There’s a lot to take into consideration when choosing where to have your wedding. Location and cost play a huge role, but so does the type of venue. And while hotel ballrooms are a popular option, there’s a certain type of magic that unfolds with a full buyout. It comes with built-in accommodations, round-the-clock service, and the flexibility to transform the entire property to bring your dreams to life. But most importantly, it allows you to maximize time with all your loved ones under one proverbial roof, and enjoy a trip together, affording unlimited opportunities for unexpected moments and lasting memories.
So if you’re looking to plan a wedding-cum-vacation, here are 13 boutique hotels across the world that’ll make your big day even more special. All under 50 rooms, they provide an unmatched sense of intimacy that’s perfect for small weddings. Whether you’re in search of a countryside estate, a private island retreat, or a quaint and charming home, the options are varied and sure to spark some inspiration.
For couples keen on creating a memorable gastronomic experience for their special day, there’s perhaps no bigger flex than having your wedding menu curated by Kyle Connaughton, the mastermind behind SingleThread. Located in Healdsburg, California, the highly lauded restaurant is a modern take on Japanese cuisine that beautifully marries responsibly sourced fish with produce grown on their own 24-acre regenerative farm, with each plate beautifully dressed in whimsical floral artistry by the chef’s wife, Katina, who also doubles as head farmer. Atop the dining room is a chic five-room B&B with some of the most thoughtful touches, like a Cuzen matcha maker, sumptuous Matouk linens, and housemade ice cream stocked in the freezer. And just above that you’ll find a rooftop fit for ceremonies and cocktail hour. But if you put your bid in early enough, you might just be able to secure one of two annual event slots at the farm. Exchange vows under a flower-trimmed A-frame that was made for the wedding of Kyle and Katina’s daughter followed by dinner in the tea garden illuminated by the glow of string lights. To complete the experience, there are also a variety of workshops that can be arranged for you and your guests that run the gamut from flower arranging lessons to chopstick-making sessions.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $10,000 per night
- Minimum Nights: Two nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 10 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 48 guests at the restaurant, 150 guests at the farm
- Inclusions: Daily breakfast
- Additional Notes: F&B minimum and venue fee applies, noise ordinance for events held at the inn’s rooftop
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Nestled within the Loire Valley, Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé is the kind of place that inspires fairytales. The 18th-century neoclassical palace boasts beautifully curated, period-appropriate interiors that pay respect to French craftsmanship. You’ll find wallpapers featuring archival prints in the individually designed rooms; antique furniture sourced from flea markets across France; original chinoiserie murals by Jean-Baptiste Pillement; and vintage Hermès, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Christian Lacroix fabrics refashioned into upholstery and pillow covers. And as swoon-worthy as the design elements are, it’s the 80 sprawling acres that the château sits on that serve as the biggest draw for a dreamlike wedding. Kick off the weekend with a welcome picnic on an expansive lawn dotted with statues gifted by King Louis XV. Hold your ceremony amongst trickling fountains and fragrant lavender followed by a reception dinner in a manicured garden with immaculately trimmed topiaries. Then, end with a late-night fête in the grand ballroom that once housed paintings for the Louvre during World War II. The romantic opportunities are seemingly endless.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From 28,000 euro per night
- Minimum Nights: Two nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 44 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 100 guests
- Inclusions: Varies depending on wedding package
- Additional Notes: Event furnishings only available through third-party vendors, noise ordinance for outdoor music
Turn your private island dreams into a reality at Cape Fahn. Set on its own islet just off the northeast coast of Koh Samui (yes, where the third season of The White Lotus was filmed), it’s the perfect exclusive hideaway for an intimate gathering while being a stone’s throw away from all the action. The property’s infinity pools overlooking a quaint, white-sand beach afford the opportunity for a variety of pre-wedding activities that run the gamut from picnics in the sand to movie nights under the stars. For your big day, there’s a dedicated wedding terrace overlooking the bright blue water and Long Dtai restaurant, which serves some of the best Southern Thai cuisine in the area, has an expansive patio for a stunning alfresco reception. To top it all off, your guests will be spoiled with accommodations as each villa comes with its own private pool.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From 630,000 baht per night
- Minimum Nights: Two nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 52 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 60 guests
- Inclusions: Daily breakfast, F&B credit, roundtrip airport transfers, sunset trip on private yacht for up to 12 guests
- Additional Notes: Noise ordinance for events held at Hue Restaurant, none for parties held at Long Dtai Restaurant
Tucked away within Punta Mita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Naviva is arguably one of the most unique properties within the Four Seasons portfolio. To start, there are just 15 spacious, canvas-covered bungalows ensconced in the resort’s lush landscaping. The large furnished terraces allow you to immerse in the surrounding nature and are decked out with an indoor-outdoor living area, hammock, and plunge pool, with select rooms also boasting a firepit. But what really sets it apart is its luxurious take on an all-inclusive program. All food and drinks are taken care of, including room service and premium wines and spirits, along with a 90-minute spa journey at one of the two standalone pavilions, complete with a barrel hot tub and covered cabana for the perfect post-treatment relaxation. An extensive program of complimentary daily experiences will also assure that you and your guests will be taken care of at all times, whether it be a gratitude temazcal ceremony, fishing for snapper right off the shore, or learning how to make ceviche with the chefs. And when it comes to your big day, there are a few locations to choose from, including the secluded beach, two terraces that overlook the ocean, or, if you want to get creative, at the tiered pool.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $45,000 per night
- Minimum Nights: Two nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 30 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 28 guests
- Inclusions: All F&B, one spa treatment per guest, daily activities
- Additional Notes: N/A
About an hour and a half north of Boston is a special town in Maine called York. It’s the kind of place that’s devoid of chains, which only adds to its charm and strong sense of community. And right along the rocky coastline you’ll find the Viewpoint, a locally owned hotel by a husband-wife duo who are passionate about bringing the best in hospitality to the area. With an expansive lawn overlooking the water and Nubble Lighthouse, it’d seem that the pair built it with weddings in mind. They’ve also thrown in some incredible bonuses for happy couples, including use of a getting-ready studio just across the street and a sailcloth tent for a dreamy outdoor reception. Cheers under the stars, dance by the sea, and reminisce around the firepits. Once you’re ready to call it an evening, the property’s white chateau houses the bulk of the rooms, where many of the suites boast kitchens. But its most prized accommodations are the recently built Shoreside Rooms that have been carved into the cliffside, featuring swanky modern touches that are unmatched in New England.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $13,500 per night
- Minimum Nights: Two nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 46 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 150 guests
- Inclusions: Access to the property’s getting ready studio, reception tent, select furniture, livestream camera, security
- Additional Notes: Venue fee applies, catering and event furnishings only available through third-party vendors, evening curfew
Bring your English countryside manor dreams to life at Heckfield Place. Just a little over an hour outside of London, this bucolic estate sits on more than 400 acres of rolling meadows and dense forest. As you can imagine, with this much land, the possibilities for outdoor festivities are numerous. Whether it’s a picnic in the woods, rowboats on the lake, or croquet on the lawn, they have you covered. This, of course, also translates to your big day, with a multitude of alfresco ceremony and reception options. Even if the weather isn’t in your favor, an enclosed event space that looks out to the verdant grounds still allows you to connect with nature, as does the glass house within the walled gardens. Otherwise, head inside the lovingly restored 18th-century Georgian mansion—where the hotel’s swoon-worthy rooms decorated with natural materials and muted hues can be found—and opt for a rustic vibe at Hearth with its brick walls, exposed beams, and wood-burning oven.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From 85,000 pounds per night
- Minimum Nights: Two nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 90 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 120 guests inside, 150 guests outside
- Inclusions: F&B and wellness credit
- Additional Notes: Fireworks are not allowed due to livestock on the farm, noise ordinance for outdoor music
If you’re in search of a space that can deliver a homey, but elevated, party with flair and Southern hospitality, look no further than the Chloe. Set along tree-lined St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans’ Uptown neighborhood, this restored 19th-century mansion is now a 14-room hotel. Each of the accommodations is individually designed—with quirky details like a Narnia-like, armoire-inspired door that leads to an airy bathroom—and features local touches like vinyls from Peaches Records and chocolates by Piety and Desire. If the stylish digs aren’t enough, the public spaces that will be at your disposal will surely win you over. The backyard pool, complete with its own bar, is particularly enchanting at night, especially with some string lights and a five-piece jazz band. And while the restaurant can certainly accommodate a post-ceremony dinner, we’d suggest opting for the front patio instead for a picturesque alfresco celebration. With its white marble tables, tasseled umbrellas, and French bistro chairs, it’s quaint yet chic—exactly what you want for a low-key affair.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $14,000 per night
- Minimum Nights: Two nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 34 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 50 guests
- Inclusions: Daily breakfast, select furniture
- Additional Notes: F&B minimum and venue fee applies, recommended for receptions (although ceremonies are possible)
This writer once showed a photo of Amangiri to a friend, and she exclaimed: “The desert hotel!” That’s the thing about this illustrious resort. Even if someone doesn’t know it by name, they’ll likely still recognize its picturesque pool wrapped around a rock formation. Hidden within over 900 acres of southern Utah wilderness and surrounded by lofty flat-topped mesas and rock escarpments, the setting elicits a sense of drama and awe. The main resort, which blends into the landscape, is home to the aforementioned famed pool along with an exceptional spa and 34 suites, all of which boast firepit-adorned terraces that look out to the otherworldly topography, some with the added bonus of a plunge pool. And just a few minutes away is Camp Sarika, where each of the 10 tented pavilions comes with its own pool and added privacy. For your wedding not only will you have unfettered access to the hotel, but also a myriad of spectacular outdoor spaces including a nest-like alcove nestled within Entrada sandstone and an expansive landing with vistas of Navajo Mountain, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Lake Powell. And while you’re here, there will be no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained, from the on-site via ferrata to Navajo-led tours of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Your guests will thank you for the unforgettable adventures.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $400,000 for both Amangiri and Camp Sarika per night, from $150,000 for Camp Sarika per night
- Minimum Nights: Three nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 100 guests for full buyout, 30 guests for Camp Sarika
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 100 guests for full buyout, 30 guests for Camp Sarika
- Inclusions: Daily breakfast and lunch for two guests per room, daily scheduled group wellness classes and hikes, roundtrip airport transfers
- Additional Notes: Buyouts for the main resort must also include Camp Sarika; F&B minimum applies
While it’s nearly impossible to get permission for a wedding at Château de Versailles, you can do the next best thing and hold your nuptials at neighboring Le Grand Contrôle. Commissioned by King Louis XIV and built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the same architect behind the palace’s iconic Hall of Mirrors, the 17th-century building formerly served as the ministry of finance. But since 2021, it has been a one-of-a-kind 13-key hotel that pays homage to pre–French Revolution splendor with about 900 period artifacts, plus the addition of some gold leaf to add a bit more opulence. Ceremonies are mostly held on the property’s terrace that peers out to the palace’s Hundred Steps staircase and Orangery while late-night after-parties are thrown in the subterranean pool (decked out with hand-painted frescoes and checkered Carrara marble floors, naturally). And while wedding photos aren’t allowed in the Domain of Versailles, the property might be able to pull some strings for the Trianon Estate, Marie Antoinette’s hideaway.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From 70,000 euro per night
- Minimum Nights: N/A
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 36 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 60 guests
- Inclusions: Afternoon tea, private after-hours tours of Château de Versailles, row boats at the park
- Additional Notes: F&B minimum applies, noise ordinances for both outdoor and indoor music, wedding pictures are not allowed within the Domain of Versailles
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A wellness retreat might not be the first place that comes to mind for a wedding, but Shou Sugi Ban House is a great fit for couples wanting a serene celebration mixed in with some mind-soothing activities. Just east of New York City, this gated haven is surrounded by evergreen trees and dotted with water features that instill relaxation. Its minimalist design featuring white interiors and Japandi accommodations not only adds to the tranquil atmosphere, but also sets the stage for an elegant ceremony. Between the festivities, you and your guests can explore the hotel’s extensive wellness offerings. Whether it’s a sound bathing journey, a fully customized massage, a facial using Biologique Recherche products, or the daily yoga classes, there’s something for everyone. To top it all off, the culinary team whips up some fantastic, and refined, dishes using seasonal, organic produce, some of which is grown right on the property.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $56,000 per night
- Minimum Nights: Three nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 46 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 50 guests
- Inclusions: Daily breakfast, wellness classes
- Additional Notes: Larger celebrations can be held at the adjacent Shou Sugi Ban Residence
In Marrakech’s Palmeraie there’s a lush oasis known as Jnane Tamsna. The hotel is a beautiful celebration of Moroccan architecture, with horseshoe arches, geometric patterns, and ornate tilework at every turn. Each of the rooms has been individually designed by proprietress Meryanne Loum-Martin and is an ode to African art and craftsmanship, while the verdant gardens are tended to by her ethnobotanist husband. And when it comes to events, the lawyer-turned-hotelier knows how to throw a good party. Wed on the rooftop terrace with views of the palm groves, then head down below to the olive tree–canopied pathways. It’ll be an evening to remember under the gentle glow of candlelight, bountiful flowers, and the best local entertainment.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $18,500 per night
- Minimum Nights: Three nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 80 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 300 guests
- Inclusions: Daily breakfast
- Additional Notes: F&B and décor fees apply
If you’ve been to Rome, you’ve likely unknowingly passed Palazzo Shedir. Just down the road from the Spanish Steps, this discreet hideaway once served as the Borghese family’s private residence. Now, it’s an exclusive-use property that has stayed true to its Roman Baroque magnificence. Swathed in marble, gold leaf, and beautiful frescoes, every inch of this estate will turn your head. The ballroom-turned–dining hall is an absolute stunner, complete with onyx door frames, mosaic flooring, original mirrors from the 16th century, and a gilded ceiling that will wow even your most well-traveled loved ones. And in the basement alongside the indoor pool is your very own nightclub for an intimate after-party. There are just three suites in the palazzo, but fret not as your guests can stay just around the corner at sister property Hotel Vilòn.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From 10,000 euro per night
- Minimum Nights: N/A
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 12 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 60 guests
- Inclusions: N/A
- Additional Notes: F&B minimum and venue fee applies
On the lesser-known island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic), the all-villa Secret Bay is a sustainably built resort that epitomizes barefoot luxury. Each of the residential-style accommodations boasts indoor-outdoor living spaces, a plunge pool, and dedicated hosts to tend to every need. But what makes this property particularly special is that it provides the feeling of a private island retreat without the price tag of one. Here, you’ll have access to three secluded white-sand beaches that are ideal for a small wedding or choose one of the decks overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Afterward, head over to the hotel’s restaurant for a lovely reception featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and craft kombucha brewed on site.
- Starting Buyout Rate: From $23,000 per night
- Minimum Nights: Three nights
- Maximum Hotel Occupancy: 80 guests
- Maximum Wedding Guests: 80 guests
- Inclusions: Daily breakfast, airport transfers, welcome dinner, Indian River tour
- Additional Notes: Other fees may apply
