Do you daydream of a wedding with a difference, that will be remembered by you and your guests for years to come? Are you thinking about getting married abroad, somewhere unique and completely unforgettable? From caves to castles and everything that lies between, we’ve rounded up 6 secret(ish) places in Europe for your IDEAL destination wedding.
BENAGIL CAVE, PORTUGAL
Ever thought about getting hitched in a cave – nature’s very own chapel? Well it’s about time you did. Voted as one of the coolest caves, The Benagil Sea Cave (which is actually a grotto) is a place of unsurpassed beauty. At the right time of day, the sun beams through the dome, illuminating the the walls and casting incredible shadows on the sand below. That, combined with the chorus of lapping waves as your wedding soundtrack creates a mesmerising scene. To get to the cave, your wedding carriage will be a local fishing boat, the only way to get to the cave, and what a way to arrive at your wedding, we think.
The Algar de Benagil cave I © Bruno Carlos/WikiCommons
CAVE BAR MORE, CROATIA
The Cave Bar in Lapad, housed underneath Hotel More, is just cool. The cave was only unearthed once the construction of the upscale boutique hotel was underway. Set over three levels, it can accommodate up to 60 guests and offers stunning views of the sea, with a glass floor showcasing the scenery in all its glory.
LAKE BLED CHURCH, SLOVENIA
While weddings take place in the town’s civil registry office, a blessing can be arranged at Slovenia’s Lake Bled chapel. This beautiful baroque church, decorated with frescoes and golden altar pieces, is absolutely stunning. Wedding guests are rowed across the lake to an island, where the chapel’s stone staircase awaits. Local custom dictates that the groom carry their bride up the 99 steps, preferably without pausing for breath (or a kiss).
After the wedding, you’re asked to honour the local tradition of ringing the church wishing bell. The gorgeous medieval castle and crisp, clear lake is a picture perfect backdrop for your wedding day. All great reasons to get married here, and none finer than the fact that Slovenia is the only country in the world with the world ‘love’ in it.
OXARARFOSS WATERFALL, ICELAND
The land of ice and fire is famous for many things, especially its waterfalls. Oxararfoss is a stunning waterfall located in Thingvellir National Park, and local legend says that on the night of New Year’s Eve that the water from the river Oxara turns to wine. So, if you’re planning to get married on the final day of the year, here, you’ll save a fortune on drinks!
COCHEM CASTLE, GERMANY
Nearly every bride wants her wedding to be like a fairytale, so why not celebrate your marriage in a castle? Cochem is a quintessential German medieval town, complete with it’s very own neo-gothic castle. You could even go the whole hog and celebrate with a medieval style feast – and all the imbibing, debauchery and good cheer associated with the meal and occasion.
VICTORIA BATHS, MANCHESTER
Get married in a swimming pool? Yes, really. A grade two listed building, this old Edwardian swimming pool is an absolutely amazing wedding and reception venue. With original features and striking architecture, the swimming pool complex has three main pool areas – perhaps one for each stage of the event?
Originally, the first was for first class men, the next for second class men and the third for women. Fortunately, times have changed, and such a ridiculous system is now in the past. With such a choice of different spaces and backdrops for your ideal wedding, from the grandeur of the Gala Pool to the Superintendent’s Flat, Victoria Baths in Manchester provides an unforgettable setting for your big day.