Some people dream of their wedding day for their whole lives, planning all the details from the dress and flowers and cake for years before it’s actually time to walk down the aisle. Because there are few days in a lifetime that will be more special or more memorable than your wedding day. So it makes sense that couples are willing to travel the globe to find a wedding venue that lives up to their expectations.
According to TripSavvy, a quarter of all American marriages begin with a destination wedding. Thanks to the tropical weather and close proximity to the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean are the most popular destinations. There are countless resorts that cater to these events, giving couples the chance to spend less time planning the small details of their big day and more time enjoying the festivities with their friends and families.
Windy City Travel has nearly 40 years of experience helping happy couples plan their dream destination weddings. The travel agents have connections all over the world, meaning clients can plan a wedding an hour or a continent away. Here’s a preview of some of the exquisite locations Windy City Travel can find for your destination wedding:
Italy
More than any other location on this list, Italy offers many different types of destination weddings. Beachfront ceremonies can be found along the Amalfi Coast, but there are also rustic vineyards in Tuscany, luxury mountain lodges in the Dolemites, boutique hotels in urban hotspots, and romantic villas all over the country.
The Villa Antiche Mura in Sorrento is a stunning option. Run by the Hotel Antiche Mura, a 4-star hotel with a sterling reputation, the villa boasts a professional, English-speaking staff that can turn your wedding dreams into reality. The villa itself sits atop a cliff with soaring views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. There are two spacious terraces to take in the seaside views and a citrus grove, which is traditional for this part of Europe.
Dominican Republic
Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic is a private beachfront property perfect for an intimate getaway. Besides incredible ocean views, the luxury resort includes accommodations, exceptional gourmet food and mixology program, cooking classes, spa treatments, tennis courts, private training, standup paddleboards and other athletics, plus a full children’s activity program. The all-inclusive resort can be rented out partially or fully, and has a sleeping capacity of 28 people (up to 100 can be hosted for wedding celebrations).
Ireland
Royals aren’t the only people who have fairy-tale love stories, and so they shouldn’t be the only ones who get to have weddings in castles either. Enter Clontarf Castle, an 800-year-old castle turned 4-star hotel that caters to weddings large and small. It’s in Dublin, which makes travel much easier for guests and allows them to explore all that the city has to offer. The venue itself has four distinct spaces to choose from, including a modern grand ballroom and a more intimate 12th-century restaurant space with wood-beamed ceilings and beautiful stained glass.
Thailand
Thailand is the most visited country in the entire world. But couples looking for a private little piece of paradise will love the Ani Thailand resort. It’s located on Koh Yao Noi, a small, serene island in the Andaman Sea. The crystal-clear waters and rugged island outcrops are similar to those on nearby Phuket, but without the big tourism business. The 10-suite property boasts a private beach, Asian cooking classes, gourmet food and mixology programs, spa treatments, cycling tours of the island, fitness facilities and athletics, all included in the all-inclusive price. There is space for 20 guests to stay on property, but up to 60 guests can be hosted for a wedding celebration.
No matter what type of destination wedding you envision, the experienced advisors at Windy City Travel can turn your big day dreams into reality. They can help you find a location that fits everything on your wish list, plus they make planning and booking your travel easy. And you can count on their industry-insider knowledge to get you a good value on flights, lodging, and anything else you need while you’re away.