Planning a wedding is not an easy thing to do; deciding the date, finding a dress, planning the pre parties, theme, guest seating and vendors are all challenges, now imagine adding a pandemic. The number of cases are still going up and down, forcing everyone to adapt rapidly, adding to the many aspects to consider in the name of keeping everyone involved safe.
Settling upon a venue is undoubtedly one of the crucial elements of wedding planning, particularly with social distancing. For that reason, outdoor weddings are trending given that the space is not as limited as indoor venues and has better air circulation. We sorted out eight slightly unconventional places with magical sceneries for your wedding.
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Zion National Park is where the Zion Canyon sits, where the red cliffs are as high as 2,000 feet. This park itself is as big as 229 square miles or 590 square kilometers, features mountains, rivers and natural arches. Plentiful flora and fauna inhabit the area, including more than 200 species of birds, 70 mammals, and 32 reptiles.
There are six designated sites of the park where you can have your wedding with the serene canyons as your backdrop: Temple of Sinawava, Menu Falls, Zion Lodge Lawn, Nature Center North Lawn, South Campground Amphitheater, and Timber Creek Overlook.
Feeling adventurous? Take it up a notch by hiking one of the trails to take several portraits on your stunning wedding dress.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
84,000 years ago, a volcano erupted and it formed a crater. As time went by,it was filled with water and evolved into what we know today as the gorgeous Lake Atitlan. The three volcanoes that surround this lake assemble a rather remarkable scenery.
Favorite wedding venues are located on the edges of the lake.
If you desire an even more memorable experience, have your wedding on a cruise boat. To top it off, wait until sunset time to have an unquestionably picturesque backdrop.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
If you are a fan of Game of Thrones and epic tales, this is one of the many castles in Scotland that could be among your choices. Yes, you can get married in a castle.
Despite the fact that it is located in a small village, Eilean Donan castle is one of the most iconic castles of the country.
The marvelous scenery that is surrounding it is a perfect combination of mountains and lochs (lakes). The castle is seated on an island on its own overlooking the forested mountains of Kintail plus the beautiful Isle of Skye.
If you are lucky, you could spot dolphins and otters in this area while saying I do.
Oia, Santorini, Greece
A lot of people have included Santorini on their travel bucket list, so why not add it to your wedding bucket list.
The history is as unique as the island: it was formed as the result of multiple volcanic activities, where the volcano is still active to this day. Both of the natural and manmade components are well orchestrated to create an eye-pleasing scenery.
There is nothing more dreamy than enjoying breathtaking views of the mediterranean sea and volcano with your loved ones.
Prime locations in order to grab the whole package are Fira, Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani, which are all located high at the edge of the famous Caldera. Whichever spot you may choose, the glorious sunset of Santorini is waiting for you.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
In other names, Ayers Rock.
Australia is widely recognized for its nature, hence it is no surprise that such an enchanted site exists here. The pictured 348 metres high red rock (Uluru) is made of sandstone, and has stood around 500 million years old. The park may be 450 km away from the nearest large town, yet it is very worth it to go the extra mile to see this beauty with your own eyes.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well-known for its sunrise and sunset views. We recommend that you set your wedding around sunset to witness how the light transforms the color of the rock to come alive. If you can feel the magic of the scene just by looking at the picture, imagine having one of the most important moments of your life here.
Highly recommended to do it during Australias’s fall or winter, as summer’s scorching heat is just not an option.
Hardangerfjord, Norway
Hardangerfjord is one of the most iconic and biggest fjords in Norway.
Wondering what is a fjord? A fjord is a u-shaped valley where seawater runs through. Fjords are commonly surrounded by mountain scenery. Not only could you catch the view of the mountains but there are also waterfalls, glaciers, and pretty orchids in Hardangerfjord.
The ceremony does not have to be necessarily on the fjord itself, though it could be a wonderful idea. There are several towns and neighborhoods where you are able to have your wedding, and one of them is Bergen, the so-called ‘fjord capital’.
You can get the best of both worlds in Bergen: colorful houses on hillsides of the mountains, turn 180 degrees to switch your sight to the Hardangerfjord.
Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia
Labuan Bajo is a small town in the eastern part of Indonesia, set on the island of Flores, about an hour flight from Bali.
This exotic town used to be a small fishing site, and now it has turned into one of the most renowned tourist destinations due to its pink sands and it's clear blue waters.
Picture your wedding reception overlooking the sea, small islands, and the magnificent sky. It is also possible to celebrate your marriage and simultaneously tour around the Komodo National Park with your guests on a phinisi boat.
That way you will have unlimited options of your photo background: the Pink beach, Padar Island, Komodo Island, and many more.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Adventurous brides-to-be, this could be the place for you.
Maasai Mara is one of the biggest wildlife reserves in Africa. Stretched to 1,510 square kilometer or 580 square miles, over 95 species of mammals and 500 species of birds call this place home. Maasai Mara National Reserve is a popular spot to witness the ‘Great Migration’, where more than two million wildebeest, zebras, antelopes, and big cats migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
What could be more fascinating than including wildlife sightings to your marriage ceremony? In the case that you thirst for something more adventurous, exchanging vows while riding a hot air balloon could be an option.
Considering your nuptials will take only one day, you might want to extend your stay there and have your honeymoon there.
There you go brides-to-be!
Planning a wedding or not, this curated guide could be an inspiration for any time in the future. Though traveling is not as easy as it used to be (with the quarantines and travel documents and what nots), next year could be the time to dream up YOUR ultimate wedding!
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