Project Destination Wedding

Destination to pick

By Farah Amin

Loire Valley, France
Why get hitched here:
Because if we say Paris, the city of love, that would just be a cliché and there are so many underrated out of this world beauty all over France.
Just two hours outside the city, is the chateau-rich and rolling Loire Valley, valued for its castles, historic villages, charming people, wines and food.
That is basically everything you need for a dream destination wedding.
Your guests, and you of course, can also enjoy the country life where they can go for a wine-tasting tour, pay a visit to the Chateau d’Ussé,—said to be the setting of the French fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” in the village of Rigny-Ussé or indulge the beloved tarte Tatin (upside-down apple tart), which also makes a great dessert alternative.

When to wed: April through June, and September through early November. While the weather is mild year-round, the rainy season varies by region and runs from mid-November through February.

Cayman Islands
Why get hitched here: this place is made for destination weddings where you will get the best in hospitality and tropical romance. The Cayman Islands are well acquainted with people getting married there, so weather you want to get hitched at a smaller resort or a five-star restaurant, this destination will cater to your specific needs.
Not to mention the backdrop is absolutely gorgeous with tranquil turquoise waters and sugary white-sand beaches dotted with palm and pine trees, where you and your guests will have plenty of options for how to spend their downtime, including swimming, snorkeling and visiting historic George Town.
When to wed: High season begins the week before Christmas and goes through April, so you’ll deal with crowds then. Avoid hurricane season, which is May to November.

Turks and Caicos
Why get hitched here: this destination is less developed and more upscale compared to the rest of the Caribbean. The collection of 40 islands, eight of which are inhabited, feel very intimate. Natural reef surrounds many islands making the turquoise waters just offshore clean, calm and full of sea life, and the perfect backdrop for a beach ceremony, and sunsets over Grace Bay are unforgettable. All the islands are easily accessible through the US cities to Providenciales, the main island — a plus for guests. Turks and Caicos has some of the best underwater sightseeing around, so snorkeling and scuba diving are a must pastime there. Alongside with that, whale and bird watching are two other popular activities.
When to wed: The climate is sunny and dry from November to May. However, during the summer and early fall, daytime highs range from 30 C to 35 C degrees, and hurricane season also runs from June through November, so avoid that.

Tuscany, Italy
Why get hitched here: For a rustic, romantic affair, the wine estates and castles of central Tuscany can’t be beat. Fixed along central Italy’s west coast, Tuscany’s green valleys, rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and 15th-century art and architecture are what wedding dreams are made of.
This is all about “il dolce far niente”, or the sweet art of idleness. Indulge your guests with amazing cuisine and wines full of local specialties such as olive oil, mushrooms, truffles, roasted meant and salami, where they will feel right at ease.
When to wed: May, September and October are the best times weather-wise, however it’s when the tourists start coming. July and August are the hottest and most humid months.