Are you and your partner looking for the perfect place to say your vows this year but are finding that many of the options are a bit, well, uninspired?
If you want to have your wedding somewhere unique and striking, it can feel like the only option is to book an exotic location in the Mediterranean. Of course, this is not the case; there are many places in the US that will cause ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ when looking back at your wedding photos, as well as making memories that will last a lifetime.
So, what are 5 of the most beautiful places to say ‘I do’ in 2023?
- Yacht
If you want to live the Hollywood star lifestyle for your big day, then why not tie the knot on a yacht?
When you Google yacht rental for wedding, you will undoubtedly see that these vessels, while striking, can be a bit prohibitive. For one thing, your guest list will need to be quite small, depending on the size of the yacht you book. However, getting married on the water as the sun sets is nothing short of romantic and is straight out of a fairytale, making it an unusual and beautiful location to get married in.
Many yachts will also allow you to hold the reception of the yacht too, which will expand the magic of the day without having to step off of the boat. Perfect!
- Woodland or National Park
The northwest of the US is full of national parks; some are aimed more at things like Bigfoot sightings (ideal, if you and your partner are fans of the big chap!), and others are aimed at the sheer beauty of the woods, the mountains, and the lakes.
So, if you want to go outdoors for your wedding, then why not opt for a national park or a woodland? For the option of the national park wedding, it is going to take some planning. For one thing, a national park is not going to be able to cordon off an area for you and your spouse to say, ‘I do.’ They will need to have all of the areas open for hikers and for safety. As well as this, you will also need to think of the opening hours. Many national parks close to the public at a set time, which means that the reception that you have for your wedding would likely be better in another location.
Now, onto the woods. If you want to get married in a private woodland, you will need the written permission of the owner. As well as this, you will need to sign a legally binding contract, which will usually prohibit the use of fires, and will require you to clean up the site after the wedding or the reception is over.
However, both national parks and woods can truly add unmatched beauty to your wedding album, so they are well worth looking into!
- Beach
Everyone loves the beach, and if you don’t live near a beach or you live somewhere that is landlocked, this is a location that can really be unique and fun for a wedding.
There is all the beauty of the sandy beach, the crashing waves, and the scents and sounds of being near the sea. Of course, you could double up on this and opt for a wedding in a place like Bora Bora, which is known for not only tropical, pristine beaches but also turquoise lagoons, which can make for an amazing photo op that you won’t get anywhere else.
When it comes to beach weddings, however, you will need to get written permission, and, to prevent sunburn, you will need to put up a gazebo or other kinds of shelter for you and your guests to sit under. This will provide shade on a hot day and will also protect the food you are serving from the elements.
Who knows? You might be lucky enough to take a wedding photo next to the water when a dolphin emerges in the background; truly, an iconic image that can make a beach wedding a much for any fans of the sea!
- Zoo or Aquarium
If you aren’t willing to take a chance on animals appearing in the background of your wedding photos at the beach, why not take the plunge and opt to say your vows at a zoo or an aquarium?
Again, this could be a zoo or an aquarium where you and your partner had your first date or even where you met. This can also have another layer of meaning, especially if you and your partner both love sharks, for instance, as you can get them in the background.
Of course, you do need to be aware that, for most animal-based wedding destinations, you will be unlikely to be able to have the reception in the same location. This is because zoos and aquariums will opt to put the safety and well-being of the animals first (as they should), which means for a rowdy party that goes long into the night, you and your guests will likely need to go somewhere else.
- Farms
Yes, if you are a fan of rural settings, grew up on a farm, or even met your partner on a farm, then tying the knot in such a place may be the perfect option for you.
Of course, that is not to say that it needs to be a farm that caters solely to pigs, cows, or sheep. In the US, there are many different kinds of farms that you can book to get married at, with some producing more appealing photos than others. For instance, you could choose to get married at a flower farm. Imagine your wedding photos being taken in a field or lavender or rosemary. Or, if you are aiming to get married in July or August, you could opt for a brighter-colored flower farm, such as a sunflower farm.
Not only will the flowers be beautiful but think of the wildlife too! Each photo will likely have an array of butterflies, bees, and even birds in it, making your wedding truly spectacular and an experience that is not likely to be matched by even the most extravagant church in the city!
