They say that adventure is out there — so why can’t that be true for your wedding day, as well? If you and your partner know your sense of spontaneity is what you love most about your relationship, or you’re just looking for the most epic venue to say your “I dos,” you may need something with a little more adventure, and maybe even a little more fearlessness to boot.
But with so many cities, landscapes, and more to pick from, the analysis paralysis is REAL. So don’t fret! We’re filtering it down to just the 6 romantic wedding destinations that make the epitome of adventure and love look not just fun — but downright cool. So read on to find out which top destinations all wanderlusters can expect to put on their wedding invitation cards!
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Atlantis Paradise Island
You know what they say, go big or go home! We’re starting this list off with one of the most extravagant and adventurous wedding destinations out there – Atlantis Paradise Island. This iconic resort in the Bahamas is more than just a vacation spot — it’s a dreamscape for couples who want a wedding that’s anything but pedestrian. Case in point? Say your vows encased in tranquil turquoise waters, with creatures from the deep cruising by your feet in their stunning underwater chapel. You read that right — an underwater chapel. Are you game enough?
But guess what…the fun is just getting started! After you say “I do”, your guests can cool off in the Aquaventure Water Park, stroll through the beautiful marine exhibits at The Dig, or simply unwind on the immaculate beaches. At Atlantis Paradise Island, your adventure wedding isn’t just an event — it’s an experience fit for a lifetime of unforgettable memories, filled with fun, beauty, and just a little bit of tropical magic.
PS: You could even stick to the underwater theme by heading to the Atlantis at Palm in Dubai for your honeymoon. This hotel offers suites that are fully underwater, giving you and your new spouse the chance to continue the aquatic adventure.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Of all the romantic wedding destinations in New Zealand, Queenstown is perhaps the most unique for couples wanting a truly out-of-this-world wedding day. With incredible landscapes, terrain, and tons of activities that will exhilarate any adrenaline junkie, Queenstown offers a whole lot more than a photo-worthy backdrop. Hop in a helicopter for your wedding, marry alongside Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range as your canvas, drop into an alpine setting for your day. Queenstown is the ultimate setting for a wedding day!
And you won’t have to leave the excitement of a real-world adventure out of your post-nuptial activities either. For couples who love a rush, there’s no shortage of heli-skiing, bungee jumping, and adventure. Whether you’re bungee jumping or paragliding, Queenstown’s peaks and waters offer activities suitable for couples who, like their wedding day, will celebrate their time after with a shot of adrenaline.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Couples yearning to stay in India for their wedding celebrations, rejoice! Turns out, you don’t always have to choose between fun or adventure on the big day. The good news is, that India is home to one of the most epic wedding destinations – Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, also known as one of our favourite cultural destinations in North India. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River, this dreamy destination is just the place for lovers of the great outdoors. The area’s spiritual backdrop is sure to add a one-of-a-kind touch to the ceremony, while adventure junkies can look forward to river rafting, bungee jumping, rock climbing and a plethora of other activities that you’re sure to enjoy with your special someone.
Later, luxurious hilltop resorts set on the banks of the Ganges are the perfect place for an evening cocktail as their modern facilities and earthy charm make for an adventurous setting for all your wedding revelry. After all, who said you had to travel thousands of miles for some fun? This adventure wedding destination is right on your doorstep!
Antarctica
Consider Antarctica your adventure wedding destination and embrace the extraordinary – a land so untouched and pristine that the words “I do” take on a whole new meaning. The first wedding in Antarctica took place on Valentine’s Day in 2022 and since then it has opened the door for other adventurous couples. Various companies offer unique wedding packages in this vast and uninhabited landscape that offer couples the opportunity to exchange vows in a way they’d never have imagined. Imagine saying your vows with majestic icebergs and fluffy, untouched snowscapes in the background… talk about a unique experience!
But it doesn’t end there — beyond the breathtaking landscape and the rarity of an Antarctic wedding, thrill-seeking couples can embrace adventures such as heli-skiing down untouched slopes, exploring ice caves, and witnessing the wildlife that is found in the area, like penguins, and seals. So yes, this one may be extremely unconventional, but we guarantee that you’ll be creating memories that will be recounted as the ultimate adventure of a lifetime. Truly a novel find among the romantic wedding destinations of the world.
South Africa
Cue the Circle Of Life. If you’re mad for wild animals, it’s kind of a no-brainer that you’d pick South Africa as your ultimate wedding destination. Considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, the country is a dreamy mashup of landscapes; coastlines ribboned with the oceans, cascading into regions variegated with grassland and forests and mountains.
Imagine standing before the one you love, your backdrop not just any view, but that of the immeasurable South African savannah, as it spreads toward the horizon. Yep, there’s definitely no location better for the wildlife enthusiast than South Africa to make the wedding of couples dreams.
However, the wedding isn’t the end of an incredible South African adventure. The country offers a plethora of experiences for you and your wedding guests. Why not take a safari drive and witness the “Big Five” being magnificent in their natural habitat, embark on a hot air balloon ride over the lush landscapes or perhaps take a romantic cruise along the plenty of picturesque coastline? South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry, vibrant cities, and world-class vineyards ensure that your South African wedding is a multi-dimensional experience!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
For couples looking for a staged mix of Southwestern charm and thriving cultural scene, Albuquerque in New Mexico presents an irresistible wedding destination option. Nestled along the scenic Rio Grande, this city encapsulates the essence of New Mexico’s rich history and artistic flair. OH, and how could we forget — Albuquerque is super famous for its hot air balloon weddings. What better way to celebrate your love than to get married in the skies while your guests follow along in hundreds of other hot-air balloons? Your wedding photos are pretty much going to be unmatched with that kind of view.
Of course, the rush doesn’t stop there. After your nuptials, head to the nearby Sandia Mountains for a day of hiking, mountain biking, or a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway that promises an unbeatable landscape of the desert day as it unfurls towards the Rio Grande Valley. If you prefer things a little speedier still, look into guided horseback rides through high desert terrain. Whatever you choose, New Mexico guarantees a whirlwind adventure that you’ll be posting “throwbacks” about for years to come.
When it comes to adventurous wedding destinations for equally adventurous couples, there’s no shortage of amazing places awaiting your arrival. From encountering wild animals, to floating way up and away in a hot air balloon, to tying the knot 600 feet above ground, the possibilities are as vast as your love for one another.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. All the best, and congratulations on getting hitched!
This post has been contributed by a guest author - Amrita Bala. Amrita was born in Singapore and currently resides in Melbourne, Australia. A lifelong foodie and cultural connoisseur, Amrita considers herself to be a citizen of the world. She loves to celebrate her South Asian roots through her veganism, artisanal food, beer, and wine, and creating the perfect menu pairings.