When planning a destination wedding (be it domestic or abroad), you’ll want to consult the pros. An expert wedding planner can help choose the location, the venue, and also navigate the ins and outs of working in a foreign country. Many will also source the best local teams to aid on the ground if they aren’t based in your chosen destination; the goal? To create an event that has a sense of place, and just as many personal touches
as it would if you were to wed in your hometown.

Regardless of where you have your sights set for your upcoming destination wedding, be sure to check for safety and travel bans before asking friends and family to travel across the world. Always work with your planner to contact embassies in advance (if needed)
to check for various passport or health regulations, and make sure to incorporate local elements into your planning, design, and décor to make the experience authentic for your guests.

To help you answer the question of where in the world you’ll wed, we reached out to expert planners to share their top destination wedding locations for 2020 weddings, and what venues to consider in each area. Here, 22 destinations across the globe to consider for your upcoming celebration.

Lake Como, Italy

«Lake Como is a luxury destination, unlike other luxury destination. The decadence is
less obvious—its a traditional, historical luxury, not with flashy cars and designer stores, but an authentic, old-style, aristocratic luxury,» says Rachel Birthistle of The Lake Como Wedding Planner. «I would advise that couples take time to explore the area thoroughly. It is a unique place full of contrasts, which can create an exciting flow of events that,
in turn, make for a truly phenomenal and authentic Italian experience,» she adds. It is just very beautiful.

Opt for the picturesque Villa Balbiano of The Heritage Collection, like BAZAAR Bride couples Kristen and Zack (pictured here) and Chris and Simon. Or, head to the exclusive and utterly romantic Villa Pizzo, where John Legend and Chrissy Teigen tied the knot.
If you’re looking for something a little less chartered, opt for the indulgent Villa Sola, located just down the road from the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo (the hotel and villa share the same owners, so a seamless event is guaranteed). If you’re looking to get a comprehensive look of all the venues on the lake, explore Birthistle’s top venues prior
to your arrival in town.

Ireland

When it comes to getting married in Ireland, Dublin-based event planner, Tara Fay, insists couples always keep the weather top of mind. «We have been known to have four seasons in one day [in Ireland]. We always plan for rain and hope for sun,» she says. For those planning a wedding abroad, Fay suggests having your legal or civil ceremony in your home country and a blessing or second ceremony in Ireland. The registration system can be more challenging than it’s worth—and this applies to all destination weddings outside your home country. 

As for choosing your Irish venue, Fay recommends the newly renovated five-star Adare Manor for larger, more lavish weddings. Others on her list include Ballyfin, an exquisite house that can be yours for the weekend, Ashford Castle, Ballynahinch Castle, Markree Castle, and Luttrellstown Castle (made famous by David and Victoria Beckham when they wed here in 1999). If you’re looking for something smaller, consider more private spaces like the beautiful Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Virginia Park Lodge, Gloster House, and Powerscourt House.

Spain

"Spain is an extremely diverse destination, making it an ideal option
for the client that has a love of the arts, music, beaches, cities, and the countryside," explains Jennifer Zabinski, owner of JZ Events. "It's easily accessible via a relatively short, direct flight from the northeast—and it's also an easy country to navigate once you're on the ground." 

As for where in the country to wed, «hidden vineyards and castles make this destination both romantic and enticing,» says Zabinski, whose favorite venues include Castell Son Claret in Mallorca. «It’s an old castle turned hotel, nestled amongst gorgeous gardens, and boasts a 2-star Michelin restaurant—the only starred restaurant in the Balearic Islands.» 

Located in Southern Spain, Punte Romana in Marbella is a larger beach resort that has many versatile event spaces. But don’t forget the cosmopolitan options; «city lovers should consider Villa Magna, located in the heart of Madrid—it «has ballrooms with terraces available» for the couple looking to plan a wedding weekend packed with various parties.

Cartagena, Colombia

A compact, bright, and charmingly beautiful city, Cartagena has quickly become a travel and wedding hotspot. Case in point: Virginia and Ian’s tropical wedding, featured on BAZAAR Bride. «It’s colorful colonial streets filled with history—and the beautiful romantic light—make it a very desirable destination with natural charming backdrops for your big day,» explain Matthew Robbins and Luis Otoya of RobbinsOtoya Destination Weddings & Events. 

Cartagena books up very quickly so planning with sufficient time is key. «We recommend to starting to plan a year out (at minimum), and working with a team that knows the ins and outs of the city; a local team can help you facilitate the process with all the local vendors,» adds Robbins and Otoya. Cartagena is a tropical destination, so it’s warm year round. «The best months for outdoor celebrations in Cartagena are December, January, February, and March,» says the experts, RobbinsOtoya. This is considered dry season, so the boutique city is at its best. 

«In our opinion, the best venues in Cartagena are totally unconventional,» Robbins and Otoya recommend. Privatizing a fraction of the World Heritage Wall that surrounds the old city of Cartagena is a very unique experience. «You basically have to build the venue to your liking with natural colonial beauty all around you,» they add. Other popular spots include Baluarte San Ignacio and Baluarte San Francisco Javier; or, opt for a grand colonial home with interior courtyards and patios. Lastly, the Capillas (chapels) of Hotel Santa Teresa and Hotel Santa Clara are stunning options as well.