Whether you’re a princess in a white ballgown or in a traditional Indian saree, your wedding day is one of the most memorable of your life. Surrounded by your love story and all that finery, why settle for the old community hall? Instead, kick off your heels and dance the night away in the sands of Marrakech. Or, don a royal winter coat for nuptials in the snowy wonderland of Nova Scotia. Both scenarios are appealing and entirely possible at these emerging destinations. Whether you’re planning your wedding or honeymoon, consider these stunning emerging destinations for weddings & honeymoons we can connect you to.

Emerging Destinations Trends

With new trends coming up in 2020, these emerging destinations will give you the perfect backdrop to celebrate your love. Experience any of these emerging destinations in the best way possible by staying at our partner properties. Some destinations and venues double up as wedding &  honeymoon spots as well!  This means you can spend quality time with your guests leading up to the ceremony and take in the beauty of the destination with your partner once the festivities have concluded. Here, we look at a few of our favorite emerging destinations for weddings & honeymoons.

Bulgaria

Nestled among the Southwestern Pirin Mountains, the Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux located in Bulgaria is lovely. Situated in the town of Melnik, which is an architectural reserve. Ninety-six of its buildings are cultural monuments. The estate itself is a wedding destination like no other. Expect a thermal spring, spa facilities, locally-produced food, and wine. The property is in close vicinity to the Rozhen Monastery as well. One of the biggest monasteries in Bulgaria and a sight to behold for every traveler.

Countryside Resort in Bulgaria
Zornitza Family Estate Bulgaria

As a honeymoon destination, it’s much more affordable than in other countries in Europe. The food is delicious and the Bulgarians are warmhearted and welcoming. As a bonus, history buffs will have endless ancient sites to discover throughout the country. This makes it an emerging destination worth looking at when planning your big day or honeymoon.

Yucatán Penninsula

Yucatan Peninsula Countryside
The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a vast coastal region brimming with tropical beaches, spectacular wildlife, ancient Mayan ruins, small villages, and outdoor activities. Honeymooners can take in the turquoise waters crashing on white sandy beaches. Or, grab your walking shoes and head into the lush green forests dotted with Mayan ruins and colonial-era architecture. A perfect emerging destination to celebrate love!

The Chablé Yucatan Resort & Spa is hidden in the heart of the Mayan forest and is surrounded by nature. It ensures an intimate and tranquil experience for you and your wedding guests. The region is rich in culture and history. As a result, your honeymoon is just a hop out of the forest into the city, which makes both your wedding & honeymoon an unforgettable experience.

Chablé Yucatan Resort & Spa

Hacienda Uayamon, built at the end of the 16th Century, has become one of the key residences in the region. It is a Luxury Collection Hotel on 200 hectares of land in Uayamon, Mexico. The gorgeous estate is the perfect place to host your big day before honeymooning to local archaeological sites or the famous Puerta de Tierra.

Hacienda Uayamon Yucatan, Mexico

Then there’s the Hacienda Temozon, which was built in 1655. The property has recently been restored by using the materials and techniques of the period. Some of the buildings still have their original floors, and some, their original doors and windows. Your wedding guests can relax in style with the atmosphere echoing that of the end of the 19th Century when the Temozon was at its peak of prosperity as a farm.

Yucatan Peninsula Hacienda
Hacienda Temozon Yucatán, Mexico

Ischia Island

Castle overlooking the Mediterranean
Islands Sea Ischia Aragonese Castle Landscape

Puglia

Puglia in Italy

Join the likes of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel who tied the knot in sun-bleached Italy. Just on the heel the country’s ‘boot’ lies Puglia, rich with history, elaborately-designed churches, olive seas, and food Instagram’d daily. The region is known for its ancient Forest of Umbra in the north, the fruitful Valle d’Itria, and sun-baked Salento. Getting married in this countryside would make your wedding one remembered for a lifetime.

Masseria Pettolecchia La Residenza is a historic but beautifully restored country lodge – or ‘Masserria’ – that offers an excellent location for tying the knot. The property prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes all. Just a few miles from the coastline, the resort boasts a private beach and views of Puglia’s whitewashed city walls, certainly making this an emerging destination to die for.

Masseria Pettolecchia La Residenza Puglia

Another treasure is located on the green hills of Selva di Fasano. Tenuta Monacelle is a magical venue for your vows and even your honeymoon. With conical-roofed ‘trulli’ houses and stone walls, this estate is enchanting. The ancient feel of this hamlet’s architecture makes it a picturesque wedding and honeymoon destination. Festivities are held in the square in traditional style.

Trulli Village Hotel
Tenuta Monacelle Puglia, Italy

Switzerland

Swiss Castle
Switzerland

From castles on the lake shores to chalets on the snowy mountains of the Alps, Switzerland is an ideal place to host a wedding that would have your guests spellbound.

The Alpina Gstaad is a traditional Swiss venue enveloped by the Alps. The landscape is breathtaking regardless of the season. A wide range of activities is available to you and your guests at any time of the year. The natural beauty of this remarkable village will enhance the energy of any celebration.

The Alpina Gstaad Gstaad, Switzerland

Villa Principe Leopoldo boasts a panoramic view of Lake Lugano and is known as the “Beverly Hills” of Switzerland. Expect stylish suites, grand ballrooms, and cocktail bars (as well as a Ferarri or seven, considering the hotel’s clientele). This sanctuary on the lakefront offers a secluded spot from which to honor your union.

Villa in Lugano, Switzerland
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano, Switzerland

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is the oldest hotel in Saint Moritz, and its contemporary style, Michelin-starred dining, and luxurious spa fit in well among its glamorous surroundings. The hotel grounds hosted to the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics. So, it’s no wonder winter sports are at the heart of the hotel, which is a magnificent spot for your ceremony.

Bride looking at Swiss mountain range
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Switzerland

In the picturesque heart of Interlaken lies the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. It became famous and brimmed with celebrity due to the Swiss Grand Prix, and has been a destination on many lists since. The hotel opened in the 1800s and is lavish, sleek, and luxurious.

Swiss resort
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel Interlaken, Switzerland

In the same feel, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof is a five-star, 140-year-old belle-epoque historical site that makes for a fantastic emerging destination wedding. The unbelievably scenic estate is the spot for a magical Swiss Alps wedding or romantic winter wonderland honeymoon.

Emerging Destinations
Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Switzerland

Dolomites

Mountain range in Northern Italy
Dolomites, Italy

Whether you want mountains enrobed in snow or dazzling summertime greenery, the Dolomites in Italy offers a year-round wedding fantasy land. It’s a romantic destination that will also give you the honeymoon of a lifetime, especially if you’re a foodie.

Castel Fragsburg is a small, dog-friendly luxury hotel. The property can offer an intimate wedding experience with privacy and tranquillity guaranteed for your friends and family. The elegant interior combined with the breathtaking exterior will make it a top choice for many.

Hunting lodge in the Dolomites
Castel Fragsburg Dolomites, Italy

George Clooney is a fan of the Hotel Rosa Alpina, which is family-owned and boasts a two Michelin star restaurant and two spas for a relaxing and luxurious honeymoon. The luxury chalet is nestled among the Dolimite mountains with their pink hues and sharp edges that form dramatically beautiful backdrops for your photographs.

Emerging Destinations
Hotel Rosa Alpina Dolomites, Italy

In the heart of the Dolomites is Cristallo Hotel Spa, a historic five-star luxury hotel that has accommodated the most famous personalities of the 20th Century. Set on a hill high above a sweeping valley, this property has views for days and gives a sense of peace to all who visit.

Dolomite resort hotel
Cristallo Spa & Golf Resort Dolomites, Italy

Nova Scotia

Eastern Canada aerial shot
Nova Scotia (New Scotland), Canada

Meaning “New Scotland” in Latin, Nova Scotia harks back to old-time rustic Europe with rolling green hills in the summertime that transforms into a winter wonderland when covered in snow. Part of the shore is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and most of the towns in Nova Scotia are maritime towns, from where you can set off on a cruise for your honeymoon after tying the knot on the shoreline.

The Fox Harb’r Resort is a golf estate that hosts both water and land sports and activities, a deep-sea marina, power vessel cruises, and trout fly fishing among others. Your friends and family are sure to love the entertainment during the lead-up to your big day! The big day itself catered in style by the fantastic team. And, you can stay put for your honeymoon, too to explore more of the lovely land.

Golf resort in Nova Scotia
Fox Harb’r Nova Scotia

Acapulco

Acapulco Bay view
Acapulco, Mexico

Whenever you say the word ‘Acapulco’, it means ‘party time’. And what better way to say your vows than with the party to end all others? This Mexican hamlet offers everything for the adventurer, the sun-bather, the foodie, and the romantic. Make your vows against the blue backdrop or retreat into honeymoon bliss at one of many resorts.

The Banyan Tree Cabo Marques is a unique wedding (or honeymoon) experience perfect for couples seeking a romantic and secluded experience. The private villas housed within an oasis inspired by the courtyard houses of the Far East with mountains to one side and strikingly brilliant blues of the Pacific on the other.

Emerging Destinations
Banyan Tree Cabo Marques Acapulco, Mexico

Marrakech

Mosque in Marrakech
Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco is not all about riding camels and walking through markets. It’s a place where sleek sophistication meets ancient history, magical landscapes, and exotic cultures. A perfect emerging destination for your big day! The golden domes of Palais Namaskar form the most beautiful backdrop. Perfect for a minimalistic ceremony with reflections of the mountains dancing in the pools in the hotel’s courtyards for your reception.

Marrakech grand hotel palace
Palais Namaskar Marrakech, Morocco

The Royal Mansour will give you and your guests a real taste of what it must be like to live like royalty. Built at the behest of King Mohammed VI with elaborate architectural styles of the old world, your ceremony here will definitely leave lasting memories for you and all who attend.

Emerging Destinations
Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

Le Palais Paysan boasts views of the Atlas Mountains and an old feel of Marrakech before modernization. It’s striking landscape views and Moorish rustic vibe is sure to leave you feeling inspired and itching to explore.

Emerging Destinations
Le Palais Paysan Marrakech, Morocco

Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is honeymoon-friendly as it offers free shuttles to the town for you to explore the city and its riches. However, it is ideal for your ceremony as well, laying out enormous swimming pools throughout the resort, making it feel as though it’s floating on a large lake – simply magical!

Emerging Destinations
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech

Ksar Char Bagh peeks through the palm trees like a kasbah of old, and any wedding here would be a sight to behold. This palatial estate is one of the finest hotels in the world making it superb for weddings and honeymoons alike.

Riad Rooftop in Morocco
Ksar Charbagh Marrakech, Morocco

Emerging Destinations

This list is far from complete as each year new emerging destinations amaze and delight us. Therefore, we’ll continue to share our top destinations and venues to help you keep up with the trends. Use this list of emerging destinations to choose your dream destination, unique wedding venue, or an extraordinary honeymoon locations! We know it will come in handy as you plan.

Featured image: Ischia Island, Italy