Just as soon as the question is popped, it seems that two other questions quicky follow for the happy couple: when will the wedding be, and where? Whether in the bride or groom’s hometown, a favorite vacation destination, or a far-flung place miles away, every couple finds their perfect place to say, “I do.”
For those still pondering the “where” of their big day, here are a handful of unique wedding locales around the world and the ALHI partners that can make every wedding daydream come true.
Oaxaca, Mexico
For the past two years Travel + Leisure readers have named Oaxaca de Juárez, or simply Oaxaca, the number-one city in the world, going so far as to say that it’s “hands down one of the coolest cities in the whole world.” The reasoning behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s continued popularity is its stunning, colorful architecture that makes for terrific photo backdrops; a rich cultural heritage that shines through in the region’s music, food and drinks; and temperate weather year-round thanks to its location in a valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains.
Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca rolls out the rojo carpet for weddings ranging in size from an intimate group of 25 to full-blown fiestas of up to 850 guests. From rehearsal dinners to receptions and even group outings for everyone to enjoy, leave the details to the onsite wedding coordinators and enjoy the celebration.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The cosmopolitan city of Vancouver on the western edge of British Columbia has something to make every wedding guest feel welcome: a plethora of year-round outdoor activities that are easily accessible, including Stanley Park and its blooming gardens, coastal spaces and mature forest; a thriving dining scene with 9 Michelin One Star restaurants; and a city in which more than 70 languages are spoken. Vancouver is easy to travel to, too, with more than 120 non-stop direct flights daily so that your guests can dive right in and start exploring as soon as they arrive.
With stunning oceanfront and mountain views, Pan Pacific Vancouver sets the stage for dramatic and memorable wedding celebrations, from the intimate to the lavish. Whether a rehearsal dinner, cocktail reception, or elegant après ceremony dinner, feast on dishes featuring fresh and local ingredients, all made with a dash of west coast flair.
Morocco
The lure of Morocco, where long-standing traditions blend effortlessly with modern day luxuries, appeals to couples with a sense of wanderlust and adventure. Bazaars and markets buzzing with energy, intricately designed mosques and cathedrals, and a stunning coastline all lend themselves to a memorable wedding locale. And then there is food, a confluence of Berber, Arab, Moorish and European cultural influences.
An hour from Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort offers plenty of wedding venues to make the most of its location, from the lush gardens and forest to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Immerse your guests in the local culture with an outing to the riverside town of Azemmour, a favorite of Moroccan sculptors and painters filled with hand-painted murals and boutiques selling local artisanal wares.
Key West, Florida
Betrothed couples who prefer a laid-back vibe for their wedding days should look no further than Key West. The easygoing island at the end of the Florida Keys has all the makings for an unforgettable wedding day: historic sites, elegant settings, palm trees swaying in the breeze, sunlight glistening on the water and stunning sunsets. When the ceremony is over, it’s time to celebrate with a toes-in-the-sand party, formal sit down dinner, or whatever the couples desire — it’s all here in Key West.
Two ALHI partners in Key West are ready to welcome the happy couples and their guests: Ocean Key Resort & Spa and the The Marquesa Hotel. Adjacent to Mallory Square in historic Old Town Key West, every one of Ocean Key’s 100 guestrooms comes with a view of either the Gulf of Mexico or Duval Street, with myriad waterfront venues from which to choose to say “I do.”
Also in the heart of Key West’s historic district, The Marquesa Hotel welcomes adults-only wedding goers to its hideaway consisting of 44 guest rooms across two historic properties, four courtyard pools and lush tropical gardens for intimate ceremonies.
San Antonio, Texas
When your love is as big as the Lone Star State, it calls for a Texas-sized wedding celebration. With more than 50 non-stop flights arriving into the city’s airport, San Antonio is ready to welcome bridal parties with a big dose of southern hospitality. In addition to art, culture and history, wedding guests will find a city with plenty of dining options from which to choose, from white tablecloth and fine dining to food trucks and BBQ stands. In fact, it was recently named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
The River Walk in downtown San Antonio is where you’ll find two ALHI partners ready to roll out the wedding welcome mat: Hotel Contessa and La Cantera Resort & Spa. The all-suite, AAA Four Diamond Hotel Contessa not only has its own venues that can easily transform into wedding-ready spaces, but the Riverview Terrace that accommodates up to 100 guests provides an intimate vantage point to watch a ceremony on the popular heart-shaped Marriage Island.
It’s all about the expansive Texas views at La Cantera. Overlooking 550 acres of the Hill Country, the resort is perfect for wedding parties who want to indulge in treatments at the 25,000 square foot destination spa, Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness, or tee off on its championship golf course.
Learn more about Destinations Weddings by ALHI and subscribe to our newsletter.