The estimated amount of money spent on weddings annually in the U.S. alone is put at a staggering $72 billion. This amount has little contribution from the traditional couples who stay in their domiciled location to seal their union; the figure is heavily influenced by the adventurous couples who have bought into the trend of destination weddings.
With the promise of adventure and exquisite memories to be created, most couples pack their bags as well as their preferred number of guests and jet off to other places that promise adventure and experience. The countries people prefer to have their destination weddings cut across the globe from Italy, France, UK, Greece and Spain in Europe to Indonesia, Thailand and the UAE. Mexico, South Africa, Chile, Mauritius and the Caribbean Islands are some of the other top spots for lovers of destination weddings.
For any couple who have already decided on experiencing what a wedding in the Middle East would look like, there is an abundance of awesome locations in this region to make your day a memorable one. From Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa in Oman, to Palazzo Versace in Dubai, and Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain.
Below are the 10 best places for destination weddings in the Middle East.
1. Palazzo Versace Dubai, UAE
Every dream that led to a desire to have a wedding at the Palazzo Versace in Dubai, is likely to become fulfilled as merely setting one’s eyes on the breath-taking location will take human’s breath away. The two parts of the name come together to give a strong pointer to the Italian undertone right from the word “Palazzo” which means “palace” in Italian to the Italian brand which completes the name of the hotel. The second part of the name is evidenced by the complete Versace lifestyle experience one is sure to get; from the rooms to the ballrooms, hallways, furniture, linens, and cutlery. The appeal of the location is refined through the serene feeling of the atmosphere, the calming effects of the waters and the beautiful scenery provided by the lush gardens.
2. Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
Few other wedding venues in the world make as much statement as the Burj Al Arab in Dubai does. Being the only 7-star hotel in the whole world, the hotel is grand and ultra-extravagant with charms that set it aside from others. These charms include the Burj Al Arab Terrace, the Al Falak Ballroom, Palm Garden, Marina Garden, Tameen Majlis, Gold On 27, and more.
3. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The prestigious Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, is bound to leave a lifelong impact on you, your spouse and your guests. Emirates Palace boasts numerous venues to serve as dazzling backdrops for your dream wedding ceremony; from glamorous ballrooms ornate with marble and gold, blending timeless architectural features with modern design, to well trimmed gardens and elegant terraces. The hotel also provide the best options for rooms and reception areas along with a flower shop on site to coordinate all of floral needs, along with and a talented culinary team.
4. La Cigale Hotel, Doha, Qatar
At La Cigale Hotel in Doha, Qatar, the spectacular Le Crillion ballroom with its panoramic view of Doha City and its striking oval-shaped design beautified with Murano chandeliers, makes this place an ideal wedding destination in Doha. From luxurious and spacious ballrooms, to wedding planning and preparation, stage design, entertainment, menu designing, food tasting and photo and video shoot, La Cigale Hotel’s professional team makes sure everything is a breeze.
5. InterContinental Fujairah Resort, Fujairah, UAE
The exquisite Al Aqah Beach and the lofty mountains above it are some but not all of what gives the Intercontinental Fujairah Resort its appeal and recognition. The destination offers luxury and provides a hospitable ambience. The property boasts remarkable indoor and outdoor venues from the ballroom to the beach.
6. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah does not only serve as an unforgettable venue for a destination wedding, it also boasts equally unforgettable experiences for you and your guests. Here, you can say your vows on one of the beautiful gardens in the city, or at the Al Fayrouz Terrace.
7. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Oman
The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is one of the best spots you can have your dream wedding. The resort is tucked away at the Bay of Jissah and overlooks the Hajar Mountains. The large ballroom is 1,056 square meters can accommodate up to 850 guests, for any who wishes to say their vows indoor. The Al Midan Amphitheatre takes care of the outdoor party and it sits 1,000 people. With the breathtaking water and calming atmosphere, this beautiful spot in Oman is a worthy rival to any other spot on the list.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain
Of all Four Seasons Hotels, the location in Bahrain Bay takes a prominent position. It is commendably referred to as “a destination within a destination”. The location allows for the couple to host as much guests as they want and give them an almost total freedom to do as they wish. The 12-hectares private island gives the utmost privacy and choice for the couple to choose whatever style they want to celebrate their nuptials. The options availed include four large rooms located on the 50th and 51st floors of the hotel while they can also opt to buy out the entire beach and redesign it to suit their purpose. These purposes are attended to by the staffs that work around the clock.
9. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, UAE
The views from the Ritz-Calton in Abu Dhabi will literally take your breath away as you can see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as well as the Al Maqta’a creek. There are several venues in this dream wedding location and you can choose from the options provided for indoor and outdoor weddings. Some of the venues available are the Olive Garden, Pools Garden, Roma Ballroom and Grand Canal Beach. Any of these venues will avail you an amazing time with your guests and give good background to your wedding.
10. JA The Resort, Dubai, UAE
JA The Resort in Jebel Ali, Dubai, is a great wedding location opened to anyone from any part of the world to tie their nuptials. The awesome location is wholesome with 128 acres of beautiful gardens, an 800 meters private beach and an exclusive beach club. With all these, this location avail you numerous choices of indoor and outdoor venues for your wedding.
