NZ Herald
  • Home
  • Latest news
  • Herald NOW
  • Video
  • New Zealand
  • Sport
  • World
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Viva
  • Weather

Subscriptions

  • Herald Premium
  • Viva Premium
  • The Listener
  • BusinessDesk

Sections

  • Latest news
  • New Zealand
    • All New Zealand
    • Crime
    • Politics
    • Education
    • Open Justice
    • Scam Update
  • Herald NOW
  • On The Up
  • World
    • All World
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • UK
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • Pacific
  • Business
    • All Business
    • MarketsSharesCurrencyCommoditiesStock TakesCrypto
    • Markets with Madison
    • Media Insider
    • Business analysis
    • Personal financeKiwiSaverInterest ratesTaxInvestment
    • EconomyInflationGDPOfficial cash rateEmployment
    • Small business
    • Business reportsMood of the BoardroomProject AucklandSustainable business and financeCapital markets reportAgribusiness reportInfrastructure reportDynamic business
    • Deloitte Top 200 Awards
    • CompaniesAged CareAgribusinessAirlinesBanking and financeConstructionEnergyFreight and logisticsHealthcareManufacturingMedia and MarketingRetailTelecommunicationsTourism
  • Opinion
    • All Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Editorials
    • Business analysis
    • Premium opinion
    • Letters to the editor
  • Politics
  • Sport
    • All Sport
    • OlympicsParalympics
    • RugbySuper RugbyNPCAll BlacksBlack FernsRugby sevensSchool rugby
    • CricketBlack CapsWhite Ferns
    • Racing
    • NetballSilver Ferns
    • LeagueWarriorsNRL
    • FootballWellington PhoenixAuckland FCAll WhitesFootball FernsEnglish Premier League
    • GolfNZ Open
    • MotorsportFormula 1
    • Boxing
    • UFC
    • BasketballNBABreakersTall BlacksTall Ferns
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Athletics
    • SailingAmerica's CupSailGP
    • Rowing
  • Lifestyle
    • All Lifestyle
    • Viva - Food, fashion & beauty
    • Society Insider
    • Royals
    • Sex & relationships
    • Food & drinkRecipesRecipe collectionsRestaurant reviewsRestaurant bookings
    • Health & wellbeing
    • Fashion & beauty
    • Pets & animals
    • The Selection - Shop the trendsShop fashionShop beautyShop entertainmentShop giftsShop home & living
    • Milford's Investing Place
  • Entertainment
    • All Entertainment
    • TV
    • MoviesMovie reviews
    • MusicMusic reviews
    • BooksBook reviews
    • Culture
    • ReviewsBook reviewsMovie reviewsMusic reviewsRestaurant reviews
  • Travel
    • All Travel
    • News
    • New ZealandNorthlandAucklandWellingtonCanterburyOtago / QueenstownNelson-TasmanBest NZ beaches
    • International travelAustraliaPacific IslandsEuropeUKUSAAfricaAsia
    • Rail holidays
    • Cruise holidays
    • Ski holidays
    • Luxury travel
    • Adventure travel
  • Kāhu Māori news
  • Environment
    • All Environment
    • Our Green Future
  • Talanoa Pacific news
  • Property
    • All Property
    • Property Insider
    • Interest rates tracker
    • Residential property listings
    • Commercial property listings
  • Health
  • Technology
    • All Technology
    • AI
    • Social media
  • Rural
    • All Rural
    • Dairy farming
    • Sheep & beef farming
    • Horticulture
    • Animal health
    • Rural business
    • Rural life
    • Rural technology
    • Opinion
    • Audio & podcasts
  • Weather forecasts
    • All Weather forecasts
    • Kaitaia
    • Whangārei
    • Dargaville
    • Auckland
    • Thames
    • Tauranga
    • Hamilton
    • Whakatāne
    • Rotorua
    • Tokoroa
    • Te Kuiti
    • Taumaranui
    • Taupō
    • Gisborne
    • New Plymouth
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Dannevirke
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Levin
    • Paraparaumu
    • Masterton
    • Wellington
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Blenheim
    • Westport
    • Reefton
    • Kaikōura
    • Greymouth
    • Hokitika
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
    • Wānaka
    • Oamaru
    • Queenstown
    • Dunedin
    • Gore
    • Invercargill
  • Meet the journalists
  • Promotions & competitions
  • OneRoof property listings
  • Driven car news

Puzzles & Quizzes

  • Puzzles
    • All Puzzles
    • Sudoku
    • Code Cracker
    • Crosswords
    • Cryptic crossword
    • Wordsearch
  • Quizzes
    • All Quizzes
    • Morning quiz
    • Afternoon quiz
    • Sports quiz

Regions

  • Northland
    • All Northland
    • Far North
    • Kaitaia
    • Kerikeri
    • Kaikohe
    • Bay of Islands
    • Whangarei
    • Dargaville
    • Kaipara
    • Mangawhai
  • Auckland
  • Waikato
    • All Waikato
    • Hamilton
    • Coromandel & Hauraki
    • Matamata & Piako
    • Cambridge
    • Te Awamutu
    • Tokoroa & South Waikato
    • Taupō & Tūrangi
  • Bay of Plenty
    • All Bay of Plenty
    • Katikati
    • Tauranga
    • Mount Maunganui
    • Pāpāmoa
    • Te Puke
    • Whakatāne
  • Rotorua
  • Hawke's Bay
    • All Hawke's Bay
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Havelock North
    • Central Hawke's Bay
    • Wairoa
  • Taranaki
    • All Taranaki
    • Stratford
    • New Plymouth
    • Hāwera
  • Manawatū - Whanganui
    • All Manawatū - Whanganui
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Manawatū
    • Tararua
    • Horowhenua
  • Wellington
    • All Wellington
    • Kapiti
    • Wairarapa
    • Upper Hutt
    • Lower Hutt
  • Nelson & Tasman
    • All Nelson & Tasman
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Tasman
  • Marlborough
  • West Coast
  • Canterbury
    • All Canterbury
    • Kaikōura
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
  • Otago
    • All Otago
    • Oamaru
    • Dunedin
    • Balclutha
    • Alexandra
    • Queenstown
    • Wanaka
  • Southland
    • All Southland
    • Invercargill
    • Gore
    • Stewart Island
  • Gisborne

Media

  • Video
    • All Video
    • NZ news video
    • Herald NOW
    • Business news video
    • Politics news video
    • Sport video
    • World news video
    • Lifestyle video
    • Entertainment video
    • Travel video
    • Markets with Madison
    • Kea Kids news
  • Podcasts
    • All Podcasts
    • The Front Page
    • On the Tiles
    • Ask me Anything
    • The Little Things
  • Cartoons
  • Photo galleries
  • Today's Paper - E-editions
  • Photo sales
  • Classifieds

NZME Network

  • Advertise with NZME
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • BusinessDesk
  • Newstalk ZB
  • Sunlive
  • ZM
  • The Hits
  • Coast
  • Radio Hauraki
  • The Alternative Commentary Collective
  • Gold
  • Flava
  • iHeart Radio
  • Hokonui
  • Radio Wanaka
  • iHeartCountry New Zealand
  • Restaurant Hub
  • NZME Events

SubscribeSign In
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Home / Travel

Best places in the world to get married

By Jane Jurgens
Spy.co.nz·
13 May, 2018 06:00 AM4 mins to read

Subscribe to listen

Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?  Sign in here

Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
‌
Save

    Share this article

Windsor Castle is a magnificent building, but on May 19th, the day of Prince Harry to Meaghan Markle the world will be watching this small chapel.

With Prince Harry set to marry Meghan Markle on Saturday, we've come over all romantic. Jane Jurgens tracks down the best places in the world for a destination wedding, or a renewal of vows.

England

You can't get married at St George's Chapel like Harry and Meghan unless you're a knight, a resident of Windsor Castle, a resident of the College of St George — or a royal, of course. In fact, even Harry and Meghan had to ask the Queen's permission to marry there. You can, however, follow in the footsteps of Charles and Camilla and marry at the nearby Windsor Guildhall.

Windsor Guildhall. Photo / Getty Images
Windsor Guildhall. Photo / Getty Images

This elegant building was completed in 1689 and is a dominant feature of the town. The royal couple held a civil ceremony in the intimate Ascot Room, which holds up to 15 guests, whereas, for a larger crowd, the impressive chamber seats up to 100. Another nearby option is the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa, an historic riverside hotel under the ramparts of Windsor Castle, with views of the river Thames and Eton Bridge. To help you feel like royalty, the hotel has wedding co-ordinators who can organise everything from red carpets to vintage cars.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Tahiti

For a picture-perfect Pacific Island wedding, you just can't beat Tahiti's French charm. In recent years, a change of regulations has seen a flurry of wedding chapels pop up at the island's many resorts. At Bora Bora's Le Meridien, St Regis and Four Seasons resorts, beachside nuptials are becoming increasingly popular — especially between June and August.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Photo / Getty Images
Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Photo / Getty Images

But if you really want to surprise your guests, take your celebration under the island's beautiful clear waters. Bora Bora Underwater Weddings offer a ceremony that combines traditional Tahitian customs. You'll arrive by an outrigger canoe, with local musicians and a Tahitian priest — however, these weddings are not legally recognised, so you'll have to do the paperwork later.

Sri Lanka

This Southeast Asian destination is growing in popularity as an exotic wedding destination — you could even combine it with a honeymoon in the Maldives, where it's not legal for non-residents to get married. The island nation offers a diverse range of wedding ceremonies, from elephants on the beach to private islands to tropical jungle. For a seaside wedding, Avani Kalutara offers the perfect location, with a private beach surrounded by gardens.

Mehndi - traditional Hindu henna tattoos for wedding. Photo / Getty Images
Mehndi - traditional Hindu henna tattoos for wedding. Photo / Getty Images

With top-notch cuisine and space for 200 guests, it's one of the most sought-after wedding locations in Sri Lanka. Or for a more intimate wedding in a traditional style — complete with dancers, drummers and elephants, Saman Villas offer 16 wedding packages. Choose from garden weddings by the ocean or celebrate barefoot on the beach. You can also opt for a Hindu Mehndi ceremony, where henna is used to draw intricate patterns on the bride's hands

and feet.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Las Vegas

For the original destination wedding, look no further than the bright neon lights of Las Vegas. Sure, the garishness isn't for everyone, but if you're looking

for a novel way to celebrate this big day, you can definitely find something to suit your tastes. If you're keen to have your special day officiated by Elvis, look no further than the Graceland Wedding Chapel.

Graceland Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas Boulevard. Photo / Getty Images
Graceland Wedding Chapel, Las Vegas Boulevard. Photo / Getty Images

Part of the Las Vegas Strip for more than 70 years, it's where many celebrities have tied the knot — Jon Bon Jovi even renewed his vows in the carpark in 2001, along with 75 other couples who did the same. Or you can reach new heights in your relationship by marrying at the High Roller at the LINQ Promenade — the largest observation wheel in the world. One pod carries the groom and up to 38 guests for a half-hour spin around the wheel, before they are joined by the bride for a second turn — and of course, the ceremony takes place in the pod. Time the ceremony with sunset for a truly romantic experience.

Italy

Italy is perfect for a beautiful, romantic wedding, with a range of gorgeous and varied locations to choose from. Venice is a top choice for many, with even George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin opting to tie the knot here in 2014.

Discover more

Travel

Why Cape Town should be your next holiday

24 Jul 03:18 AM
Travel

Scotland: Swallow

25 Oct 04:00 PM
Travel

Line-up, line-up: A sign of the times

12 Mar 06:00 PM
Travel

Canada: 24 hours in . . . Vancouver

14 Apr 08:00 PM
Palazzo Papadopoli, Aman Canal Grande Resort, Venice. Photo / Getty Images
Palazzo Papadopoli, Aman Canal Grande Resort, Venice. Photo / Getty Images

To follow in their footsteps, book in at the Aman Canal Grande, a grand palazzo built in 1550 — but the Clooneys' wedding suite will set you back nearly $6000 night. Or for a tranquil wedding day in the countryside, head to the hills of Tuscany. Whether you decide to tie the knot at a traditional vineyard, an elegant villa, or a fairytale castle, there's a beautiful location to suit everyone's tastes.

Save

    Share this article

Latest from Travel

Travel

Stylish, central and affordable? This Waikiki hotel may have it all

19 Jun 10:00 PM
Travel

Paris local reveals the underrated neighbourhood you won’t see on Instagram

19 Jun 06:00 AM
Travel

Hate skiing? Try these snow-free winter adventures in NZ instead

19 Jun 06:00 AM

One pass, ten snowy adventures

sponsored
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Latest from Travel

Stylish, central and affordable? This Waikiki hotel may have it all

Stylish, central and affordable? This Waikiki hotel may have it all

19 Jun 10:00 PM

The trendy spot is just six minutes from the Waikiki beach.

Paris local reveals the underrated neighbourhood you won’t see on Instagram

Paris local reveals the underrated neighbourhood you won’t see on Instagram

19 Jun 06:00 AM
Hate skiing? Try these snow-free winter adventures in NZ instead

Hate skiing? Try these snow-free winter adventures in NZ instead

19 Jun 06:00 AM
New flight route to turn Auckland into China-South America gateway

New flight route to turn Auckland into China-South America gateway

18 Jun 11:36 PM
Your Fiordland experience, levelled up
sponsored

Your Fiordland experience, levelled up

NZ Herald
  • About NZ Herald
  • Meet the journalists
  • Newsletters
  • Classifieds
  • Help & support
  • Contact us
  • House rules
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Competition terms & conditions
  • Our use of AI
Subscriber Services
  • NZ Herald e-editions
  • Daily puzzles & quizzes
  • Manage your digital subscription
  • Manage your print subscription
  • Subscribe to the NZ Herald newspaper
  • Subscribe to Herald Premium
  • Gift a subscription
  • Subscriber FAQs
  • Subscription terms & conditions
  • Promotions and subscriber benefits
NZME Network
  • The New Zealand Herald
  • The Northland Age
  • The Northern Advocate
  • Waikato Herald
  • Bay of Plenty Times
  • Rotorua Daily Post
  • Hawke's Bay Today
  • Whanganui Chronicle
  • Viva
  • NZ Listener
  • Newstalk ZB
  • BusinessDesk
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • iHeart Radio
  • Restaurant Hub
NZME
  • About NZME
  • NZME careers
  • Advertise with NZME
  • Digital self-service advertising
  • Book your classified ad
  • Photo sales
  • NZME Events
  • © Copyright 2025 NZME Publishing Limited
TOP