Top European Wedding Destinations

There’s plenty of reasons why Europe is an attractive option for your destination wedding. Whether you’re drawn to the charming quiet streets, the exquisite views or the finest dining experience, it’s the place to tie the knot. Here we’ll talk about ten of the most popular countries in Europe to get married in. We’ll expound upon specific locations and venues which are considered some of the best wedding destinations worldwide. Let’s jump right in and explore some of the best European wedding destinations!

Get Married in Greece

What could be more romantic than your own Mamma Mia fantasy coming to life in the beautiful country of Greece? With its vibrant, iconic architecture, stunning beaches, and expansive vineyards, it really has all the ingredients you need for your dream wedding.

Santorini Wedding – Photo by AXP Photography
Santorini

This is arguably one of the most recognized tourist cities in Greece. With it’s white washed buildings with blue domes, and winding staircases, it’s as if this city came right out of a fairytale. These perfect streets, combined with views of the Aegean Sea are unbeatable. 

You’ll have lots of fantastic wedding venues to choose from in Santorini. Perhaps a location like Santo Winery, where beautiful views, local wine, and an idyllic ceremony and reception area make for an attractive option. If you want your ceremony on top of a classic Santorini windmill, consider something like El Viento. This venue is also known for its fantastic sunsets. 

Athens

If you’re a classic romantic, and a lover of ancient culture and history, then Athens is probably a great place to get hitched. In Athens, you’ll also have a bunch of great venues to choose from. Everything from stunning beachfronts to sweeping estates – it’s all within reach. 

If you want to treat yourself to all the opulence and beauty that this region has to  offer, Ktima 48 is a venue you should definitely check out. With it’s views of the sea and large seating capacity, it’s one you and your guests will never forget. 

Get Married in Italy

Whether you envision a Gondolier serenading you through the watery streets of Venice, or you picture saying your vows in the sunny hills of Tuscanny, Italy is no doubt an incredible destination for your wedding. 

Roman Colosseum – Photo by Chaitaastic
Rome

The capital of Italy isn’t just an attraction for young Catholic couples, although that is a great reason to pick this city as your wedding location. The cobbled streets, welcoming ancient structures, provide a perfect backdrop for your Rome(antic) wedding photo. Stroll hand in hand past the monuments and take a stop in the welcoming coffee bar. Then take a celebratory scooter ride down the bumpy streets. 

Venice

If you’re thinking about getting married in Venice, you won’t be disappointed. The little cafes and restaurants interspersed along the canal, provide for the most romantic experience one can dream of. After a good, yet cheap bottle of red wine at one of the lighted bars on the river, step into one of the many gondolas and take a nighttime ride on the glistening water. 

Here you can find a list of wedding venues in Venice and pick the one that most suits your fancy. You’ll be able to choose between beautiful villas just outside the city or hotel locations right in the middle of the action. 

Tuscany 

“Where the Tuscan sun is warm and bright, there my maiden’s love is pure delight.” This Italian folk song describe the infectious vibes of a wedding in Tuscany. 

A beautiful stone villa, surrounded by elegant cypress trees and a swimming pool are a couple of the ingredients found in the idyllic Tuscany wedding. Depending on how big your wedding party is and how large your wedding budget is there are a wide range of options. On the more opulent side, large castle venues like Castello Di Banfi is a large castle estate surrounded by lush vineyards and complete with full catering services. If you want something a little cheaper there are also plenty of beautiful, yet simple stone villas in the countryside that provide the perfect location for an intimate wedding ceremony. 

Get Married in Scotland

From historic ancient castles, to wild, rugged coastlines, Scotland is the perfect wedding destination for couples seeking adventure or those who love a good night at the pub. 

Old Scottish Castle – Photo by Miguel Rossello Calafell
Glasgow

Besides being Scotland’s capital, Glasgow is also a wonderful city to get hitched in. Cameron House is a popular location, and lends itself as a dream wedding venue complete with views of the highlands, cozy accommodations, and close to the famous Loch Lomond. 

Stirling

The charming Scottish town of Stirling is a great choice for couples who want to combine a friendly local scene with rich historical sights and classic Scottish food. Walk arm in arm down the romantic cobbled streets and explore the ancient castles out in the countryside. 

Get Married in France

Whether you’re dreaming of a wedding in a chateau among the lush vineyards, or you imagine exchanging vows on a quiet beach in the south, France makes a great country to have your destination wedding. Needless to say, cities Like Paris and Nice provide plenty of options for wedding venues and fancy dining experiences.

Couple Pose for Wedding Photo in Front of the Louvre – Photo by Igor Link
Paris

Imagine strolling through the beautiful botanical gardens and posing in front of the Eiffel Tower for your wedding photo, there’s nothing like celebrating your love in Paris. The cobbled streets lined with fine dining and petit cafes, provide a romantic and quiet location for you and your love. Plus you’ll have plenty of venues to choose from. 

Provence 

There’s nothing quite like the south of France when it comes to tying the knot. From luxurious chateaus with their curtains billowing in the salty ocean breeze to charming cafes serving tasty cheese and wine beneath the shade of towering sycamore trees, it’s a dream come to life and some of the world’s finest cuisine make this one of the most popular destinations in France. Here you’ll find a list of venues to choose from in Provence, France. 

Nice

Nestled along the French Riviera is the charming city of Nice. Similar to Provence, Nice offers a wide array of beautiful villas for your wedding accommodations and has plenty of beautiful venues to choose from. If you want your wedding to have a bit of a Middle Ages vibe, a venue like Chateau de Bellet is the perfect fit. Perched on top of a hill, this 17th century chapel has beautiful views of the Mediterranean and the stunning landscape of southern France. 

Get Married in Spain

Let the soft notes of a Spanish guitar and the quiet streets of Seville guide escort you into your wedding day. Spain! Where there’s nothing but laughter, music, dancing and sunshine. What could be more romantic?

Couple Pose for Wedding Photo – Photo by Masoodaslami
Barcelona

It’s one the most popular tourist cities in Spain and there’s no surprise why. Barcelona is popping with color, culture and sound. If you want to experience the hospitality of Spain, combined with beautiful beaches and fancy hotels, Barcelona is the place to tie the knot. In addition, Massia Cabellut is a popular venue among couples who travel to Barcelona for their wedding. It’s a little bit outside the city but provides a lavish ceremony space.

Mallorca 

If you are imagining a wedding on an island in the sun, then you should definitely put Mallorca in the hopper. There’s little that this Spanish island doesn’t have. The rocky, mountainous region, in contrast to the soft sandy beaches with the charming little towns sprinkled across the island, provide the ingredients for the wedding of your dreams. 

Find an Officiant for Your European Destination Wedding

If you want someone to officiate your destination wedding in Europe, have a friend get ordained online. As long as you register the wedding in the United States, anyone eighteen years or older, regardless of religion, can officiate your wedding. American Marriage Ministries allows you to get ordained completely free of charge and signing up only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Moreover, it will save you from having to find a local priest or officiant in Italy or France, and gives you the chance to plan your wedding ceremony well in advance of the wedding day.  

-Bernard Paul