After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!
While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.
Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.
The price tag? A cool R4 million!
Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.
The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.
While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.
Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.
If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.
After two years of travel bans and lockdown restrictions, it feels as though we have a new lease on life! Travel is back on the cards and wedding couples are taking full advantage. Bridal couples worldwide have spoken and they’re dishing the dirt on the best destinations to tie the knot in 2022.
From the historical ruins of Europe to the rugged landscapes of Africa, here’s where bridal couples are saying “I do”:
1. Zimbabwe
There are multiple venue options for planning a wedding in Zimbabwe. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, you cannot beat Chengeta Safari Lodge located just outside of Harare. This stunning venue gives you the chance to say ‘I do’ surrounded by the raw beauty Zimbabwe offers, all while zebra graze nearby on the 13,000-hectare private game reserve, allowing you endless photogenic landscapes to choose from.
If it’s a waterside you’re imagining, try Lake Kariba Houseboats which delivers unforgettable scenery thanks to the vast man-made lake that will feature in every photo.
Picture: Pinterest
2. Italy
The European nation has been in pop culture news recently after the oldest Kardashian said ‘I do.’ It’s not difficult to see why this nation, bursting with culture and good food is the perfect destination for wedding couples. A stunning villa with views of the rolling hills of Tuscany to the breathtaking architecture of Rome, Italy oozes romance from every angle.
For those with a luxury wedding in mind, Palazzo Gori Pannilini is the perfect place to get married. It is a five-star hotel just outside of Florence that is full of Italian charm and history which will be perfect for the big day.
Picture: Rocky Weddings
3. South Africa
South Africa offers a huge range of locations and settings where couples can tie the knot. Cape Town is the perfect location for the cosmopolitan types with The Bay Hotel being one of the most highly commended wedding venues in the city. The luxury venue has a rotunda for those who want a lavish, classy and whimsical day or couples can opt for their exclusive private beach club with views of Camps Bay for a more relaxed setting.
Picture: Pinterest
4. Portugal
Thanks to warm weather and being surrounded by the clear blue seas of the Meditteranean, Portugal has become a popular wedding destination offering a whole host of luxury venues. For smaller ceremonies, there are multiple world-class golf clubhouses in Algarve that are sure to be an idyllic setting.
But for those who want more room for a bigger wedding, you cannot beat Gremio Palace in the heart of Lisbon; it’s a small secret garden hidden behind the doors of a beautiful pink palace in the historic district that offers all the charm and romance of the city.
Picture: Pinterest
5. Kenya
Kenya’s tranquil setting surrounded by the sounds of the bush is so romantic that even Prince Williams chose it as the location to propose to the now Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is the venue for you! It is et on a private concession to ensure your big day is still intimate and it boasts abundant iconic wildlife and panoramic Masai Mara views, for a sophisticated and contemporary safari feel.
Picture: Jonas Peterson
6. Thailand
It is hard to imagine a more beautiful setting than the many gorgeous beaches in Thailand. In Koh Samui, couples can book out the 5-star The Tongsai Bay Hotel which has been dubbed the ultimate romantic hideaway, as it gives access to the large freeform pool overlooking ocean views, you can marry on the beach beneath a floral canopy, including a traditional Thai water blessing to create everlasting memories.
Or if you want a truly unforgettable venue, how about the limestone caves surrounding Rayavadee in Krabi? They overlook the turquoise waters of Phranang beach meaning your wedding photos will be exceptionally beautiful.
Picture: Pinterest
7. Jamaica
To be on an island surrounded by the irresistible Caribbean spirit is such an iconic way to start married life with your partner. It’s not just stunning beaches with Insta-worthy sunsets though, you can also opt for ceremonies in the verdant mountains or around the glittering waterfalls. Couples can get married at Ocho Rios waterfalls to embrace being amidst the tropical rainforest with a perfect waterfall as the backdrop. To continue to celebrations, you can host the reception at the Sandals Ochi Luxury Resort.
Picture: Pinterest
8. Morocco
Fete in the foothills of the Atlas mountains at the Marrakech retreat, The Capaldi, which has a rooftop terrace with expansive views of the surrounding olive groves – perfect for a spectacular wedding day! Despite being contemporary and stylish, it still has traditional Moroccan touches with rich textiles and opulent antiques that create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Picture: Pinterest
9. Brazil
Fancy a private peninsula for your special day? The Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is the place for you. You and your guests will be surrounded by Brazilian bungalows on the edge of a sparkling emerald sea and you can host your wedding reception in the gazebo at the end of the wooden bridge where you can have the most romantic wedding breakfast ever.
But if you want a setting more inland, take a look at Botanique Hotel and Spa in São Paulo. It is surrounded by a unique natural environment that is authentic Brazilian culture making for a more peaceful setting.
Picture: Pinterest
10. Mexico
If you want to get married in a place where many A-listers have tied the knot, then Mexico is a good place to start. Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson chose to get wed in Cabo (formally known as Los Cabos) because it beautifully captures both the panoramic desert landscapes and turquoise waters.
The Cape is a truly magical hotel option if you want to recreate a similar wedding day, it is immersed in the natural beauty of the Los Cabos and will work for a romantic sunset wedding or even a formal celebration, The Cape can be transformed into the vision you have for your big day.
