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Travel Guide’s Victoria Fren’s five-star wedding

Travel Guides Australia star Victoria Fren says her new husband Nathan Moran’s late grandfather Barry – who sadly passed away a week before their wedding – “was definitely looking down on us” during their special ceremony, given the unseasonably sunny weather the couple enjoyed on the day.

The 29-year-old walked down a gum tree-shaded aisle toward an ancient rock cathedral in picturesque Kangaroo Valley, two hours south of Sydney, on the arm of her father and fellow reality star Mark Fren, who was overcome with emotion.

“When I saw Victoria, I was bawling my eyes out,” Mark tells Woman’s Day . “I just couldn’t stop. I didn’t know whether it was because I saw my little girl was getting married and she was all grown up or that I was thinking of my bank account!”

A tearful Mark walked his daughter down the aisle.

Victoria was less than impressed at her dad’s show of emotion, though. “It actually pissed me off,” Victoria jokes. “Everyone was looking at him instead of looking at me. It’s about me!”

The family’s signature humour was evident in the couple’s vows too.

While groom Nathan, 30, revealed his relief that the big day had finally come around so he could ditch his diet “man shakes”, Victoria promised to continue bringing back duty-free alcohol for her new husband from her trips overseas with her famous family for TVNZ 2’s Travel Guides .

The groom’s Aboriginal heritage was also celebrated, with Nathan’s cousin Brenden playing his didgeridoo during the ceremony.

“It was amazing,” says Victoria, who explains that the whole day was inspired by Nathan and his family’s love of the bush.

Nathan’s cousin Brenden performed at the ceremony.

After guests enjoyed sunset drinks on a deck perched high above the valley while the bride and groom posed for pictures, it was on to the reception, with the highlight of the whole wedding for Victoria – the couple’s first dance.

“We’d practised so long for it and it definitely paid off,” says the star. “It was so epic. We had dry ice and fireworks, then the band chimed in. It was spectacular.”

The couple’s celebrity friends, The Block Australia stars Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie, took on the MC duties for the evening. “They were fantastic,” says Victoria. “They’re such lovely people.”

Michael Teng was the only Travel Guides castmate on the tight guest list, with Victoria revealing the couple “only had limited numbers” and “didn’t really want it to be a Travel Guides thing”.

She explains, “We just wanted it to be about me and Nathan.”

The family’s TV friends Mitch and Mark, plus Travel Guides’ Michael joined the party.

The couple’s nearest and dearest enjoyed a feast of black angus sirloin with miso, beetroot-cured ocean trout and butternut dauphinoise with browned sage butter. “The Frens love a buffet,” enthuses dad Mark.

The evening ended with guests gathering around a big bonfire. “Everyone got changed and then met by the fire to debrief after the reception,” tells Victoria, adding that if her big day was an episode of Travel Guides , they’d definitely give it five stars. Mark agrees, “It was just absolutely stunning.”

“We fell in love with the rock cathedral,” says Victoria.

The newlyweds are now packing their bags for Thailand for their honeymoon, but Victoria still has a long bucket list of places she’d like to visit with her funny family on Travel Guides . “I want to do Spain and the Maldives,” says the Newcastle-based star, who works in disability and aged care support when she isn’t filming the show. “There are so many places in the world we still haven’t been to yet.”

Victoria is keen to stay on the reality show “as long as they still want us”, she adds. “We love Travel Guides . It’s so nice, with me and Jonathon being older, to be able to still travel with our parents.”

“It was all about family,” says Mark, with Jono, Victoria and wife Cathy.

She and Nathan also have other plans for the near future. The couple – who have been together since they were 18 – are already parents to a dog named Zeus, but they plan to add a child of the human variety to their family soon.

“We’d like one or two kids,” she says, adding that she’d love it if her brother Jono and his wife Danielle, both 32, started a family at the same time so the cousins could grow up together.

“That would be beautiful.”

But Victoria and Nathan’s future children won’t be Frens – much to her parents’ dismay.

Nathan popped the question with Mark’s mother’s engagement ring.

“We are now the Morans,” Victoria declares. “No longer a Fren… I think the family deep down is heartbroken.”

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Inside travel guide star’s intimate wedding.

Travel Guide  star Victoria Fren has tied the knot with her longtime beau, Nathan, in an intimate ceremony in Kangaroo Valley.

In a segment for  A Current Affair , the family gave a glimpse into the highlights of the wedding, including the one moment her dad Mark burst into tears after seeing his “little girl all dressed up”.

“It was just an embarrassment walking down the aisle, I thought you were at a funeral,” Victoria joked in a post-wedding interview.

“The door opened and I saw you and my little girl was all dressed up and I had all these emotions and then I had a flashback of my bank account,” her dad replied, causing the family to burst into laughter.

The ceremony itself was filled with joy as the newlyweds bantered with each other while exchanging their vows.

“Victoria I’ll give you this ring as a symbol of my vow and love, remembering once it’s on, I’m off the Manshakes,” Nathan vowed, as the guests roared with laughter.

“I thank you for allowing me to travel the world with my family and I promise to bring you home signature bottles of alcohol from duty free,” Victoria quipped back.

Victoria looked gorgeous in a flowy dress with lace detailing and a plunging neckline. She complimented the look with a traditional updo and added a touch of elegance with a hair vine and a short veil.

The groom donned a beige suit and patterned tie.

The pair weren’t afraid to add colour to their wedding with a beautiful red and orange bouquet, which matched the colour scheme they selected for their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The wedding came a year after her brother Jono, married Danielle.

Images: A Current Affair/ Jono Fren Instagram

This article first appeared on Over60 .

The first look inside Victoria from Travel Guides wedding A Current Affair Season 2023

A current affair season 2023, the first look inside victoria from travel guides wedding.

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Although it's only a 90-minute ferry ride from bustling  Vancouver , British Columbia's capital city may as well be a world away. Taking the opposite approach from its youthful neighbor, Victoria exudes a quainter atmosphere. Resting on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, This relatively small city remains deeply rooted in its Colonial past, relishing distinctively British traditions like afternoon tea at the  Fairmont Empress  and a pint at the pub. But that doesn't mean this destination is strictly reserved for Anglophiles. Despite its nostalgic tendencies, this city attracts a variety of travelers with excellent museums that celebrate its aboriginal heritage, charming architecture and fantastic harbor views (often interrupted by the surfacing of a whale).

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The Fren family reveal: “Travel guides saved us!”

When the Fren family decided to apply for Travel Guides, they never imagined they would still be doing the series three seasons later.

Since the show’s 2017 launch, Mark and Cathy, along with their daughter Victoria and son Jonathon, are often recognised as they go about their day-to-day lives.

But the show has served as much more than just a route to fame. For the Fren clan, from Newcastle in NSW, it’s supported them financially through a turbulent time for their family-run German restaurant, Oma’s Kitchen.

“It’s been our lifeline, really,” mum Cathy, 55, admits to TV WEEK. “We’ve had a few problems over the past few years with regards to the [construction of] the light rail and the V8 Supercars 500 racetrack in Newcastle. It’s not a great place to be.

“The hardest part about being on the show is coming back and having to reopen a restaurant and get it up and running again.”

The restaurant’s location means the Frens are forced to close during the staging of the annual Supercars Championship. In the first year of the event, it remained closed for five months. The family claim they lost 90 per cent of their customers and suffered financially.

It’s why, Mark, 57, says they’re extremely grateful to the Nine Network for asking them to return to the quirky travel show year after year.

“We thought it would be like most reality TV shows − that we’d just have one year and that’d be it,” the former primary school teacher explains.

“But people relate to us as a family.”

Part of the Frens’ appeal is their ability to cope with stressful situations − and to see the lighter side.

“We thought we were nuts,” Cathy admits. “I kept on saying, ‘I can’t believe people think we’re normal!’ We just like to say what we think. There are no airs or graces.”

The new season premiere of Travel Guides attracted an impressive 752,000 viewers, indicating that both the family and program have built a steady following.

People often approach the family to tell them how they’ve affected their lives.

“We get many emails from people who are sick,” Mark says. “It’s such a feel-good show and I think it brings people so much joy, even if just for an hour.”

Cathy adds, “For me, that’s one of the best things to come out of Travel Guides − that we can give people so much joy and happiness.”

Mark says his son Jonathon, 27, probably gets the most attention. Fans of the show seem particularly obsessed with finding him a girlfriend.

“A little old lady came into the restaurant recently and said, ‘Excuse me − does Jonathon get laid in this series?'” Mark says with a laugh. “She was well into her 80s!”

Jonathon says he’s used to it.

“I don’t know why everyone wants me to find a girlfriend,” he says. “Maybe it’s because I have to succeed at everything, and that’s the only thing I haven’t succeeded at.”

Victoria’s view is that her brother is picky and she says he has “a long list” of attributes his ideal woman must have.

“She can’t be fat, short or have curly blonde hair,” the 25-year-old explains.

Listening in, Cathy is quick to make a wry observation.

“He’s describing his mother!” she exclaims. “Everything he says he doesn’t want is me!”

Banter aside, it’s clear the family share a special bond. Cathy and Mark love the fact they get to spend so much time with their children as adults. They also have fond memories of their kids as they grew up.

“They were beautiful children and were spoiled rotten,” Cathy says. “Jonathon has always been quiet and was an excellent student. Victoria was beautiful until she was about 15, and then went totally wild until she was about 21.”

Jonathon adds, “They were fantastic parents. And they did spoil us rotten. They always had time for us.”

Travel Guides airs Tuesday, 9pm, Nine Network.

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16 of Victoria’s Most Beautiful Wedding Venues

Congratulations on this next chapter.

2. Bring your wedding dreams to life with the idyllic views of Villa Eyrie Resort . Whether you’re looking for an intimate or grand celebration, Villa Eyrie provides a charming blend of both. Commit to one another in the sky, with the sea below; basking in the panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker, and the Saanich Inlet.

3. Torn between having a small wedding or a bigger one? Can’t decide between tieing the knot by the water, in a garden with a waterfall, or overlooking the Victoria’s picturesque harbour? Have no fear, for Victoria has a stunning hotel and wedding destination that does it all: the award-winning  Inn at Laurel Point . Throw in skillful wedding planners and staff to look after you, several different wedding packages, and even deconstructed cake tastings to find that perfect flavour of buttercream, you can be confident that you and your guests will be in exceptional hands. 

4.  Let the beautiful Oak Bay Beach Hotel  design your love story on your special day. A breathtaking luxury wedding venue, their outdoor ceremony site are called the Seaside Gardens, and it overlooks the Juan de Fuca Strait with unobstructed ocean views framed by snow-capped Mount Baker. Receptions are held in the David Foster Foundation Theatre – a grand, heritage room adorned with mahogany wood accents, hanging chandeliers, and floor to ceiling windows.

FRESH & CREATIVE

5. With over 3000 square feet of open-concept event space, the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson is an intriguing, stylish choice for your big day. Polished concrete floors, rugged concrete pillars, and high ceilings with exposed metal are just some of the features of this contemporary, urban space. The atmosphere can be tailored to hold the precise wedding or reception style that you’ve been envisioning.

6. Koi fish, an indoor-outdoor jungle oasis, fairy lights, and a rooftop garden terrace await you at the Parkside Hotel & Spa – an excellent choice for the creative and contemporary couple. From rooftop celebrations around the fire pit to family slideshow gatherings in the private theatre, their location—just steps from the Inner Harbour—has an inviting, “feels-like-home” type of charm.

7. Did you know the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria can be rented out as an event space? Hosting cocktail parties, receptions, and formal dinners, the Spencer Mansion of the AGGV can accommodate up to 80 people for a sit-down event, and up to 150 people for a cocktail reception. Aligning well with the artistic, heritage-loving types, The Spencer Mansion offers a period-restored dining room, reception room and ornately wood-paneled foyer. You can feel happy about where your wedding budget is going; all proceed go directly towards exhibitions and programming at the Gallery.

8. Feel the coastal breeze in your hair, and sand in your toes on the beautiful beach-y grounds of The Beach House .  If sand and ocean is not the scene you’re seeking, you can say “I do” perched on a grassy bluff overlooking Haro Straight and the San Juan Islands. Need an indoor space? The Beach House has you covered with an open-concept floor plan and plenty of banquet furniture on-site. 

9. Tie the knot in the magic and tranquility of over 9 acres of botanical garden space. With space for up to 100 guests, the Gardens at HCP brings a unique, colourful natural venue to Victoria’s catalogue of spaces, winning the Best Elopement Experience and Best Unique Wedding Venue – Finalist in 2019. Here, you can expect sparkling waters in the background, a fragrant eucalyptus tree in the foreground, and joyous birdsong accompanying your vows.

HISTORIC SITES

10. A marriage at Hatley Park National Historic Site , on Royal Roads University ’s grounds would be nothing short from a fairytale wedding. Deemed a National Historic Site, Hatley Castle was built by James Dunsmuir, a wealthy coal barron who lived a privileged life on the grounds with his wife and ten children. Have your first dance in their historic Ball Room, celebrate your love in their heritage gardens, and gaze out at unparalleled ocean views. Here, the two of you will feel like true royalty.  

11. As one of the most historic hotels of Victoria, the Pendray Inn and Teahouse sets a beautiful stage to tie the knot at. Formerly known as the Gatsby Mansion, the Pendrays started to build their estate in 1890. Nowadays, the iconic building and grounds are known as the perfect venue to celebrate old-school romance. Bonus: you can spoil your guests with an elegant reception or meal vouchers at the on-site Pendray Tea House!

12. So many one-of-a-kind moments happen here, in British Columbia’s capital. For a truly unique outdoor space, look no further than Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site . Hold your ceremony on the cliff of Lower Battery, overlooking the historic Fisgard Lighthouse; or find the perfect grove of trees for a more intimate event. With attractive grounds and plenty of interesting buildings that guests can explore before or after the ceremony, your wedding will be one your party is talking about for years to come.

Cideries & Vineyards

13. Located just 20 minutes outside of Victoria, Church & State Wines is a spectacular outdoor wedding and event destination. Their full-time Events Team will make your special day as stress-free as possible, while their Events Manager will coordinate your catering and bartending needs. Two beautiful outdoor and one indoor ceremony sites are in their catalogue, all offering sweeping views of the vineyard and its surrounding wilderness.

14. Another highly sought-after wedding avenue in Greater Victoria is Sea Cider Farm + Ciderhouse . The breathtaking atmosphere is rural yet modern, rustic yet polished, with a variety of packages available and highly customizable style. With catering available by Truffles Catering, Toque, and Food for Thought Catering, and craft beverages provided by Sea Cider themselves, it’ll be the West Coast wedding of your dreams!

OFF THE BEATEN PATH – WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

15. Arbutus Cove is the perfect place in Victoria to hold wedding or engagement photos. A tranquil ocean-side escape, Arbutus Cove – appropriately named – is framed by over-arching red Arbutus trees watching over a rocky shoreline that extends into the sea. If you want an array of mountain shots as well, consider hiking up nearby Mount Douglas during sunset. 

16. We’re convinced that the world’s prettiest sunsets and sunrises can be seen along Dallas Road. Another great location for wedding and engagement photography, you can choose between grassy hills, rocky oceanside beaches, Ogden Point Breakwater, or even a staircase leading into the ocean. Your photographs will look effortless and timeless, capturing the humbling sensation you two may have felt during your first date.

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Travel Guides' Jono Fren opens up about his dream wedding day

We may know him best from trying questionable foods in far-off lands, but Jono Fren has opened up about a much more palatable experience: marrying the love of his life , Danielle Clarke.

Stream every episode ever of Travel Guides for free on 9Now.

Reflecting on the wedding day, Jono admitted that the large majority of it was "a blur", but that didn't stop him from being blown away by his bride as she walked down the aisle towards him.

"The morning of the wedding I was chilling with the boys, and then they wanted to get shots of me getting dressed, and from there it was all a blur, one thing after another. We did a bit of videoing, then A Current Affair turned up and it was straight off to the wedding location," he told 9Entertainment.

RELATED: A look inside Travel Guides' Fren family wedding

"My favourite moment was seeing Danielle as she walked down the aisle with her dad. We didn't have any bridesmaids or groomsmen so I was just standing down the end of the aisle myself, but as soon as I saw her she looked beautiful. I felt so good and I couldn't believe the time had come when I got to marry her."

The couple met over dating app Tinder, and the chemistry between the two blossomed immediately, with the pair not letting each other out of their sights for two whole weeks after first laying eyes on each other.

"When we first matched on Tinder, we texted every night, and when we first met, we met up for 14 nights straight, so we did know we had a good connection because we could find anything to talk about," Jono said. "I know it's a cliché, but when you know you know."

RELATED: The Travel Guides take on Turkey, from a Sultan's Palace to a not-so-calming spa day

Speaking to A Current Affair , Jono's mum, 57-year-old Cathy, referred to him as a "groomzilla", but the Travel Guides star wasn't quite sure that it was an accurate description.

"I don't think I deserve that title! I like to be in control, so I pushed back on some things, and I think she was surprised where all that was coming from," he said.

RELATED: The Travel Guides do South Australia by visiting wildlife parks and surfing down sand dunes

The 30-year-old had friends from across Nine at the wedding, with Travel Guides co-stars attending, as well as MAFS ' Ryan Gallagher, who MC'd the event as a favour to the newly married couple.

"I had met Ryan a few times, and he's just amazing, so down to earth," Jono explained of the connection.

"He sent me a message when I was going to get married and said, 'If you don't have an MC, I'd be honoured to be your MC.' So he's just a real amazing guy, and he did an amazing job too."

And with a new wife and very possibly the start of a young family on the way, will Jono still be joining his wacky family on adventures across the world?

"I hope so!" Jono said of remaining on Travel Guides . "I would like Danielle to come along, but she wouldn't like to do it, she doesn't really like the limelight. Hopefully she'll still let me go! but I'm sure she'd still want me to go."

Property News: Expert predicts Sydney house prices could reach the $2 million median in two years' time.

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Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings 2024 – Top 15 Locations and Insider Tips

Posted: March 8, 2024 | Last updated: March 8, 2024

Destination weddings offer an extraordinary experience, combining the joy of a wedding with the excitement of travel. This guide explores the world’s most sought-after wedding destinations, each offering unique allure and enchanting backdrops. From pristine beaches to historic castles, these venues cater to diverse tastes and styles. Alongside each destination, insider tips, optimal travel times, and access information are provided, ensuring your special day is as seamless as it is memorable.

1. Santorini, Greece

Embrace the quintessential Greek island experience with a wedding in Santorini. This island, celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, classic Cycladic architecture, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, offers an idyllic setting for your special day. The contrast of the stark white buildings against the deep blue of the sea creates a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.

Venues here range from luxurious resorts to traditional wineries, each providing a unique angle to view the island’s famous sunsets. Santorini is not just about picturesque landscapes; its culinary offerings, especially fresh seafood and local wines, will delight your guests.

Imagine saying your vows as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the caldera — a moment of pure magic. The island’s charm and excellent hospitality ensure your wedding will be both romantic and memorable.

Insider’s Tip: Book a venue on the island’s western side for the best sunset views during your ceremony.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall, for optimal weather.

How to Get There: Fly to Athens and take a domestic flight or ferry to Santorini.

2. Tuscany, Italy

Imagine your wedding amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, a region that epitomizes the soul of Italy. Known for its rich history, art, and gastronomy, Tuscany provides a rustic and sophisticated setting. The region is dotted with historic villas, medieval castles, and sprawling vineyards, each offering a unique backdrop for your ceremony and celebrations.

Picture yourself exchanging vows in an ancient chapel or amidst rows of grapevines, followed by a reception featuring some of Italy’s finest wines and culinary delights. The natural beauty of Tuscany, with its picturesque landscapes and golden light, adds a timeless quality to your wedding photos.

Moreover, the region’s central location allows for easy exploration of Italy’s other cultural gems, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to extend their celebration into a wider Italian journey.

Insider’s Tip: Consider a historic villa or a castle for an authentic Tuscan experience.

When to Travel: Late spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How to Get There: Fly to Florence or Pisa, then travel by car or train to your chosen locale in Tuscany.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, offers a mystical and exotic setting for your destination wedding. This tropical paradise blends natural beauty with cultural richness, providing your ceremony with diverse options. From pristine beaches and lush jungles to ancient temples, Bali’s landscapes are as varied as they are stunning.

Luxury resorts on the island specialize in hosting weddings, offering packages that often include traditional Balinese elements, adding an authentic touch to your celebration. The island’s unique culture, known for its intricate art and spiritual practices, can also be integrated into your wedding, making the experience deeply personal and culturally immersive.

The warm hospitality of the Balinese people, coupled with the island’s natural beauty, ensures that your wedding in Bali will be both enchanting and unforgettable.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a clifftop venue in Uluwatu for dramatic ocean views.

When to Travel: April to October, during the dry season.

How to Get There: International flights are available to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.

4. Maui, Hawaii, USA

Choose Maui for a wedding that combines natural splendor with laid-back luxury. This Hawaiian island is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to the volcanic terrain of Haleakala National Park.

Maui’s luxurious resorts and private estates offer an array of stunning settings for your ceremony, whether you envision a beachfront sunset vow exchange or a lush garden setting. Hawaiian culture can add a unique dimension to your wedding, with opportunities to incorporate traditional elements such as a lei exchange or a hula performance.

The island’s natural beauty makes for spectacular wedding photos, capturing the essence of a tropical paradise. Maui’s welcoming spirit and aloha lifestyle ensure that your wedding experience will be relaxed yet elegant, allowing you and your guests to be fully immersed in the joy of the occasion.

Insider’s Tip: Opt for a sunset beach ceremony for a picturesque backdrop.

When to Travel: Year-round, though May to October offers drier weather.

How to Get There: Fly directly to Kahului Airport on Maui.

5. Jaipur, India

Celebrate your union in Jaipur, a city with regal charm and grandeur, making it perfect for a royal-themed wedding. Known as the Pink City for its distinctive colored buildings, Jaipur offers a plethora of majestic palaces and forts as venues, each telling a story of its rich history and heritage.

A wedding ceremony is a lavish celebration filled with vibrant colors, traditional music, and dance. The city’s cuisine, known for its richness and variety, will add a royal touch to your wedding feast. Opting for a horse procession can elevate your wedding to a truly regal experience. Jaipur’s architectural splendor and its cultural richness ensure that your wedding will be nothing short of spectacular.

Insider’s Tip: Book a palace hotel for a royal wedding experience.

When to Travel: October to March, avoiding the summer heat and monsoon season.

How to Get There: Fly to Jaipur International Airport, or travel by train or car from major cities like Delhi.

6. Paris, France

Paris, the epitome of romance and elegance, offers an unparalleled setting for your wedding. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Seine River, provide a classic Parisian backdrop for your ceremony. Luxury hotels and historic chateaus in and around Paris offer exquisite venues for your special day, blending modern amenities with timeless French charm.

Imagine a reception in a grand ballroom or a sophisticated cocktail hour in a private garden. Parisian cuisine, celebrated worldwide for its excellence, will add a gourmet touch to your celebration. The city’s atmosphere, imbued with art, fashion, and history, will envelop you and your guests, making your wedding a chic and unforgettable affair.

Insider’s Tip: Consider a boat cruise on the Seine for a unique wedding reception.

When to Travel: Spring or early autumn for mild weather and fewer tourists.

How to Get There: Fly into Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport.

7. Napa Valley, California, USA

Napa Valley, California’s renowned wine country, presents a picturesque setting for a wedding with its rolling vineyards and elegant wineries. The valley’s natural beauty, characterized by rows of grapevines and golden hills, provides a serene and romantic backdrop. Many wineries and resorts in Napa Valley specialize in weddings, offering a blend of rustic charm and luxury.

Picture a ceremony amidst the vines and a reception in a barrel room or a stylish wine cave. The region’s acclaimed wines and farm-to-table cuisine will delight your guests, adding a gourmet touch to your celebration. Napa Valley’s tranquil yet sophisticated ambiance makes it an ideal location for couples seeking a refined yet relaxed wedding experience.

Insider’s Tip: Plan your wedding at a vineyard to incorporate wine tasting into your event.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall for the best weather.

How to Get There: Fly to San Francisco or Oakland and drive to Napa Valley.

8. Queenstown, New Zealand

Opt for Queenstown, New Zealand, if you’re looking for a wedding destination combining breathtaking natural beauty and adventure. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, Queenstown provides a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for your special day. The region’s luxury lodges and scenic venues, overlooking pristine lakes and rugged mountains, offer a range of options for your ceremony and reception.

Queenstown boasts stunning views and is also a hub for adventure sports, offering unique experiences for you and your guests, from bungee jumping to scenic flights. The town’s vibrant atmosphere and dining options ensure that your wedding celebration will be as lively as it is beautiful.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a lakeside venue for a serene setting.

When to Travel: December to February for summer weather, or June to August for a winter wedding.

How to Get There: Fly into Queenstown Airport.

9. Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Charleston, South Carolina, is ideal for a wedding steeped in Southern charm and elegance. This historic city, known for its well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets, offers a variety of venues, from grand plantation homes to intimate garden settings.

Charleston’s rich history and warm hospitality provide a welcoming atmosphere for your celebration. The city’s culinary scene, influenced by its coastal location and Southern roots, will offer a delightful dining experience for your guests.

Opting for a carriage ride or a boat cruise around the harbor can add a unique touch to your Charleston wedding, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Insider’s Tip: A plantation venue provides a classic Charleston experience.

When to Travel: Spring and fall for mild weather and blooming gardens.

How to Get There: Fly into Charleston International Airport.

10. Iceland

Choose Iceland for a unique wedding with its extraordinary landscapes and natural phenomena. Known for its dramatic scenery, including waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches, Iceland offers a unique and breathtaking backdrop for your nuptials. The country’s remote and unspoiled locations provide a sense of intimacy and adventure, ideal for couples looking for something out of the ordinary.

Icelandic summers, with their midnight sun, offer extended daylight hours for celebrations, while winters can provide the magical backdrop of the Northern Lights. A wedding in Iceland is a special event and an immersion in a land of raw, natural beauty.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a remote location for privacy and stunning natural vistas.

When to Travel: Summer for milder weather and longer days.

How to Get There: Fly into Keflavík International Airport.

11. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, with its vibrant souks, palatial riads, and lush gardens, offers an exotic setting for a wedding. The city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture provide a colorful and opulent backdrop. Traditional Moroccan elements, such as lanterns, textiles, and spices, can add an authentic touch to your celebration.

The local cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spices, will offer a culinary adventure for your guests. Opting for a traditional Moroccan ceremony with local music and entertainment can make your wedding a truly immersive cultural experience.

Insider’s Tip: Opt for a traditional Riad for an authentic Moroccan experience.

When to Travel: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures.

How to Get There: Fly to Marrakech Menara Airport.

12. Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, offers a luxurious and romantic setting for your wedding. Lake Como is known for its stunning villas and breathtaking lake views and exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.

The area’s natural beauty and Italian charm create a serene and picturesque setting for your ceremony. Many villas and resorts along the lake provide exclusive wedding venues, offering a blend of luxury and privacy. A boat ride on the lake, with its tranquil waters and scenic views, can be a romantic addition to your wedding experience.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a villa for exclusive access and privacy.

How to Get There: Fly to Milan and drive to Lake Como.

13. The Maldives

For a truly intimate and serene wedding, consider the Maldives. This tropical paradise, known for its crystal-clear waters and overwater bungalows, offers an idyllic setting for a beachfront ceremony. The Maldives’ luxury resorts provide personalized wedding services, ensuring that your celebration is exclusive and tailored to your preferences.

The islands’ natural beauty, with their white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, creates a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. A sunset ceremony, with the ocean as your backdrop, promises a picturesque and unforgettable start to your married life.

Insider’s Tip: Plan a sunset ceremony for breathtaking views.

When to Travel: December to April for dry weather.

How to Get There: Fly into Malé International Airport.

14. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto presents a unique wedding destination with its rich cultural heritage and serene landscapes. This historical city offers a blend of traditional and contemporary venues, from ancient temples to modern hotels. A wedding in Kyoto allows you to immerse yourself in the elegance of Japanese traditions, from kimono-clad rituals to tranquil Zen gardens.

The city is adorned with stunning temples and shrines, offering a serene and culturally rich backdrop for your ceremony. Kyoto embraces visuals where every detail is steeped in meaning, from the choice of venue to the intricacies of the wedding ceremony itself.

The city’s culinary scene, renowned for its refinement and use of seasonal ingredients, adds another layer of sophistication to your wedding feast. Kyoto stands as an unparalleled choice for couples seeking a wedding that intertwines cultural depth with natural beauty.

Insider’s Tip: Incorporate a traditional tea ceremony into your wedding.

When to Travel: Spring for cherry blossoms or fall for autumn foliage.

How to Get There: Fly to Kansai International Airport and travel to Kyoto.

15. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic coastal cliffs and picturesque towns, offers an enchanting setting for your wedding. This Italian destination is famed for its breathtaking scenery, where the azure sea meets colorful villages perched on steep hills. The region’s charm lies in its rustic elegance and Mediterranean allure, making it a perfect backdrop for a romantic celebration.

Venues along the Amalfi Coast range from luxurious hotels to quaint villas, each offering panoramic views of the sea and the coast’s unique landscape. The local cuisine will delight your guests, emphasizing fresh seafood and traditional Italian dishes.

The Amalfi Coast is an extraordinarily scenic location where the warmth of Italian hospitality and the beauty of nature come together to create a truly memorable wedding experience. The Amalfi Coast is an ideal choice for couples seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary excellence.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a cliffside venue for spectacular sea views.

When to Travel: Late spring to early autumn for ideal weather.

How to Get There: Fly to Naples and drive along the coast.

The Bottom Line

Your destination wedding is an opportunity to bring your dream vision to life in a setting that resonates with your personal love story. Whether you choose the romantic alleys of Paris, the serene beaches of Bali, or the historic charm of Charleston, each destination offers something uniquely enchanting.

Remember, the key to a successful destination wedding lies in careful planning and attention to detail. Choose a location that provides a beautiful backdrop and reflects your personality as a couple. As you embark on this journey, embrace the adventure and the joy of celebrating your union in a place that will forever hold a special place in your heart. Your dream wedding awaits.

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The post Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings 2024 – Top 15 Locations and Insider Tips republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / AnnaVel.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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