picturesque views. In Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio, a majestic palace with stunning Renaissance art, offers an opulent backdrop for a regal wedding.

Venice's Palazzo Cavalli, situated on the Grand Canal, enchants couples with its Venetian architecture and romantic waterway views. For a fairytale experience, the Castello di Vincigliata in Tuscany, a medieval castle with crenellated towers and lush gardens, creates an enchanting setting. In Rome, the Castello Odescalchi, overlooking Lake Bracciano, impresses with its historical significance and grandiose architecture. These historical wedding venues in Italy provide the perfect blend of history, beauty, and romance for an unforgettable celebration.

Outdoor wedding venues in Greece

If you’re considering choosing from many outdoor wedding venues in Europe, Greece is the perfect destination due to its warm climate. Greece offers a plethora of breathtaking outdoor wedding venues that showcase the country's natural beauty and ancient charm. Santorini is renowned for its stunning cliffside venues overlooking the Aegean Sea, providing a picturesque setting for couples exchanging vows. Fanari Villas on the enchanting island of Santorini is the world's most romantic wedding destination, where magic, beauty, and serenity unite. With the mesmerizing backdrop of the volcano, breathtaking sunset, and shimmering blue waters, exchanging vows here, with or without guests, becomes an unforgettable and positively energized start to a new life, blessed by the Gods of the Aegean Sea.

They offer comprehensive ceremony coordination for both symbolic and civil/church weddings, with the option of providing decorations tailored to the couple's preferences and budget. Special offers are available for couples and guests who wish to stay at Fanari Villas, and our concierge department and front desk are ready to assist with organizing additional activities and offering guidance to guests. With an in-house restaurant, hosting a reception dinner or party is effortless, and the complex includes a pool and spa areas accessible to in-house guests. Fanari Villas offer coordination with external wedding planners and other professionals, such as musicians, florists, and photographers.

Athens offers historical outdoor venues which adds a touch of ancient grandeur to any wedding ceremony. For a more secluded and intimate experience, the Peloponnese region offers olive groves and vineyards as idyllic wedding settings, creating a romantic ambience immersed in nature. Whether on an island, by the sea, amidst history, or in nature's embrace, Greece's outdoor wedding venues promise an unforgettable and magical celebration.

Rustic wedding venues in Croatia

For a more authentic wedding, consider one of the rustic wedding venues in Europe. Croatia offers a charming selection of rustic wedding venues, perfect for couples seeking a romantic and authentic experience. The Istrian region, with its picturesque countryside, presents old stone farmhouses and vineyards as idyllic settings for rustic weddings. Plitvice Lakes National Park provides a unique backdrop with cascading waterfalls and lush forests, creating a fairytale-like ambience. The Dalmatian Coast boasts traditional stone villages and olive groves, offering rustic venues with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Inland Croatia features rustic estates and rural lodges surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, perfect for intimate and cosy celebrations. The island of Hvar, known for its lavender fields and sun-kissed landscapes, provides rustic-chic venues for a bohemian-inspired wedding. From coastal gems to inland retreats, Croatia's rustic wedding venues showcase the country's natural beauty and charm.

Modern wedding venues in Spain

Picking one of the modern wedding venues in Europe will add a contemporary feel to your wedding. Spain offers an array of modern wedding venues tailored to contemporary tastes and styles. In Barcelona, the city's stunning architecture sets the stage for modern weddings at venues like Casa Llotja de Mar, a striking historical building with modern interiors, or the sleek Hotel Arts Barcelona, boasting panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Madrid's modern wedding venues include spaces like Palacio de Cibeles, a grand neoclassical building transformed into an elegant event space, and the ultra-modern La Nave, an industrial-chic venue that exudes creativity.

For coastal weddings, Marbella's beachfront resorts, like Nikki Beach Marbella, offer luxurious and trendy settings. Seville also presents modern venues, such as Hacienda San Rafael, a stylish estate amidst olive groves, or Alfonso XIII, a lavish hotel blending classic and contemporary design. Spain's modern wedding venues offer sophistication and innovation, ensuring a memorable celebration for couples embracing a chic and contemporary aesthetic.

Romantic wedding venues in Portugal

If you’re imagining a classic, romance-filled wedding, there are many romantic wedding venues in Europe. Portugal boasts a variety of romantic wedding venues that capture the essence of love and charm. In Lisbon, couples can choose from historic palaces such as Palácio da Pena in Sintra, an enchanting castle surrounded by lush gardens, or the Palácio Nacional de Queluz, a grand 18th- century palace with intricate architecture.

For a coastal wedding, the Algarve region offers stunning beachfront venues like Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, set amidst beautiful gardens and overlooking the ocean, or the intimate Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, perched atop dramatic cliffs. In the Douro Valley, vineyard estates like Quinta do Vallado and Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo provide a romantic and picturesque setting amid rolling hills and terraced vineyards. For a more rustic ambience, the Alentejo region offers venues like São Lourenço do Barrocal, a charming country estate surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Beach wedding venues in Cyprus

Take advantage many beaches that Europe has to offer and look for beach wedding venues in Europe. Cyprus, with its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters, offers a plethora of beach wedding venues that promise a dreamy and picturesque setting for couples. The coastal city of Paphos features idyllic beachfront resorts like Aphrodite Hills Resort and Almyra Hotel, providing luxurious amenities and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

In Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach Resort and Adams Beach Hotel offer sandy shores and turquoise waters, perfect for a romantic seaside ceremony. For a more secluded experience, Lara Bay's natural beauty and pristine beaches in the Akamas Peninsula create an intimate and serene atmosphere. Limassol's beach wedding venues, such as Amathus Beach Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel, offer elegant settings with modern facilities. Whether a lavish affair or an intimate gathering, Cyprus' beach wedding venues provide the perfect backdrop for couples to say "I do" amidst the beauty of the sea and sun.

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Author: Renāte Berga

Cover photo: Joy Zamora photography