8 of the Best Destinations for a Wedding in Tropical Paradise
White sandy beaches, an azure ocean, a fiery sunset and your future husband or wife – sound like a dream you want to make reality? There are places on this planet where nature has retained its captivating beauty to set the scene for one of the biggest days of your life – your wedding. If a lush tropical paradise sounds like heaven on earth to you, then you’ll love these 8 locations for a destination wedding you won’t easily forget.
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Nusa Dua, Bali
Indonesia’s Bali is known as the ‘island of the gods’, and it’s no wonder when considering the divine beauty of this island. Nusa Dua is a stretch of coastline with a reputation for golden sanded beaches and luxurious resorts. Hotels are four or five star, and the ultimate location to pamper yourself to feel like royalty on your big day. While Nusa Dua is a tourist area, you won’t find the local markets and hawkers of the main tourist haunts like Kuta or Legian.
Where to stay?
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: a 5-star resort located right on the beach of one of the best stretches of coast.
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Sabah, Malaysia
Sabah is found on the northern tip of Malaysia’s Borneo island. Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the orangutan, Sabah boasts plenty of untouched landscape. It may not be the first destination that pops into your mind when thinking of a tropical paradise in South East Asia, yet this is part of its charm. Sabah is off the beaten track of the main tourist routes, meaning you can get married surrounded by rainforest and coast line without an array of luxury resorts lining the horizon.
Where to stay?
Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort: Discover the secluded luxury of this resort, which is surrounded by rainforest and a nature reserve that’s home to a number of native animals.
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Cancun, Mexico
Want that extra spice to flavor your destination wedding? Mexico is the answer. The tropic of Cancer splits this country, so anywhere south of the line has a tropical feel with temperate weather to match. Cancun has a reputation for being a party hotspot, so if you love the nightlife you’ll have plenty of opportunities to celebrate your nuptials. Yet Cancun is also situated one of the world’s largest reefs, and nearby Mayan ruins will add a unique touch of your wedding photos.
Where to stay?
The Gran Caribe Real Resort: There’s plenty of room on this world class spa and resort for hosting your reception banquet, and you’ll love the proximity to the beach. If you or your partner love a game of golf, the course here is not to be missed.
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Erakor Island, Vanuatu
Erakor Island is 16 acres of island paradise nestled in the turquoise blue of the Pacific Ocean. An easy distance from Vanuatu’s capital, you’ll be located close enough to all amenities and key tourist attractions, but faraway enough away to feel that you’ve escaped the everyday world for an untouched tropical island.
Where to stay?
Erakor Island Resort: This resort makes the most of its natural surroundings, and the staff are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet.
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Kuau’i, Hawaii
Hawaii is renowned for its exquisite sunsets, and one of the best locations in the world for tying the knot as the sun sinks into the ocean. There’s a range of incredible spots to wed here, whether it’s the charm of an old chapel or in an underwater paradise for a scuba wedding. However, it’s hard to go past the garden isle of Kaua’i. The rocky formations and steep ridges of this island mean some areas are only accessible by air or boat. The scenery on Kaua’i is striking and will leave you with incredible memories and wedding photos.
Where to stay?
Hanalei Bay Resort: What sets this resort apart from the rest is its pool, considered one of the best in the world. Featuring lava waterfalls and small beaches in its design that meanders in the lush surrounds of palm trees, the pool also offers an impressive view of Hanalei Bay.
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Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Pristine beaches with white sand, a relaxed culture and clear waters all make Phi Phi Island a favourite destination for an overseas wedding. Phi Phi Island is also the place that provided the stunning backdrop to the film The Beach.
Where to stay?
Zeavola Resort: Escape from it all with your private villa, where you’ll have the seclusion of your own garden to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of paradise.
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Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
The Mamanuca Islands are an archipelago of islands that form part of Fiji. Like the rest of this tropical nation, you’ll find beaches of pure, white sand lined with coconut trees, and if you choose to dive beneath the surface of the blue waters you’ll encounter a colourful world of coral reefs and underwater creatures. The picturesque shores of the Mamanuca Islands are the perfect destination for a beach wedding.
Where to stay?
Likuliku Lagoon Resort: The only resort in Fiji where you can stay in overwater bures for the unique experience of waking up to an ocean view that seems to be too good to be true.
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Uluwatu, Bali
Uluwatu sits on a peninsula of limestone cliffs on what is the southern-most point of Bali. A favourite among the surfing community and largely known for the traditional temple tucked into the clifftop, Uluwatu is still establishing itself as a tourist destination to stay. Yet what makes this location so special for a dream tropical wedding is the panoramic view that makes it feel like you’re at the edge of the world. A number of glass chapels dotted along the coast make for the perfect place to begin your life as a wedded couple.
Where to stay?
BayuhSabbha Resort: Rent out this luxury villa to house your nearest and dearest as you celebrate your wedding. Offering breathtaking views and plenty of privacy from prying eyes, this resort is designed for the special occasion.
About the Author
Angela Woods has had plenty of experience organizing tropical weddings as a wedding planner at Wedding Destinations Group. She held her own wedding in the idyllic paradise of KohSamui in Thailand.
