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Reflecting on the best locations to celebrate your wedding

brittney farra

We are currently sitting at one of our favorite venue’s here in North County San Diego and reflecting on if it truly gets any better. Ocean views, sunny, 75 degrees and palm tree breeze. It has us reflecting on our favorite wedding locations, and with each beautiful scenery brings its own peace and reflection. With that said, we started thinking of the best wedding locations to consider. So if you are reading this and on the fence about where to celebrate your wedding, let this list serve as a guide to help brainstorm.

We have broke it up into four sections: North America, Europe, Asia & home sweet home (Southern California) Enjoy!

We realize this is a bit broad, but after visiting several of these locations we thought how amazing it would be to capture weddings in just a few of these locations. North America offers a plethora of stunning locations for weddings, from bustling cities to serene natural settings. Here are some top choices for various types of weddings:

1. Urban Elegance

  • New York City, New York: Iconic venues like The Plaza Hotel, Central Park, or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offer a mix of luxury and charm.

  • Los Angeles, California: Consider The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, or a glamorous beachside venue.

2. Countryside

  • Napa Valley, California: Known for its vineyards and luxurious wineries like Domaine Carneros or Castello di Amorosa.

  • Charleston, South Carolina: Historic venues like the William Aiken House or the charming gardens at Magnolia Plantation.

3. Rustic

  • Aspen, Colorado: Perfect for a mountain wedding with venues like The Little Nell or the Aspen Meadows Resort.

  • The Adirondacks, New York: Offers beautiful, rustic venues like The Lake Placid Lodge or The Whiteface Lodge.

4. Beach Bliss

  • Hawaii: Consider Maui’s Wailea Beach Resort or Oahu’s Turtle Bay Resort for a tropical setting.

  • Cancún, Mexico: Beautiful beachside resorts such as The Ritz-Carlton or Moon Palace.

5. Scenic

  • Banff, Alberta: We are stoked to check this off the bucket list in a few weeks! Defiantly a must if planning a destination wedding for a stunning mountain backdrop, try The Fairmont Banff Springs or Lake Louise.

  • Sedona, Arizona: Our personal favorite and a place we tried to visit at least once a year. Known for its red rock formations, with options like L’Auberge de Sedona or Enchantment Resort.

6. Historic Charm

  • Quebec City, Canada: The Old City offers picturesque venues like Château Frontenac.

  • New Orleans, Louisiana: Rich in culture and history with venues like the St. Louis Cathedral or The Elms Mansion.

7. Intimate Settings

  • Vancouver Island, British Columbia: The Butchart Gardens or a cozy seaside venue.

  • Santa Fe, New Mexico: Offers unique, artistic venues like La Fonda on the Plaza or the Santa Fe Opera.

8. Modern Chic

  • Toronto, Ontario: Contemporary spaces like The One Eighty or the Art Gallery of Ontario.

  • Austin, Texas: Trendy venues such as The 800 Congress or The Allen House.

9. Mountain Majesty

  • Jackson Hole, Wyoming: With the Tetons as a backdrop, consider venues like The Wort Hotel or Spring Creek Ranch.

  • Whistler, British Columbia: Offers a range of beautiful venues, from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler to more rustic lodge options.

  • Yosemite Valley, California: There’s a reason Yosemite is one of the most visited places in the world. The views speak for themselves.

Europe is filled with stunning locations perfect for a memorable wedding, each offering its unique charm and atmosphere. Here are some of the best places to consider:

  1. Paris, France
    The City of Light is synonymous with romance. You can exchange vows with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, or in one of the city's historic churches or elegant gardens.

  2. Santorini, Greece
    Famous for its breathtaking sunsets and stunning white-washed buildings, Santorini provides a picturesque setting for a wedding. The views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea are spectacular.

  3. Tuscany, Italy
    With its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villas, Tuscany offers a romantic and rustic setting. Many venues include historic castles and beautiful countryside estates.

  4. Amalfi Coast, Italy
    The dramatic coastal scenery, colorful cliffside villages, and Mediterranean atmosphere make the Amalfi Coast an enchanting location for a wedding.

  5. Prague, Czech Republic
    Known for its fairy-tale architecture, including Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge, this city offers a magical and historic setting for a wedding.

  6. Ghent, Belgium
    With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture and proximity to major European cities Ghent is a hidden gem in Belgium and must visit.

  7. Vienna, Austria
    The city's imperial palaces, elegant gardens, and classical charm make Vienna a sophisticated choice for a wedding, especially if you're looking for grandeur.

  8. Edinburgh, Scotland
    Edinburgh's historic castles, cobbled streets, and dramatic landscapes create a romantic and atmospheric setting. The city's blend of history and beauty is perfect for a fairytale wedding.

  9. Lake Bled, Slovenia
    Known for its picturesque lake, medieval castle, and island church, Lake Bled offers a serene and enchanting environment for a wedding.

  10. Budapest, Hungary
    The city's stunning architecture, including the Buda Castle and the picturesque Danube River, along with its rich history, provide a dramatic and elegant setting.

Each of these locations has its own distinct appeal, so the best choice depends on the style and atmosphere you envision for your wedding.

Asia offers a stunning array of wedding venues, from exotic beaches to historic temples. Here are some of the best places to consider for a memorable wedding:

  1. Bali, Indonesia: Known for its breathtaking beaches, lush landscapes, and luxurious resorts, Bali is a top destination for romantic beachside weddings and intimate ceremonies in private villas or lush gardens.

  2. Kyoto, Japan: With its traditional temples, beautiful gardens, and serene ambiance, Kyoto offers a unique and culturally rich setting for a wedding. You can have a traditional Shinto ceremony or celebrate amidst the city's historic charm.

  3. Phuket, Thailand: Phuket's stunning beaches and upscale resorts provide a picturesque backdrop for a beach wedding. The island offers various options, from luxury resorts to more intimate beachfront settings.

  4. Singapore: Singapore combines modern luxury with lush green spaces. Venues like the iconic Marina Bay Sands or the tranquil Gardens by the Bay offer elegant and contemporary settings for a wedding.

  5. Udaipur, India: Known as the "City of Lakes," Udaipur is famous for its opulent palaces and stunning lakeside settings. The grandeur of venues like the City Palace or the Lake Palace provides a fairy-tale backdrop.

  6. Hong Kong: For a cosmopolitan vibe, Hong Kong offers a mix of modern and traditional venues. You can opt for a wedding with a stunning skyline view or a more intimate setting in historic areas.

  7. Sapporo, Japan: Sapporo, with its charming snow-covered landscapes, is perfect for winter weddings. The city's picturesque scenery and festive atmosphere make it a unique choice.

  8. Seoul, South Korea: Seoul offers a blend of traditional and modern settings, including beautiful palaces and sleek, contemporary hotels. The city's vibrant culture and elegant venues create a dynamic wedding experience.

  9. Hokkaido, Japan: For couples looking for a winter wonderland, Hokkaido's snow-covered landscapes and hot springs offer a cozy, romantic atmosphere. It's ideal for a winter-themed wedding.

  10. Manila, Philippines: Manila combines historic charm with modern luxury. Venues like the Rizal Park or luxury hotels provide diverse options, from grand celebrations to intimate gatherings.

Each of these locations has its unique charm and character, making it important to consider what fits your vision for the big day!

Southern California is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse venues, and perfect weather, making it an ideal place for a memorable wedding. Here are some top choices for wedding venues in the region:

1. Beaches and Coastal Venues

  • Hotel del Coronado, San Diego: A historic beachfront hotel with Victorian charm and stunning ocean views.

  • Laguna Beach: Various beachfront properties offer picturesque settings with the ocean as your backdrop.

  • La Jolla: For a classic Southern California vibe with a touch of nostalgia.

2. Vineyards and Wineries

  • Temecula Valley Wine Country: Home to numerous beautiful wineries like Galway Downs and South Coast Winery, offering scenic vineyard views and elegant event spaces.

  • Malibu: Offers a more relaxed, yet elegant, outdoor setting among the vineyards like Calamigos Ranch

3. Garden and Estate Venues

  • Botanica Garden: Located in Encinitas, we are blown away with the design and creativity this venue provides

  • The Arboretum in Arcadia: Features botanical gardens and historic structures, ideal for a romantic garden wedding.

  • Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: Offers diverse garden settings and elegant indoor options.

4. Unique and Historic Venues

  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Provides a chic, modern backdrop with the added benefit of world-class art.

  • The Lafayette Hotel: A historic hotel located in North Park San Diego. This is a funky twist on classic meets modern

  • Venue 808: For a downtown wedding with one of the most unique touches, make sure to check this one out.

5. Mountains and Scenic Views

  • Big Bear Lake: Offers a charming mountain setting with options for lakeside or forest weddings.

  • Santa Barbara: Known for its beautiful coastal views and upscale venues like Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore.

6. Rustic and Barn Venues

  • The Barn at Twin Oaks Ranch, San Marcos: Provides a rustic, country feel with beautiful views and a charming barn setting.

  • The Willow Creek Ranch, Santa Ynez Valley: Offers a picturesque ranch setting with rolling hills and elegant barn spaces.

7. Luxury and Contemporary Venues

  • W Hollywood: For a trendy and upscale city wedding with a chic atmosphere.

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: Features luxurious oceanfront settings and elegant indoor spaces.

Each venue offers its own unique charm and style, so your choice will depend on the atmosphere you're looking for and the experience you want to create for your guests.

As always, Thank you for stopping by to check out our San Diego wedding blog and greater travel blog. Located in San Diego California Andy and Brittney are a team of wedding photographers and wedding videographers capturing weddings here locally in Southern California and greater U.S. If you are recently engaged and looking for a team to document your day we would love to connect. Look forward to talking more wedding details soon!