When you hear “destination wedding,” your mind probably wanders to postcard-perfect beaches in Mexico or exchanging vows with views of vine-striped Tuscan hills rolling in the background. While destination weddings continue to be wildly popular, not every couple is going the traditional route. Some are skipping the well-trodden wedding hotspots in favor of something a little more unexpected, but still in the realm of luxury.
According to Zola’s 2025 wedding trend report, about 32 percent of couples are opting for destination weddings. In another “wedding trends to watch” report by The Knot, those who are planning weddings far from home are gravitating towards unique and picturesque locations that aren’t necessarily on everyone’s radar.
Up ahead: Five luxury wedding destinations that feel a little less obvious, but just as romantic.
Baie Lazare in the Maldives Feels a World Away
Set in the Indian Ocean and 1,000 miles off Africa’s eastern edge, the Seychelles is a 115-island archipelago where time slows down, and, yes the water really is that blue. Beaches here curve around the islands and forest-covered mountains provide a lush backdrop to easygoing beach days.
Home to 90% of the Seychelle’s population, Mahé is the largest and easiest to get to, but it still feels off-the-grid in the best way for couples who have their sights set on a unique and remote destination, but that’s still accessible to their guests.
Down on the quieter southwestern stretch of Mahé, in Baie Lazare, the Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare is a tropical hideout that leans into the natural setting instead of competing with it. Think: open-air spaces, swaying palms, a spa tucked away in the trees and easy access to both a tropical lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
Weddings here don’t follow a script. Couples can trade vows barefoot on a quiet stretch of sand with the gentle waves as the backdrop, go classic in a romantic ballroom, or choose the lagoon, a lush pocket of garden surrounded by palms. For those looking for something that leans a little more unexpected, the hotel’s helipad garden perched above the lagoon takes vows to new heights.
Cosmopolitan-Chic Weddings in Dubai
Dubai is a city of superlatives, especially when it comes to its impressive skylines, such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, climbing 2,716 feet into the sky. But the architectural ingenuity doesn’t stop there. Palm Jumeirah is a series of artificial archipelagos that when viewed from above resembles a palm tree.
Couples looking for a unique wedding destination can get married at Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, a five-star resort set on the island, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and with Dubai’s glimmering skyline in the backdrop. Couples have their pick of a ceremony on the beach or on the manicured lawns of this palatial property, followed by a lavish reception under the stars or in a beautifully adorned indoor space.
Or, for urban luxury at its finest, couples can get married at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, which is located in the grandiose Dubai Mall and features elegant spaces available for celebrations, ideal for those wanting a chic, cosmopolitan vibe. Wedding guests can book cozy chalet rooms that overlook the slopes of Ski Dubai.
Year-round sunshine, luxurious amenities, and easy international access via Dubai’s airport make wedding planning smooth.
Beachfront Romance in the Maldives
Renowned for its breathtaking overwater villas, powder-soft white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stargazing beneath inky night skies, the Maldives is widely celebrated as one of the world’s most romantic destinations. While it consistently ranks high on lists of top honeymoon spots, this secluded Indian Ocean archipelago is also a dream location for destination weddings, complete with sherbert-hued sunsets and luxurious spas perfect for pre-wedding pampering.
Couples can now be among the first to say "I do" at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, which opened in spring 2025 and blends signature Thai hospitality with the natural beauty of the Maldives. Just a speedboat ride from Malé, the resort offers overwater villas—some with private pools and slides that splash directly into the ocean—as well as beachfront villas with their own secluded pools. Beyond idyllic beach ceremonies, newlyweds can indulge in romantic experiences like floating breakfasts in their private pool or candlelit dinners served directly on the sand.
Alternatively, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa also offers a tropical backdrop for couples exchanging vows beneath swaying coconut palms or amid tropical frangipani trees. Ceremonies can be held on the beach or at My Suan Bua, a tranquil Thai restaurant and event space set beside a serene lotus pond. Guests may also be treated to unforgettable Maldivian touches, like a traditional Bodu Beru parade to celebrate the big day in true island style.
Casablanca’s Cinematic Appeal
Casablanca may not flaunt romance in the traditional sense, but its blend of coastal beauty, rich heritage, and subtle elegance creates a naturally cinematic backdrop for weddings. The city's Art Deco architecture nods to its glamorous, cosmopolitan past, one immortalized by the classic film “Casablanca,” even if it was shot elsewhere in California studios. The old-Hollywood mystique still lingers.
Just an hour from the airport, wedding couples can escape to Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a luxurious 1,850-acre property cocooned between a eucalyptus forest and a wide, golden stretch of Atlantic coastline. The resort offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues perfect for both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations.
In the days leading up to the wedding, traveling guests can enjoy a variety of resort activities, from go-karting and golfing to jet skiing or horseback rides along the shore.
Venue options at the resort range from a private Moroccan garden for up to 500 guests to a beachfront setting or Al Firma, a secluded hideaway tucked deep within the woods as well as an event lawn space and romantic ballroom.
Casablanca is also a fantastic jumping off point for a unique honeymoon, whether it’s enjoying Moroccan luxury in Marrakech or exploring the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen.
Timeless Romance in Hot Springs, Virginia
“Virginia is for lovers,” as the saying goes—and couples will quickly discover there’s much to fall head over heels for in Hot Springs. Nestled in the scenic Allegheny Mountains, Hot Springs, Virginia, offers a romantic retreat all year round.
At the heart of this charming destination is the iconic Omni Homestead Resort, a sprawling 2,300-acre estate rich in history and luxury. With a dozen unique wedding venues, couples can exchange vows on the picturesque Casino Lawn, host a cocktail hour in the salon-like Jefferson Parlor, and dine and dance the night away in the glamorous Crystal Ballroom. There’s endless ways to tailor wedding celebrations here.
Before the big day, couples can relax with a private soak in the historic Warm Springs Pools, complete with sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries. The pools offer a unique opportunity for guests to experience the restored octagonal stone basin built in 1761—the first spa structure in America—and continue a centuries-old tradition of “taking the waters.”
Between wedding events, family members and friends of the wedding couple can enjoy the resort’s many activities, from championship golf and tennis to horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, and romantic carriage rides.
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