Loading...

18 of The Best Wedding Venues in Europe

January 11, 2023 | riley

Image by Mike Meller. Keep scrolling to see some of the best wedding venues in Europe

Whether you’re jet-setting off to Europe for the destination wedding of your dreams or looking for something close to home, there’s an abundance of incredible wedding venues throughout the continent. While this list could truly be endless, we wanted to round up some of our favorites in case you’re looking for some European inspiration. From Poland to France to Scotland, we’re sharing some of the best wedding venues in Europe for your special day.

Best Wedding Venues In Europe

Poland

Manowce Palace

Location: Nowe Warpno 

Why we love it: Manowce Palace has been listed as one of Poland’s best wedding venues for years now, and it’s not hard to see why. The palace is surrounded by dense forest while also lying on the shore of a bay next to the Baltic Sea. That means you get a wide variety of scenery on your big day. They also handle all of the paperwork and a long list of essentials such as coordination and rentals.

Wasowo Palace

Location: Wąsowo

Why we love it: With three different wedding options–Hardt’s Place, the Park Room, and Wąsowo Granary–this stunning palace is the perfect choice for weddings of up to 250 people. The red brick building built in 1872 makes you feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time, making it ideal for those who love all things vintage.

Dworzyszcze Wola

Location: Wola Więcławska

Why we love it: If you’ve always dreamed of a cozy, intimate affair, then Dworzyszcze Wola is for you. The adapted farm is located 25 minutes outside of Krakow and is surrounded by meadows, fields, and gardens. The interior can only be described as rustic, creating a warm, welcoming environment. 

Image by The Caryls

Scotland

Dunskey Estate 

Location: Portpatrick

Why we love it: Sitting on 2000 acres of Scottish countryside, Dunskey Estate is a great venue for weddings big and small. The grounds feature an Edwardian castle, luxurious lodges, and sweeping views of the countryside and the sea. They offer in-house production, bespoke food and drink menus, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and a professional wedding photographer and videographer, making your wedding planning a whole lot easier.

Thirlestane Castle

Location: Lauder

Why we love it: For the grandeur. Sitting on the Borders of Scotland, this 16-century castle offers an enchanting blend of history, luxury, and exclusivity.  The on-site accommodations and customizable activities, from horseback riding to spa days, make it perfect for couples seeking a bespoke destination wedding experience. 

Dundas Castle

Location: South Queensferry

Why we love it: Located close to the historic city of Edinburgh, this is by far one of the most accessible venues to get to if you’re hosting a destination wedding. The property features 17 gorgeous rooms for you and your guests, 5-star dining to ensure your wedding dinner is memorable, and multiple ceremony locations to choose from depending on your dream wedding vision.

Arniston House

Location: Midlothian

Why we love it: This 6,000-acre working estate is just a 25-minute drive from Edinburgh, giving you the perfect blend of the Scottish countryside and the historic, busy city. The ceremony space features beautiful arched details and an original brick backdrop, giving you an experience that can only be described as romantic. However, they only host eight weddings a year, so it’s important to snag this one quickly.

Image by Louis Gabriel

Greece

Four Seasons Astir Palace Athens

Location: Athens

Why we love it: Is there anything more romantic than tying the knot overlooking the Aegean Sea? We don’t think so. At the Four Seasons Astir Palace, you can do just that. Say “I do” on one of their many terraces before moving indoors to an elegant ballroom, or stay outside and dance the night away under the stars. 

Rocabella Hotel

Location: Santorini

Why we love it: It’s no secret that Santorini is one of the hottest destinations for weddings and elopements. And the Rocabella Hotel allows you to truly take in Santorini’s breathtaking views when you exchange vows overlooking the sea. Or you can choose a poolside celebration. They even allow you to select both in their variety of packages.

Santa Marina Hotel

Location: Mykonos

Why we love it: Nestled on the southernmost part of Mykonos, the Santa Marina Hotel has its own private sandy beach and lush gardens that make for the perfect wedding setting. The luxury villas are only 15 minutes away from the airport, making it easy to access for guests, and with 13 villas to choose from, your guests will appreciate being to stay on property and soak up all that Mykonos has to offer. 

France

Image by Through The Glass Paris

Chateau Saint Georges

Location: Grasse-Côte D’Azur

Why we love it: While many people think of Paris as one of the most romantic cities in the world, we can’t help but fall in love with the French Riviera. At Chateau Saint Georges, you get seaside views, cocktail hour on the terrace, and a gourmet dinner.

Ritz Paris

Location: Paris

Why we love it: Of course, we couldn’t forget Paris on this list. It is the “City of Love,” after all. With six different reception rooms–ranging from salons to gardens–it has something for everyone. Not to mention that this has been named one of the most luxurious hotels in the entire world. It was also home to some big names, such as Ernest Hemmingway and Coco Chanel.

Château de Varennes

Location: Bourgogne

Why we love it: Named by CNN as one of the best wedding venues worldwide, Château de Varennes specializes in events, so you know you’re in safe hands for your big day. Your settings include a chapel–which hosts non-religious and religious ceremonies–and the Orangery outdoor reception space. And when you’re not tying the knot, you can visit some world-famous wineries that are a short drive away.

Spain

Love Garden

Location: Cadiz

Why we love it: Love Garden in Bolonia, Spain, stands out for its unique combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and privacy. The venue offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Strait of Gibraltar, two distinct garden spaces for ceremonies, and luxury accommodations onsite for a seamless experience. Its secluded location within a protected historical area ensures an intimate and unforgettable setting for your wedding.

This Must Be The Place

Location: Barcelona

Why we love it: Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Spain, so of course, we had to include This Must Be The Place on this list. The estate is set on the edge of a valley overlooking the Catalan Hills and offers seven different venue options. There are also four spacious ensuite guest rooms for you and your friends and family, so you can keep your loved ones close by.

Son Marroig

Location: Mallorca

Why we love it: Listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, Son Marroig was once the mansion of the Archduke of Austria. The incredible manor includes a famous lookout point with a Carrera marble gazebo, which gives you spectacular views, and a dining room with stunning views of the north coast of Mallorca. They also have three wedding packages that are straightforward and easy to book, which everyone needs when planning a wedding.

England

Barnsley House

Location: The Cotswolds

Why we love it: When you think of England, you probably think of quaint little villages and rolling hills–and the Barnsley House fits that vision to a tee. The timeless country house looks like it belongs in a movie and can host between 40-140 guests. If fairytale garden nuptials are your dream, make them come true at this charming luxury hotel.

The Ned

Location: The Ned

Why we love it: With a location in London, New York, and Doha, The Ned gives you a vintage atmosphere in the most elegant ways. It has six different rooms and two terraces that are perfect for weddings and can accommodate up to 200 people. Their chefs also work closely with couples to create your dream wedding menu, and you can end your night with your lifelong partner in one of their 1920s-inspired suites.

Now that you’ve seen some of the best wedding venues in Europe and you’ve chosen one for your big day, it’s time to start thinking bigger picture. We know that there are a lot of moving pieces that go into planning a destination wedding. That’s why we’ve put together this extensive guide to make sure that it goes off without a hitch!

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

English Garden Party Wedding At Howe Garden

January 9, 2023 | justine

Lush florals, exquisite vintage decor, and lots of sentimental touches made Sidney and Tom’s English garden party wedding truly unforgettable. Every element was meticulously planned and hand-picked, from the decadent invitation suite to their classic three-tier piped cake. Old-world beauty, heirloom details, and romantic blooms—sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

Famous for its extensive stonework and secret garden paths, the couple’s ceremony was set perfectly at the Howe Garden. With the beauty of the garden-scape as a stunning backdrop, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows surrounded by their loved ones. Meanwhile, cascading greenery and textured arrangements brought the outdoors in and softened the contemporary aesthetic of their reception space. And tying it all together were tablescapes featuring antique candelabras and gilded settings.

If you and your partner are drawn to this whimsical and ethereal vibe, prepare to be blown away. Scroll through to see all the swoon-worthy details captured by Laklin Brooke Photography. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be bursting with ideas you’re definitely going to want to share with your team of vendors.

The Couple:

Sidney and Tom

The Wedding:

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Setting The Tone With Their DIY’d Stationery

Flowers and gardening are among my greatest joys, so I was elated to be married at the Howe Garden. The vibes were very “English garden party.” I’m a graphic designer by trade and wanted to set the event’s tone with our stationery suite. Decadent handmade paper with a deckled (torn) edge in muted blue and rose tones paired with an elegant gold foil script reminiscent of 19th-century calligraphy struck a balance between ease and elegance. The vintage floral etchings I sourced for the stationery suite were a thread throughout the printed materials and signage.

How Their English Garden Wedding Party Came To Be

Our main goal was to stay focused on why Tom and I were getting married and not get too wrapped up in being a perfectionist about everything. We wanted our design decisions–from florals to decor–to feel inspired and intentional. We kept rolling with the English garden party theme and covered the ceremony and reception spaces in garden roses, wisteria, snapdragons, delphinium, ranunculus, hydrangea, and tons of wispy greenery. We were resourceful in sourcing everything from vintage china and glassware to incorporating my grandmother’s and even great-grandmother’s antique linens for the napkins. I got feedback from guests that every wedding detail felt “touched.” That was a great compliment because it was important that everyone felt special and immersed in the experience we were creating.

Thrifting A Year Ahead To Find Vintage Decor For This Garden Party Wedding

There were three things I knew for sure we wanted for the wedding: vintage brass candlesticks and pastel candles, multicolor stemmed glassware, and mismatched floral china for the reception. Already avid thrifters, my mom and I started scouring thrift stores and yard sales more than a year before the wedding date to ensure we could find a unique and authentic collection of vintage wares. We even took a pair of thrifted floral chintz drapes and upholstered mine and Tom’s chairs at the head table with them.

Getting Help From The Bride’s Mother Who Happens To Do Wedding Styling

Mansion & Marsh, which happens to be owned by my mother, absolutely dedicated herself to this event for over a year (almost two) to make it so special and meaningful for us. She puts her whole heart and soul into the experiences she creates, whether the client is her own daughter or otherwise. She’s truly a gem that strikes the perfect balance between exquisite taste and gritty resourcefulness. No one throws a party as she does.

Advice From The Newlyweds: Take Portraits Before Their Garden Party Wedding

Lean into the joy of it all and do your best to stay present. I kept hearing people say they could hardly remember their wedding days. For me, focusing on staying grounded helped the actual day feel less of a blur. Also, the wedding day is so jam-packed there’s only a little time to spend getting portraits of just you. Doing it a few weeks beforehand gives you a chance to do a hair and makeup trial. Try on your whole look and make a mental note of anything you need to get before the wedding day. I had mine taken in my grandparent’s formal sitting room on my great-grandmother’s vintage settee. They turned out beautifully, and they will always be sentimental to me.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Laklin Brooke Photography
Second Photographer – Maiden & Moon Photo Co. 
Event Planning + Floral Designer – Teri Shackelford of Mansion and Marsh
Ceremony Venue – Howe Garden at Cheekwood Botanical Garden 
Reception Venue – Ozari
Officiant – Libby Lovejoy
Videography – Huckleberry Films
Invitation Design – Sidney Lane Creative
Hair Styling – Trae Howard

 

Congratulations to Sidney and Tom on their English garden party wedding at Howe Garden. And a big thank you to Laklin Brooke Photography for capturing the magic and beauty of their special day from every angle. 

Whether you have your perfect garden venue already picked out or you’ve chosen to tie the knot in the lush green corner of your backyard, check out our guide to help you plan your own outdoor fete. With these ideas in your back pocket and a talented team of vendors, you can achieve the garden soiree of your dreams!

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Groovy 70s Gardens Wedding Center Wedding

January 9, 2023 | justine

Drawing inspiration from the Victorian fashion revival during the 1970s, Megan and Andrew were set on creating an event that oozed with old-world charm, a groovy color palette, and a Wes Anderson-level attention to detail. And the result was as stunning as it was eclectic. Their Gardens Wedding Center wedding was loaded with authentic vintage elements, which were all integral in setting the vibe they envisioned—from the stationery and decor down to their fashion. 

For their garden ceremony, they transformed the space with vintage aisle rugs leading to an altar with a carved teak room divider adorned with dried blooms and Victorian chairs. For the marquee reception that followed, the standout features were the lace-covered tablescapes with vintage books, oil lamps, amber glassware, and gilded mirrors that served as centerpieces.

The couple put a lot of love into how they wanted their wedding to look and feel, and it all turned out beautifully. Junebug member Simply Finn captured every last fabulous and well-thought-out detail. If you’re an unconventional couple looking for something quirky and unique, this wedding is the perfect inspo for you.

The Couple:

Megan and Andrew

The Wedding:

Gardens Wedding Center, Allenton, Wisconsin, United States

Junebug Member Simply Finn’s Thoughts On This 70s Gardens Wedding Center Wedding

Megan and Andrew’s wedding day was the culmination of two years of planning, endless hours of DIY’ing, and an obsession with curating the perfect, most “Megan and Andrew” vibe the couple could have within their budget. The bride works as an interior designer and sells vintage goods on the side. So collecting all these elements was a process that came naturally. Many of the items integrated into the wedding design were already a part of the couple’s home. It was a testament to how true their big day was to their style. All their signage included classic rock lyrics, an homage to their shared love of the classics. They had such a joy-filled, incredible day thanks to the help of talented vendors and a team of genuinely unmatched family and friends.

How Their Long Engagement Allowed Them To Bring Their 70s Gardens Wedding Center Wedding To Life

Our long engagement allowed for some grace periods where we could completely forget about wedding planning for certain periods and come back refreshed and ready to get more done. We had plenty of time to procure many vintage items. From antique mirrors and 70s amber glassware to brass incense holders and an aisle’s worth of vintage rugs. Our vision came together beautifully, and everything felt so “us,” which was exactly what we were hoping for. This meant hyper-focusing on details and not settling for things that didn’t feel perfect for our day. And our day far surpassed our expectations. We are lucky to have a great support system and incredible vendors. We are also proud that we planned the whole thing ourselves and DIY’d all of the decor. 

Adding A Special Time Capsule Ceremony As A Personal Touch

During the ceremony, we asked our parents to the altar to partake in a special time capsule ceremony. Both sets of our parents have been married for over 40 years. So we asked them to place marriage advice in a box with a bottle of wine. We all took turns nailing the box shut. We will open this box on an anniversary to relive all the joy of our wedding day. After our kiss, we walked up the aisle, arms linked, to “The Man in Me” by Bob Dylan. A song Andrew covered and recorded for me as an anniversary present.

70s Themed Wedding Fashion That Included A Dress That Paid Homage To The Bride’s Mom

We were incredibly inspired by the 1970s, specifically the Victorian revival. I wore an all-lace gown from Needle & Thread that was altered by my sister to include billowy bishop sleeves, an homage to our mother’s 1970s wedding dress. Andrew wore a 70s-inspired floral shirt and a velvet blazer with caramel-colored chinos. We both opted to wear lace-up leather boots instead of traditional wedding shoes.

A Cocktail Hour Inspired By The Bar Where They Began Dating

We designed our cocktail hour to feel like a hang sesh at our favorite bar, Shaker’s Cigar Bar, where we became “official.” Vintage brass incense burners billowed with the sweet aroma of bourbon and brown sugar as guests filled their glasses and lit their cigars. We had Shaker’s house band, Professor Pinkerton’s Irrelevant Orchestra, kick off the cocktail hour with their six-piece jazz band. Also a cigar bar and some incredible signature cocktails—Fig Gin & Jams and Spiced Pear Moscow Mules. We had to be dragged away from the band and cigar bar because we were having so much fun.

Why They Chose The Gardens Wedding Center As Their Venue

We always envisioned an outdoor wedding, so when we came across a venue with several outdoor spaces available for use and the backdrop of an 1800s church and schoolhouse in Milwaukee’s famous Cream City Brick, we were sold. We loved that even with a plan for an outdoor wedding, The Gardens had a built-in rain plan through the chapel. Luckily, we had a gorgeous day, 75° and sunny. So we were able to have an entirely outdoor wedding as planned.

Wedding Planning Advice: Write Down Your Priorities & Ask For Help

We started the wedding planning by each writing down our top three priorities and seeing where the overlap was. We focused our energy on those common priorities. Returning to those priorities in times when we were freaking out was very helpful. Communication throughout the whole process is also key. There was a time when Andrew thought everything was totally fine and under control. Until I came to him and said, “Hey, I am really stressed out! Can you take on some tasks?” Your partner won’t know what you need help with unless you communicate. So save yourself some stress and do regular check-ins.

How They Handled Going Over Their Wedding Budget

In the words of Andrew, “Write down what you feel comfortable spending, then double that number.” We did end up spending more than we initially thought we would, but no more than we could realistically afford. We didn’t want to go into debt for our wedding day, so we spent our two-year engagement saving up. Paying things off over those two years was extremely helpful. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Simply Finn
Venue + Catering – The Gardens Wedding Center
Floral Design – Reflections of You
Cake – Miss Molly’s
Officiant – Paul Costanzo
DJ – Midwest Sound
Live Music – Professor Pinkerton’s Irrelevant Orchestra
Invitation Design – Oak House
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling- Marie & Ebe
Wedding Dress – Needle & Thread +Silversark
Bridal Accessories – Christy Dawn
Bride’s Party Apparel –  Baltic Born + Lulu’s + Nordstrom
Groom’s Apparel – Banana Republic + Onsloe
Groom’s Accessories – Art of the Gentleman + Thursday Boot Company
Groom’s Party Apparel – Gap + Art of the Gentleman + Banana Republic
Rings – Filigree + Emi Conner + Etsy
Favors – Leccare Lollipops
Photobooth – Big Foot Foto
Tin Type Bridal Portraits – Silvergraphic

 

Congratulations to Megan and Andrew on their groovy 70s Gardens Wedding Center wedding. And a special thank you to Junebug member Simply Finn for capturing every gorgeous detail and heartfelt moment throughout their special day.  To see more unique celebrations like this, be sure to check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers. 

If the vision you and your partner have is far from cookie-cutter, start with an unconventional theme–like this wedding–or an unexpected venue. However you decide to put your own stamp on your big day, choose a style you love. And the rest will fall into place.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
← Older Entries
Newer Entries →