You want parts (or all) of the traditions you grew up with, but you also wouldn’t mind sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, redwoods or Greek isles. Well, good news: There are drop-dead-gorgeous churches, chapels and cathedrals all around the world. Here are nine you can actually get married in.
9 Beautiful Churches Around the World You Can Actually Get Married In
Churchill (victoria, Australia)
This 150-year-old country church now functions as more of a gorgeously moody event space than a religious haven. That said, no matter what kind of flower arrangements you bring in, they’ll never upstage the grand timber ceilings, colorful stained-glass windows, carved wooden pulpit or choir loft.
Grand Wailea Resort Chapel (wailea, Hawaii)
If you wanted the tropical beach wedding and the traditional chapel, this picturesque gem located at the luxe Grand Wailea Resort might just be the perfect compromise. You get your stained glass windows and a view of the sea. Plus, no need to take off again for a honeymoon. (Because we’re staying here forever.)
Iglesia De San Jose De Orosi (orosi, Costa Rica)
Costa Rica has a bunch of historic churches, so why not opt for the oldest Catholic church in the country? Built in 1743, this serene and peaceful church is small in size, but has a pretty impressive collection of religious art. Also, can we just look at those mountains for a second?
Tirtha Bridal Chapel (bali, Indonesia)
Raise your hand if you want to get married on top of a cliff in Bali. (Yeah, us too.) In this majestic wedding chapel you not only get to marry the love of your life, but you also get to take in the sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Just try not to get too distracted to say “I do.”
Church Of Panagia Paraportiani (mykonos, Greece)
This Greek Orthodox church was completed in the 17th century, but construction started in 1425. (Yeah, it took a while.) But it was totally worth it, because let’s face it: You always wanted to get hitched in a literal postcard—seriously, it’s the most photographed church in the Cyclades.
Thorncrown Chapel (eureka Springs, Arkansas)
No, that’s not an optical illusion. This wooden structure rises 48 feet tall, mingling with the towering Ozark trees. And no, it’s not an open building; it actually contains 425 windows, creating one of the most open-concept chapels you’ll ever set foot in, thanks to architect E. Fay Jones.
Wayfarers Chapel (palos Verdes, California)
Designed by Lloyd Wright (Frank Lloyd Wright’s son) in the 1920s, this unique chapel nestled in the redwoods is as inviting as its open structure implies; the sacred space follows the Swedenborgian Church’s belief that welcomes all wayfarers along life’s path. While all religious backgrounds can marry in the “Tree Church,” the Chapel Minister must sign off on the final service.
Hallgrimskirkja (reykjavík, Iceland)
Why not one-up all your friends by getting married in this epic monument? Not surprisingly, this Lutheran church designed by Guðjón Samúelsson is the largest church in Iceland and took 41 years to build. Best of all, if you get married here, you can walk down the aisle to the sounds of live organ music (you just need to book the player ahead of time). Here’s to 41-plus years of marriage!
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Basilica Di San Marco (venice, Italy)
Sure, those chapels in the woods are cute and all, but when you said you wanted a church, you meant a church. Well, good news. While it will require some serious Episcopal Diocese paperwork, if you plan ahead, you can get married in the illustrious Basilica di San Marco of Venice. Get out of the way, pigeons. We’re getting married.