What better way to begin your happily ever after than by saying ‘I Do’ in a serene outdoor setting surrounded by pristine views? If this has been your dream all along, then planning your wedding in Sri Lanka will make it a reality. Here’s what you need to consider.

Choose the Perfect Venue

Sri Lanka is rich in magical outdoor landscapes, from serene beaches to misty valleys and colonial buildings. Consider the outdoor wedding locations in Sri Lanka if you want to make the most of the island’s natural beauty.

Incorporate Lankan Tradition

Sri Lankan traditions can really make your wedding a meaningful celebration of the island. You can organise for a traditional performance by Kandyan drummers or incorporate a few Buddhist rituals and blessings by Buddhist monks.

Opt for Authentic Decor

Local flowers like jasmines, orchids and lotuses can really bring the Sri Lankan charm to your venue. It’s a great way to make your wedding authentic with a unique tropical look while also supporting local florists and decor artisans.

Plan for Guest Comfort

Ensuring that your guests are comfortable is key. Consider details like travel and parking logistics, and whether the food and drink incorporate special preferences. If you’re having a hotel wedding at the likes of KK Collection, you can even arrange for guest accommodation.

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Work With a Wedding Planner

Rather than plan from afar, work with an experienced local wedding planner. You’ll have an easier time organising logistics, legal documentation and all the event details with their help.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding straight out of a fairy tale, an Emirati wedding might just be your perfect fit. Combining rich cultural traditions with ultra-modern luxury, these celebrations are known for their opulence, family spirit, and jaw-dropping aesthetics. Here’s how to make your special day shine in true Emirati style.

Choose the Perfect Venue: Where Magic Begins
From regal ballrooms to lavish beachfront settings, the venue sets the tone for your entire celebration. Consider a top-tier wedding hotel in Abu Dhabi such as the Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat that offers tailored services, privacy, and stunning interiors fit for royalty.

Incorporate Emirati Traditions: Honour the Heritage
Henna nights, traditional music, and the elegant zaffa procession are essential elements of an authentic Emirati wedding. Blending these customs with modern touches adds emotional depth and cultural richness to your day.

Dress Like Royalty: All Eyes on You
A luxurious Emirati bride often dons a series of exquisite dresses, sometimes changing looks multiple times during the celebration. Think crystals, embroidery, and opulent fabrics that shimmer under golden chandeliers.

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Gourmet Catering: A Feast to Remember
Serve your guests a decadent menu with both traditional Emirati dishes and international favourites. Presentation is key, imagine gold-dusted desserts and ornate platters that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious.

Luxury Retreat for the Couple: End on a Dreamy Note
After the festivities, retreat to a haven of romance. After all, breathtaking views and serene luxury sound like the perfect way to start your new chapter together.

Planning a destination wedding is both magical and overwhelming, but if you’re dreaming of palm-lined beaches, golden sunsets, and ocean breezes, Desaru might just be your perfect “I do” backdrop. From charming resorts to unforgettable guest experiences, here’s how to make your Desaru wedding one for the storybooks.

Choose the Perfect Venue
The first step? Locking in a venue that captures the coastal magic. Whether you’re after a beachfront ceremony or a grand ballroom affair, Desaru offers it all. One standout location is the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, blending luxury and tropical beauty with impeccable service that caters effortlessly to destination weddings.

Plan Around the Seasons
Desaru enjoys tropical weather year-round, but timing is everything. Aim for dry months like March to October for clearer skies and breezier evenings. Always check local calendars for holidays that might affect availability or pricing.

Add a Local Touch
Celebrate the charm of a wedding in Malaysia by incorporating local elements, think bunga telur favours, tropical flower arrangements, or a traditional Malaysian tea ceremony. These thoughtful touches will give your celebration an unforgettable cultural flair.

Sort Guest Logistics Early
Destination weddings require extra coordination. Send your save-the-dates early and consider group rates for nearby accommodations. Desaru is easily accessible from Singapore and Johor Bahru, making it convenient for guests flying in.

Capture the Moment

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The stunning coastlines, golden hour lighting, and lush greenery make Desaru a photographer’s dream. Hire a photographer familiar with the area to ensure every palm-framed moment is picture-perfect.

The Maldives is more than just crystal-clear waters and powder-soft sands, it’s a paradise designed for romance. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or spontaneous escape, these magical islands deliver unforgettable experiences that bring couples closer. Here are five swoon-worthy ways to spark the romance in this tropical haven.

Private Dinner Under the Stars
Nothing says romance like a candlelit dinner on a secluded beach, waves gently lapping nearby. Many resorts offer bespoke dining setups with gourmet menus, your own chef, and the starlit sky as the only witness. It’s intimate, luxurious, and truly unforgettable.

Sunset Dhoni Cruise
Glide through the Indian Ocean aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni as the sky blazes with fiery oranges and soft purples. Sip champagne with your partner as dolphins leap in the distance. This moment, both timeless and tranquil, is the epitome of island romance.

Snorkelling Adventures
This idyllic resort offers direct access to vibrant reefs perfect for hand-in-hand snorkelling. At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, you’ll discover colourful marine life, serene lagoons, and shared moments of awe that linger long after the holiday ends.

Stay in a Maldives Villa
Imagine waking up to panoramic ocean views in your overwater villa, followed by a plunge into your private pool. A Maldives honeymoon villa offers the ultimate in privacy, luxury, and indulgence, ideal for couples wanting to escape and reconnect truly.

Couple’s Spa Rituals

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Rejuvenate together with a couple’s massage in a glass-floored spa pavilion suspended above the sea. The soothing sounds of the ocean paired with expert hands make for a deeply relaxing and intimate experience.

Marrakech offers couples the perfect blend of romance and culture, best enjoyed at a slow pace to savour every moment truly. From tranquil riads and hidden gardens to spice-scented souks and sunset views, this guide reveals how to savour the city together.

Wandering Through Souks

Take a stroll through the souks hand in hand, enjoying the romance of the moment while discovering spices, textiles, and artisanal treasures. Pause for a refreshing mint tea along the way to enhance the magic of experiencing Marrakech’s vibrant heart and rich culture together.

Stay in a Traditional Riad

Romance in Marrakech starts in a traditional riad that features intimate courtyards, colourful mosaics and peaceful hideaways. In Marrakech, best places to stay often include these charming riads that offer a true Marrakech experience, which is perfect for couples who value slow living, privacy and culture. It just so happens that Riad Elegancia Marrakech is a traditional riad mixed with a touch of modern luxury.

Peace in Hidden Gardens

A perfect way to escape the bustle of the city is to visit serene gardens like Jardin Majorelle or Le Jardin Secret. These lush gardens offer an ideal setting for peaceful walks, creating a tranquil atmosphere to celebrate love and foster deep conversations in comfortable silence.

Romantic Dining Experiences

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The perfect way for couples to slow down and savour the love they share is by enjoying an intimate dinner on rooftop terraces overlooking the medina, or candlelit meals in charming courtyards. Dining in Marrakech offers a delightful experience, with traditional Moroccan dishes as well as magnificent fusion cuisine. It is not just about the flavours; the atmosphere plays a crucial role in the dining experience.

Kandy is one of the most popular wedding destinations in Sri Lanka. The rolling hills, calm lake, and deep cultural roots create an atmosphere that feels both graceful and meaningful. Couples planning their day here usually focus on venues, traditions, guest experiences, and the practical side of organising.

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue in Kandy

From lakeside gardens to hilltop settings with breathtaking views, Kandy has many options. Historic halls bring a sense of charm, while outdoor settings highlight the city’s natural beauty. Venues like Hotel Topaz are often chosen for receptions because of their spacious layouts. Visiting a few different places helps you decide on the setting that suits your vision best.

Incorporating Kandyan Traditions and Culture

Adding cultural elements gives the wedding a distinctive touch. Kandyan drummers and dancers, together with the traditional poruwa ceremony, bring cultural depth to the occasion. These traditions tie the event to the local heritage while offering guests something they will remember.

Planning Guest Experiences and activities.

Guests can explore well-known attractions before or after the wedding. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens are among the popular options, and many Kandy wedding hotels also arrange guided visits, making it easier to fit activities around the main celebration.

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Practical Tips for a Kandy Wedding (Logistics and Vendors)

Securing vendors early matters, especially for photography, music, and decorations. Traffic in the city can be heavy, so arranging group transportation helps avoid delays. Many couples rely on local planners who know the area well and ensure everything runs smoothly.

About 22 km off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a tropical haven. With white-sand beaches and glistening turquoise seas, it’s easy to see why the islands have become a popular honeymoon destination. Discover the best romantic escapades to embark on, with a guide to honeymooning in Zanzibar.

When to Plan For 

Zanzibar experiences two high seasons, offering pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. However, June through October and December to February coincide with peak season, so expect crowds. The shoulder season, from November to December, is perfect for those who want a bit of solitude, although be prepared for the occasional rain shower.

Sunset Cruises

Sunsets over the Indian Ocean – what could be more romantic? With excursions offered by The Residence Zanzibar, cruise across the water with the breeze in your hair, and maybe a few glasses of champagne in hand. It’s a leisurely experience, brought to you by the best Zanzibar resorts, 5 star service, and unforgettable views.

Adventures in Stone Town

Zanzibar truly offers something for everyone. Steeped in 20,000 years of a rich, multicultural history, the cobbled pathways of Stone Town open up a world of culture. Stumble upon authentic gold jewellery, historic Arab merchant homes, and irresistible, spiced cuisine.

Nature Walks & Ocean Discovery

Beyond the communities, Zanzibar’s landscapes are a tropical playground. Encounter rare primates and jewel-toned birds in the Jozani National Park, or charter a dhow to discover snorkel sites brimming with reef wildlife.

Beachfront Dining

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Sometimes, all you need is a good meal to celebrate your love. Pair gourmet dishes with uninterrupted ocean views, enjoying private beach dinners at your luxury resort. Fall further in love with each bite, enhanced by Zanzibar’s signature spices and the soft, white beach beneath your feet.

Phuket, with its pristine beaches and cultural richness, offers couples not just a stunning backdrop but also a chance to embrace meaningful Thai wedding traditions. Here’s a guide to the customs that make a ceremony in Phuket truly special.

Before the Wedding – Pre-Wedding Ceremonies

In Thai culture, your traditional wedding in Phuket will often begin with pre-nuptial rituals that involve blessings from family and monks. These ceremonies set a tone of respect, harmony, and spirituality before the main celebration.

Wedding Venues

Phuket provides a variety of dreamy venues – from luxurious beachfront resorts to traditional Thai villas and stunning tropical gardens. Couples can choose settings that balance natural beauty with cultural authenticity. Properties like Layan Residences by Anantara offer traditional pre-planned wedding packages, making the process a whole lot easier.

Image via Layan Residences by Anantara

Making Merit

A significant part of Thai weddings is making merit by offering food or donations to Buddhist monks. This act symbolises the couple’s gratitude and brings blessings for a prosperous married life.

Khan Maak Processions

The Khan Maak is a lively procession where the groom and his family present gifts, traditionally carried in trays, to the bride’s family. It’s another symbol of commitment and joy, often accompanied by music and dancing.

Water Pouring Ceremony

Known as Rod Nam Sang, this ritual involves elders pouring blessed water over the couple’s hands, offering prayers for happiness and unity. It is one of the most cherished Thai wedding traditions.

There’s something romantic about Dubai’s cosmopolitan glamour. The golden sunsets reflecting off glass skyscrapers, the wooden dhows docked along the creek – the city sets the perfect backdrop for a lover’s retreat, or even a wedding. Plan your dream ceremony in the UAE’s most popular emirate, with a guide to weddings in Dubai.

Image via Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

The Weather

Although Dubai is an excellent year-round destination, desert summers can be quite hot for outdoor weddings. Try planning for the cooler months (October – February) if you are dreaming of tying the knot on a golden beach or a luxurious rooftop. Or, choose from the many incredible indoor venues available throughout the year.

The Venue

Dubai wedding venues exude opulence, no matter where you decide to host your ceremony. Wedding hotels like Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offer both indoor and outdoor venues, ranging from private beachfronts to lavish ballrooms.

The Wedding Planner

Hiring a local wedding planner can ease the process, and let you and your partner relax before the big day. They are familiar with cultural nuances, legal steps, and vendor networks, ensuring every detail is seamless. For those booking a hotel venue, many locations may even be able to handle the planning process on-site.

The Travel Arrangements

Since many guests will fly in, plan travel logistics for everyone as early as possible. Group bookings, hotel blocks, and curated itineraries make the experience enjoyable for everyone attending.

Planning a romantic escape with your special someone? Well, if that’s the case, then make Doha your destination of choice. While it may fly under the radar of typical romantic places to visit, you will be surprised at the many things couples can do here as part of a magical getaway.

Embark on a Sunset Dhow Cruise
Set sail from the Doha Corniche on a dhow (a traditional boat) as the sun begins its descent. The golden hues reflecting off the water and the city skyline glittering in the background set the perfect mood. Some cruises even come with dinner for a night like no other, before you return to one of the Doha-based hotel apartments in Qatar and plan more escapades!

Explore the Souq Waqif
Sharing new discoveries is one of the best things about travelling with a partner, and Souq Waqif, a vast, historic marketplace, is perfect for this. Couples staying at properties like Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks can easily walk to this site and wander around its atmospheric alleys; the scent of spices fills the air, and every corner reveals a new treasure. Shop for keepsakes, sample local dishes, and soak up the old-world charm together.

Enjoy a Stroll at Aspire Park
Sometimes the best moments are the simplest. At Aspire Park, you will find a tranquil lake, open green spaces, and winding paths ideal for an afternoon stroll, one of the best things to do in Doha for couples. Spread out a blanket, share a yummy picnic and just enjoy being together. Visit around golden hour and watch the sky turn pastel… it’s basically like a setting of a rom-com in real life!

Go on a Gondola Ride

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Yes, you read that right, you can actually take a gondola ride in Doha! At Villaggio Mall, float along indoor canals in a setting inspired by Venice itself. It’s romantic, and you are bound to surprise your Insta followers with selfies on a gondola. After your ride, check out Gondolania, an indoor theme park here which offers ice skating and bowling, which are also great activities for a fun date night.