Everyone deserves a happily ever after and picking the right spot can easily make your wedding feel truly magical. Whether you’re thinking of cliffside castles with breathtaking views or a romantic village deep in enchanted forests, the perfect destination can make unforgettable memories.

These five destinations are guaranteed to grant you that happily ever after you’ve been dreaming of. Each destination has a different vibe, from best seasons, to dreamlike backdrops for the long-awaited “I do” moment.

1. Lake Bled, Slovenia

A boat in the foreground while castles and chapels are shown in the background of a picture of Lake Bled, Slovenia — Image from City Walks

Located in between two mountain ranges, Lake Bled has all the qualities of a town destined to grant happy endings. Stunning blue waters that seem to reflect the sky, medieval style castles perched on cliffsides, and lush green forests.

For the weddings that want a backdrop of newly blooming flowers and bright green leaves, May and June are the best times. You can have an intimate and uninterrupted wedding while avoiding the large crowds if you choose to explore this picturesque town. For the golden hour weddings, September marks early fall for Lake Bled, where the sun sets earlier but the skies coat the landscape in a warm, honey gold.

Lake Bled is perfect for weddings of all sizes and offers a luxurious and memorable photo album of your special day.

An image of The Assumption of Mary Church on Lake Bled Island, Slovenia — Image from Ormina Tours

A recommended venue:

The Assumption of Mary Church: This venue is located right at the center of Lake Bled, in the charming town named after the lake itself. To reach this venue, couples have to take a boat ride that is equal parts magical and adventurous. There are exactly 99 steps leading up to the church, which the groom carries his bride up without stopping to ensure a long, happy marriage.

2. Hallstatt, Austria

A church in the town of Hallstatt during the winter months, snowy mountains are seen in the back — Image from Find Us Lost

Like Lake Bled, Hallstatt is a picturesque lakeside village, but holds a cooler charm compared to its warmer counterpart. Hallstatt is located in central Austria and is closer distance to Munich, Germany than its own country’s capital.

However, Hallstatt’s charm lies in its winter months, a time of warmth and rest. This small village becomes a winter wonderland with its scenic mountains and hillsides coated in snow. This little town feels more like a snow globe, with its snow powdered roofs and festive streets.

Early December to late January is the perfect time to get the most out of the light dustings of snow and seasonal dishes special to the region.

Having a wedding in the wintertime isn’t easy, but the various venues in Hallstatt offer cozy and romantic spaces for everyone, from the guests to the newlyweds.

An illuminated church, Parish of the Assumption, amongst snow-capped buildings. Snowy mountains are in the foreground of the image — Image from TripAdvisor

Some venues we recommend:

Local churches: Hallstatt has plenty of churches throughout the village that each provide unique experiences while giving newlyweds that traditional chapel wedding they dream of.

3. Tuscany, Italy

A windy path leading to multiple villas and vineyards in the countryside of Tuscany, Italy — Image from Rough Guides

Tuscany, Italy is one of the more well-known travel destinations, but it’s still majestic at the end of the day. Romantic candlelit dinners under string lights is what Tuscany is known for best and there’s a reason why.

This bookish town is widely renowned for its rolling hills, fruitful vineyards and Tuscan charm with its earth-toned villas.

Most couples decide on outdoor ceremonies at their villas, decorated with string lights and blooming flowers that bring out the greenery of the region. Sunsets are especially popular with these outdoor weddings, as they bathe the land in a warm, golden light that seems to make the experience even more magical and romantic.

To get that peak golden hour, weddings held in May, June, September and October are a sure guarantee that you have luxury-worthy pictures to brag about for the next few months, while also avoiding the tourist heavy crowds.

A wedding party/reception held outdoors on the COMO Castello Del Nero property in Tuscany, Italy — Image from COMO Hotels and Resorts

A venue to consider:

COMO Castello Del Nero: For couples seeking a more traditional wedding, COMO Castello Del Nero’s 12th-century chapel is surrounded by Tuscany’s famous wine vineyards. This venue is a 45 minute drive from Florence, the region’s most populous city. With the mix of tradition and Italian charm, this venue is sure to make your wedding even more memorable.

4. Glendalough, Ireland

Rushing rivers in the Wicklow/Glendalough mountains. Hills and mountains are seen in the background — Image from TripAdvisor

Glendalough is reminiscent of the setting of Disney’s ‘Brave’, with ancient ruins, mossy trails and mist-shrouded mountains. The lakes and rivers in this region are crisp, clear and peaceful to just sit next to and enjoy.

The local towns offer boat rides on the lakes at all times of the day, but exchanging vows in the peaceful lake during golden hour can make the experience timeless and intimate. The natural beauty of Glendalough can make it suitable for couples dreaming of romantic nights surrounded by Ireland’s signature stone and wood landscapes.

For couples that want the blooming greenery of Ireland mixed with beautiful golden sunsets, June to August will promise just that, alongside a comfortable, warm temperature.

The Wicklow Heather sign in a bed of daffodils, with the Irish flag in the background — Image from Wicklow Heather

A venue we recommend:

Wicklow Heather: This charming venue is located at the foot of Glendalough and the Wicklow mountains with mystical views of both. Newlyweds can enjoy the beautiful views of both mountain rangers right outside their windows, while still having that intimate and secluded experience.

5. Geirangerfjord, Norway

Geirangerfjord feels and looks almost mythical. Mountains bathed in emerald tower over deep, blue rivers, creating the perfect balance of the two elements. This town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected and preserved for its natural beauty. This fjord is also complimented by several famous waterfalls and each one has a suitable and romantic name. Couples can have beautiful dramatic photoshoots at waterfalls called the Bridal Veil, the Suitor, and the Seven Sisters.

Wedding parties are complimented with the natural sights and sounds of these waterfalls and mountains as the backdrop. It truly sets the atmosphere of a private and cinematic event to remember. Geirangerfjord can be enjoyed at its best during June through August. The days are long, the weather is enjoyable, and the landscapes seem to spring to life.

An open-air lounge area overlooking the Geirangerfjord in Norway — Image from Reserving.com

A venue we recommend:

Grande Fjord Hotel: This family run hotel and venue sits right at the heart of the Geirangerfjord. They offer luxury lodging and amenities and have several locations to say your “I do’s” including churches and amongst the natural landscapes.

Make Your Happily Ever After Yours

Your wedding day deserves a setting just as intimate and memorable as your vows. From a reception in the fragrant vineyards of Tuscany to the real ceremony with breathtaking waterfalls in the Geirangerfjord, choose the next destination that fits your love story and take the next step towards your real life fairytale “I do”.

Our travel advisors can help create seamless experiences through booking venues and accommodations to coordinating the small details that can make your special day uniquely yours.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us at Luxx Escapes to start planning your happily ever after today.

5 European Wedding Destinations Straight Out of a Fairy Tale