5 Natural Backdrops for the Ultimate Fantasy Wedding Inline
Photo: Courtesy of Palais Namaskar1/5Desert Oasis
Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, Morocco
In sight of the Sahara Desert, surrounded by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, lies a palm and olive grove called the Palmeraie. Here, Palais Namaskar embodies the oasis with four acres of lakes and twelve acres of gardens on its palatial grounds, where stone paths connect Moorish villas. Walk down the aisle—a roughly 650-foot catwalk across a clear pool—to the tune of the in-house Moroccan orchestra, then break out the Dakhla oysters for a jasmine- and orange blossom-scented garden reception for 250.
Photo: Courtesy of Palazzo Radomiri2/5Rugged Coastline
Palazzo Radomiri in Dobrota, Montenegro
On the Bay of Kotor, not far from the ancient city itself, Palazzo Radomiri dates back to the early eighteenth-century, when the Republic of Venice still ruled. Surrounded by stone jetties and crumbling Venetian ruins cut deep into cliffs along the Adriatic, this old captain’s manse was restored and converted into a boutique inn just a few years back. Host an intimate breakfast on the old-world stone terrace with fresh preserves and creamed butter, drizzled with honey, and have your ceremony on the seaside pier, with the rocky green cliffs stretching far behind you.
Photo: Courtesy of Cheval Blanc Randheli3/5Private Island
Cheval Blanc Randheli on Noonu Atoll, the Maldives
Hop a seaplane from the capital of Malé to reach three islands on white sandbanks, ringed by a coral reef and miles of water, that are home to the LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc Randheli. Airy villas are perched over the ocean, each with its own infinity pool and custom Dior products in the bath. On the big day, take a dhoni to the dedicated spa island for a lagoon-side Guerlain facial and hair and makeup by Leonor Greyl. Big spenders can do like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and rent the whole resort for private panoramic views.
Photo: Courtesy of Borgo Santo Pietro4/5Tuscan Countryside
Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany
The fields of Borgo Santo Pietro, whose thirteenth-century stone villa was restored not long ago, are home to more than 250,000 plants, alpacas, geese, and other residents of the working organic farm. Soak in the life à la Medici with an open fire in the welcome hall, and a glass of Prosecco in an antique rose garden, then gather fresh mint, artichokes, violets, and green garlic for your wedding feast. Nearby, the roofless Abbey San Galgano, with its tall sandy columns, provides the perfect ceremony site for exchanging vows beneath the Tuscan sky.
Photo: Courtesy of Shakti 360 Leti5/5Mountain Peaks
Shakti 360 Leti in Kumaon, India
From the Old Delhi Railway Station, an overnight train will take you to Shakti 360 Leti, a glass and timber box set 8,000 feet in the mountains, in the northern state of Uttarkhand. Surrounded by oak forests and streams, the natural views take center stage. Hike down the river for a picnic lunch in the foothills with your guests, wrapped in bright pink and orange pashminas, and set your ceremony and reception amid the grassy scrubland, with the lamp-lit Himalayas before you.
