Destination weddings have grown increasingly popular in the last decade, offering couples the chance to exchange vows in a breathtaking setting, surrounded by loved ones and unforgettable travel experiences. Whether travelers are seeking a backdrop for a romantic beach ceremony, a rustic vineyard affair, or an enchanting castle wedding, there are plenty of options around the world that offer the perfect spot to say ‘I do.’ With the most common time for couples to get engaged between Christmas and New Year, Booking.com, a global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is sharing a list of wow-factor destinations and accommodations for inspiration on where to tie the knot in 2024.
Bali, Indonesia
A destination synonymous with white sand beaches and crystal clear, azure waters is the Indonesian island of Bali. With its unique Hindu culture, verdant tropical landscape and long tradition of warm hospitality, it offers many unique and enchanting wedding options. Couples can opt for an intimate, beach ceremony populated with close friends and family, a small clifftop affair overlooking the sea, or blessings and traditional purification ceremonies within one of the many sacred temples. The island is also home to some incredible hotels rising from the rolling rice terraces or set in ancient valleys that can host much larger gatherings. Outside of the nuptials, couples and guests alike can make the most of everything the ‘Island of the Gods’ has to offer from surfing and yoga lessons to diving pristine reefs and trekking. Book a Mount Batur Sunrise Hiking With Breakfast to climb to the summit of this magnificent mountain with a local guide, watching the sunrise at the top for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where to stay: Nestled within a pristine river valley and overlooking the Payangan bamboo forest, the expansive Padma Resort Ubud offers a sanctuary of tranquility set in terraced gardens. Situated a short drive north of Ubud, every room boasts breathtaking views, while the curved infinity pool offers panoramic vistas, making this resort ideal for either an intimate ceremony outdoors or a lavish affair in the air-conditioned ballroom. The culinary team at this Booking.com Travel Sustainable property craft custom menus for the special day, from elegant champagne breakfasts to relaxed cocktail-style receptions and wine-paired dinners – all made with organic, locally sourced produce that includes vegan and vegetarian options.
Las Vegas, United States
Whether couples want a big, extravagant ceremony at an iconic hotel or a small, intimate affair at one of the city’s many wedding chapels, Las Vegas offers brides and grooms a raft of exciting options. Love is all-inclusive in this stimulating desert metropolis, which has long been vocal about LBGTQ+ rights with same-sex marriage legally recognized there since 2014. Couples can choose from the most luxurious resorts in the world with world-class amenities and spas, or get hitched on a Las Vegas Wedding Experience complete with an Elvis impersonator, private limousine and photoshoot, rounding off the occasion with a Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Ride at Night. From A-list entertainers and big-budget shows to fine dining experiences, superb shopping and dancing fountains, Vegas has it all. It even makes an ideal starting point for a honeymoon, offering a wealth of natural beauty nearby. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, for example, is a short drive outside of the city, with stunning hiking trails and a desert landscape that will delight honeymooners.
Where to stay: One of the most iconic hotels on the Strip, The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas, a Booking.com Traveller Review Award winning property, has all the romance of its Italian namesake – even a matrix of canals with gondola rides – and hosts a selection of wedding venues for those looking to tie the knot. From its elegant chapel to the Venezia Gardens and ‘Love’ sculpture as a beautiful backdrop, this lavish resort offers several wedding package options that can be personalized. A Booking.com Travel Sustainable stay for its impressive use of renewable electricity throughout, the resort houses over 40 international restaurants as well as a state-of-the-art casino, nightclub, wax museum, theater and spa.
Ravello, Italy
For the seventh year in a row, Italy is home to the largest number of Traveller Review Award recipients** in Booking.com’s annual partner recognition awards. Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ravello is an Italian resort town that has enchanted travelers for centuries. Along the iconic stretch of Amalfi Coast with cliffside lemon groves and a rugged shoreline dotted with secluded coves, it’s little wonder Italy is renowned around the world for its romantic venues. For those with classic la dolce vita tastes, pick from grand palazzos and vineyards, or more rustic farmhouses with a pool, view and plenty of room for the crew. With a rich cultural history and picture-perfect scenery, Ravello is a popular destination for artists and has been home to many famous figures including Wagner, Nietzsche and Lawrence. Travelers will be enamored not only with their betrothed, but with the beautiful gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo that are open to the public.
Where to stay: On a hill in the heart of town, Villa Piedimonte, another Booking.com Traveller Review Award-winning property, offers the sweet scent of citrus groves and enchanting views of the Mediterranean sea. Converted from an ancient 12th-century residence near the famous Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium, this hotel boasts sweeping panoramic views from every angle. It offers couples the perfect locale for a romantic Italian wedding. Each room has stylish furnishings and a balcony overlooking the botanical gardens and pool, while the villa is just a short walk into Ravello’s historic center with its maze of cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
Maldives
The idyllic Maldives, a scattered archipelago of over 1,000 coral islands nestled in the Indian Ocean, delivers a destination wedding that is as enchanting as the islands themselves. From barefoot beach ceremonies to sunset cliff-top nuptials, with its pristine sand, turquoise waters, overwater villas set on stilts and luxurious resorts, the Maldives sets a breathtaking stage for a romantic celebration. Considered one of the most extravagant island escapes in the world, there are plenty of honeymoon-worthy activities on offer from luxury spa treatments with panoramic vistas of the ocean, to sunset boat cruises and island-hopping adventures. A full-day Sandbank and Snorkelling Adventure covers it all with snorkeling, a dolphin cruise and beach photography, while Discover Scuba Diving in the Maldives for Beginners allows visitors to explore the dazzling underwater world which makes this destination a vacation of a lifetime. The Maldives are also home to several world-class spas, which make the perfect place for pre-wedding pampering and post-wedding rejuvenation.
Where to stay: The only resort on Meerufenfushi Island, the Meeru Maldive Resort Island offers guests their little piece of paradise. A host of romantic packages are available including proposals, weddings and honeymoons, as well as couples massages and candlelit beach dinners for two. The hotel itself has a private beach, two freshwater swimming pools, a babysitting service and a photo studio, all ideal for a wedding party. What’s more, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable resort offers tours and activities organized by local guides including exciting watersports and diving excursions sure to keep everyone entertained.
Cancún, Mexico
A vibrant coastal city situated along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cancún is famed for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural Mayan heritage and wild fiestas. This once tiny fishing village turned megaresort is Mexico’s fastest-growing city surrounded by biodiverse jungles and wildlife-rich wetlands. For those looking to exchange vows with sand between their toes, Cancún offers over 15 miles (24km) of coastline to choose from, as well as glitzy all-inclusive resorts dotted with rooftop terraces and gazebos with ocean views, making it a great option for a destination wedding. Its extensive coast means that flavors from the sea permeate its local cuisine, with ceviche, a zesty seafood dish marinated with citrus, and its taco and empanada offerings making a delightful marriage feast. Visitors can explore Mexico’s rich history with a tour to Chichen Itza, Cenote Sagrado and Valladolid from Cancún that showcases the awe-inspiring ruins of an ancient civilization and one of the seven wonders of the world.
Where to stay: Offering an adults-only escape, the Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún is a five-star, all-inclusive resort right on Cancún beach where guests can tie the knot. With sleek decor, this romantic stay is not only a delight to the eyes but all the senses, with gourmet food at its nine restaurants and aromatherapy products on tap in its luxury spa. When organizing weddings, this resort commits to only one taking place at a time, to ensure the happy couple are the main protagonists of their big day. Better yet, this Booking.com Travel Proud property promises LGBTQ+ travelers a welcoming experience and, with same-sex marriage now legally performed in Mexico, this resort could be a match made in heaven for LGBTQ+ couples.
Sydney, Australia
The capital of New South Wales is a captivating city that seamlessly blends iconic landmarks and breathtaking natural beauty. From its world-renowned harbor bridge to its bustling markets, sun-kissed beaches and lush national parks, Sydney offers an endless array of experiences for visitors of all ages – perfect for a wedding party of family and friends. Whether couples seek a laid-back beach ceremony or a reception with a creative backdrop in the city, Sydney has a visual wow factor and offers an array of impressive and photo-worthy venues. Couples can even embark on a ‘Wedding Climb’ and tie the knot at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the company of their nearest and dearest. Outside of the nuptials, visitors can bodyboard on Bondi Beach, explore Aboriginal culture at the Royal Botanic Garden or catch a show at the Sydney Opera House. On a sunny day, the waters of the harbor glisten like shards of sapphire, reflecting its famous opera house and best seen on a Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise.
Where to stay: The Langham Sydney, also a Booking.com Traveller Review Award-winning property, offers a refined stay in the center of Sydney that also doubles up as a wedding venue. Just a short walk to the opera house, it boasts harbor views and has everything guests could want from a Roman-style heated pool to a decadent spa offering relaxing treatments and beauty services, all while holding a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its considerable efforts towards sustainability. The hotel’s restaurant, Kitchens on Kent, ensures tailor-made wedding menus from delicate canapes to multi-course menus, while the happy couple can share a toast at the Observatory Bar.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). To participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.
**To be recognized with an award, accommodation partners had to have an average review score of 8.0 (out of 10) or higher based on at least 3 reviews, as of 11:59pm (CET) on November 30, 2023. Car rental partners had to have an average review score of 7.5 (out of 10) or higher based on at least 100 reviews, as of 11:59pm (CET) on November 30, 2023. To be recognized with an award, taxi providers had to have an average review score of 4.6 (out of 5) or higher and completed 2,000 rides as of 11:59pm (CET) on November 30, 2023.
