Three underrated wedding destinations in Europe
When it comes to planning a wedding, many couples dream of saying “I do” amidst the romantic allure of Europe. While iconic locales like Paris and Rome often top the list, there are countless hidden gems across the continent that offer equally enchanting settings for a memorable celebration.
Join us as we unveil three of these captivating locations, in this feature about three underrated wedding destinations in Europe. Each promises a blend of charm, beauty, and romance that will make your fairytale continental wedding come to life.
1. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Photo by The Chaffins on Unsplash
A wedding in the rugged Scottish wilderness is an experience like no other. In this part of the world, there’s no shortage of truly beautiful backdrops waiting to play host for your celebration, but the Isle of Skye is arguably home to the pick of the bunch. Situated just off the northwest coast of the mainland, spectacular scenery awaits you at every turn. Lochs, mountains, waterfalls, sea cliffs and viridescent valleys embellish the landscape; you really can leave the decor decisions down to Mother Nature.
If you’re new to this part of the world, one thing you should know is you can’t count on the weather to play ball – no matter the season. The island is no stranger to the rain, so if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s always worth having a back-up plan to prevent any sudden downpours from washing out your special day.
2. Krk, Croatia
Image by Klaus Stebani from Pixabay
If the idea of an island wedding appeals but the perennial threat of precipitation rules Scotland out, consider Krk in Croatia. Though its name consists solely of consonants, couples are invited to bring their own vows to this glistening Adriatic gem. It’s Croatia’s largest island and, owing to its boundless beauty, is also one of the most popular amongst tourists. Natural elegance blends with historical charm here, giving nearlyweds the option of an outdoor wedding or a graceful cathedral ceremony.
There really isn’t a bad time to find yourself on the island of Krk. However, to benefit from fewer crowds without compromising on the weather, consider the shoulder seasons in late spring or early autumn. You’ll find plenty of venue options, but you won’t be surprised to learn that they can get booked up incredibly quickly, especially during the busier months. Allow yourself plenty of time when it comes to booking your venue, accommodation and vendors to avoid missing out on your preferred options.
3. Riisitunturi National Park, Finland
The beauty of Scandinavia is one of Europe’s worst-kept secrets, and we can hardly make the claim that it’s underrated as a travel destination. However, this stunning region is often overlooked as an elopement location in favour of the more traditional wedding spots further south. Finland is well-equipped to host weddings all year round, but this north-European jewel comes into its own in the winter time – making it perfect if you’re dreaming of a white wedding.
Riisitunturi National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful natural wedding venues. Located in Finnish Lapland, majestic snow-dusted forests and towering mountains do the heavy lifting when it comes to designing the backdrop for your photos. For the cherry on the kakku, time your trip just right and you might be treated to a glimpse of the aurora borealis; who needs fireworks when the Earth’s most beautiful light show illuminates your nighttime festivities?
The Isle of Skye, Krk in Croatia, and Riisitunturi National Park in Finland each offer unique and stunning backdrops for a wedding. The Isle of Skye enchants with its dramatic cliffs, mystical lochs, and romantic castles, perfect for a rugged yet magical celebration. Krk, known as the “Golden Island” of Croatia, combines sun-drenched beaches, historic villages, and Mediterranean charm for a picturesque seaside wedding. Meanwhile, Riisitunturi National Park provides an ethereal, snow-covered wonderland in Finland, ideal for couples seeking a serene and unforgettable ceremony under the Northern Lights. Each destination promises a memorable blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.
Another feature you may enjoy is about these stunning locations in the Scottish Highlands.