Looking for a unique place to say ‘I do’? If a church or barn is too conventional for you, think outside the box with one of these unique locations.

From an igloo to an underwater experience, there are no rules when it comes to your big day. Truly, anything goes. Here are a few unusual locations that will create a memorable wedding day.

Hotel Kakslauttanen in Lapland, Finland

 

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Hotel Kakslauttanen is an Arctic Resort found next to the Arctic Sea. For the full experience, book a winter wedding under the northern lights. The hotel features an Ice Chapel and a Pine Chapel, and bridal couples arrive on a reindeer carriage. Spend the night in your own personal igloo with a clear dome, allowing you to enjoy the sights of the clear sky.

Coney Island in New York, USA

 

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Coney Island is a world-famous amusement park in New York. Couples can enjoy an informal ceremony in the boarding area, then load onto a roller coaster for a thrilling loop around.

A glacier in Alaska, USA

 

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Couples wanting to elope should head to Alaska for a truly unique wedding on a glacier landing. The package includes a helicopter that lands at elevations of 1,800 to 3,500 feet, with ice up to 2,500 feet deep below your feet, making you feel like you’re the only people in the world.

The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado

 

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Take a trip to Aspen, Colorado for a true winter wonderland wedding at The Little Nell Hotel. Guests can enjoy a gondola ride up the Aspen Mountain before they arrive at your wedding ceremony, which features breathtaking views of the famed Maroon Bells and the Rocky Mountains.

An underwater wedding experience in Mexico

 

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If getting married on land is too played out, why not head under the sea? Secret Resorts in Cozumel, Mexico offers a unique underwater wedding experience, allowing couples to say their “I do’s’ while enjoying a dive trip surrounded by fish and sea life.

Picture: Instagram / Hotel Kakslauttanen

Monate Game Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquility just waiting to be discovered. Nestled in manicured natural gardens on approximately 3000-hectare private game reserve in the Limpopo Province within 2 hours reach of Pretoria and Johannesburg – 30 minutes from Kranskop Tollgate, Modimolle/Nylstroom – it is the perfect place for corporate conferencing, weddings or just a weekend getaway.

Monate Game Lodge offers luxurious accommodation in 38 modern double rooms and two luxury villas situated at the Main Lodge. The exclusive Shingwedzi and Skukuza Lodges are deluxe two bedroom lodges situated within walking distance from the Main Lodge offering a high level of privacy.

Monate Game Lodge caters to every couple’s wedding whims and desires. Big, medium or small – they host them all in a way that you will treasure forever.

Whether you wish to declare your eternal love beneath their breath-taking Rock Fig, promise to always be true under a majestic Marula tree, echo your “I do’s” in a natural cave or celebrate your union in a traditional chapel – Monate is the venue where love falls in love again.

Unique dining experiences in a variety of locations are available such as our natural cave, or the Bush Boma.  Exclusive use of the lodge ensures your guests can relax and enjoy the occasion while the couple can focus on their special day, knowing their guests are cared for and looked after.

Monate Game Lodge has many breath-taking photo opportunities for bridal parties. Whether you are looking for something in the middle of the wild or prefer their magnificent sunset backdrops, their list to choose from is endless. Spring, summer, autumn or winter, they have the perfect setting for you.

Monate Game Lodge offers a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy. They promise a peaceful time in nature filled with interesting facts from their Rangers on either a day or night game drive. Soak off your stress in the Jacuzzi leaving you relaxed and refreshed.

Try your hand at putt-putt, watch the sports in the bar on the big screen, or quietly disappear with a nice read in the serenity of the lounge, visit their archaeological heritage Stone Age sites or try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.

Monate address:

Portion 1, Farm Witkoppies,

Tuinplaas

Modimolle

0510

Picture/s: supplied

South Africa is blessed with stunning scenery wherever you go, making its natural beauty the perfect backdrop for a wedding day. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that is proudly South African, Mountainview Game Ranch is the perfect one.

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Waterberg mountains in Limpopo, Mountainview Game Ranch combines luxury and unbridled nature. They are one of the most sought-after weekend, wedding and conference destination venues in the Limpopo province, and offer bridal couples everything from modern facilities and comfortable lodgings to a bridal salon and private open air wedding chapel with sweeping views of the surrounding grasslands.

Only two hours from Johannesburg, the private 1000-hectare game farm is a bushveld paradise with an abundance of wildlife. This venue can be hired out for your big day, and includes exclusive use of the lodge and amenities for the whole weekend. The ranch can comfortably accommodate up to 126 people.

Mountainview Game Ranch offers a hassle-free wedding experience complete with various accommodation options, a honeymoon suite, chapel, bridal salon and some of the most spectacular sunset photo opportunities in the Waterberg region.

The spacious, high rise reception area, outside fire-pit and fully stocked bar comes with staff to cater for your needs.

Exclusive use of the lodge ensures your guests can relax and enjoy the occasion while the couple can focus on their special day, knowing their guests are cared for and looked after.

For more information, visit their website HERE.

Picture/s: Supplied

Weddings are such a happy time and everyone is in the spirit of giving. One couple felt especially generous and spent their wedding day buying coffee for homeless people in the area.

Jordan Cuff and Bhavana Gupta from Cardiff tied the knot on October 19 in a small intimate ceremony at the Cardiff City hall. The young couple got engaged in May last year and had planned to have a big wedding of 80 to 100 guests but the COVID pandemic tampered with their plans.

Only Jordan’s family could make it to the ceremony because Bhaavana’s family is in Italy and they would have to isolate for 14 days on arrival for the wedding.

Jordan came up with a creative alternative to having her parents present by making cardboard cut-outs of them.

“We were allowed 10 people, including our photographer and videographer and then that perfectly fit the number of our immediate family and then last week they announced that the quarantine in Italy was coming into effect the day they [Bhavana’s family] were due to come over so they couldn’t come. So I ordered these cardboard cutouts  to take their place.” Said Jordan.

They had the whole ceremony streamed on Youtube so extended family members could watch and be present on the day.

The lockdown restrictions did not even allow them to host a post-wedding party celebration so instead, they decided to go to Jordan’s favourite coffee shop. While having their coffee, the couple decided to buy 30 homeless people coffee to seal off their day. The coffee owner says Jordan has bought 10 strangers coffee before this so this was no surprise.

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The couple is planning to have a bigger celebration when the rules allow it.

Picture: Unsplash

A greenhouse venue is the perfect place to tie the knot for those with green fingers. If you love plants, this is the way to go. Not only is it a popular modern trend, getting married in a nursery has many pros.

The decor is basically taken care of, not to mention the beautiful colours and the incredible wedding pictures you will have.

If you’re still not convinced but considering this unique venue type, here are five reasons why it’s good idea:

1. Plants are known to inspire a good mood

Not only do plants boost oxygen levels and remove pollutants and toxins from the air, they are proven to help with stress relief. According to Plantscrapers, plants bring feelings of vitality and improve the state of mind. An environment that includes natural elements and plants can help bring a positive outlook on life and boosts people into feeling more alive and active. There you go.

2. Low-effort decor

What better decor than nature itself? Greenhouses combine the earthy feel of greenery with the sophistication of large glass walls. The setting is already beautiful and requires minimum additional decor. You could go with simplistic floral centre pieces for your tables, or add some fairy light draping. Other than that, we recommend embracing the plants and not driving the attention away from them.

3. It provides a romantic atmosphere

A greenhouse is a romantic place, as it allows a lot of natural light, gives you great views to the outside and recreate an “indoor forest”-effect. It almost feels like a fairy tale, another world to step into! If you are a romantic, this venue is certainly your cup of tea.

4. You experience nature without braving the elements

A greenhouse is a great compromise for those who love nature and those who are not super comfortable to bundu bash. The setting is fresh and incorporates nature, but in a safe indoor environment. That means you don’t have to worry about rain, wind, cold or heat and you don’t have to hike up a mountain to be in nature.

5. It’s beautiful!

Of course, this goes without saying but we do feel the need to emphasise it. If no other reason sounds convincing, the sheer beauty of this venue type should be enough. It inspires wonder, and that’s really what the perfect wedding venue does.

Images: Pinterest

Featured image: Unsplash

Table Mountain is a fan favourite across the globe. It is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town.

This beloved mountain is more than just a great spot for views of the Mother City though. It’s not commonly known, but couples can also tie the knot while sky high.

Over the past few years, more than 80 couples have taken their marriage vows on top of Table Mountain

This location is especially popular during February, the month of love. December and January are also trending times to tie the knot at Table Mountain. Some have even said ‘I do’ during the winter months of May, June and July.

The Table Mountain Cableway offers outdoor venues perfect for cocktail parties, post-conference drinks, weddings, product launches, end-of-year parties, incentives and more. Why not treat your closest family and friends to a special mountain-top occasion they are sure to remember.

There are three outdoor venues at the Upper Cable Station and one outdoor venue at the Lower Station. Besides the Twelve Apostles Terrace, most of the venues are small so those wanting to host their wedding at Table Mountain may have to opt for a micro-wedding.

Indoor venues include the U-shaped Summit Lounge with its three private balconies facing Lion’s Head and the City Bowl, the Twelve Apostles mountains and Devil’s Peak.

Take a look at the magnificent outdoor venues:

To book any of these areas, email [email protected] or fill out their online enquiry form.

Feature image: Instagram / Table Mountain Cableway