Planning a wedding requires a myriad of pressing decisions—chief among them the destination. A ceremony’s venue helps set the tone for the entire event, whether it’s saying “I do” beneath a canopy of pine trees, or on a sandy beach beneath the setting sun. For couples who appreciate a storied atmosphere, exchanging vows inside a historic chapel can feel especially romantic. Religion aside, these centuries-old structures showcase original architecture and artwork, which imbue the occasion with even more significance.
If such a setting is in line with your vision, take note of the nine exquisite hotels below. At each of these properties (which can be bought out for wedding weekends), a centuries-old church offers a dreamy focal point for the big day. If an international getaway is the marching order, consider the Peruvian Andes or the French Riviera. Or, if domestic locales are preferred for ease of travel, a 19th-century, celebrity-approved church in New Orleans is also on the roster. Continue below for a design-forward dose of matrimonial inspiration.
Pieve Aldina (Tuscany, Italy)
This 22-key hotel in the heart of Chianti epitomizes the Tuscan countryside. The drive to reach the Fontenille Collection property is like entering a painting; meandering hillsides dotted with vines and cypress trees slowly reveal Pieve Aldina’s verdant entrance. This was once the summer residence for the Bishops of Siena in the 15th and 16th century, so if historical significance is on your ceremonial checklist, consider that box checked. An aura of romance permeates the estate, from the wood-fired kitchen to the olive groves (where guests are encouraged to wander). But the most magnificent slice of the past is the property’s well-preserved Romanesque church of Santa Maria Novella, which dates to the 10th century and still has frescoes from the 1500s. It’s one of the oldest churches of its kind in the Florentine heritage, and available for privatization for intimate nuptials.
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel (Cusco, Peru)
High in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco enchants travelers with its winding cobbled streets and Inca ruins. Naturally, the landscape makes a breathtaking backdrop for wedding ceremonies, particularly those held within Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel. This former monastery and national monument dates back to 1595 and includes a grand Baroque chapel adorned with large-scale original paintings and luminous gold leaf interiors. The cloistered courtyard adjacent to the chapel possesses a 300-year-old cedar tree, further adding to the historical affect of the setting.
Hotel Peter Paul (New Orleans, Louisiana)
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New Orleans is a favored destination for couples tying the knot thanks to the celebratory atmosphere and historic architecture. At Hotel Peter + Paul (located in the Marigny), a former Catholic church from the 19th century serves as the setting, including the adjacent brick church built by architect Henry Howard. Inside, stained glass windows, cypress wood moldings, and restored murals steal the scene, as do the soaring ceilings and grand columns. The original bell remains in the bell tower, and the monastic light all swirls together to create a magical environment for nuptials (including Anya Taylor-Joy, who held her private ceremony here in 2022).
Botanic Sanctuary (Antwerp, Belgium)
For those with a flair for the dramatic, the towering gothic chapel at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp awaits. This 108-room hotel occupies a former 13th-century monastery and lies beside the city’s botanical garden. Those saying “I do” within the 1400-era chapel can begin their wedding day at the property’s soothing spa, which sprawls across three floors and one thousand square meters. After the ceremony, drift outside to the Monastery Garden for atmospheric canapés, and conclude the event in the hotel’s plush bridal suite. Guests traveling for the big day will be well positioned for exploration: discover over 2,000 species at the neighboring botanic garden, and immerse in the city’s fashion legacy with a day of shopping the greats.
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan (St. Vincent Grenadines)
Ticking off the boxes for both a historic chapel and tropical climate, Canouan Estate s’s church offers a unique spin on tying the knot. The original structure was built in 17th-century England, later dismantled, then transferred to the island and reconstructed stone by stone in the early 1800s. The non-denominational chapel now sits among lush, leafy palms and holds between 50 to 80 guests. Up until recently, the island has long been considered a best-kept secret, but has quickly become a Caribbean favorite thanks to its convenient location, unobstructed mountainsides, and luxurious accommodations and wellness facilities (don’t miss the overwater spas at the Mandarin Oriental Canouan).
Bishop’s Lodge (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
The high deserts of Santa Fe make for a magical wedding destination. At Bishop’s Lodge (an Auberge Collection hotel), a whitewashed adobe structure built in the 1860s by Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy provides an intimate space for saying “I do.” The structure is typical of the Territorial architectural style, while inside a Gothic-influenced wooden altar serves as the focal point. Once guests head outside, they’ll be treated to the chapel garden that overlooks the Sangre de Cristo foothills (ideal for post-ceremony canapés and cocktails).
Rosewood São Paulo (Brazil)
With its stained glass rosette by Vik Muniz and Byzantine-style frescoes, the 1922-era Santa Luzia Chapel is a breathtaking setting for a ceremony in Brazil. The church is now part of Rosewood São Paulo and pays homage to Italian immigration to the country at the beginning of the 20th century. In comparison to the smaller chapels on this list, the venue can hold up to 180 guests, making it an attractive choice for larger wedding parties.
Masseria Calderisi (Puglia, Italy)
Couples with their sights set on Puglia, take note of Masseria Calderisi. This striking boutique hotel sits within a 17th-century farm, surrounded by 24 acres of olive groves, citrus trees, and herb gardens. The whitewashed tufa stone walls and textural interiors offer an atmospheric backdrop for wedding weekends. For the ceremony itself, a small chapel can accommodate up to 30 guests and dates back to the 1600s. Just outside, a piazza with strung lights awaits.
Château Saint-Martin Spa (Vence, France)
As far as wedding destinations go, it doesn’t get much more idyllic than the French Riviera. At Château Saint-Martin Spa in Vence, an air of history hangs over the property’s 32 acres. The château was originally a fortified structure during Roman times, and later a stronghold for the Knights Templar in the 12th century. Also on property is a restored chapel that dates to the 1100s, but features a contemporary mural by artist Erick Lfergan called the “Tree of Life.”
