From Fire & Ice in Iceland to Mayan Magic in Guatemala, and more, here are five unique wedding destinations.
Fire & Ice: A Love Story
Hotel Rangá, Iceland
Set in the secluded countryside of South Iceland, Hotel Rangá is an elegant and rustic oasis specializing in one-of-a-kind destination weddings. Just like two very different elements can coexist in Iceland, two people with varying tastes can fall in love and in this country you can truly have the best of both worlds, making it the ultimate wedding location for those couples that might go together like fire & ice. After all opposites attract. Why choose between shooting your wedding photos under the crystal Gluggafoss waterfall or at the base of a volcano when you can take a super jeep to both? Get married under the stars, on a glacier or along a beautiful black sand beach, and stay in one (or two, why not?) of Hotel Rangá's wonderfully wacky continent-themed - from Africa to Antarctica- master suites. Start your love story in a place where anything is possible. For more information, visit www.hotelranga.is.
A Lava Piece Of My Heart
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Enveloped in lush green dotted with colorful, exotic flora, and spread across 900 acres of rainforest near Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa offers couples a nuptial backdrop unlike any other. Set to the natural sounds of rushing rivers and local wildlife, couples can say ‘I do’ in the heart of the rainforest, before dancing the night away in one of the several on-site event spaces, which include indoor and outdoor options. The first thing newlyweds will want to do is slip into their plush bathrobes (which are worn throughout the resort) and head straight to the thermal mineral springs, where they can soak in the natural pools with temps that reach 105°F or visit the spa for an unforgettable treatment rendered in private outdoor bungalows tucked away among the trees. The heating properties of the spring also comes with health benefits as the natural waters are rich in minerals such as silica, calcium and lithium that are known to promote overall health and rejuvenation - the perfect beginning to a blissful life as one.
Surf Beat, Tribal Heat
W Punta de Mita, Mexico
Couples looking to tie the knot in an authentically Mexican, off-the-beaten-path locale, should consider W Punta de Mita, a chic beach resort located in Mexico’s coveted and tranquil Riviera Nayarit. A hidden gem just a short drive from the well-touristed Puerto Vallarta, the resort is edged with lush jungle that unfolds in winding, tree-lined paths — it’s so tucked away, guests are escorted to the check-in by private Tuk Tuks decked out in authentic Mexican designs. With features that include oceanfront suites with private infinity pools, two incredible beachfront swimming pools, a 4,000 square foot spa nestled in the jungle, and F&B ranging from Jean Georges’ Spice Market to Mesa1 — an ultra-exclusive al fresco setting that offers just one nightly seating under the stars — this vibrant, bohemian beach escape makes for unforgettable, off-the-grid I do’s.
Mayan Magic in Guatemala
Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
On the shore of Lake Atitlán, in the Guatemalan highlands, sits a private home turned luxury boutique hotel that offers the lake and its magnificent volcanoes as a backdrop for a traditional Mayan wedding. Located in a destination built upon ancient Mayan culture and practices, Casa Palopó invites couples to tie the knot with a nuptial ceremony officiated by a Mayan Shaman, followed by a personalized Mayan Shaman blessing. The ancient ritual is performed in front of a fire pit and is meant to offer well-wishes from spirits who give this gift, for a continuous happy relationship. As memorable for guests as it is for the couple tying the knot, the ceremony can be held outdoors on a lush green patch of grass, amidst magical views of the three volcanoes and indigenous villages across the shore (an even more whimsical scenario during sunset). And for the more traditional couple, an elegant chapel just on top of the hill near the hotel is available instead. Back at the hotel, a spectacular intimate, candlelit reception party will be waiting for the newlyweds and their guests. Casa Palopó offers wedding packages for up to 100 guests that include accommodations, transportation to the hotel, food & beverage, ceremony, reception, event set-up, decor, music, flower arrangements, and a photographer.
My Big Fat Fort Lauderdale Wedding
W Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The glamorous W Fort Lauderdale is the ideal location for a sizzling and passport-free wedding in the sunshine state. This beachfront property serves as the perfect backdrop for an unparalleled wedding venue, offering couples a variety of settings to choose from. From a barefoot beach side ceremony to an outdoor terrace overlooking the intracoastal or even the classic ballroom, lovebirds won’t be disappointed. Living up to its stylish persona, W Fort Lauderdale is offering those that spend over $50,000 on their big day a $1,000 credit to use toward a pair of Louboutins, which on average can start anywhere from $600 to $800 for a classic pair. This incredible perk is the perfect 'something new' for the big day to say 'I Do’ in style. At W Fort Lauderdale, the bride, groom, and guests will never forget this incredibly surreal setting and festivities that follow. For more information visit wfortlauderdale.com.
