weddings

Five unique wedding destinations that haven't been done to death.

 

For some couples, the idea of organising a traditional church wedding in their local town surrounded by countless family members and friends is the stuff of actual nightmares.

There’s the guest list. The dietary requirements. The seating arrangements of everyone who ever dated and friends who no longer speak. You have to consider if children are invited and who you want to give speeches and so many other things.

With that in mind, the idea of elopement makes perfect sense.

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Whittle the guest list down to a minimum and treat the entire event like one big honeymoon, or simply embark on a solo journey just the two of you.

Either way, we think any wedding at one of these five destinations is sure to be perfect.

Guancaste, Costa Rica

Got your heart set on an outdoor wedding? Why not consider Costa Rica? This often-overlooked Central American country epitomises natural beauty.

The unspoilt tropical destination provides couples with a huge range of landscapes, all of which look like they’re straight out of a wedding catalogue.

Seriously. Think sun-bathed white-sand beaches; expansive mountaintops; forest bungalows; idyllic waterfalls; even the edge of an active volcano.

That's a lot to take in, we know.

Turks and Caicos, Caribbean Islands

This collection of 40 islands - only eight of which are inhabited - boast turquoise waters and natural reefs aplenty. Far more secluded than the majority of the Caribbean Islands, the stunning backdrop makes Turks and Caicos perfect for a beach ceremony.

Sunsets over Grace Bay are particularly goosebump-inducing, and the crystal clear ocean plays home to some of the best underwater sightseeing around: scuba diving and snorkelling is a must.

Tuscany, Italy

The crumbling villas of Tuscany create the perfect backdrop for any wedding.

Rolling countryside is broken up by Tuscan villas sporadically dotted throughout and the region of Central Italy is all about serenity and seclusion, making it ideal for those couples looking for a destination away from the tourist crowds.

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Plus, the receding rows of vineyards littered throughout the landscape make for a stunning photoshoot, with a landscape that stretches on forever and lends itself as the perfect backdrop to a long reception of fabulous food and wine from the region.

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Located in New Zealand's Otago region, the well-kept secret of Lake Wanaka is only now becoming a popular destination for tourists in the know.

And while most people flock to the town for its outdoor activities, it's also the perfect place to say "I do."

The alpine town is one of the most romantic, dramatic landscapes on Earth and while the town may be small, it's got the entire wedding process sorted down to a tee: everything from stylists to cake makers, florists to photographers, caterers to celebrants are all within a short drive and ready to help out at a moment's notice.

Governor's Camp - Masai Mara, Kenya

Comprised of seven luxury award-winning safari camps and lodges, this game reserve offers something truly unique: the chance to commit yourself to another in the African wild.

According to the Governor's Camp website, "We can arrange everything for you – the legalities, the Pastor or District Commissioner, the flowers, beautician, hair stylist, a sit-down dinner, the honeymoon. All you have to do is let us know what you want."

On the days outside of your wedding, take part in game viewing via daily four-wheel-drive safaris, Masai tribe cultural visits, and luxury hospitality of the Kenyan people.

Oh, and if the idea of getting married on land is so 2016 for you, why not float above the Masai Mara plains in a hot air balloon and hold your ceremony within one of the world's best wildlife viewing areas?

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