Written by Sarah Slack, Luxury Travel Advisor

1. Santorini, Greece: A Romantic Paradise

Known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters, Santorini remains a perennial favorite for couples seeking a romantic backdrop for their wedding. The island's charm lies in its breathtaking views, intimate venues, and a rich history that adds a touch of elegance to every ceremony. Whether exchanging vows against the backdrop of the caldera or celebrating in a traditional Greek taverna, Santorini offers an unforgettable wedding experience.

• Wedding Ceremony: Exchange vows against the backdrop of Santorini's iconic white-washed buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea during a mesmerizing sunset.

• Scenery: Breathtaking panoramic views, picturesque cliffside landscapes, and charming blue-domed churches.

• Guest Experience: Guests can enjoy a romantic atmosphere, explore historic sites like the ancient city of Thira, and unwind on unique black sand beaches.

• Nightlife: Santorini offers intimate seaside tavernas and bars, providing a relaxed yet vibrant nightlife experience.

• Rehearsal Dinner/Reception: Host a rehearsal dinner in a traditional Greek taverna and celebrate the reception in a luxury cliffside venue with Mediterranean cuisine and local wines.

2. Kyoto, Japan: Timeless Elegance

For couples with a taste for tradition and timeless elegance, Kyoto is emerging as a top destination. The city's historic temples, serene gardens, and traditional tea houses provide a unique blend of ancient and modern aesthetics. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage create magical settings for weddings. Kyoto offers a harmonious mix of culture, history, and natural beauty that makes it a captivating choice for couples seeking a sophisticated wedding experience.

• Wedding Ceremony: Say "I do" in traditional Japanese gardens, historic temples, or amidst the cherry blossoms in spring.

• Scenery: Serene gardens, historic temples, and the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.

• Guest Experience: Guests can partake in tea ceremonies, explore historic districts like Gion, and witness the stunning natural beauty of Kyoto.

• Nightlife: Kyoto offers a mix of traditional tea houses, modern bars, and the opportunity to experience the charm of illuminated temples at night.

• Rehearsal Dinner/Reception: Enjoy a rehearsal dinner in a traditional ryokan and host the reception in a historic venue with kaiseki cuisine and cultural performances.

3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Tropical Paradise

For those dreaming of a tropical paradise, Bora Bora in French Polynesia is the epitome of luxury and natural beauty. With its overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and lush landscapes, Bora Bora provides a backdrop of unmatched splendor for weddings. Couples can exchange vows on pristine beaches, surrounded by the vibrant colors of the South Pacific, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

• Wedding Ceremony: Choose from overwater chapels, pristine beaches, or private motus for a ceremony surrounded by turquoise lagoons and lush greenery.

• Scenery: Bora Bora boasts breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu, overwater bungalows, and coral reefs, providing a stunning backdrop for your vows.

• Guest Experience:  Guests can indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding in the crystal-clear lagoons teeming with colorful marine life. Offer guests the opportunity to stay in luxurious overwater bungalows, providing an unparalleled experience in paradise. Organize boat trips to explore nearby islands, coral gardens, and the famous Bora Bora lagoon.

• Nightlife: Bora Bora's resorts offer intimate beachside dinners and overwater dining experiences, creating a romantic atmosphere for couples and their guests. Arrange for traditional Polynesian dance performances and live music to entertain guests under the starlit skies. Host beachside parties with tiki torches, tropical cocktails, and the rhythmic beats of local music for a festive and lively atmosphere.

• Rehearsal Dinner/Reception: Plan a rehearsal dinner on the beach, surrounded by torches and the sound of gently lapping waves, creating a relaxed and intimate ambiance. Or choose an overwater venue with glass floors, allowing guests to enjoy the mesmerizing underwater world during the celebration.

4. Tuscany, Italy: Rustic Romance

Tuscany, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villas, continues to be a dream destination for couples seeking a rustic and romantic wedding. The region's charming countryside and renowned cuisine offer an authentic Italian experience. From exchanging vows in vineyard estates to celebrating in medieval castles, Tuscany provides a picturesque setting that captures the essence of romance and sophistication.

• Wedding Ceremony: Choose between vineyard settings, historic villas, or charming churches, surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany.

• Scenery: Picturesque landscapes, vineyards, olive groves, and medieval architecture.

• Guest Experience: Explore cultural landmarks such as Florence and Siena, indulge in Tuscan cuisine, and enjoy wine tastings in renowned vineyards.

• Nightlife: Tuscany offers quaint village squares with cafes and wine bars, providing a romantic and laid-back evening atmosphere.

• Rehearsal Dinner/Reception: Organize a rehearsal dinner in a rustic winery and host the reception in a historic villa with locally-inspired dishes and world-class wines.

5. Queenstown, New Zealand: Adventure and Scenery

For the adventurous couple, Queenstown in New Zealand offers a wedding experience surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. Nestled between mountains and lakes, Queenstown provides a perfect backdrop for couples who love the thrill of adventure. Whether exchanging vows on the shores of Lake Wakatipu or saying "I do" atop a mountain, Queenstown combines adrenaline-pumping activities with unparalleled natural beauty.

• Wedding Ceremony: Say your vows with stunning lake and mountain views, amidst alpine meadows, or in a charming lakeside chapel.

• Scenery: Lakes, mountains, and adventure-filled landscapes.

• Guest Experience: Guests can indulge in outdoor activities, explore the Fiordland National Park, and experience the thrill of Queenstown's adventure scene.

• Nightlife: Queenstown offers a lively nightlife with pubs, live music, and the opportunity to stargaze in the Southern

In 2024, couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination for their dream wedding. These top wedding destinations offer a mix of romance, adventure, luxury, and cultural richness. Whether it's the timeless elegance of Kyoto, the tropical paradise of Bora Bora, or the rustic charm of Tuscany, each destination provides a unique and unforgettable backdrop for couples embarking on their journey of love and commitment. As couples seek to create personalized and memorable experiences, these destinations are set to capture the hearts of those looking to tie the knot in style in 2024.

Why should you use a LuxRally Travel agent for your destination wedding?

Organizing a wedding is already a complex task. Trying to negotiate with a venue that knows you're emotionally invested can add even more pressure. We strongly advise that the couple and their loved ones avoid direct negotiation. Here's how your dedicated luxury travel agent at LuxRally Travel can transform your dream destination wedding into reality.

Your dedicated agent, i.e. Sarah Slack, will have a detailed discussion with you to fully grasp your vision and provide insights on what to anticipate when planning a destination wedding. With numerous weddings planned from a travel perspective, they've gained valuable knowledge over the years on how to sidestep unexpected challenges related to your big day.

Assistance With Venue Selection

If you haven't chosen a venue yet, your agent will send out requests for proposals to all properties that align with your budget and vision.

Transparent Communication

Throughout the negotiation process, open communication will be maintained to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Aggressive Negotiation

LuxRally Travel consistently secures deals at 40-50% off the average daily rate (ADR), with the exception of all-inclusive destination weddings, depending on the location. Some all-inclusive destinations are willing to negotiate more than others. Either way, your agent will maximize your value in every way possible.

Inteligent Strategy

These significant savings open up options on how to utilize them. For instance, you could offer rooms to your wedding guests at a 20% discount and use the remaining 20-30% margin to offset other wedding expenses.

Industry Expertise

Your agent will guide you through various options. Industry terms like attrition can be confusing for most people; misunderstanding these can lead to overpayment, missed opportunities, or worse, liability for a large sum if your group block doesn't fill as expected.

Everything in your contract will be ensured to be perfect, maximizing your value and minimizing your stress. The contract will cater to your needs from the hotel, including aspects like site rental fees (which we often manage to waive), group block size and attrition, catering (if provided by the hotel), complimentary rooms for the couple, and more.

It's Free

All of this value comes at no extra cost. A better question might be, why wouldn't you leverage the expertise of an industry insider to negotiate your destination wedding contract?