9 Incredibly Beautiful Places on the Planet Where You Can Get Married
Destination weddings have become so commonplace that couples have to think of something more original than a beach wedding to make their big day truly unforgettable. Here are nine picturesque places to get married that will definitely make for a wedding to remember.
From the ceremony itself to the gala reception, everything can be held in the dungeons of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine is located on the outskirts of Krakow and accommodates weddings of almost any size. Ceremonies take place in the monumental Chapel of St. Kinga or the more intimate Chapel of St. John.
Guests can stay either at the Grand Sal Hotel or in rooms 122 metres underground, visit the spa and try restorative salt treatments, or simply dance the night away at one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Many brides dream of getting married in a fairytale location. Romania's Bran Castle certainly fits the bill with its picturesque old architecture, majestic ramparts, and stunning surrounding scenery. Bran Castle was built in the 14th century and was the favorite residence of Queen Marie of Romania. Horror fans will recognize it as the home of another nobleman, Count Dracula.
Bran Castle is believed to have been the inspiration for the Count's home in Transylvania, according to Dracula author Bram Stoker. However, the castle's website states, "We hope that our guests are able to separate the historical facts surrounding Bran from the Count, the hero of Bram Stoker's novel." However, when couples marry in this picturesque location, the words "till death do us part" carry much more weight.
The tiny farm enclave that became the Shire in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy is the perfect place to put a ring on your sweetheart’s ring finger. Couples can get married in the verdant gardens of Hobbiton, where manicured hobbit holes evoke the atmosphere of a Middle-earth fairytale. You can host a buffet with canapés and champagne right in the garden, or hold a formal reception in a replica of the Green Dragon Inn, which serves a menu of dishes fit for a hobbit: rosemary-larded New Zealand lamb, clove-glazed ham, and desserts that would make even an orc smile.
Most couples who choose Hobbiton as a wedding location are die-hard fans of The Lord of the Rings. But the locations are truly magical, so no one will find fault if the bride or groom has never read the book or seen its film adaptation, but simply wants to get married against the backdrop of New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes.
Beach weddings are a popular option, but the couple can always add an element of adventure to their big day by riding the Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island in New York City. The wooden ride wedding usually takes place on the landing platform. The coaster only costs nine dollars to ride, so it's a great option for those looking to save money.
The Cyclone opened back in 1927 and is a true symbol of longevity, which is perfect for a new family. After the couple has said their vows, they can take a souvenir photo and head to the landing platform, where guests can enjoy delicious hot dogs and cupcakes, and then ride other attractions in this historic park or simply stroll along the shore.
Even if you're not particularly fond of trees and nature, getting married in a treehouse is a very romantic option. The Lodge resort on the shores of beautiful Loch Goil in Scotland has a treehouse large enough to accommodate an intimate circle of 24 guests. The place is an hour's drive from Glasgow. The house has been there since 1864. The resort's website has a special wedding planning tool.
There is a similar place in the US – Treehouse Point in Fall City, Washington, just half an hour from Seattle. A group of tree houses in an evergreen forest can accommodate up to 16 people for an overnight stay, and an outdoor celebration area can accommodate 80 guests.
To make your wedding truly cosmic, you can go to the edge of outer space and get married in zero gravity. The bride and groom and their guests – up to 36 people in total – are sent on a specially re-equipped Boeing 727 and rise to an altitude of about 10 km, where the pilot performs several aerial acrobatics called “parabolas”. It should be noted that all passengers on board must have a well-trained vestibular apparatus, otherwise the festive treat will end up in the air again.
The plane flips several times, and passengers float in the air, achieving a state of weightlessness for a few seconds. This is enough time to exchange vows and take some incredible wedding photos. The tour lasts about five hours, which leaves enough time for a gala dinner on Earth. Perhaps there will still be time to watch the movie Gravity.
If your idea of romance includes a diving helmet, head to the South Pacific to get married in an underwater chapel. Couples can dress in white wetsuits and be met at the bottom of the blue lagoon by an underwater Polynesian priest who will perform the wedding ceremony.
At a depth of about 4 meters under water, the bride and groom can say their vows, exchange rings, sign the marriage certificate and have it all captured by an underwater cameraman. You can even invite up to four friends to witness this magical moment. In the US, you can get married underwater at the Long Island Aquarium, surrounded by real sharks.
Deep beneath the peaceful Cornish countryside lies an underground lake that could be the most memorable and romantic candlelit wedding in the world. You don't need any caving equipment to enjoy this magical place.
Couples can get here by rowboat. Thanks to the British Navy, there is no need to return to the surface for the reception. Just head to the nearby cave where sailors have been storing their rum supplies since World War II.
For those who love the movie Frozen, there is no better place to get married than the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec. The only thing that warms you up in the ice chapel is the love of the bride and groom, and champagne. Spend the night in front of the fireplace in one of the hotel's ice rooms and help each other stay warm.
By the way, there is a similar church with a hotel in Sweden - Ice Hotel. Don't forget to pay the local fee for the marriage certificate at the tax office.
If you think it's not cold enough here, you can go to the Alaskan glacier. To do this, the bride and groom need to get into a helicopter or amphibious plane and fly to a glacier near Juneau. The right wedding dress will perfectly hide the layers of thermal underwear on the body.