Vacation Inspiration Wedding inspiration

Unique destination wedding venues for your dream day in paradise

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Your once-in-a-lifetime event deserves a one-of-a-kind venue. Exchanging your vows on a pristine beach will always be one of our favourite ways to tie the knot – but there are many other eye-catching backdrops you can choose from in the tropics. From private islands and overwater aisles to magical cave settings, we rounded up some of our favourite unique destination wedding venues to consider for your big day.

Dine underneath a mystic pyramid

Host an elegant reception dinner beneath a unique Mayan-style pyramid at Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas. The Ripples poolside venue offers al fresco receptions next to the resort’s mystic pyramid, which looks breathtaking lit up at night. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars with wide-ranging catering options like grill specialties, seafood feasts, carving stations, beer gardens and more. If your guest list calls for a grand affair, you’re in luck – this sprawling poolside venue can accommodate up to 500 guests.

Walk down an overwater aisle

Make a spectacular entrance by walking down an overwater aisle! The Presidential Suite at Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf and Spa Resort features its own private pool overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea, where you can host your ceremony on a glamorous overwater platform. The glass platform will make it look like you and your sweetheart are standing on top of the water! This ceremony venue is ideal for brides and grooms with smaller guest lists planning an intimate and luxurious celebration.

Exchange vows by a Mexican cenote

The unique cenote venue at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Riviera Maya will take your guests’ breath away! Located in the heart of the resort’s lush grounds, the venue features a natural wooden platform that juts out over the picturesque natural cenote where you can host your ceremony, cocktail hour or reception for up to 70 guests. You can even opt to have a traditional Mayan ceremony performed by a shaman! This venue is perfect for eco-loving couples who want to incorporate their destination’s natural setting into their big day.

Wed on a private island

Say “I do” on your very own private island in Jamaica! The adults only Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, has its own secluded island just 100 yards off the main beach with a pool bar, covered gazebos and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. You can host both your ceremony and reception on the private island with up to 40 of your family and friends. Plus, when you book the island’s Private Island Wedding package, you’ll receive extras like a one-hour Jamaican Mento band performance, a one-hour open bar, a photo package and more.

Toast to your big day in a magical cave

Celebrate your nuptials with a raving reception at Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s Las Cuevas restaurant. This unique venue is nestled within a series of caves, overlooking the resort’s private coves, winding rivers and a small beach. The restaurant also happens to be where our previous cover stars Colin and Justin hosted their vow renewal reception! Indulge in a decadent dinner inside the cave restaurant before heading out to the secluded beach-turned-dancefloor by one of the resort’s scenic coves.

Say “I do” in a Mediterranean-style village

Add some Mediterranean flair to your destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. Casa de Campo Resort and Villas in La Romana is home to Altos de Chavón, a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village that overlooks the Chavón River, where you can have your destination wedding. Host your big day with up to 60 guests at the village’s Chavon Terrace which features sweeping and dramatic views of the river. Plus, Altos de Chavón is a wedding photographer’s dream – there’s plenty of picture-perfect spots around the village where you can snap some downright gorgeous wedding portraits.

Photography by Elvira