There are over 2.4 million weddings each year in the US alone, and finding the right venue can be one of the most stressful parts of planning your special day. Of course, this means different things to different people, but most people would agree that looking at venues for scenic weddings is exciting and inspiring. But how do you choose the perfect location? From venues with oceanfronts and cliffsides to rustic mountain lodges, here are some of the best.
Tetherow Resort – best for Cascade Mountain views
When you want luxury among the mountains, Tetherow Resort is among the premier locations for a stunning wedding weekend. Among the snow and views, you can enjoy luxe pre-ceremony wedding services followed by indulgent wedding reception and catering services with a view.
Standout features
- Full-scale panoramic views of the glorious Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
- A transitional indoor-outdoor event pavilion with fully retractable glass doors.
- Full-service catering with plenty of resort amenities and on-site accommodations.
Official website: https://tetherow.com/weddings
Terranea Resort – best for oceanfronts and cliffsides
California is so stunning that it can be hard to settle on a location. Just when you find the perfect spot, another pops up! However, Terranea Resort, situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, is among the most dramatic venues, especially when you factor in the Pacific Ocean views!
Standout features
- Sweeping and dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean for magical cliffside ceremonies.
- Multiple indoor and outdoor wedding venues for parties of all sizes and budgets.
- California-style luxury resort services, including accommodation and on-site spas.
Official website: https://www.terranea.com/weddings
The Sea Pines – best for coastal island weddings
There’s nothing quite like a Southern landscape to add some flair to a wedding. From Hilton Head in South Carolina, The Sea Pines resort offers something different, with a nuptial service among moss-draped oak trees with sights such as Liberty Oak and Harbour Town Lighthouse.
Standout features
- Iconic wedding settings, unmatched anywhere else, such as draped moss and oak trees.
- Fun amenities for large wedding parties, including coastal golf courses and beachfronts.
- Customizable resort planners for the perfect packages for yourself and guests.
Official website: https://www.seapines.com/weddings
The Ritz-Carlton – best for Caribbean beach weddings
The Caribbean is among the most popular wedding destinations for pretty obvious reasons. The Ritz-Carlton is only too happy to help with luxurious beachfront wedding packages among turquoise waters and landscaped lawns, and of course, mind-blowing Caribbean sea views.
Standout features
- Multiple wedding ceremony locations are available along the popular Seven Mile Beach.
- Stunning and elegant indoor and outdoor reception spaces for perfect hosting.
- Renowned food and catering services with world-class, five-star dining experiences.
Official website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman
Wyresdal Park – best for historic countryside weddings
There are many venues for scenic weddings that add something special to your already amazing day. But it’s hard to find destinations for a romantic wedding that have the charm of Wyresdale Park, nestled in the Gothic and historic Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, England.
Standout features
- A wonderful Gothic Revival estate nestled in a stunning forest with protected status.
- Plenty of ceremony locations, including rustic barns and various lakeside spots.
- Exclusive wedding-only weekends with a full range of on-site accommodations.
Official website:
Bel-Air Bay Club – best for oceanfront estate weddings
Back to California, but a little closer to the city of Los Angeles, Bel-Air Bay Club offers stunning Pacific Coast views without the need for a road trip. Among Mediterranean architecture and manicured lawns, you can enjoy a cliffside wedding ceremony at a stunning oceanfront estate.
Standout features
- Cliffside manicured lawn locations with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- A stunning Mediterranean-style mansion with courtyard reception spaces.
- Highly customizable catering and even layouts for the perfect wedding day.
Official website: https://www.belairbayclub.com/
Alderbrook Resort & Spa – best for waterfront forests
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and you can enjoy the serenity of its forests with Alderbrook. Located in Washington state, this stunning location is surrounded by mountains and forests, but also comes with unique views of the Pacific Ocean.
Standout features
- The best of every type of scenery, nestled among trees and mountains with ocean views.
- Award-winning spa and resort amenities that will elevate your wedding experience.
- Full location wedding packages including on-site lodgings among dense forests.
Official website: https://www.alderbrookresort.com/weddings
Gold Mountain Manor – best for rustic lodge weddings
Built in 1928 in Big Bear, California, Gold Mountain Manor is a historic venue popular for couples with an appreciation for nature. Located near the iconic Big Bear Lake, there is no shortage of scenery for the perfect alpine wedding, with an added air of romantic coziness.
Standout features
- Historical and rustic lodges are perfect for couples who want a nature-inspired wedding.
- Stunning views of the alpine mountains combined with the scenery of Big Bear Lake.
- Intimate bed and breakfast accommodations designed for romantic coziness.
Official website: http://www.goldmountainmanor.com
The Phoenician – best for desert mountain luxury
So, you want a wedding in the desert? Desert wedding ideas are actually more popular than you might think, and add something you can’t find anywhere else. The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the most popular destinations, nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain.
Standout features
- Full panoramic views of the iconic Camelback Mountain with desert scenery.
- Five-star resort amenities with a range of elegant ballrooms for any wedding size.
- Accommodations for larger wedding parties with a maximum of 250 guests.
Official website:https://www.thephoenician.com/weddings
Summary
There are so many venues for scenic weddings to choose from that it can be hard to choose. However, there is always something for everyone. Venues like the Tetherow Resort offer stunning mountain views, while you can settle for a Gothic wedding in Wyrsedale Park in the UK. Of course, desert weddings are also popular these days, and there’s nothing quite like the luxury of The Phoenician while taking in stunning panoramic views of the Arizona desert.
