Let’s be honest, traditional church weddings are so out-of-date and overrated, particularly in the 21st century. Stately homes are the new top wedding venues in the UK, but how about stretching further out and tying the knot abroad? When organising your wedding plans remember to renew your EHIC card before travelling as there is nothing worse than getting ill when you’re due to get married. Here are some of the best places in Europe to consider for your wedding.
Paris
Known internationally as the city of love, Paris may well be the top romantic wedding location you’ve always dreamed of. The Four Seasons Hotel George V is among the most popular venues in the world for tying the knot and it is within view of the Eiffel Tower. The city is well regarded for its streetside cafés, jazz clubs, galleries and museums, which may well make it the ultimate spot for your honeymoon too.
Florence
If you fancy an Italian flavour to your wedding then look no further than the Fonte de’Medici, a cluster of farmhouses in the Tuscan vineyards that lie between Florence and Sienna. The Chianti region of Europe will provide a relaxed atmosphere in an intimate setting with fantastic food and wine. You could even consider purchasing your wedding dress from Milan (one of the fashion capitals) and as for the honeymoon you can take a romantic trip on a gondola or a cruise around Lake Como.
Swedish Lapland
If you think of yourself as Elsa from Frozen, you may find yourself at home in the Icehotel, a romantic (if chilly) wedding venue. There is a dome shaped chapel with an ice altar and pews upholstered with reindeer skin. The local pastor oversees all marriages, you can enjoy your wedding breakfast at a local, rustic inn and spend a night in one of the hotel’s suites (don’t worry, it’s not as cold as you’re probably dreading).
Anassa
This little Cypriot island has a white-washed church on a cobbled square, and the area is purposefully designed to look like a Mediterranean village. There are also options to get married on the beach or even in the hotel gardens. A wedding in Cyprus is the ultimate in luxury when it comes to the wedding and the honeymoon with beautiful weather all year round.