Pamela Price
World's most elegant getaways for private weddings
For engaged couples, nowhere is too high or too low, too far or too wide, when it comes to having an alternative wedding that doesn’t include a guest list. From the heights of Machu Picchu to the isolated beaches of the Seychelles Islands, ordinary weddings are out. Exceptional elopements—or “matrimonial getaways,” if you prefer—are in.
Marc Smookler, a communications specialist from Manhattan Beach, Calif., and his bride got high at their wedding—in the geographical sense, that is. “We combined the ceremony with the honeymoon and trekked to the terrace of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.” The music wasn’t the traditional Bridal March but the sounds of live Andean chants. From the groom’s perspective, “it was a challenge, but we planned the wedding months in advance.”...
World's most elegant getaways for private weddings
For engaged couples, nowhere is too high or too low, too far or too wide, when it comes to having an alternative wedding that doesn’t include a guest list. From the heights of Machu Picchu to the isolated beaches of the Seychelles Islands, ordinary weddings are out. Exceptional elopements—or “matrimonial getaways,” if you prefer—are in.
Marc Smookler, a communications specialist from Manhattan Beach, Calif., and his bride got high at their wedding—in the geographical sense, that is. “We combined the ceremony with the honeymoon and trekked to the terrace of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.” The music wasn’t the traditional Bridal March but the sounds of live Andean chants. From the groom’s perspective, “it was a challenge, but we planned the wedding months in advance.”...
Pamela Price World's most elegant getaways for private weddings For engaged couples, nowhere is too high or too low, too far or too wide, when it comes... more
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1
Abercrombie & Kent
Machu Picchu, Peru
You'll reach the heights of wedded bliss after trekking up to an authentic Andean ceremony in the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. It helps to have an experienced tour operator, such as Abercrombie & Kent handle the details. You'll stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, and be treated to a guided trek up the mountain—wearing your native-inspired bridal veil, if you wish.
2
Four Seasons Biltmore Resort
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Rianna Riego and Jeff Zamensky planned their private wedding with the assistance of a wedding planner at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort in Santa Barbara, Calif. She suggested Indy, their dog and the only wedding guest, spend the next few days at a nearby snazzy canine spa so the couple could be alone.
3
Six Senses Hideaway at Ana Mandara
Vietnam
For some remote elopements, the wedding journey as well as the destination is key. A private wedding in southern Vietnam fits the bill, with serene beaches and a crisscross of private walking trails. The Cleopatra bath awaits the bride, while the groom can relax on the resort's private beach.
4
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands
Providenciales, British West Indies
They're experts at coordinating weddings at this private island resort. A fee of $1,200 covers the music, photography, food and beverage planning, plus the ceremony itself. Just remember to arrive 72 hours in advance to make it legal. The ceremony can take place at the Shambhala Cottage, the Boardwalk (for a stunning view at sunset) or your choice of an authentic Tiki hut.
5
Villa Feltrinelli
Lake Garda, Italy
Privacy comes with the territory at this lush eight-acre estate on the western shores of Lake Garda at Gardnano. Leave your Ferrari with the valet and board the Villa's 52-foot pleasure craft to shuttle you to lakeside restaurants. Historical tidbit: Though marriage wasn't the kind of alliance he had on his mind, Benito Mussolini resided here while running the Fascist puppet republic of Salo.
6
Glendorn
Bradford, Penn.
A romantic escape with a spin on fly-fishing, this is the ideal hideaway for those seeking a natural escape with accents such as the soaring stone fireplace in the redwood Big House. Forget business centers and traffic; instead try mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing and skiing.
7
Bushman's Kloof
Western Cape, South Africa
Spend wild nights at this 18,000-acre game reserve. Guestrooms are either in cottages set in landscaped gardens and pools, or in the original Manor House (built circa 1843); they come with modern amenities, such as wireless internet. Don't worry about lions and tigers—you're kept safe from the indigenous fauna in this "malaria- and predator-free" paradise.
8
Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa
Tahiti
Pack light for love in the lagoon at this private island near Bora Bora in Polynesia. Over-water bungalows on stilts offer private access to the lagoon while 12 villas on the beach feature a private pool. Guests arrive at the airport in Raiatea and are met with a speedboat for the 40 minute ride to Le Taha'a. Sip exotic teas or a martini in the treehouse restaurants, Vanille and Ohiri.
9
Fregate Island
The Seychelles
At this rather primeval island where aging turtles roam at will, couples will find ultimate privacy in paradise. This means dining in the resort's only restaurant and more togetherness than usual, but it remains a hidden gem for elopers and honeymooners with a yen to bond in nature.
10
Atzaro
Ibiza, Spain
Med-chic at a leisurely pace, Atzaro is an unusual luxury property nestled in an orange grove at a good remove from the hubbub and busy beaches of Ibiza Town. Rooms in the converted family finca (farmhouse) have a classical Ibizan flavor, while those in the new annex are more Zen-sleek. Exotic décor and art from Africa and Asia accent the public spaces, restaurant and gardens. The indoor/outdoor spa, with its "treatment temples" overlooking a lily pond, is a destination in its own right.
[source: https://www.forbestraveler.com/luxury/elopements-story.html ]
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