8 Destination Wedding Locations in MENA that are Worth the Flight Fare

Why wait for the honeymoon to hop onto a flight and land on the shores of a country that’s close enough to home to feel comfortably convenient but far enough from familiar stressors to evoke a much needed sense of privacy?

In a time when a seemingly endless stream of weddings is interfering with everyone’s travel plans, be the couple that offers guests a lavish high-heeled, tux-inclusive affair without dashing their hopes of exploring new travel terrain.

From historical monuments and repurposed private convents to artful opera houses and islands old and new, these wedding venues around the region will take you one suitcase closer to finding the perfect destination wedding location for you and your travel-enthusiastic loved ones.

La Fontaine, Bahrain 

A historical monument dating back a hundred and fifty years and widely recognized as an architectural marvel, La Fontaine stands as the only contemporary art centre of its kind in the region.

Infused with authentic Gulf Islamic architecture and adorned with classic European motifs, La Fontaine underwent a transformative renovation by French artist Jean Marc Sinan. Originally a private house, it has now become an inclusive art centre featuring an open-air amphitheatre—ideal for an intimate and inventive betrothal ceremony.

Sursock Palace The Gardens, Lebanon 

A five-generation mid-19th century family home that is considered a historical landmark, Sursock Palace offers both outdoor and indoor venues available for hire for a full 24 hours, providing much-needed privacy and the luxury of time for setting up your tie-knotting affair.

Its outdoor venue, which is open from April to October, is ideal for those sunny summer celebrations and, if you’re worried about surprise showers, the Sursock Palace’s staff is more than ready to pitch some tents on short notice.

Chateau Rweiss, Lebanon 

Built by a priest in 1907 as a private convent open to all congregations, Chateau Rweiss, whose name translates to ‘the hill that overlooks all other hills’, is a testament to timeless Lebanese architecture that stands out against surrounding verdant mountains. 

So, if you want your love (and your guests) to reach new heights, consider this repurposed convent, as its views are bound to leave the wedding party swooning and snapping endless shots.

Domaine De Zekrit, Lebanon 

Available from sunny May to temperate October, Domaine De Zekrit dates back to the Phoenician Era, evident through remnants scattered across the impressive 1400-guest grounds. 

A repurposed sanctuary that previously housed pilgrims, Domaine De Zekrit is home to a mediaeval church, providing an exquisite venue for religious wedding ceremonies.

Nurai Island, UAE 

The epitome of picturesque privacy and sweet seclusion, Abu Dhabi’s Nurai Island offers the perfect setting for you and your better half to say your 'I-Dos’, while surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, thick green foliage and your beach-dress-clad bridesmaids. 

Whether you opt for a lavish wedding reception at The Beach Estate, an intimate barefoot beach ceremony at the Watervilla, or a super intimate betrothal at the Light-House, this private Island will take care of everything for you – from organising private charter boats for guests and flying in your favourite chef to creating custom bougainvillea flower arrangements that add a natural pop of colour to your special day.

Amanjena, Morocco 

With pisé walls, vaulted ceilings and garden courtyards, Morocco’s Amanjena, meaning ‘peaceful paradise’, blends contemporary minimalism with traditional Moroccan aesthetics amidst the towering olive trees of the oasis it’s situated in.

Featuring 40 pavilions with Venetian domes and arched entrances, Amanjena presents happy couples with the choice between the intimate Caidal tent, which calls on olive grove home, or the expansive outdoor gardens, ideal for larger ceremonies.

The Dubai Opera, UAE

If you and your paramore are Magic Flute fans, then The Dubai Opera is the perfect setting for your upcoming nuptials.

And it comes with three equally enthralling options to choose from – the Auditorium-Theatre, which transforms into a flat-floor banquet space accommodating up to 1,000 of your favourite guests, the Grand Circle Foyer, which houses the famous Symphony Chandelier and offers picturesque views of The Dubai Fountain, and finally, the Dubai Opera Garden, which features open-air views of Burj Khalifa that you and your 700 guests can enjoy, as you celebrate love and courtship.

Madaboun, Jordan

A top-tier wedding venue in Jordan, Madaboun is a private farm, offering a natural breezy ambiance with authentic rustic aesthetics, ideal for “Girl and Boy Next Door” love pairings. 

Its world-class catering service, sound and lighting setup, and all-around professionally organised services make it a hassle-free and elegantly simple destination wedding location.