From Desert Landscapes to Island Romance: Destination Wedding Locations to Consider for 2026–27

From Desert Landscapes to Island Romance: Destination Wedding Locations to Consider for 2026–27

Aug 24: Destination weddings are no longer only about finding a beautiful venue. The destination itself has become part of the celebration, shaping everything from the ceremony and setting to the experiences guests share over the wedding weekend.

For couples planning their celebrations for 2026–27, these destinations offer very different ways to say “I do”—from desert landscapes and mountain views to tropical beaches and Swahili coastlines.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah brings together beaches, desert landscapes and mountains within a single destination, making it an interesting choice for couples who want their wedding to feel like more than just a ceremony and reception. Along the Arabian Gulf, celebrations can unfold by the beach, while the Hajar Mountains and desert offer a very different backdrop for couples looking for something more dramatic.

For a classic celebration, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah offers elegant ballroom, garden and beachfront settings. At the other end of the spectrum, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert places couples in the heart of the desert, where outdoor celebrations can be followed by evenings beneath the stars.

The destination also lends itself to celebrations that are a little less conventional. Couples can explore the mountain scenery of Jebel Jais, discover the historic village of Al Jazeera Al Hamra or visit Dhayah Fort, while guests can kayak through mangroves, experience pearl-farming traditions at Suwaidi Pearls or simply spend time by the sea.

With its mix of nature, heritage and luxury, Ras Al Khaimah allows couples to turn the wedding weekend into a shared holiday, giving guests plenty to discover before and after the celebrations.

Kenya

Kenya may be synonymous with safari, but its coastline makes an equally compelling case for a destination wedding. Along the Indian Ocean, powder-soft beaches, Swahili influences and centuries-old coastal towns offer celebrations that feel romantic without following the usual tropical-wedding script.

Diani Beach is an obvious starting point, with its white sands and turquoise waters setting the scene for ceremonies by the sea. Couples can opt for beach, garden or poolside celebrations at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, while Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa offers everything from beachfront vows to garden gatherings and larger ballroom receptions.

For something more intimate, there is Lamu. With its carved Swahili doorways, winding lanes, traditional dhows and laid-back island rhythm, it feels made for celebrations that favour character over grandeur. At The Majlis Resort, a beachside wedding can slip effortlessly into a sunset dhow cruise and an evening overlooking the Indian Ocean. Better still, the destination becomes part of the celebration itself; guests can linger afterwards to explore Lamu Old Town, sail through the archipelago or simply spend a few extra days barefoot by the sea.

Bali

Bali has long understood romance. Temple traditions, tropical landscapes, dramatic coastlines and golden-hour sunsets give couples plenty to work with, while Nusa Dua brings a more polished side of the island into the mix—ideal for those looking for a destination wedding with the Indian Ocean always somewhere in the frame.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, couples can make the setting as much a part of the story as the ceremony itself. The glass-walled Majestic Chapel, overlooking Sawangan Beach, creates a dramatic setting for the vows, while beachfront ceremonies and celebrations on the Cliff Lawn make the most of Bali’s coastal landscape. Smaller gatherings can move to the Chapel Lawn, Senses Lawn or one of the resort’s private villas for something more intimate.

And there is no need for the wedding to end with the reception. The days that follow can unfold at a distinctly Balinese pace—with spa rituals, local cultural experiences and long afternoons by the sea turning the celebration into a holiday for everyone who made the journey.

Thailand

Imagine saying ‘I do’ with sand between your toes, laughter echoing under palm trees, and every day after the wedding feeling like a holiday in paradise—that’s Thailand. With stunning beaches, elegant resorts, and warm hospitality, this destination offers couples a setting that feels both magical and effortless. Picture exchanging vows with the sea stretching out behind you in Phuket, celebrating beneath the dramatic limestone cliffs of Krabi, or choosing Koh Samui for its palm-fringed beaches and relaxed island charm. Alongside these, Hua Hin adds a royal coastal elegance with heritage resorts and a relaxed atmosphere, while Khao Lak offers secluded stretches of sand and intimate resorts, perfect for couples seeking privacy and understated romance. Each location brings its own flavour of love, ensuring your wedding feels personal, picturesque, and unforgettable.

Beyond the ceremonies, Thailand unfolds as a journey for guests. Long dinners under the tropical sky, boat rides across turquoise waters, bustling Thai markets, spa afternoons, and culinary adventures make the celebration last well beyond the vows. For Indian couples and their guests, visa-exempt stays of up to 30 days make travelling to Thailand even more convenient. With Bangkok serving as a major hub for international connectivity and offering luxury urban venues for pre-wedding events, Thailand makes for a perfect wedding destination.