Romantic Destination Wedding Venues

In my nearly twelve years as a wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to work at some really lovely romantic destination wedding venues here in the states. On top of that, my travels across the US and Europe have allowed me to explore places that are incredibly beautiful and often find their place on my venue bucket list! So, from the rolling vineyard-covered hills of California to the colorful streets of Charleston to the historic beauty of France, here are a few my favorite romantic destination wedding venues!

All images are shot on film and were developed/processed by the amazing team at Photovision Prints!

 

Sunstone Villa | Santa Ynez, CA

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Sunstone Villa and Winery is among the most notable and beautiful venues California has to offer. Modeled after a French villa, the main house was built using reclaimed materials sourced from throughout France. Surrounded by vineyards and valley views, Sunstone Villa offers couples a romantic and luxurious experience.

 

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Chateau de la Gaude | Provence, France

The South of France is one of the most quintessentially romantic places to get married. With lush vineyards, warm sunsets and delicious food and historic chateaux around every bend, it’s no surprise that so many couples have their weddings here.Only 15 minutes from the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Chateau de la Gaude is the perfect place if you’re looking for a venue that is picturesque, lush and private. With the Chateau set as the backdrop, the expansive lawn is an ideal setting for everything from a sun-filled ceremony to cocktail hour beneath a cotton candy sky. And with a Michelin Star restaurant on site and some of the kindest staff you’ll meet, you know the service is also unbeatable.

 

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William Aiken House | Charleston, SC

Take a stroll down Charleston’s famed King Street and you’ll eventually come to a butter yellow historic mansion – the William Aiken House. Take a peek through the wrought iron gates and you’ll find quant grounds, classically Southern wraparound porches and a healthy dose of historic charm. Top that off with ornate ballrooms and it’s no wonder it’s one of Charleston’s most sought-after wedding venues.

 

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The Cotswolds, England

While technically not a venue itself, The Cotswolds is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to countless historic properties that make for incredible wedding venues. Offering actual castles (like Sudeley Castle or Clearwell Castle) as well as expansive estates and manors (like Hamswell House or Euridge Manor), the Cotswolds has lots of romantic destination wedding venues to choose from. Plus, the Cotwolds is less than two hours from bustling London, which make it easily accessible for guests traveling in for the wedding.

 

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Musée Rodin | Paris, France

Rich in history and Parisian charm, the Musée Rodin in Paris, France is the perfect backdrop for couples who want an elegant and romantic affair. Once the workshop of famed sculptor, Auguste Rodin, this space now houses the nearly his entire collection of sculptures, as well as pieces by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A dream venue for art lovers, the Rodin Museum also offers extensive gardens and beautiful architecture, making this venue one of my absolutes favorite on this list. Which, given my tremendous love of art museums, is no surprise!

 

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A Private Villa in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

A tropical location had to make this list, of course! And while I’ve seen many beautiful beaches, my heart really loves Costa Rica. The town of Tamarindo along the western coast is known for fun nightlife, great surfing and expansive beaches – all of which will make an incredibly fun experience for your guests. And with villas dotting the hills above, it’s perfect location for an elopement or micro wedding. Just be sure to schedule around the rainy season (September and October) as we learned during this shoot from a few years ago! Stay in Tamarindo has a number of exclusive homes available for events, many with beautiful views of the beach and bay below.

 

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Scribe Winery | Sonoma, CA

Ideal for smaller or micro weddings, Scribe Winery is perfect for couples hoping to have a laidback, yet elevated wedding. The wedding I shot here remains one of my very favorites to this day! Imagine sipping chilled rose as the sun sets over acres of vineyards, surrounded by your nearest and dearest. If that sounds like your dream wedding, then look no further.

 

 

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The Hilltops of Tirol, Austria

If soaring epic views and lush golden sunlight stretching across quant towns is more your style, then the Tirol region of Austria is absolutely sublime. My favorite backdrop is from just above the town of Ellmau – it the perfect setting for intimate vows and family-centered celebration.

 

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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens | Miami, FL

Located just south of bustling Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers couples Old World charm with coastal romance. Towering oak trees provide ample shade (and that gorgeous dappled light I love so much) over wandering pathways that lead to quant, hidden gardens. The property’s Mediterranean-style architecture makes it the perfect venue for couple’s who want a European taste to their stateside wedding.

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So many beautiful places to choose from – how will you ever decide? And the amazing things is that these locations are just the tip of the iceberg. The world is a beautiful place – there are countless locations on every continent (ok, Antarctica might be tough) that are home to romantic destination wedding venues. And once you find the perfect venue for your wedding, I’ll be right here with my passport ready to document every bit of that incredible day!