You’ve been picturing the moment for decades: an aisle adorned with lush flowers, a breathtaking backdrop, and, most importantly, all your loved ones surrounding you in a stunning wedding location. The first step to planning a fairytale wedding is finding that one-of-a-kind venue. Once you book that dream spot, all the other details—décor, wedding invitations, and even the dress—fall into place. Begin your design process by picking a location straight out of a storybook.
TOP LOCATIONS FOR YOUR WEDDING
Historic Fairytale Castle
Nothing says fairytale wedding quite like a castle.
Oheka Castle
Exchange vows in one of the country’s most historic castles. Just hours from NYC, Oheka Castle has been hosting weddings since 1919, featuring world-class culinary menus and Gatsby-inspired celebrations. Choose from the grand ballrooms, ornate terraces, or their Great Lawn while enjoying a custom reception menu created to fit your palette.
Castello di Vincigliata
If you’re planning a destination wedding, weave your way through the Tuscan hills toward a medieval castle that welcomes couples from all over the world. During your ceremony, take in breathtaking views from the courtyard before moving indoors to one of their ornate rooms decorated with original frescoes and furniture. Vincigliata Castle is ideal for both warm and cool-weather weddings and is easily accessible for guests staying in nearby Florence.
Best Time of Year: Year-round opportunities due to both indoor and outdoor options.
Décor and Stationery: Pull in the colors and décor of your historic venues by opting for lace, gold, or foil-pressed invitations.
Planning tips:
- Book early. These iconic wedding locations fill up quickly, especially during high season in the late Spring and early fall.
- Historic locations often offer wedding planning services and preferred vendors. Work with vendors familiar with each venue for the perfect day.
Luxury Seaside Soiree
The panoramic views of the ocean and coastline create a naturally royal backdrop with a tropical twist.
Landaa Giraavaru
Ship off to the Maldives for a ceremony on the remote island of Landaa Giraavaru. Ideal for intimate and private celebrations, The Four Seasons Resort on the island offers world-class event services for couples on their “floating” wedding pavilion, on the soft Maldives sand, or in one of the island’s luxurious restaurants. Their comprehensive wedding packages cover all the event details for couples hoping to head off for their fairy tale wedding with very little planning.
Best Time of Year: December to March.
Décor and Stationery: Keep it light and natural with tropical pinks, blues, and tans to create an ambiance of a beach fairytale romance. Include tropical and nautical stationery for a classic touch.
Planning tips:
- Pair your wedding with resort amenities like a spa treatment.
- Schedule your rehearsal dinner at one of the island’s top restaurants.
Whimsical Forest
Surround your wedding with the whimsy of the forest.
Island Farm
Exchange vows surrounded by towering Redwoods at Island Farm in San Gregoria, California. Guests can cozy up in one of the private log cabins before walking to the forest’s edge to witness your nuptials. The reception area weaves its way through lakes, streams, and woods with ample space for a bohemian-style wedding celebration and endless photo opportunities.
Wayfarers Chapel
One of the most iconic ceremony spaces for modern forest weddings is the Wayfarers Chapel. It is a glass and natural wood cathedral designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that blends with the surrounding Palos Verdes sanctuary. After your ceremony, head to one of the nearby natural reception venues, such as the Catalina View Gardens, an exclusive 94-acres estate overlooking vineyards and ocean.
Best time of year: Spring and fall are best for a comfortable climate.
Décor and stationery: Blend the natural surrounding of your wedding theme with invitation images of branches, botanicals, and fresh fruits.
Planning tips:
- For all weddings off the beaten path, provide guests with ample lodging, travel, and parking information.
- Collaborate with an event planner familiar with working outdoors, especially for streamlining catering and electrical needs.
Fairytale weddings are a thing of beauty in all settings, whether by the sea, surrounded by nature, or in your private castle. Consider both indoor and outdoor locations around the world when styling a dream wedding, and make sure you collaborate with wedding professionals to transform unique spaces into fairy-tale-worthy celebrations.