Planning a beach wedding? These luxury hotels around the world offer stunning venues with drop-dead gorgeous ocean views.
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By: Lauren Dana Ellman Published: Dec 24, 2023 12:00 PM UTC
Between the balmy ocean breezes, powdery stretches of sand, and drop-dead gorgeous views, beaches are inherently romantic. With that in mind, it’s no wonder why so many couples opt to have beach weddings.
According to California-based wedding planner Kaitlin Ford of Pocketful Of Plans, “Beach weddings can be so diverse and personal.” Besides, she says, “There is something powerful and calming about the ocean that really connects with some couples, and being near the water can be a really important part of their relationship.” However, sometimes, the reason for hosting a beach wedding is far less complex. Some couples simply love the beach — and the breezy, laid-back vibes that come along with it.
Fortunately, when it comes to the best hotels for a beach wedding, options truly abound. From private island resorts in the Maldives and the Bahamas to Travel + Leisure favourites and award-winning picks in Bali and Florida, we’ve rounded up the best beach hotels for weddings — including a handful of wedding planner-approved recommendations.
The best hotels around the world for a beach wedding
Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Croatia
Couples craving a fairy-tale-worthy beach wedding need not look further than Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, says Diane Kolanović-Šolaja of Dee Kay Events in New Jersey. The wedding planner describes the property as a “coastal cliffside sanctuary” with “stunning vistas of the Adriatic Sea at every glance.” She continues, telling T+L, “Various ballrooms, outdoor terraces, and restaurants give robust choices for your wedding venues.” The pristine beach area is prime for ceremonies and co*cktail hours, as are the three outdoor swimming pools. Kolanović-Šolaja also notes that the resort can arrange special events for guests, including private mixology classes, gourmet culinary experiences, or private boat and yacht charters to explore the Elaphites archipelago or the Blue Caves of Dubrovnik. Best of all: Despite the luxury resort’s dreamy seaside locale, it’s just 20 minutes from Old Town Dubrovnik.
Book your stay at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik via Agoda.com
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Florida
“This boutique resort on the Naples beach has its own one-of-a-kind charm,” says Florida-based wedding planner Carrie Darling of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. The 2023 World’s Best Award-winning property features two beach wedding venues — North and South Beach — which are great for both ceremonies and receptions. Darling is also quick to call out the property’s “sought-after lawn space overlooking the beach,” which is also popular for ceremonies and receptions. Other on-site venues include two lavish ballrooms complete with expansive outdoor terraces plus the dreamy North Pool area. Flanked by the Gulf of Mexico and Vanderbilt Bay, this al fresco space is perfect for co*cktail hours, rehearsal dinners, and welcome parties.
The One & Only Portonovi, Montenegro
“Surrounded by fjord-like natural elements in UNESCO-protected Boka Bay, the One & Only Portonovi is the ultimate beach resort for marriers who appreciate luxury, their surroundings, and the fine details,” says Kolanović-Šolaja. Spanning nearly 20 waterfront acres along the Bay of Kotor, the property is a T+L favourite for its spectacular spa and luxury rooms and suites housed inside Venetian-inspired pavilions. “As for an unforgettable wedding experience,” says the pro, “chefs are ready to create a unique culinary experience for your guests.” Additionally, the property offers several indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a gorgeous sandy beach area, an al fresco garden, waterfront restaurants Sabia and Tapasake, and a contemporary ballroom. Couples and their guests will be whisked around the bay via wooden speed boats, offering postcard-worthy vistas of the storybook surroundings.
Book your stay at One&Only Portonovi via Booking.com
Book your stay at One&Only Portonovi via Agoda.com
Hotel del Coronado, California
Bask in the SoCal sun at Hotel del Coronado near San Diego. The resort’s private section of Coronado Beach — aptly named Del Beach — is divided into two different stretches of sand, both of which serve as picture-perfect backdrops for weddings. Both Main Beach (which is 7,590 square feet) and North Beach (70,000 square feet) can be utilised for ceremonies, receptions, co*cktail hours, welcome parties, and more. They’re also one of the few California beaches where guests can eat, drink, and enjoy fireworks directly on the sand. Alternate on-site venues include opulent ballrooms, lush lawns and gardens, and a terrace overlooking the Pacific.
Book your stay at Hotel del Coronado via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Del Coronado via Agoda.com
Kamalame Cay, The Bahamas
Accessible via helicopter, seaplane, or private ferry, this family-owned 96-acre private island resort is beloved by T+L readers (it recently snagged a World’s Best Award for 2023), along with celebrities and wedding planners like Marva Munroe of Chic Bahamas Weddings & Events in the Bahamas. “Dotted with palm trees and beachside thatched bars, this oasis is the perfect location for couples seeking complete seclusion and pampering,” she tells T+L. What’s more, she says, “The resort’s beach ceremony location, stunning Great House Terrace, and Palm Grove are ideal for groups of up to 86.”
Chatham Bars Inn, Massachusetts
With nearly 600 miles (965.60 km) of shoreline, it’s no wonder why Cape Cod is such a popular beach wedding spot — and Chatham Bars Inn is, hands down, the destination’s best beach hotel to get married at. Exchange vows on the property’s private beach before continuing the fun at the waterfront Beach House Grill (max capacity: 250) for a clambake, bonfire, or traditional reception. The adjacent Boathouse — which can hold up to 90 guests — offers plenty of natural light, 20-foot vaulted ceilings, an outdoor deck, and panoramic ocean views. For a fully al fresco celebration, consider the lush South Lawn, which offers a tented outdoor space that can fit over 300 guests. There’s also the 75-person Harbor View Room, which is equipped with a private terrace, and the Captain’s Table, ideal for intimate soirees of 14 or under; both spaces offer sweeping ocean views.
Book your stay at Chatham Bars Inn via Booking.com
Book your stay at Chatham Bars Inn via Agoda.com
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico
With its striking rock formations, sparkling waters, and an abundance of attractions, Cabo is a fantastic place for a destination beach wedding. In terms of venues, look no further than the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. According to San Francisco Bay area-based destination wedding planner Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events, this cliffside resort — a 2023 World’s Best Award winner — is “situated in a more private area of Cabo and has a beautiful secluded beach.” While the property offers a handful of on-site venues to choose from, the rugged beach area — which can accommodate up to 200 guests — is the true star of the show. This pristine stretch of soft sand serves as a gorgeous backdrop for weddings. Beach bonfires can also be set up upon request, and, as you can imagine, they come in especially handy on chilly nights.
Book your stay at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal via Booking.com
Book your stay at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal via Agoda.com
Rosewood Kona Village, Hawaii
This recently renovated Big Island resort is a favourite among T+L editors (read our recent review of Rosewood Kona Village) and wedding planners, including Kimiko Hosaki of Elements by K.H & co. in Hawaii. Per the pro, “The private black-sand beaches with lava rock and bright blue ocean in the background are something you can’t quite describe.” The palm-tree-lined Shipwreck pool and beach space serve as an idyllic place to exchange vows or sip co*cktails before the reception. Additionally, says Hosaki, couples can host a private luau “surrounded by pristine views of lagoons and gardens at Hale Hoʻokipa Lūʻau & Event Grounds,” which offers seating for up to 250 guests, a stage for entertainment, and an imu pit for traditional Hawaiian cooking. Other highlights include the Moana Pool Deck, which overlooks the ocean, and a 15,000-plus-square-foot tiered lawn just steps from the sandy shores.
Book your stay at Kona Village A Rosewood Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Kona Village A Rosewood Resort via Agoda.com
Andaz Bali, Indonesia
Known for its vibrant beach clubs, beautiful resorts, and almost otherworldly surroundings (including lush rice paddies, enchanting forests, and more), Bali is one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations. Beach-loving couples should also consider tying the knot here, and the luxe Andaz Bali is the perfect place to do so. The 2023 World’s Best Award-winning resort — our readers’ top pick for the best hotel in Indonesia and Asia as a whole — offers a 656-foot-long golden-sand beach that doubles as a ceremony and co*cktail hour venue for up to 100 guests. Alternate al fresco options include two flora-filled courtyards or the lively Village Square area in the center of the resort. For the ultimate splurge, pay a cool USD 106,000 (INR 88,24,389) to buy out the resort for two nights; food and beverage credit, spa treatments, and 145 luxe rooms are all included.
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Book your stay at Andaz Bali via Agoda.com
Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla
The 19-room Frangipani Beach Resort in Anguilla is ideal for intimate beach weddings thanks to its small size, explains Chang. She also notes that the hotel is “right on Meads Bay, which itself is lovely.” Additionally, “Because it’s a smaller resort, you can literally walk out your door to the beach.” The 2023 World’s Best Award-winning property works directly with couples to craft their dream wedding experience. Additionally, those who book a full property buyout can enjoy amenities like a dedicated point person who is on hand to assist with planning, as well as complimentary non-motorised and motorised water sports. (Boat charters and excursions can be arranged for an extra cost.) Lastly, there’s even the opportunity to host on-site co*cktail parties and beach BBQs for wedding guests without an additional site fee.
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Tides Beach Club, Maine
Tides Beach Club in Kennebunkport is the only oceanfront hotel on Goose Rocks Beach, a three-mile (4.82 km) stretch of soft sandy shoreline. The luxury Maine hotel is well-suited for intimate beach weddings for up to 80 people (or 50 seated). Say “I do” on the beach under a bespoke birch wood altar before heading to the reception room. Afterwards, spend the rest of the evening drinking, dancing, and dining on fresh local seafood. Keep in mind that full-property buyouts are required for nuptials, which, of course, includes all 21 rooms and suites along with full wedding catering.
Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
Sandals is renowned for its collection of Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, making them popular picks among couples of all ages. Sandals South Coast in White House, Jamaica is set along a two-mile (3.21 km) white-sand beach and offers the perfect setting for saying “I do.” Couples can have their ceremony and reception directly on the resort’s serene stretch of beach, which is an optimal choice for larger parties. Alternatively, the on-site overwater Serenity Wedding Chapel, which features a glass-floor aisle that looks down into the turquoise waters below, is ideal for smaller soirees.
Book your stay at Sandals South Coast via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sandals South Coast via Agoda.com
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Wild Dunes Resort, South Carolina
Just 35 minutes from Charleston lies a laid-back island called Isle of Palms, home to the sprawling Wild Dunes Resort. At this 2023 World’s Best Award-winning property, couples can exchange vows in front of 200 of their nearest and dearest right on the resort’s wide sandy beach area. Additionally, other indoor and outdoor event spaces, including croquet lawns, a sleek ballroom, and a covered gazebo complete with water views, abound. Last but not least is the sea-facing 3,000-foot rooftop ballroom, complete with 6,000 square feet of outdoor space including a partially covered veranda and sun-drenched terrace.
Vomo Island Fiji, Fiji
Couples seeking serenity and seclusion should flock to Vomo Island Fiji, an all-inclusive private island oasis spanning 225 scenic acres. Whether for groups of two or 100-plus, the property’s wedding package affords couples the opportunity to create the celebration of their dreams along the isle’s stretch of palm-tree-studded beaches. There’s also the option to add traditional Fijan flair with Fijian warrior escorts for the bride or traditional costumes and salusalus (scented leis). Other inclusions run the gamut from photography and videography to floral decor and headpieces to spa treatments (seaweed body wraps, anyone?) and so much more.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, New York
The Hamptons is famous for its serene stretches of sand and luxe hotels, which makes Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa an especially popular place for beach weddings. The 2,000-foot-long private beach is fantastic for ceremonies of all sizes — the property accommodates weddings large and small. The property also offers a handful of indoor and outdoor event spaces — most with sea views — for co*cktail hours and receptions. A few of our favourites include The Beach Club (which is right on the beach, mere steps from the water), the seaside Great Hall, the beachy-chic Scarpetta Beach (complete with its own outdoor deck), and the Spa and Top Decks, both of which offer postcard-worthy ocean vistas.
Book your stay at Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa via Booking.com
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos
Located along the shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, Amanyara in exudes romance in every sense. Its 2,624 feet of sugar-sand beach — also known as Malcolm’s Beach — is well-suited for ceremonies, rehearsal dinners (complete with fireworks, of course), or co*cktail hours. Seated dinners, welcome or co*cktail parties, and larger receptions can be held at one of the resort’s other venues, which are all equally stunning. These include The Restaurant (which offers exceptional sea views and indoor and outdoor seating for up to 120 guests) and The Bar (boasting a striking circular shape, sky-high ceilings, expansive terrace, and cushy daybeds), and a handful of ultra-private multi-bedroom Aman Villas (all of which overlook private gardens and a sleek black infinity pool, offering ample indoor and outdoor space for entertaining).
Sanderling Resort, North Carolina
Sanderling Resort in North Carolina’s Outer Banks region is one of the best beach hotels to get married at in the US Many couples hold their ceremony directly on the sand with the waves gently crashing just feet away. After saying “I do,” head to one of five co*cktail hour and reception spaces. Kimball’s Kitchen and Keeper’s Loft both offer water views and can accommodate up to 60 and 50 guests, respectively. For larger affairs, opt for the Event House & Deck (offering a prime oceanside locale plus indoor and outdoor space for up to 100) or the Pavilion (a 180-person climate-controlled indoor venue situated right on the sound).
Book your stay at Sanderling Resort Outer Banks via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sanderling Resort Outer Banks via Agoda.com
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, The Maldives
Like several other properties on this list, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in the Maldives pulls double duty as both a dream wedding and honeymoon destination. At this splurge-worthy resort — which is set over two idyllic islands — couples can take their pick of five ceremony locations. For a true toes-in-the-sand experience, there are two private beach venues, Sunset Tip (max: 100 guests) and Deluxe Tip (max: 150 guests), offering powdery white sands and enchanting sunset views. Alternatively, exchange vows at the overwater spa or the quiet zone pool area, overlooking the ocean waters. Last but not least is the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, an all-glass oasis situated 16 feet below the ocean’s surface (max: 16 guests). Bonus: Every wedding package includes a couple’s spa treatment, wedding cake, decor, a photographer, and a romantic dinner for two on the beach.
Book your stay at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island via Booking.com
Book your stay at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort via Agoda.com
Wave Resort, New Jersey
The Jersey Shore is studded with nostalgia-inducing boardwalks, adorable towns, and, of course, equally captivating places to stay, including the Wave Resort. Located in the buzzy beachfront city of Long Branch, this contemporary hotel is popular among East Coast-based couples craving an oceanfront wedding. Exchange vows with the sand in between your toes on the beach. co*cktail hours can take place on the over 2,000-square-foot High Crest Terrace before heading inside to the adjacent rooftop space, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and dreamy ocean views. Bonus: The on-site events team works directly with couples to draft bespoke wedding packages based on their own unique vision.
Book your stay at Wave Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Wave Resort via Agoda.com
Hotel Manapany, St. Barts
This swanky French-speaking Caribbean island is renowned for its see-and-be-seen restaurants, incredible nightlife, and splurge-worthy stays, including Hotel Manapany. The serene oceanfront retreat offers luxury rooms and suites plus a private beach, only adding to the exclusive ambience. Wedding packages are completely customisable, and the property can accommodate parties of all sizes. While the beach itself serves as an ideal setting for ceremonies and receptions (which can hold anywhere from 20 to 200 people), couples can utilise one of the other sea-facing venues such as the spa deck (max: 80), pool deck (max: 50), the sun-drenched Rockies Restaurant (max: 100), or the aptly named On The Beach Restaurant (max: 50).
Book your stay at Hotel Manapany via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Manapany via Agoda.com
(Feature image credit: Wild Dunes)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
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- beach wedding
- Beach Wedding Destinations
- Luxury Hotels
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