A destination wedding may sound perfect to you. You get a mini vacation inside one of the most special days of your life and you don’t have to worry about all of the hustle and bustle of a large, local wedding either. Instead, there’s a bit of adventure involved for you, your soon-to-be spouse, and your closest family and friends.
When we think “destination” wedding, it seems as though most minds go straight to seaside affairs. But, in fact, there are so many other amazing spots that would work for your perfect day and have nothing to do with the ocean. Whether you just want something different or you’re not the type that loves spending your days at the beach, you can have the wedding of your dreams without an ounce of salt water involved.
Below you’ll find 10 unique destinations for your outdoor wedding that isn’taren’t the beach, don’t involve a plane ticket to Mexico, and you don’t need not worry about any sand between your toes.
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10 Unique Destinations For Your Outdoor Wedding That Aren’t The Beach
Muir Woods, Northern San Francisco, California
Getting married among the redwoods is absolutely one of the dreamiest locations imaginable. Located north of San Francisco, you’ll be greeted by the scent of Christmas and a cool, shady breeze once you step inside this storybook-esque location.
Be wary though, this is a setting that’s inside of a National Park, so there’s its own set of unique rules that come into play when it comes to a wedding inside the forest. Small, intimate ceremonies are the best at Muir Woods.
The Big Apple, New York, New York
Why not say your “I do’s” among the trove of unique personalities that The Big Apple encompasses. On the streets of this amazing city, you can exchange vows and grab some incredible photos as well. If the metropolitan style inspires you a bit more than a classic seaside view, then don’t be shy about planning a wedding among the skyscrapers.
There are tons of great hotels around Times Square that you may want to take a look at for receptions and as accommodations for your guests. There are so many incredible options with amazing views.
The Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina
Here’s an outdoor location that you may not think of. How about getting married among America’s very own “castle?” The Biltmore Estate is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the U.S. and it’s got bouts of southern charm that brides and grooms revel in as well.
Nestled in North Carolina, you’ll get a beautiful view of the Biltmore itself as well of all of its stunning, surrounding grounds. Think princess storybook meets the best of a Nicholas Sparks’ novel, that’s what this venue will bring to your big day.
Gluggafoss, Southern Iceland
This scene was so breathtaking, we had to add it to the list. It’s not a beach, but it still holds the beauty of flowing water as its backdrop. Dubbed “Gluggafoss,” which translates to “Window Falls,” it’s a gorgeous spot found in Iceland. And it’s a stunning venue to have your ceremony as well.
It’s one of the most stunning views that you can get when it comes to your big day. There are various places that will help you tie the knot below this crystal setting including multiple planners and hotels that you can scout.
Mill City Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota
You really get the best of both worlds with this offbeat location – because it’s not completely outside but it’s not completely inside either. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it’s a very industrial space with a lot of personalitiesy. In particular, the “ruins courtyard” is a fabulous area to hold the ceremony or reception for those looking for a vintage-inspired or rustic celebration.
There’s a lot of great surprises in store when it comes to Mill City Museum, so you’ll really want to check it out before you decide on everything you want to involve your wedding with. For example, there’s a space that you can use to host your party that includes an old train car!
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, North Garden, Virginia
For those looking for a romantic, outdoor location that doesn’t include the beach, think about looking to the vineyards. In particular, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in North Garden, Virginia may be the best choice for you.
Complete with rolling hills and a gorgeous, finished barn, it’s the prime spot for those looking to create their perfect “shabby chic” wedding. There’s space to host a reception inside as well if you want a combination celebration.
The Ponds, Bolton Valley, Vermont
Saying your “I do’s” among the ski slopes seems like a fun idea as well. And you can do that by traveling up to Vermont. And this space at The Ponds will create such an amazing, scenic view offor your ceremony to take place.
If you don’t mind the cold and you’re hoping for a bit of snow in the backdrop of your photos, this is the space to really scope out. This resort location will give you so many different choices and ways to customize your day.
The Shire, Waikato, New Zealand
Do we have any Lord of the Rings fans out there looking to get married in a unique location? Well, did you know that you can have your ceremony in The Shire itself? Just take a plane ride over to New Zealand and you can make it happen!
Hobbiton Tours will help you plan something right out of the movies. If you really want a day filled with storybook quality and one that includes some of the most gorgeous and greenest of hillsides and plains, this is your perfect location!
Malibu Rocky Oaks, Malibu, California
A gorgeous setting in Malibu, California, there’s a really good chance you’ve seen Malibu Rocky Oaks in photos or even on television before. It’s a vineyard with one of the morest unique spaces to say your “I do’s,” and one that will drop the jaw of every one of your guests.
It can be a pricier venue but the scenic views will more than repay the cost. And it’s a combination spot so you can get both an indoor and outdoor wedding in one.
Treehouse Point, Issaquah, Washington
And finally, if you want something on the funkier, more offbeat and surprising of sides, then Treehouse Point will be right up your alley. Add a bit of fairy-tale quality and youthfulness by utilizing this gorgeous setting.
With a wedding at this venue, you get the option of utilizing the entire four acres of forest which includes its incredibley collection of treehouses. Just imagine the photos that you and your beau will get to have forever!