A wedding is a glorious event deserving of the most beautiful setting. But if you’re finding yourself enamoured with multiple themes and location ideas, how do you choose the right one for your dream day? Naturally, you have many decisions to make as a newly engaged couple, but deciding on your location early on in the wedding planning process will help streamline your choices and reduce stress, deliberation and unnecessary spending.

Thinking of your location as the foundation of your wedding planning, it’s important to choose a setting that feels comfortable and special to you both. Whether you opt for a sandy cove or a lush meadow, your location will impact every aspect of your day from your venue to your attire to your food choices, so it’s worth contemplating carefully. 

So, grab a notepad and let’s get your creative juices flowing as we explore the pros and cons of three of the most beautiful wedding locations.

Balmy beach

The dreamy picture of tying the knot on a sandy beach is  beautifully elegant and a popular choice for engaged couples. With visions of crystal-clear waters lapping melodically and swaying palms surrounding you and your loved ones, it’s not difficult to be swept away in the idea of a beach wedding. But there are some practicalities to consider here. 

If you’re thinking of a tropical island where you’re likely to enjoy clear skies and sunshine, be mindful of the potential for high temperatures. Sitting in the sun for extended periods can be uncomfortable, especially if you are travelling with friends and family more acclimated to cooler weather. 

Beaches can be perfect for those seeking a boho chic or nature-themed wedding, and there are plenty of resorts, hotels and venues along the coastline which offer both shelter and amenities for your day. There are a host of fun ways to incorporate the coastal theme into your decor, from adding shells to your cake to using palm leaves as placemats.

For a truly unforgettable beach wedding, Aruba stands out as a top destination. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches and year-round perfect weather, Aruba offers an idyllic setting for your special day. Consider hosting your wedding at the luxurious Ritz Carlton, where you can exchange vows with the breathtaking Caribbean Sea as your backdrop. The Hyatt Regency Resort also provides an enchanting venue, featuring lush gardens and an elegant beachfront ceremony option. For a more exclusive experience, the Renaissance Private Island offers a unique opportunity to say “I do” on a secluded beach surrounded by pristine nature and serene flamingos.

Aruba not only offers picturesque venues but also a wealth of amenities and activities for you and your guests to enjoy. From water sports and sunset cruises to world-class dining and spa treatments, this island paradise ensures your wedding celebration extends beyond the ceremony itself. Choosing Aruba for your beach wedding guarantees an enchanting blend of natural beauty, luxury, and unforgettable memories.

Whimsical woodland

A woodland wedding, when done right, can look like a page out of a fairytale storybook. With towering trees and the smell of fresh pine in the air, it’s relatively easy to create a rustic, enchanting setting for your wedding. For your ceremony, wooden benches or fallen trees make brilliant seating arrangements, and the canopy offers shade if you’re choosing to wed in the summer months. 

Woodland or forest-themed weddings are a great choice for couples invested in sustainability, as you can use the abundance of natural elements for your decor and won’t need to bring in much else to enhance the naturally beautiful landscape. As evening falls, keep the party going with a live band, cosy seating areas with blankets and bean bags, and line the lower branches with fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere. 

Don’t forget to invest in some citronella lamps to keep away the midges though, and be sure to let your guests know that flats or wedges will be more suitable than stilettos.  

Glamorous gardens

Many wedding venues offer the best of both worlds when it comes to a stunning location and all-inclusive amenities – historic stately homes, manor houses, lakeside villas and barn conversions just to name a few. The benefit of many of these prestigious venues is that they are often surrounded by pristine gardens – the perfect setting for a beautiful wedding.

Floral arrangements can be as bold or as delicate as you see fit when paired with the emerald backdrop of extensive gardens. However, it’s worth discussing your vision with your venue’s coordinator to ensure your decoration is complemented by the planned blooming of the gardens in each season. White chairs with rose-coloured sashes, or wicker with sage green work brilliantly for a garden wedding, but you can’t really go wrong with any colour palette. 

Make it your own

No matter which location you choose to host your wedding, be sure to add your own personal touches and make it unique to you and your partner. Creating a mood board is a good way to play with various colours, textures and ideas, and be sure to visit a few different locations in person to get a sense of how you feel in each. 

Ready to make your dream wedding a reality? I’d be thrilled to capture every beautiful moment of your special day. If you’re interested in booking me as your wedding photographer, please reach out via this form. Let’s create stunning, lasting memories together!