The 2023 Best Waterfront Venues In The World
Maybe it’s the way the wind catches the bride’s veil as she’s walking down the aisle, or the way the sunlight glitters on the water, but there’s just something about a waterfront wedding that always takes our breath away. If you’re in search of the perfect waterfront venue for your big day, look no further! We’ve seen a lot of weddings (like A LOT) and we’ve seen just about every venue there is and these are a few of the most spectacular.
Some are on lakes, some oceans, and bays. Who knows, maybe some of these hidden gems are in your own backyard just waiting for you to discover them. So what are you waiting for? Scroll away and see where the waterfront breeze takes you. See the real-wedding about in Lake Como, Italy photographed by Krill Kondratenko .
Haven Harbour
Location: Rock Hall, Maryland
Located in Rock Hall, Maryland, their properties are the ideal setting for any waterfront event. With six guest buildings totaling 22 rooms and suites, and various venue sites that accommodate up to 300 attendees, they know what it takes to make your special day a memorable one. Consider booking them for your wedding, elopement ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, and more.
“My husband and I had our wedding here and I also grew up coming to this marina with my family throughout my childhood. It has always held a special place in my heart, and I was able to share this with my husband and his family. We could not have asked for cleaner accommodations, better service, and amazing amenities. We have the most wonderful wedding pictures of our perfect ceremony on the water”- Mallory
Photography: Cassidy Mr. Photography
Cliffs Hotel & Spa
Location: Pismo Beach, California
Their award-winning wedding venues offer an unforgettable experience that's tailored to you. They go beyond the ceremony and reception, helping you plan from rehearsal dinner to honeymoon. Their spaces are as flexible as they are inviting, and can accommodate everything from elopements all the way to weddings for 320 people. They tailor each venue to fit your ideal day—whether they’re hosting your rehearsal, ceremony, reception, or all of the above.
“The Cliffs is an absolutely STUNNING wedding venue. The backdrop for the ceremony and cocktail hour was incredibly beautiful, and we were even able to sneak away from our reception to take sunset photos as well! Anna was immensely helpful in helping us plan for the wedding as we really did not know anything about what we were supposed to do, she made excellent suggestions and made sure we didn’t forget any details. The team did a fantastic job and the entire day and night went off without a hitch. The catering staff was excellent, and made sure we were actually able to eat during our reception! The bar staff was impressively efficient. The hotel staff also went above and beyond and made the whole weekend extra special. Thank you to everyone who helped and we hope to be back to celebrate our anniversary next year!”- Real Cliffs Hotel Couple.
Shore Lodge
Location: Mcall, Idaho
Emanate the essence of Idaho and luxury on the edge of the wild. They believe happily-ever-after begins in an unforgettable setting, such as the majestic shores of Payette Lake. From timeless elegance and graceful sophistication to stylish chic and rustic homespun, and everything in between, their exquisite surroundings and superior service can bring the wedding of your dreams to life. Shore Lodge weddings offer first-class food and beverage catering possibilities, award-winning wine selections, superior guest accommodations, and plenty of opportunities for your wedding party to delve into adventure and exploration. Make your McCall wedding memories at the historic Shore Lodge resort set on the shores of Payette Lake in the charming mountain town of McCall, Idaho.
“Was just there for a wedding and wow! What a fantastic venue! Great food and service! Just awesome! What a view.”- Justin
Photography: Maggie Grace Photo
One&Only Palmilla
Location: Los Cabos, Mexico
Set amongst the stunning natural geography of the Baja Peninsula alongside the Sea of Cortez, One&Only Palmilla affords extraordinary views of the Los Cabos landscape and beachfront access to one of the few swimmable beaches in the entire region.
Couples can take their pick of wedding venues across the resort, from emerald green lawns, to soft sands or dramatic ballrooms, which they will decorate according to your unique style or theme. Contact their Weddings & Events team now to discover more.
“Our clients can´t get enough of this venue! It's an oft-cited destination for their wedding, and we just love showcasing it on their invitations. It's on our list to visit ourselves in 2022!”- Monica Garcia
Photography: Bruno Rezza
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Location: Miami Florida
With its majestic architecture and magical gardens on Biscayne Bay, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a stunning venue for weddings. Those who have enjoyed an evening at Vizcaya with family, friends, colleagues, or clients know there is nothing quite like it!
“Had my daughter's wedding at Vizcaya this past February and all I can say is wow! What a magical place...gorgeous grounds, beautiful setting, incredible wedding!..Both ceremony and reception were held there, and the night could not be more perfect! We added the 2 extra hours, which was well worth it! Everyone had a blast.”-Thomas M.
Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo
Villa Cimbrone
Location: Ravello, Italy
There is no place like Villa Cimbrone , where guests can imagine and create their dream event. Through personalization and attention to detail, Villa Cimbrone will provide a magical experience. Their passionate and expert staff will assist you throughout the entire planning process from the selection of the best suppliers to the assistance on the day of, including pairing elegant dishes and great wines.
“All I can say is wow the place was amazing. Service blew us away. Staff was seemingly always one step ahead of us. Everyone somehow knew who we were everywhere we went on the property. Bar staff and waiters all remembered what we had ordered on previous days. Very thoughtful and detailed, well beyond what would be expected…The gardens are world-class, and the entire property is beautiful and very quiet. Even the pool was a serene escape from the busy Amalfi coast.”-Andrew Harris
Photography: Abby Jiu Photography
Villa Punto de Vista
Location: Costa Rica
Villa Punto de Vista perches high on a bluff, overlooking the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean and the idyllic sands of Manuel Antonio. The small town, named for its eponymous national park, is located on Costa Rica’s, hurricane-free, central Pacific coast, where you’ll find spectacular rainforests, ivory coastline, rushing rivers, crystalline waterfalls, and aromatic vanilla plantations. Villa Punto de Vista also provides unparalleled access to the wonders of Manuel Antonio. Enjoy amazing panoramic views of everything from the rainforest to the Pacific Ocean from high in the canopy. You’ve never been on a truly luxurious adventure until you partake in the ambiance of our Manuel Antonio villa.
“Our wedding celebration was beyond words. The villa is spectacular and the staff is amazing. They made us all feel very special, like close family. I am truly amazed at the beauty of the villa- the design, quality, and attention to detail. The food was delicious and our views were great.”-Andrea R.
Photography: Jennifer See Studios
The Grand Hotel Mackinac Island Michigan
Location: Northern Michigan
For over 130 years, Grand Hotel —America’s Summer Place located on Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan—has been an exceptional and memorable wedding destination for many couples. As a historic hotel, they pride themselves on the details and making sure your wedding is something you will never forget.
“Marty Davis and her team at the Grand Hotel went above and beyond to make our wedding reception absolutely perfect! Everything exceeded our expectations. The piano player was very talented and provided the perfect compliment to our wedding luncheon. The service was outstanding and food absolutely delicious! Laurie Williams and her team at Margaret’s Garden created beautiful table arrangements, bridal bouquet, boutonnières, and corsages. We can’t say enough good things about the Grand Hotel and its staff. They created a truly magical reception that our families and guests are raving about! We highly recommend the Grand Hotel and their team!”- Mary C.
Photography: The Weber Photographers
Villa Balbiano
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Situated on the western shore of Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is an awe-inspiring Italian jewel, an exceptional historical palazzo that once belonged to the famous Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who built it at the end of the 16th century and used it as his main residence. A century later, it was enlarged and embellished by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini who used the Villa to host a gallant and frivolous society where festivals, banquets, and dances followed one another relentlessly. Since then each successive owner only added to the splendor of the villa. Nowadays, Villa Balbiano is the largest private residence on the lake, occupying over 2ha, with an extensive sumptuous garden, which was distinguished by the British Society of Garden Designers, outdoor swimming pool, a private pier, and a boathouse. Inside, its historic interiors have been filled with the finest objets d’art and furniture of past centuries, sourced from Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Spectacular 17th-century frescoes painted by the Recchi brothers and Agostino Silva still decorate the walls, untouched by time. With its illustrious past and an unparalleled mix of man-made and natural beauty, Villa Balbiano is one of the most glamorous locations on Lake Como.
“We got married here and it was just incredible. All of our guests said it was the best wedding they had been to. From the boat ride over here to the ceremony, food, drinks, and views. The ceremony was personal and just beautiful…The food was plentiful and amazing. Views are just stunning and so much to explore here. Amazing photo opportunities, well James Bond and Star Wars did film here.”- Katie A.
Photography: Grabazei Photography
Noble House
Location(s): California, Florida, Georgia & Mexico
Noble House is a hotel group that specializes in experience-driven hotels and resorts centered in bucket list-worthy destinations.
Each unique location is layered with unique amenities that inspire adventure. They have some of the most amazing waterfront properties! Below are a few of a favorite Noble House beach and coastal wedding venues.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Location: Key West, FL
Far from conventional life lies the Ocean Key Resort & Spa on the notoriously playful island of Key West. There, quaint streets are lined with colorful, 19th-century clapboard houses, and bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation. Ocean Key Resort overlooks the historic and festive Sunset Pier where live entertainment and stunning views help to create a celebration each evening.
Photography: Iris Moore Photography
Kona Kai
Location: San Diego, California
Imagine your special day, set on an exclusive private beach or a lush tropical garden against the backdrop of the stunning San Diego Bay. Picturesque views abound from their unique outdoor spaces including spacious courtyards, quaint terraces, beautiful gardens, and their own one-of-a-kind private beach. Their team of talented, creative wedding planners will help you make your day magical and memorable. They specialize in offering fabulous spaces for a unique wedding designed just for you.
“I stayed here last summer and it was realllllyyy nice! They had their own private beach with fire pits, the views were insane - you could see all of downtown San Diego and on the other side of the Island you could see Point Loma. The rooms were really nice, the beds were super comfortable and they even had their own signature soaps/lotions that smelled incredible. Our favorite part was sitting by the pool bar enjoying the views.”-Erica
Photography: Dear Lovers Photo
Jekyll Island Club
Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia
There is something unmistakably magical about dancing the night away under the Georgia sky and their whimsical Spanish moss knowing that you and your guests are saying “cheers” where some of the country’s most influential families once came to play. From lush gardens and grand cottage grounds to ballroom and beach settings, their venues for ceremonies and festivities celebrate happy couples and welcome their guests.
Photography: Davy Whitener
La Playa
Location: Naples, Florida
Imagine exchanging vows on a white sand beach as the brilliant Florida sun slowly sets over the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico and then dancing the night away in one of their elegant ballrooms. With over 8,000 square feet of flexible wedding venues to choose from, not including the spectacular outdoor reception sites, their wedding planner specialists will help you perfect every detail of your wedding.
“We had an excellent experience with La Playa. The events director, Alexis, along with Baris, Rob, and Judith, did everything possible to make our event the best. Chef M provided an excellent menu and then produced a fantastic culinary experience. Just couldn’t have been better from setup to dessert.”
Photography: The Hendricks Photo
Portofino
Location: Redondo Beach, California
T he Portofino Hotel & Marina is an exceptional venue for your wedding, where sweeping coastal views, personalized service, and sublime cuisine come together to create an unforgettable event. Their happy couples exchange vows overlooking the Pacific Ocean and dance the night away in one of their elegantly appointed waterfront ballrooms.
Pelican Grand
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
A beach wedding offers romance beyond fairytales. Exchange vows as the sun slowly sets over sparkling waters and then dance the night away in an elegant ballroom. Let them help you bring your vision to life. Their wedding experts will work with you every step of the way, up to and throughout the big day.
“I had my dream wedding here. The hotel is a dream and the upstairs sky terrace was perfect. We had 65 people for the sky ballroom and the cake was the best I’ve ever had. The food was yummy and all the hotel guests enjoyed their stay…It is our happy spot and it was a fairy tale dream wedding.”- Valerie
Photo: Spark 11 Films and Photography
Mission Bay
Location: San Diego, California
Say your vows while barefoot on the beach or fully clad overlooking beautiful Mission Bay located in San Diego, California. They’ll help make your wedding unique while providing your out-of-town guests with a holiday as memorable as your special day. Bringing a little of San Diego’s easy energy into the rest of your life is a gift you’ll cherish forever.
L’Auberge Del Mar
Location: Del Mar, California
They want your day to be as special as you. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, their specialists will make your wedding truly unforgettable. There, you’ll find romantic seaside accommodations, a relaxing spa, a stunning selection of wedding and reception venues overlooking the Pacific Ocean , and most importantly, experienced staff ready to bring your wedding dreams to life.
“We loved having our wedding at L'Auberge Del Mar. The atmosphere was so lovely and charming, the staff was attentive and the food was delicious and amazing!”- Anthea B.
Photography: Alicia Mink Photo
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