When it comes to destination weddings in Europe, each location tells its own magnificent story. As couples worldwide search for where to get married in Europe, two countries consistently stand out: France and Italy, home to some of the most coveted luxury wedding venues in Europe.

For American couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Europe, the possibilities are endless. Whether you envision exchanging vows in a historic château, celebrating in a sun-drenched Mediterranean villa, or dancing under the stars by an Italian lake, Europe’s premier wedding venues offer unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

As a three-time winner of the World’s Top 100 Luxury Planners award, I’ve curated exceptional wedding venues in Europe for countless couples. Let me guide you through choosing the perfect setting for your celebration.

Château des Alpilles - Muriel Saldalamacchia
©The International Wedding Planner

Setting the mood for your destination wedding in Europe: a setting that reflects your wedding image

When selecting from the vast array of wedding venues in Europe, consider how each location will shape your celebration’s atmosphere. From historic castles to contemporary luxury venues, Europe offers settings that elevate any wedding style.

A setting steeped in history and elegance

For couples seeking a luxury wedding in Europe, French châteaux and Italian villas represent the pinnacle of sophistication. These venues don’t just host weddings – they transform them into legendary celebrations. Having planned numerous destination weddings in Europe, I’ve seen how these historic venues create an atmosphere of timeless romance while offering modern amenities essential for an unforgettable celebration.

Immerse yourself in nature

For those seeking a more romantic setting for their destination wedding in Europe, Provence’s countryside offers nature’s perfect canvas. Picture exchanging vows amid swaying lavender fields or beneath century-old olive trees, where every breeze carries the essence of the Mediterranean.

As Lily and Oliver, one of our recent couples, shared: “We keep joking that we’ll have to do it all again soon because the wedding was too much fun and magical for everyone!

Domaine les Roullets
©The International Wedding Planner

A chic and sophisticated celebration

When it comes to luxury weddings in Europe, certain destinations embody pure sophistication. The French Riviera stands as one of the most prestigious wedding venues in Europe, with its legendary palaces and clifftop villas overlooking the Mediterranean’s azure waters. Similarly, Lake Como has become synonymous with refined elegance, where waterfront palaces offer an aristocratic backdrop that captivates couples searching for where to get married in Europe.


Take climate and ideal season into account

Success in planning your destination wedding in Europe heavily relies on choosing the perfect season, ensuring ideal weather conditions for you and your guests.

The best seasons for outdoor weddings

For outdoor celebrations at wedding venues in Europe, May through September offers the most reliable weather conditions. Provence particularly shines during these months, with its predictable climate perfect for alfresco celebrations. However, some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations can experience intense summer heat, making early evening ceremonies or venues with abundant shade more appealing.

Alternatives to avoid crowds and heat

For couples planning a luxury wedding in Europe who prefer to avoid peak tourist seasons, early June or September present ideal alternatives. These periods offer perfect weather while ensuring a more exclusive atmosphere at popular wedding venues in Europe, particularly along the French Riviera and Lake Como.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
©The International Wedding Planner

Addressing accessibility issues and logistical organization

When planning a destination wedding in Europe, thoughtful logistics ensure a seamless experience for your guests. As your luxury wedding planner in Europe, I’ve mastered the art of turning potential challenges into opportunities for creating extraordinary moments.

Facilitating access to the destination

The most coveted wedding venues in Europe are often accessed through well-connected cities. Nice, Milan, and Florence serve as elegant gateways to Europe’s most enchanting wedding destinations. For more secluded venues, we arrange luxury transfers that transform travel time into part of the wedding experience, ensuring your guests’ journey is as memorable as the celebration itself.

Accommodation and length of stay

When couples ask me where to get married in Europe, I always emphasize the importance of creating a multi-day celebration. Lake Como’s stunning location allows us to weave wine tastings and lake tours into your wedding weekend, while Provence offers opportunities for intimate cooking classes or lavender field excursions. These carefully curated experiences transform your destination wedding in Europe into an unforgettable journey for all your guests.

Villa Sola Cabiati
©The International Wedding Planner

Gastronomy: a must for your destination wedding in Europe

European wedding celebrations are renowned for their exceptional culinary experiences, adding another layer of sophistication to your special day.

Refined local cuisine

The finest wedding venues in Europe pride themselves on their gastronomic heritage. In Provence, imagine your guests dining under a canopy of stars, savoring Mediterranean delicacies paired with prestigious local wines. At Lake Como, traditional Italian hospitality comes alive through carefully curated menus featuring regional specialties and artisanal delights.

Gastronomic experience and menu customization

A luxury wedding in Europe deserves an equally luxurious dining experience. Whether you envision an elegant plated service or a convivial feast, we collaborate with acclaimed chefs and premium caterers who specialize in high-end weddings to create a bespoke culinary journey that reflects your taste and style.

toasting guests
©The International Wedding Planner

Ceremony style and guest experience

Each destination wedding in Europe tells its own unique story through thoughtfully designed ceremonies and carefully crafted guest experiences.

Would you prefer an intimate or grand ceremony?

The most enchanting wedding venues in Europe offer versatility in celebration styles. In Provence, outdoor ceremonies come alive with elegant décor that complements the natural beauty. Italian celebrations embrace a “rustic chic” aesthetic where every detail, from floral arrangements to lighting, creates an atmosphere of refined authenticity.

For those seeking the ultimate luxury wedding in Europe, venues along Lake Como and the French Riviera provide spectacular settings. Imagine arriving by vintage boat, hosting your reception on a terrace with breathtaking views, or dancing the night away in an 18th-century palace. These extraordinary moments become the signature elements of your celebration.

creating a bespoke ambience for your luxury wedding
©The International Wedding Planner

Choosing where to get married in Europe is about finding the perfect alignment of your dreams with the right destination. Whether you’re drawn to Provence’s pastoral charm, the French Riviera’s timeless elegance, or Lake Como’s romantic allure, each location offers its own unique magic.

As your dedicated luxury wedding planner in Europe, I’m here to transform these magnificent wedding venues in Europe into the perfect setting for your celebration. Together, we’ll create a wedding that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, blending emotion, aesthetics, and excellence.