If you're anything like us, it's around this time of year that you nervously open those wax-stamped invitations dreading the inevitable destination wedding. RSVP 'no' to dude ranches and quirky country resorts, in lieu of these unforgettable destinations that may make the actual nuptials feel like an afterthought. Close to our home in LA, we are always appreciative of a weekend invite to San Ysidro Ranch where Kennedy-Camelot is reenacted under dramatic white canopies at Ty Warner's iconic Santa Barbara country-cottage resort. Topping Rose House is our NYC equivalent, albeit only three-years old and with a newer architectural aesthetic and kitchen by Tom Collichio. For more of a getaway experience, however, Hacienda de San Antonio sits under a volcanic peak 2-hours from Manzanillo. Alix Goldsmith's designer curated hacienda residence comes complete with horse stables and organic farm, ironically once part of the Aman-brand and now one of the best-unknown hotels in Mexico.
What is it about wild, running horses that inspires romance? Nowhere is it more evident than at Hotel Selman, the Jacques Garcia-designed Marrakech resort that keeps a staff of white Arabian horses just for ambiance. Its seductive interiors and black-bottom pool lend design sophistication to the Palmerie and one of the best party venues anywhere. On the opposite end of the spectrum, and African continent, Babylonstoren offers a glamorous farmhouse experience for bohos dreaming of marring in floral-embroidered dresses and white linen suits. But for those that can't imagine wearing their bridal tiara outside of an actual palace, Cliveden House maintains a stately rule above the River Thames that's just 40-minutes outside of Central London. Part of Relais & Chateaux, its elaborate gardens, formal drawing rooms and lawns worthy of the Princes, Viscounts and Earls proves the poshest of countryside wedding venues.
And while some will insist that an early summer wedding in Mustique, or perhaps a private booking of Eden Rock in Saint Barth's cannot be topped, why not go further afield to Thailand's Phang Nga Bay that humbles even Italy's iconic rock formations. It's here that bespoke resorts like Six Sense Yao Noi offer dramatic hillside tree houses with private pools and sweeping panoramas that have yet to be commercialized. Krabi is also home to more-family minded resorts like Rayavadee and posher Ritz Reserve's Phulay Bay with its American luxury aesthetic and unforgettable wedding services that will have your guests begging for another invite.
