Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Not everyone wants the standard ballroom or beach resort wedding.
If you’re dreaming of tying the knot somewhere that’s as unforgettable as the vows you’re exchanging, it might be time to think beyond the usual.
These five unique wedding destinations offer incredible settings, a touch of adventure, and the kind of atmosphere that makes every part of the experience feel special, not just the ceremony.
Few places do variety quite like South Africa. From vineyard estates with panoramic views to cliffside venues near Cape Town, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops.
You can say your vows in the Cape Winelands surrounded by rolling hills and oak trees, or head down to the coast for a beach ceremony with mountains in the background.
It feels luxurious without being overdone, and there’s world-class food and wine to match.
You can book a couple’s spa day in a vineyard-view wellness centre, enjoy lazy picnics under oak trees, or take a scenic drive to the nearby coast for whale watching in Hermanus or a stroll through the dramatic cliffs of the Cape Peninsula.
And if you're looking to add a bit of adventure? There's paragliding, hiking Table Mountain, or even taking a helicopter ride over the winelands if you're going all out.
For couples who want their wedding to feel like an adventure, Zambia might just be the ultimate choice.
Imagine getting married with the Zambezi River quietly flowing behind you, the occasional elephant wandering past in the distance, and the sky putting on its golden-hour show.
Zambia’s luxury safari lodges handle everything with ease - from the ceremony setup to post-wedding sundowners on the water.
And when the celebration’s over? You’ve already got a built-in honeymoon, complete with game drives, riverside breakfasts, and nights under the stars. It’s intimate, natural, and unforgettable.
With Zambia trips, you can explore the South Luangwa or Kafue national parks, with experts showing you the most incredible wildlife and areas of natural beauty.
Skip the crowds of Santorini and head to Milos - Greece’s quieter, quirkier cousin.
This laid-back island is full of charm, with white rock landscapes that look like the moon, colourful fishing villages, and secluded coves that feel made for two.
It’s the kind of place where your ceremony might happen at a tiny chapel overlooking the sea, followed by a laid-back dinner at a family-run taverna.
It’s Greek island romance without the crowds, and somehow feels all the more special because of it.
Spend a day sailing around the island, stopping at hidden beaches only accessible by boat - Kleftiko, with its surreal rock formations and emerald water, is a must.
Wander through the village of Plaka just before sunset for a drink with a view, or head to Sarakiniko, a dazzling stretch of white volcanic rock that feels almost otherworldly.
You’ll find that every corner of the island invites you to slow down, explore at your own pace, and enjoy each other’s company without distraction.
Greece is a destination that excels in popularity amongst LGBTQ honeymoon packages.
Thanks to its welcoming and open atmosphere, Greece is a fantastic place for members of the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their love on a honeymoon.
If your dream wedding involves tropical flowers, jungle views, and a real sense of calm, Costa Rica is hard to beat.
Couples here often exchange vows in quiet rainforests, on black-sand beaches, or at eco-lodges tucked deep in nature.
You’ll hear birdsong during the ceremony and maybe even spot a sloth overhead during dinner.
Add in thoughtful design, warm hospitality, and a few days of adventure on either side, and you’ve got something truly personal.
And when it comes to what to do beyond the “I do”? You’re spoilt for choice.
Take a sunrise hike through the cloud forests of Monteverde, go waterfall chasing near La Fortuna, or soak in natural hot springs with a view of Arenal Volcano.
You can zipline through the jungle canopy, surf together on the Pacific coast, or just unwind in a hammock with a fresh coconut and nowhere else to be. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of destination.
Looking for something truly off the beaten path? The Albanian Alps might surprise you, in the best way.
This region is all dramatic peaks, wildflower meadows, and tiny stone villages that feel lost in time.
More and more couples are discovering its charm, drawn by the raw beauty and the warm, welcoming vibe.
Think small-scale celebrations in rustic lodges, hikes that lead to jaw-dropping ceremony spots, and dinners made with local ingredients that taste as fresh as the mountain air.
In between wedding events, there’s plenty for couples to explore together.
You can trek the scenic Valbona to Theth trail, one of the most stunning hikes in the Balkans, or take a boat ride through Komani Lake, where emerald waters wind between cliffs and hidden coves.
Even just wandering through the mountain villages feels special, especially when you're greeted with homemade bread, raki, and stories from the locals.
It’s the kind of destination that brings you closer, not just to each other, but to a slower, more meaningful pace of life.
The best wedding destinations aren’t just beautiful - they mean something. They set the tone for your marriage, creating memories that last longer than the photos.
So, whether you’re saying your vows in the heart of a rainforest, beside a river in Africa, or on a windswept island cliff, choose a place that feels like you.
The rest will fall into place.
