Ring The Bells: Tripeden.com Shares Alternative Wedding Destinations to Tie The Knot
Cue the confetti, as wedding season is just around the corner! One of the biggest decisions for couples - apart from saying ‘I do’ - is where to tie the knot. While everyone adores the classic beauty of Santorini sunsets or the Amalfi Coast's charm, what about the undiscovered treasures waiting to be explored? When it comes to a destination wedding, it’s time to look at new horizons. Why not seal the deal on a sandy pink beach in Lombok, Indonesia or under the Northern Lights in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden. With 36%* of travelers likely to take a trip for a wedding in 2025, it’s time for couples to leave behind those predictable spots and take their guests on a trip to the jungle of Manuel Antonio or the beaches of Budva for a day everyone will remember!
Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
Forget tropical beaches and sun-drenched villas - in Sweden it’s all about stepping into a real-life winter fairytale. Tucked deep in the Arctic Circle, Jukkasjarvi is home to the world-famous Icehotel, where couples can exchange vows in a shimmering chapel sculpted entirely from ice and snow, a stunning backdrop for a winter wedding. With nearly two thirds of people (62%)** considering visiting darker sky destinations, and 59%** wanting to witness a once in a lifetime cosmic event between the months of September and March, Jukkasjarvi is the ideal location for a magical wedding right under the Northern Lights. Take a stroll through this beautiful village to calm any pre-nuptial nerves, or celebrate afterwards with a thrilling Husky Ride Dog Sled Tour in Kiruna. Loved-up travelers will be in store for an unforgettable experience, basking in the excitement of the wedding madness, as well as retreating for some quality couple time.
Where to stay: Each winter, the Icehotel is rebuilt with shimmering ice suites, a frozen art gallery, and even an ethereal chapel where couples can tie the knot beneath sculpted ice arches. It’s an idyllic escape for romance, whether for an adventurous honeymoon, a pre-wedding getaway, or the big day itself. By day, guests can warm up with a glass of cloudberry liqueur by the fire and by night, they can cozy up in a thermal sleeping bag on a bed of ice - nothing says love like snuggling in sub-zero temperatures.
Amelia Island, Florida, USA
This island just off the Northeastern coast of Florida remains relatively untouched by mass tourism - an ideal spot to pledge those vows. With a romantic backdrop of sun and sea, Amelia Island is great for couples looking to marry under a canopy of moss-covered oaks or on soft golden sands. While renowned for its natural beauty, Amelia Island also has a storied past and has become popular for couples looking to seal the knot in an historic setting. A number of classic residences from the 19th Century, including Hoyt House, Fairbanks House and Amelia Island Williams House, built in 1856 and one of the oldest and most historic homes on the island, offer couples a range of stunning backdrops to their special day. And don't forget another possible venue, the aptly-named Fort Clinch, which harks back to the Civil War era. Visitors can also head to Downtown Fernandina Beach for its charming architecture housing numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants, and even the oldest bar in Florida, The Palace Saloon. From beaches to forts, Amelia Island has plenty for couples to enjoy before, during and after they say ‘I do.’
Where to stay: Tucked along Florida’s quiet, dune-lined coast, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa is a dreamy retreat for couples. This four star resort provides oceanfront pools, a world-class spa, and private beach access. Relaxation comes easy here, while the charming streets of Fernandina Beach offer boutique shopping and waterfront dining nearby. Spend the days biking among the oaks, indulging in a sunset couples’ massage, or simply toasting to love with a cocktail in hand and the Atlantic stretching endlessly before them.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
From lavish weddings at elegant hotels, laid-back ceremonies on the beach or rustic celebrations in the jungle, Manuel Antonio offers couples the freedom to say 'I do' their way, all while basking in a tropical paradise. Couples and their guests can enjoy stunning beaches, including the renowned Playa Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla, and Playa Mejia. It's a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sun before the celebrations. For nature lovers, the well-maintained trails in Manuel Antonio National Park offer easy to moderate hikes through the rainforest and along the coast, a perfect activity to help guests feel revitalized after the party. And for those feeling adventurous, take a zipline through the forest to enjoy stunning views at daredevil heights.
Where to stay: Makanda by the Sea is located high above the jungle canopy with sweeping views of the Pacific. This adults-only retreat boasts open-air villas with private infinity pools, an indulgent spa, and a beach club to savor sunset cocktails. Enjoy monkey spotting from the balcony, sailing along the coast, or hiking through Manuel Antonio National Park. This property is ideal for relaxation pre or post-wedding.
Budva, Montenegro
Unlike more classic Mediterranean wedding destinations, Budva in Montenegro feels like a hidden gem, offering charm and beauty in a quieter, more intimate location. Next to Croatia and separated from Italy by the warm Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a country of stunning beaches, mountains and valleys. Visitors can imagine being with their loved one on a clifftop terrace overlooking sapphire waters, celebrating the special day with friends and family with a serene sunset as background. Budva’s Old Town, with its cobbled streets and Venetian stone walls, gives a rustic flavor and travelers will feel like they are strolling through a forgotten fairytale, while the nearby island of Sveti Stefan (once a royal retreat) offers a backdrop of orange-topped sandy buildings and waters the clearest of blues. And couples looking for more adventure can explore Montenegro’s stunning Lipa Cave where a short train ride leads to an underground world of illuminated passageways and breathtaking rock formations to provide a unique wedding trip experience.
Where to stay: Nestled within the enchanting labyrinth of Budva's Old Town, Casa di Mino Old Town is a beautifully restored stone villa, where modern comforts pair with historic charm. The property provides a patio with sea views and an inviting dining area, as well as being a short walk away from Pizana Beach. As the sun sets, the vibrant nightlife beckons, offering lively bars and intimate corners to celebrate love and new beginnings.
Lombok, Indonesia
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of its famous neighbor, Bali, Lombok is a hidden paradise for beach weddings. Its pristine shores, swaying palms, and golden sunsets set the stage for a ceremony that could belong in a romance novel. Whether it’s a classic wedding or a minimalist ceremony, couples can truly escape reality in Lombok’s idyllic surroundings. For those seeking pristine beauty, Selong Belanak beach offers a gorgeous setting with its white sands and crystal-clear waters, while the island’s many tasteful resorts provide perfect backdrops for an intimate, private celebration. Beyond the beach, visitors should sample the local culture by exploring traditional villages such as Desa Sade, where authentic Sasak life and time-honored traditions come to life. For the more adventurous, a two-day trek to the summit of Indonesia's second-highest volcano, Mount Rinjani, rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views, making it a memorable experience for couples seeking a touch of adventure alongside their romantic escape.
Where to stay: Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens is a tropical sanctuary, located right on the white sandy beach next to the Bali Sea. The five-star resort boasts spacious rooms with gold interiors, an outdoor swimming pool and a poolside bar for guests to soak up the sun. What makes this luxury paradise even more magical is its appeal as a wedding destination. Whether dreaming of a beachfront ceremony, an intimate exchange of vows at an Indonesian temple, or a magical spot beneath swaying beachfront palms, this property is the place to be.
*Research was commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500.
**Research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.