Top wedding destinations

Costa Rica is a country filled with unique wedding destinations. Whether you are looking for a crystal-clear sea from which to say “I do” in front of a Caribbean sunset, lush forests around a resort that melds with its surroundings, or a more traditional setting immersed in the colonial architecture of iconic cities like San José, it can all be found in Costa Rica. More than a ceremony, the nation opens the doors to an experience to be enjoyed with family, to having fun with friends and to basking in a romantic getaway, all in one space next to the Pacific.

The best time of year for a wedding in Costa Rica is between October and May, when the tropical rains disappear and pleasant weather is guaranteed. If you get married on the white sand of Tamarindo Beach, the tropical coast of Tambor Beach, overlooking the endless blue horizon of the Gulf of Papagayo, or in one of San José’s white churches with blue tiles, the day will be perfect for enjoying the outdoors and the impressive nature in the region.

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It’s relatively easy to plan a Mexican-style wedding. Simply choose the type of ceremony—from a traditional Mayan event to a beach wedding, or even an underwater concept at a typical cenote or natural spring—and the best place to make it a reality with the traditional colors, rhythms and flavors of Mexico. The soft sand and the turquoise hue of the water along the coast have brought thousands of couples to popular Riviera Maya and Cancun destinations, but small seaside towns such as Manzanillo, Huatulco and Los Cabos also offer unique settings for a large-scale party.

Mexico has managed to attract thousands of couples looking for a different way to say “I do.” There are options for all types of budgets, from simple ceremonies to extravagantly luxurious weddings, but always surrounded by nature and idyllic beaches. This is why the most exotic weddings include Mayan rites to seal the union in the oases of Cozumel and Ixtapa. Although nowadays a shaman can be found practically under any rock, the perfect setting is the Riviera Maya, which has a long-standing tradition of honoring Mother Earth. In addition to the guests and the couple, this celebration features the four elements and the four cardinal points in the heart of Puerto Vallarta or along the coast of Riviera Nayarit.

Another perfect destination for people who love the beach, scuba diving and a laid-back lifestyle near the coast that inspires relaxation and pampering is the Dominican Republic. With its crystal-clear waters and endless stretches of sand, Punta Cana is one of those places where time stands still and the words “I do” are etched in your memory. Nearby Bávaro Beach is a place where many people would like to stay forever. Here, the tropical ceremony is followed by a celebration filled with music and joy, right on the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic legally recognizes two types of marriages: civil unions, which are carried out according to the precepts of civil law; and religious unions, which are celebrated according to the rules of canon law. Most resorts have wedding planners who offer different plans for various types of wedding rites, always in good taste and with all the services the occasion deserves.

If you prefer to skip the beach and opt for a more traditional wedding away from the sea yet immersed in spectacular landscapes, then the mountains or the hillsides of Huesca are an excellent alternative. Even more so if it is accompanied by the silhouette of the 17th century Boltaña Monastery on the shores of the Ara River in a building that has been transformed into the Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña hotel. With 96 rooms and 40 fully-equipped and spacious villas, this stone monastery boasts stunning views of the Pyrenees and the river, and also features a holy chapel with space for 220 guests in addition to four ballrooms that fit up to 360 people. This stunningly beautiful hotel is also a great place to get away from it all thanks to its excellent location for adventure sports such as rafting, rock climbing and canyoning. These activities are available to all guests along with the 1,100 m² (11,840 ft²) spa that is perfect for relaxing after an intense day of sports activities or an emotional wedding.

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The inland alternatives wouldn’t be complete without the folklore and special colors of Seville. This monumental city wins everyone over at first sight and is the perfect place for a wedding, except in the overwhelmingly hot summers. Between the Guadalquivir River, the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), the palaces, the squares and the Moresque fountains that define the city, just about anyone can feel the joie de vivre of southern Spain. In addition to a traditional ceremony with an exquisite attention to detail, Seville also offers a festive atmosphere from the moment the couple and their guests set foot in the city or in the AVE train station close to the Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento. At this modern hotel, celebrating the banquet is an experience with an Andalusian feel that continues along the nearby Alameda de Hércules, famous for its bars and restaurants, and a few minutes from the city’s historic landmarks.

The Spanish island of Majorca meets all the requirements for weddings and honeymoons. It has everything for an intimate celebration or an all-out event at an opulent resort, and it is one of the most affordable islands for a wedding. The varied landscapes that allow you to walk barefoot on a sandy beach or say “I do” in a church at the top of a mountain with views of the Sierra de Tramuntana are some of the reasons why this jewel of the Balearic Islands is the preferred wedding destination for Europeans. Majorca boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and a friendly culture that makes everyone feel welcome, not to mention the quality service of all the people who work on the island. If we combine this with the culinary offering and the catering alternatives for weddings, then it becomes clear that Majorca has many professionals who specialize in planning weddings. However, if you prefer to personally arrange the wedding of your dreams on the island, the hotels and resorts offer tips and suggestions that make it simple to enjoy a 100% Mediterranean wedding.