There’s something undeniably romantic about a destination wedding. Whether it’s the warm sun on your skin, the thrill of saying “I do” in an historic property, or being surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic landscapes, choosing the right location can transform a celebration into something absolutely unforgettable. Of course, making it all happen smoothly takes knowledge and experience, and that’s where a destination wedding planner really proves their worth. Every year, I help couples navigate not just logistics, but the nuances of choosing a place that truly reflects their story and the experience they want to create. From guest travel to local traditions, hidden-gem venues to impeccable cuisine, it’s the insider details that elevate the experience, but it all starts with the location. That’s why at the end of last year, I was delighted to share my top wedding destinations with Carats & Cake. Whether you’re planning a three-day celebration or an intimate elopement, these are the destinations that in my view will define weddings in 2026 and 2027 – and the ones I’m most excited to bring to life!
Ireland
Wild beauty, warm welcomes, and centuries of tradition.
Of course, my home country has to be top of my list! But I honestly believe it’s impossible to visit Ireland and not fall in love. The landscapes alone are enough to steal your breath. Mirror-like lakes, windswept cliffs, rolling green hills that seem to go on forever… But what makes it such a special destination for weddings goes beyond the views. There’s a warmth here that couples and guests feel the moment they arrive. The Irish are natural storytellers and born hosts. We love a wedding, and we’ll make you feel like part of the family before the reception even begins.
For couples flying in from North America, Ireland offers the ease of direct flights and US preclearance in Dublin and Shannon airports, meaning your journey home is blissfully smooth. And in the height of summer, when much of southern Europe can be sweltering, Ireland’s milder weather is a blessing. You’ll find everything from candlelit castle halls to lakeside manor houses and Michelin-starred farm-to-table feasts, plus the option to weave in local touches like a traditional handfasting ceremony or a bagpiper-led procession. In short: Ireland is unforgettable, and it knows how to throw a party.
Porto
Cobbled streets, elegant architecture, and stylish celebrations.
Portugal has seen its star steadily rise over the past few years, and while Lisbon often gets the spotlight, Porto offers something that feels just a little more soulful and intriguing. Perched along the Douro River with its medieval streets, grand bridges, and azulejo-tiled facades, it’s a city with a rhythm all its own: creative, romantic, and steeped in Mediterranean elegance.
Weddings here have a different kind of magic. From intimate celebrations at wine estates to minimalist riverfront venues with a contemporary edge, Porto offers variety without losing its sense of place. I love working here because it still feels slightly under the radar. It’s a European gem with all the ingredients for an extraordinary wedding, but without the sense of déjà vu that comes with some more established destinations. Couples can also weave in a port tasting ritual or a traditional fado performance during dinner as a special nod to local culture that your guests will love.
Florence
Art, fine dining, and Renaissance romance.
Few places match Florence for sheer beauty. The city is a living work of art, where golden light spills across terracotta rooftops and every corner tells a story of centuries past. For couples drawn to culture, history, and timeless elegance, it’s an extraordinary place to be married, not just for the setting but for the experience it creates around it.
The city itself offers exquisite palazzos, secret gardens, and chapel rooftops for those dreaming of a central ceremony, but many of my couples opt for a villa takeover just outside the city. A private estate overlooking olive groves and vineyards gives you space to celebrate across multiple days, perhaps with a welcome picnic in the vines, a rehearsal dinner in a candlelit courtyard, or a wedding feast under the stars. Florence also lends itself beautifully to symbolic rituals with an artisan touch, like a gold-leaf blessing or a Florentine well-wish ceremony. And for guests, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, from craft workshops to cocktail tours to late-afternoon strolls across the Ponte Vecchio. It’s a destination that combines heart-stopping romance with relaxed, refined luxury.
Paris
Iconic backdrops, timeless style, and a little bit of magic.
As the saying goes, Paris is always a good idea. And never more so than when it comes to weddings. There’s something about La Ville Lumière that sets the tone for celebration in the most elevated way. Every street seems made for photos, every corner cafe a scene from a film. Whether you’re planning a intimate civil ceremony followed by a candlelit rooftop dinner, or a multi-day celebration in a centuries-old château, Paris offers drama and intimacy in equal measure.
Lately I’ve seen more couples leaning into editorial Paris moments. Think: private museum takeovers, couture-inspired portraits, and terrace vows with the Eiffel Tower just peeking into frame. It’s a city that knows how to deliver an unforgettable moment without ever feeling forced. And because I work with the most trusted teams on the ground, it’s possible to create something that feels seamless and immersive, even from abroad. A Paris wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so bring your favourite people to the City of Love, and enjoy the magic!
San Sebastián
Seaside sophistication, gourmet food, and Mediterranean charm.
Tucked into Spain’s northern coastline near the French border, San Sebastián is a dream for couples who love food, culture, and laidback luxury. It has a certain understated glamour – more Riviera than rustic – with Belle Époque architecture, golden beaches, and a famously walkable old town where everything seems to revolve around good conversation and great cuisine.
As a wedding destination, it’s still something of a secret and that’s part of its charm. You could marry in one of its pretty baroque churches, host a pintxo crawl or chef-led tasting in the old town, then end the evening on a private terrace overlooking La Concha Bay. I’ve worked with couples who planned multi-day weddings that spanned both Spain and France, with a farewell brunch in Biarritz or a wine tasting in the Basque hills. There’s also something magical about the climate here. While southern Europe swelters, San Sebastián stays deliciously comfortable through the summer. If you want food to be a central part of your celebration (and I always do!), it doesn’t get better than this.
Scottish Highlands
Untamed landscapes, blessed seclusion, and cinematic moments.
For couples craving privacy, atmosphere, and a real sense of escape, the Scottish Highlands are the answer. There’s a stillness here that feels almost sacred. Ancient mountains, lochs, and winding country roads where the scenery changes with every turn. It’s not the obvious choice, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
I often recommend the Highlands for elopements or small, personal gatherings. It’s ideal for couples who want to slip away and marry somewhere that feels meaningful and untouched. Perhaps at a private estate with a roaring fire and whisky toast, or in the ruins of a centuries-old chapel with a Highland piper to lead the way. Tartan sashes, local wildflowers, diffused Scottish light… it’s all just incredibly romantic. With the right team, the logistics are seamless, even in the most remote locations. And the result is a wedding that feels a little like a legend in the making.
Cascais
Sun, sea, and storybook romance just outside Lisbon.
If Lisbon is the grand dame of Portugal, Cascais is her effortlessly cool younger sister. Elegant, artistic, and right by the sea, this chic coastal town offers the best of both worlds. It’s just 20 minutes from the capital, offering easy access for international guests, but has a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere that encourages everyone to exhale and enjoy the moment.
Cascais is especially lovely for multi-day weddings, with plenty of space for beachside welcomes and wine-fuelled dinners in ivy-covered courtyards. I love combining it with nearby Sintra, whose palaces and gardens feel straight out of a fairytale, making them perfect for portraits or a standalone ceremony. There’s also huge opportunity to bring in local colour, whether that’s azulejo-inspired stationery, Portuguese folk music, or sunset vows on the beach. It’s a place that makes your guests feel like they’ve truly gone somewhere different, but never far from comfort and convenience.
Wherever in the world you choose to marry, the destination you pick should feel like it enhances the story you’re telling and offers a sense of place your guests will never forget. From Irish castles to Portuguese beaches, bustling Paris to the remote Scottish Highlands, each of these destinations offers something unique for weddings in 2026–2027. If one of them has caught your eye, I’d love to help you explore what’s possible. With the right creative direction, a great local team, and a little insider knowledge, your dream destination wedding could be closer than you think.
Images by Corbin Gurkin, Matteo Crescentini, Greg Finck, Lisa O’Dwyer Photography
