Our recent wedding market study highlighted the rising trend of multi-day destination wedding celebrations. Couples embrace welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches, transforming their wedding into a complete multi-day getaway. Activities like hiking, pickleball, pool parties, and group games add to the experience, creating lasting memories with their guests. As a result, couples today are more focused than ever on creating a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. It often starts with choosing venues that perfectly capture their vision and the vibe they want to share with their loved ones.
“Lake Como is always in demand for weddings and is absolutely breathtaking. But I’d love to let you know that for luxury weddings, there are several other locations that offer equally stunning settings,” says Katrien, lead planner and founder of Atelier Ateljee. “They feature gorgeous vistas, sunlit beaches, expansive vineyards, and unforgettable sunsets, creating dreamlike backdrops for wedding photos and more seclusion for guests.” Below, Katrien shares her top picks of European destinations and, based on her experience, recommends venues she considers luxurious, unique, and truly standout options for couples there.
Planner: Atelier Ateljee, Photo: Evgeniya Savina
Meet the Expert
Atelier Ateljee is a destination wedding planning company with expertise in Europe, the UK, Canada, and South Africa. Led by Katrien, the dedicated team is based in these locations and fully immerses itself in every event it creates.
Beauty and sophistication are at the heart of everything they do. At Atelier Ateljee, they firmly believe that each celebration should be executed with style and purpose. The team works with precision and grace to bring their clients’ vision to life, from selecting the perfect venue to managing every detail, ensuring a flawless and unforgettable celebration.
When researching locations for my clients, I consider more than just the destination itself. I also pay attention to accessibility, vacation-worthy appeal, venue options, local vendors, and how well it aligns with my client’s vision. Unsurprisingly, France, Spain, and Portugal often reach the top of the list.
Planner: Atelier Ateljee
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations! It features stunning Mediterranean landscapes, a range of unique architectural venues, a warm climate, and that distinctive island charm. With world-class cuisine that highlights fresh, local ingredients and a vibrant wine culture, Mallorca promises an unforgettable dining experience that will delight your guests and elevate your celebration.
If you envision a wedding venue with standout architectural design just off the coast of Spain, keep your eye on the Neuenendorf House in Mallorca. This hidden gem is located 40 minutes from Palma Mallorca airport and only 5 minutes from the pristine shores of S’Amarador. The venue’s beautiful landscape and surroundings are second only to the modern yet organic architecture and design, which is truly a work of art.
The venue takes on only a limited number of weddings per year and operates on week-long bookings, which is perfect for a couple looking for an intimate celebration with a small circle of 10 closest friends. End the week with a grand weekend celebration, blending the tranquility of private moments with the excitement of a larger event.
Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal
Montemor-o-Novo combines Portugal’s rich heritage with rustic elegance, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated wedding. This location is home to diverse venues like beautifully restored farmhouses and contemporary estates surrounded by sweeping vineyards and olive groves. Its tranquil landscapes, warm Mediterranean climate, and locally inspired cuisine bring an effortlessly romantic ambiance to every celebration.
L’AND, an exclusive wine retreat and luxury hotel, offers everything you could want for a stunning, modern vineyard wedding in Europe. With accommodation for over 100 guests, a beautiful on-site restaurant for your reception, and breathtaking gardens and vineyards surrounding you, it’s the perfect venue if you’re looking for a blend of contemporary architecture and nature. Plus, its convenient location near a major international airport makes it an ideal choice for a destination wedding.
São Teotónio, Portugal
São Teotónio, a small town nestled between the countryside and the sea, offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and modern comforts. With its mild climate, delicious local cuisine, and the warmth of Portuguese hospitality, this spot creates the ideal backdrop for a relaxed yet memorable wedding experience.
Situated in the south of Portugal, close to a few beautiful beaches, Craveiral House is the fantastic mix of luxury and simplicity. The owners have worked hard to combine all the comforts of modern life with the beauty of nature.
The venue spans 9 hectares and has accommodation for around 140 guests, three swimming pools, including an indoor pool, and an amazing restaurant on site with incredibly talented chefs. They also offer horseback riding, bicycles to explore, and many other amenities.
Craveiral Farm is definitely a nature lover’s dream and is a perfect destination venue for the active and adventurous at heart.
Lagarde, France
Lagarde offers an enchanting wedding experience with its mix of historic charm, scenic countryside, and authentic French village vibe. It’s the perfect location for an intimate, private celebration, while nearby cities like Toulouse and Carcassonne provide easy access to cultural excursions.
A stunning, historic stronghold dating back to 1143, Castelnau Des Fieumarcon is perched atop a hill surrounded by the Gascony countryside’s fields of golden sunflowers and wheat. This majestic venue can accommodate 95 of your closest friends and family members for a weekend celebration, and you can extend your stay if you so choose.
Here, you’ll feel like you have an entire French village, complete with breathtaking views, traditional architecture, a secluded pool, and an array of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception. The in-house catering team is exceptional, but you also have the flexibility to bring in your own preferred suppliers if you wish, making it truly customizable to your vision.
Planner: Atelier Ateljee / Photo: He Is Visual
As you can see, there are so many stunning locations across Europe for a destination wedding, many of which you won’t typically see on Instagram or Pinterest. These spots can match or even surpass what you’d find in Lake Como, depending on what you’re looking for.
That said, one thing to remember when planning a luxury summer wedding in Europe is that while the options are plentiful, they come at a premium. It means you might have to make a few compromises along the way. If European venues don’t fully align with your vision due to high demand or budget, consider looking beyond the continent. Katrien suggests thinking about South Africa, where Atelier Ateljee specializes in creating luxury weddings that stay true to your dreams. In the next article, Katrien will share her insights on this incredible destination and her top South African wedding venues.
