I believe that the beauty of a wedding lies not just in the ceremony and reception, but also in the unique and breathtaking locations where it takes place. I thrive on capturing the connection and emotion between couples in these stunning settings, creating photographs that are both beautiful and authentic.
I have experience shooting weddings and elopements around the world, from the lush rainforests of Central America to the rugged mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I take a documentary approach to my photography, preferring to blend in and capture moments as they happen naturally, rather than directing or posing my subjects. I love the way film captures light, tones and the organic feeling of a moment and that’s why I use it extensively on my photography.
I believe that a wedding is one of the most meaningful and special days of a person’s life and it’s an honor to be able to capture it. I’m always on the lookout for adventurous couples who want to create something truly unique, who are not afraid of traveling, and who want to make their wedding an unforgettable experience.
These are my favorite 10 unique venues from around the world that is sure to make your big wedding, micro wedding or small elopement memorable for generations to come.
Hacienda Uayaman – Campeche, Mexico
Hacienda Uayaman in Campeche, Mexico is a stunning venue that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and luxury. This 18th-century hacienda is set on a lush tropical estate and features a picturesque main house, spacious courtyards, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The hacienda’s traditional Mexican architecture is complete with ornate tile work, arched doorways, and brightly colored facades. The property is surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a secluded and private setting for your special day. The venue’s staff will take care of all the details, allowing you and your guests to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the hacienda and the surrounding region. The perfect place to exchange your vows and celebrate in style.
In addition to its beautiful setting and traditional architecture, Hacienda Uayaman offers a variety of unique and adventurous experiences for couples and their guests. The property is located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, which is home to many ancient Mayan ruins and cenotes, which are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. This allows for couples and their guests to take part in cultural excursions, such as visiting the nearby Mayan ruins of Calakmul or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of a nearby cenote. The hacienda also has its own cenote on the property that can be used for swimming and relaxation.
All these reasons and the location of the venue in the heart of Campeche and Yucatan makes Hacienda Uayaman the perfect place for an adventurous and unique wedding experience in Mexico.
Belmond Monasterio – Cusco, Peru
Belmond Monasterio in Cusco, Peru is a breathtakingly beautiful venue that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and luxury. This 15th-century monastery is set amidst the stunning Andean mountains, providing a truly breathtaking and unforgettable setting for your special day. The venue has been tastefully restored to retain its original charm and character, with a beautiful blend of traditional and modern design features throughout the property.
One of the Monasterio’s most striking features is its tranquil and secluded central courtyard, surrounded by an ornate cloister and lush gardens, providing the perfect setting for a ceremony or reception. The property also has an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel has a rich history and it’s said to be a sacred place where many Inca rituals took place.
The Belmond Monasterio’s centerpiece is its beautiful Cathedral, with its impressive stone arches, carved wooden beams, and intricate stonework. The Cathedral is a rare and intimate venue for a wedding ceremony, with seating for up to 80 guests. The Cathedral’s high ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows provide a truly awe-inspiring and spiritual atmosphere, making it an ideal setting to exchange your vows.
The Cathedral also features a beautiful altar, which can be decorated with flowers, and traditional Andean fabrics, adding a touch of local culture to your special day. The natural light that enters the cathedral makes it very picturesque, providing the perfect backdrop for wedding photos that will last a lifetime. The venue’s staff can help with the arrangement of the ceremony and make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
The Cathedral’s location within the Belmond Monasterio also provides the opportunity for guests to explore the hotel’s other unique spaces, like the cloister, the gardens, and its collection of pre-Columbian art. The guests also will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Andean mountains and the city of Cusco from different points of the hotel.
The Parthenon – Nashville, Tennessee, USA
The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee is a unique and historic venue that offers a truly one-of-a-kind setting for a wedding. The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the famous ancient Greek temple of the same name and is located in Centennial Park. It was built in 1897 as part of Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition and it’s the only full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Greece.
The Parthenon offers a spectacular and grandiose setting for ceremonies and receptions, with its impressive colonnade, towering columns, and stunning architecture. Inside the building, there is a 42-foot statue of Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare and the patron of the original Parthenon. The statue is surrounded by beautiful marble sculptures and reliefs, adding to the ancient atmosphere of the venue.
The venue’s outdoor grounds also provide ample space for receptions and other wedding activities, including a large lawn and a beautiful lake. The park also offers plenty of open spaces that provide great opportunities for wedding photography and beautiful views of the city in the background.
Villa Honegg – Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Villa Honegg is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Switzerland, overlooking beautiful Lake Lucerne. The hotel offers a stunning setting for a destination wedding, with its panoramic views, elegant interiors, and impeccable service.
One of the main attractions of Villa Honegg is its location. The hotel sits on a hillside, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The terrace and garden are the perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony, while the indoor spaces, such as the ballroom and dining room, provide a more formal setting for the reception.
For a destination wedding photographer, Villa Honegg offers endless opportunities for capturing beautiful and unique wedding photographs. From the stunning lake and mountain views to the elegant interiors, the hotel provides a variety of backdrops for photographs that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Overall, Villa Honegg is a perfect choice for couples looking for a luxurious and romantic destination wedding in Switzerland, and also a great opportunity for destination wedding photographers to book more weddings there. With its breathtaking views, elegant accommodations, and experienced wedding planners, Villa Honegg is sure to make your special day truly unforgettable.
Sponza Palace – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sponza Palace in Dubrovnik, Croatia is a stunning venue for a destination wedding. This historic building, located in the heart of the old town, offers a unique and elegant setting for your special day.
Built in the 16th century, the palace has a rich history and architectural style that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. The palace’s main hall, known as the Atrium, is a particularly beautiful space, with high vaulted ceilings and natural light streaming in through the arched windows. It’s perfect for a romantic ceremony or reception.
The palace also has several other rooms that can be used for smaller gatherings or as a location for photographs. The spacious terrace offers beautiful views of the old town and the sea, making it an ideal spot for wedding photos.
For those looking for a unique and historic venue for their wedding, Sponza Palace is a perfect choice. Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the palace’s location in the old town offers couples and their guests the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture.
Sponza Palace is a photographer’s dream. The palace’s unique architecture and historical setting provide endless opportunities for capturing beautiful and unique wedding photographs. From the grand Atrium to the terrace with views of the old town and the sea, the palace offers a variety of backdrops for photographs that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Scarabeo Camp – Morocco
Scarabeo Camp in Egypt is a unique and exotic venue for a destination wedding or elopement. The camp is located in the heart of the Western Desert, near the White Desert and the Bahariya Oasis. The camp is an eco-friendly luxury desert camp, that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for couples looking to exchange their vows in a unique and breathtaking setting.
The camp is made up of a series of luxurious tents, each with its own private bathroom and comfortable furnishings. The main area of the camp includes a dining tent, lounge area, and fire pit, all of which are perfect for hosting a small wedding or elopement ceremony.
The camp’s location in the desert offers a variety of backdrops for photographs, from the dunes and rocky outcroppings to the starry night sky. The camp also offers a variety of activities for couples and their guests, such as camel treks, desert safari, and stargazing, which can make the experience even more special.
Scarabeo Camp is a perfect choice for couples looking for a unique and exotic destination wedding or elopement venue in Morocco, and also a great opportunity for destination wedding photographers to book more weddings there. With its breathtaking views, elegant accommodations, and experienced wedding planners, Scarabeo Camp is sure to make your special day truly unforgettable.
Romeo’s Motel – Ibiza
Romeo’s Motel in Ibiza, Spain is a unique and charming venue for a destination wedding or elopement. The motel is located in the heart of the island, near the vibrant town of San Antonio, and it offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for couples looking to exchange their vows in a fun and laid-back setting.
The motel’s rooms are decorated in a 1950s style, and they offer comfortable and stylish accommodation for the wedding party and guests. The outdoor spaces, such as the pool and terrace, are perfect for hosting a small wedding or elopement ceremony, and for having a reception. The terrace, with its stunning sea views, is an ideal spot for wedding photos.
Are you dreaming of a Las Vegas-style wedding, complete with Elvis impersonator but with a European flair? Look no further than their wedding chapel in Ibiza. Whether you want a traditional ceremony with a celebrant, or a more impromptu ceremony. The chapel provides a unique and memorable setting for your special day.
Tonnara Di Scopello – Sicily, Italy
Tonnara Di Scopello, located in Sicily, Italy, is a unique and breathtaking venue for weddings and elopements. The tonnara, or tuna fishery, dates back to the 18th century and has been beautifully restored to preserve its historical charm while also offering all the modern amenities needed for a perfect wedding celebration.
One of the most striking features of Tonnara Di Scopello is its picturesque setting on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The venue offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding countryside, making it the perfect spot for a romantic ceremony and reception. The tonnara also features lush gardens and terraces, providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor celebrations.
Inside, the tonnara has been renovated to include a spacious and elegant reception hall, as well as a number of smaller rooms that can be used for more intimate gatherings. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it the perfect choice for both large and small weddings.
In terms of location, Tonnara Di Scopello is situated in the town of Marzameni, which is located in the province of Messina on the northeastern coast of Sicily. The venue is easily accessible by car and is just a short drive from the nearby towns of Taormina and Catania.
Tonnara Di Scopello is a unique and beautiful venue that offers the perfect setting for a wedding or elopement. With its stunning Mediterranean setting, renovated historical charm, and variety of services, it’s the perfect place to make your special day unforgettable.
Abbazia di San Galgano – Tuscany, Italy
Abbazia di San Galgano, located in Tuscany, Italy, is a stunning and unique venue for weddings and elopements. The abbey, which dates back to the 13th century, is an architectural masterpiece and a true hidden gem. The abbey is located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and offers a breathtaking setting for a romantic and unforgettable wedding celebration.
One of the most striking features of Abbazia di San Galgano is its magnificent Gothic architecture. The abbey is a beautiful and impressive structure, with high vaulted ceilings and intricate stone carvings. The abbey also features a tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a ceremony and reception.
Inside, the abbey has been beautifully restored to its original condition, and offers a spacious and elegant reception hall. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests, making it the perfect choice for both large and small weddings.
Abbazia di San Galgano is situated in the town of Chiusdino, which is located in the province of Siena. The venue is easily accessible by car and is just a short drive from the nearby towns of Siena and Florence.
With its stunning Gothic architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and variety of services, it’s the perfect place to make your special day unforgettable.
As a destination wedding photographer with over 13 years of experience, I have had the privilege of capturing precious moments in various countries and unique locations. My expertise includes not just photography but also assisting my clients in finding the perfect vendors and venues for their special day. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking mountain-top elopement or a romantic beach wedding, I am here to help turn your wedding dreams into reality. Let’s embark on this adventure together and make your “I do” moment one to remember.
As a destination wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing unforgettable moments at some of the most stunning wedding venues around the world. My passion for finding new, one-of-a-kind locations for my clients to exchange their vows continues to drive my search for the most exceptional places. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I am always eager to explore and photograph the unique details that make each venue special.
With so many incredible locations, I have compiled a comprehensive guide to the most unique and exceptional venues for weddings and elopements, including a part 2 to showcase even more breathtaking locations here: https://autumncutaia.com/unforgettable-unique-wedding-venues-around-the-world/