Finding the perfect location for your elopement or wedding is essential to creating the day of your dreams. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to get married. To help you make the right choice, this guide (part 2) showcases the most unique and exceptional locations to get eloped or married in the world. From hidden beaches and lush gardens to historic castles and breathtaking mountain tops, these locations are perfect for capturing memories of your special day through stunning photography.
You can view my first guide with even more stunning wedding locations around the world here:
https://autumncutaia.com/unique-destination-wedding-venues-around-the-world/
Whether you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer or an elopement photographer, these locations provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the beauty and emotion of your big day. So whether you’re looking for a truly unique and exceptional wedding experience or just want to capture memories of your special day, these locations are the perfect choice for the travelling couple and I can photograph your big day on a wild adventure.
Hjörleifshöfði – Iceland
Hjörleifshöfði Cave, located in Iceland, is a stunning and historic cave that has been shaped by volcanic activity and thousands of years of erosion. The cave dates back to the 9th century, and was once a hiding place for Hjörleifur, a legendary figure in Icelandic history. Today, Hjörleifshöfði Cave is a popular tourist destination, known for its geology and views.
Hjörleifshöfði Cave in Iceland is a breathtaking location for a wedding venue. The cave, located on the south coast of Iceland, offers a stunning natural setting for ceremonies and receptions. You can bring in your own chairs and set up the space for your ceremony inside or go elopement style. The cave’s rugged beauty provides a dramatic backdrop for wedding photos, and the unique setting is sure to make your special day unforgettable. The cave’s location near the coast offers beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. With its natural beauty and unique setting, Hjörleifshöfði Cave is the perfect location for a truly icelandic wedding experience.
Hale Kukui Orchard – Big Island, Hawaii
Hale Kukui Orchard, located in Maui, Hawaii, is a historic and picturesque venue for weddings and other special events. The property dates back to the 1800s, and was once a thriving sugarcane plantation. Today, the orchard has been transformed into a lush, tropical paradise, with mango, avocado, and papaya trees, as well as a variety of other fruits and flowers.
Hale Kukui Orchard on the Big Island of Hawaii is straight out of a fairytale and a secluded location for your wedding day. Nestled in a lush tropical paradise, couples can exchange vows among the fruit trees and enjoy a reception surrounded by the natural beauty of the orchard. The venue can accommodate up to 60 guests and offers a variety of ceremony and reception options.
This location also overlooks my personal favorite place I’ve ever been, Waipi’o Valley. This valley is very sacred to the Hawaiian people and housed many of the royal families of Hawaii’s history.
Couples should keep in mind that the orchard is a working farm, and the venue rental is only for the ceremony and reception. This means that couples will need to arrange for their own catering, rentals, and other wedding day essentials. Additionally, the orchard is located in a rural area, so it is important to plan transportation for guests.
Hotel Caruso – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel was originally built as a palace in the 11th century and has been transformed over the years into a magnificent hotel that is steeped in history and beauty. The hotel has a long and rich history, with a past that includes serving as a royal palace, a private residence, and a hotel.
If you’re looking for a stunning location to say “I do,” look no further than Hotel Caruso in the heart of Italy. This luxurious hotel, perched atop a cliff on the Amalfi Coast, offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable setting for your big day.
At Hotel Caruso, you and your guests will be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive. The hotel’s elegant and spacious rooms and suites are outfitted with the finest amenities and offer stunning views of the coast and surrounding countryside. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an adventurous outing, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region of Italy.
Your guests will be wowed by the hotel’s breathtaking views, delicious cuisine, and elegant atmosphere. They’ll enjoy lounging by the hotel’s infinity pool, exploring the nearby towns and villages, and sampling the area’s renowned cuisine. Whether they’re here to celebrate your wedding or just to enjoy a relaxing vacation, they’ll be talking about their stay at Hotel Caruso for years to come.
Vizcaya Museum – Miami, Florida
Vizcaya Museum, located in Miami, Florida, is a jaw-dropping mansion built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The mansion was designed by architect F. Burrall Hoffman Jr. and was built between 1914 and 1916 for James Deering, a wealthy industrialist. Today, the museum is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire its stunning architecture and gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay.
This historic mansion, set on sprawling gardens offers a breathtaking backdrop for your big day, as well as a touch of old-world elegance.
The architecture of Vizcaya Museum is inspired by the 16th-century Italian Renaissance villas, with a mix of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque elements. The mansion’s façade features a grand entrance, complete with massive stone columns and a staircase that leads to the main entrance. The grand ballroom, which is located in the central part of the mansion, features a high, painted ceiling and an enormous fireplace, both of which were influenced by Renaissance designs.
In addition to its stunning architecture, Vizcaya Museum is surrounded by lush gardens that are sure to take your breath away. The gardens, which feature various species of trees, plants, and flowers, offer a peaceful and romantic setting for your wedding or other special event.
Dunnottar Castle – Scotland
Dunnottar Castle, located in Scotland, is a historic fortress that dates back to the 14th century. Perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, the castle has been a witness to some of Scotland’s most pivotal moments in history, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and the protection of the Scottish Crown Jewels during the 17th-century Civil War.
Scotland is a land of rich history and breathtaking beauty, making it the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable wedding. One of the country’s most iconic and stunning venues is the historic Dunnotar Castle, which sits atop a cliff overlooking the North Sea. The castle’s rich history and breathtaking views make it a unique and unforgettable setting for your special day.
Today, visitors can explore the castle’s ruins, admire its grand halls and intricate carvings, or simply enjoy the views of the North Sea from its walls.
When you exchange your vows at Dunnotar Castle, you’ll be surrounded by a rich tapestry of Scottish history, as well as views that will take your breath away. With its architecture and location, the castle provides a place that is sure to make your special day unforgettable.
Hotel Le Marois – Paris, France
Hotel Le Marois is a historic hotel located in the heart of Paris, France. The hotel was established in the early 1900s and has since become a symbol of luxury and elegance in the city. The hotel’s architecture reflects the timeless Parisian style, with its classic facade and ornate details, and its rooms and suites are renowned for their spaciousness, comfort, and elegant decor. Throughout its history, Hotel Le Marois has been a popular choice among dignitaries, celebrities, and travelers who want to experience the best that Paris has to offer. The hotel has been carefully renovated over the years to preserve its historic charm while also offering modern amenities to guests.
The hotel’s timeless Parisian elegance and historic charm create a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere that is ideal for your special day whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration.
The hotel’s spacious ballroom and elegant event spaces are a great setting for a grand wedding reception. With its classic Parisian decor, crystal chandeliers, and large windows overlooking the city, the ballroom is the perfect place for your celebration. The hotel’s intimate gardens provide a serene and romantic setting for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail receptions, while the hotel’s chic lounge areas offer a sophisticated atmosphere for pre-wedding drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
When you choose Hotel Le Marois for your wedding, you’ll enjoy the best of Parisian hospitality, with the hotel’s experienced staff at your service to ensure that every detail of your celebration is taken care of. From gourmet catering and fine wines to elegant floral arrangements and bespoke wedding favors, the hotel’s team will work with you to create the wedding of your dreams.
Shunkoin Temple – Kyoto, Japan
Shunkoin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. The temple has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 1600s when it was established as a private temple for the powerful feudal lord, Ieyasu Tokugawa. Throughout its history, Shunkoin Temple has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees, who come to the temple to seek refuge, study, and engage in meditation practices.
In the late 1800s, Shunkoin Temple was renovated and restored by the famous Japanese monk, Kaisen Otani, who is credited with reviving the Soto Zen sect of Buddhism. Today, Shunkoin Temple is one of the most famous Zen temples in Japan and is widely regarded as a center for spiritual and intellectual study. The temple’s tranquil gardens and traditional architecture offer a peaceful and serene setting for visitors, and the temple’s teachings and practices continue to attract a large and devoted following.
The temple’s gardens provide a beautiful setting for outdoor ceremonies, while the temple’s traditional halls offer a breathtaking backdrop for indoor events. The temple’s experienced staff can also help you with arrangements for a traditional tea ceremony, where you and your guests can enjoy tea, sweets, and conversation in a relaxed and informal setting.
For couples who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and exchange vows in a peaceful and meaningful setting, Shunkoin Temple is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Kyoto, the temple offers an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Paroisse Saint Bernard du Mont-Blanc – Chamonix, France
Paroisse Saint Bernard du Mont-Blanc is a historic Catholic church located in the heart of the Mont-Blanc region of France. The church dates back to the early 19th century and has been an important spiritual center for the local community for over two centuries. Named after St. Bernard of Mont-Joux, a famous 12th-century bishop and spiritual leader, the church is a testament to the deep religious traditions of the region.
Paroisse Saint Bernard du Mont-Blanc offers a beautiful and historic setting for couples who are seeking a traditional and meaningful wedding ceremony. The church’s classic architecture and serene atmosphere provide a stunning backdrop for your vows, while its lush surroundings are the perfect location for stunning wedding portraits.
After the ceremony, couples can take advantage of the church’s close proximity to Lac Blanc, one of the region’s most beautiful and iconic natural landmarks. This glistening alpine lake, nestled among snow-capped peaks and rolling hills, provides the perfect backdrop for romantic wedding portraits. With its expansive views and serene surroundings, Lac Blanc is the ideal location to capture the essence of your love and commitment to each other and I definitely want to be around to photograph it.
Whether you’re looking for a simple and intimate ceremony or a more elaborate celebration, Paroisse Saint Bernard du Mont-Blanc and Lac Blanc offer a beautiful wedding experience at the base on Mont Blanc and Chamonix. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the Mont-Blanc region, this stunning town will take ahold of your heart forever.
La Badia Di Orvieto – Italy
La Badia di Orvieto, located in the charming town of Orvieto in central Italy, is a historic abbey that has been a prominent religious and cultural center for centuries. The abbey was originally built in the 12th century and has since undergone many renovations and additions, which have only added to its rich history and beauty. Its ornate architectural style and serene atmosphere have made it a popular wedding and events venue for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.
Throughout its history, La Badia di Orvieto has played an important role in the religious and cultural life of the region, attracting visitors from all over the world. Today, the abbey is open to visitors and offers a beautiful and inspiring setting for those looking to get married in a historic and meaningful location.
Having your wedding at La Badia di Orvieto in Italy is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. With its stunning views, magnificent architecture, and rich cultural heritage, the abbey provides the perfect backdrop for capturing memories of your special day. As an Italy wedding photographer, I can attest that this venue is a photographer’s dream come true, with its ornate details and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking to exchange your vows in the historic abbey or in the picturesque courtyard surrounded by greenery, La Badia di Orvieto is the perfect setting for a beautiful and romantic wedding ceremony.
Race + Religious – New Orleans, Louisiana
This venue is a true reflection of the city’s unique blend of art, history, and nature. As soon as you step inside its courtyard gates, you’ll be transported to a magical world filled with lush greenery, stunning artwork, and charming exposed brick walls. With the ability to rent the entire property for a weekend celebration accommodating up to 11 guests to sleep, it’s the perfect setting for a fairy tale wedding by the bayou. Experience the essence of New Orleans in this one-of-a-kind venue.
With plenty of space for both indoor and outdoor events, you can customize your wedding to suit your individual tastes and needs. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, religious ceremony, or a more modern and eclectic celebration, this venue provides the perfect backdrop for your big day.
So if you’re looking for a wedding venue that offers a touch of magic and a taste of the South, Race + Religious is the perfect choice. With its charming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and endless possibilities, it’s a venue that will create memories to last a lifetime.
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