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Luxury Homes to Rent for an Ideal Destination Wedding

These exceptional luxury homes offer seclusion, natural beauty, and breathtaking views for a truly memorable wedding day

When choosing the ultimate site for a destination wedding, everything from weather to guest accommodations to travel options must be taken into consideration. The local color that makes weddings in far-flung locales so much fun to attend can also pose challenges: services related to food, music, photography, and transportation must be coordinated and planned from afar. Renting a palatial residence where the ceremony can take place and the wedding party can spend a few days relaxing helps alleviate some of the pressures of the big day while treating guests (and the happy couple) to a spectacular vacation. Without the worries of ferrying everyone to and from reception halls or hotels, the hosts can let a wedding unfold with a minimum of fuss in a gorgeous setting, allowing all involved to enjoy themselves and celebrate their loved ones on an unforgettable day. Each of these seven luxury rentals in exclusive locations around the world presents a unique and exquisite venue in which to say “I do.”

West Indies Idyll
One Sandy Lane, Barbados
One Sandy Lane is situated on the Platinum Coast, where lush vegetation serves as an elegant backdrop for a wedding ceremony. Surrounded by the stunning gardens of the Platinum Coast of Barbados, One Sandy Lane overlooks the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. It’s hard to imagine a place more evocative of the word “paradise.” Not only is the natural setting breathtaking, the eight residences of One Sandy Lane provide privacy and seclusion along with a suite of amenities that make hosting an event a seamless delight. The beautiful, semi-circular terrace is perfectly scaled for a ceremony, and the residences, which range in size from 8,500 to 10,000 square feet, reflect the elegance of the nearby Sandy Lane Hotel. One Sandy Lane is staffed by a chef, butler, and chauffeur, and in-home spa, concierge, and personal trainer services are available. Diversions for guests include luxury boat tours, jet-skiing, and other customizable excursions.

Baroque Beauty
Positano, Italy

Originally built as an Episcopal monastery in the late 17th century, this Baroque villa on the Amalfi Coast is steeped in history and awash in vivid color. Full of original elements including a hand-painted ceiling, lacquered doors, inlaid-wood furniture, and elaborate stucco, this palazzo overlooks the bay and features impressive water and mountain views. The large, opulent terrace would be a magnificent setting for a ceremony or reception. With its array of buildings in shades of coral, pink, orange, and terracotta, the small city of Positano has long had the reputation of being a haven for artists and intellectuals. This villa was carefully restored by its former owners, Edward Ghillausen, a member of the Bauhaus school in Germany who emigrated to Italy during World War II, and his Italian wife, Eva Maria Vivaldi. Over the years, Ghillausen and Vivaldi entertained friends like John Steinbeck and Pablo Picasso in their beloved home. Today, the palazzo retains its historic character and artistic flair, making it a dynamic and colorful place to host a wedding. Rented as a five-star resort, it offers full spa services and features a sauna, Turkish bath, and indoor pool. Numerous decks and terraces provide ample outdoor space. Inside, paintings, decorative objects, and works of sculpture from the 17th and 18th centuries complement the exquisite architectural details of this majestic estate. 

Island Classic
Cabrera, Dominican Republic

Casa Kimball is an expansive ten-bedroom estate overlooking Orchid Bay in Cabrera. Chicly appointed in classic Tropical Modernist style, this villa features panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from every vantage point. An open and airy interior design allows guests flexibility and privacy plus plenty of natural light and easy access to the outdoors. Situated on the north coast of the island, Casa Kimball is close to the Playa Grande Golf Course and the Playa Grande Beach Club. The generously proportioned grounds can easily accommodate a large outdoor reception. Lush vegetation along the water as well as nearby mountains serve as exceptional settings for hiking excursions. Casa Kimball sits on three secluded acres surrounded by mature palms, almond trees, and flowering vines. Up to 18 guests can be housed in the eight full suites, each of which boasts a private terrace and ocean views. In addition to the large living areas and full bar, the estate features a billiards and entertainment room, outdoor fireplace, rooftop lounge, and dining room with 180-degree views. The oceanfront terrace would be a superb spot for a wedding ceremony.  

Côte d’Azur Charm
Saint-Tropez, France

A Mediterranean estate in sun-drenched Saint-Tropez, Villa Gassin features unobstructed views of the French Riviera. While the natural beauty of its setting would be enough to make it a first-rate location for a destination wedding, the amenities and interior design of Villa Gassin are every bit as beguiling. The six-bedroom house has been renovated to include a sleek kitchen and heated pool plus a spacious covered terrace perfect for a reception overlooking the water.

Modern Marvel
Malibu, California

This striking, contemporary beach house on the Pacific Ocean in Malibu features a zero-edge pool that seems to spill right into the sea. Huge windows, a light and bright interior, and double-height ceilings lend this home glamour and grandeur in equal measure. The main residence has three bedrooms, and a two-bedroom guest house adds plenty of extra space. The large oceanfront terrace overlooking Broad Beach’s Lechuza Point would be a spectacular place for an outdoor wedding. Amenities in this contemporary estate include a glass-front elevator, wine cellar, hot tub, and effortless access to the ocean.

Newport Jewel
Newport, Rhode IslandThe Ledges, one of Newport’s loveliest oceanfront homes, has a wraparound porch that provides ample room for reception guests to enjoy the water views.A historic Newport estate nestled between Gooseberry Beach and Bailey’s Beach, The Ledges enjoys quiet seclusion thanks to its 35 unspoiled acres and private beach access. Its eight bedrooms, each with ocean views, and living areas are recently renovated and redolent with New England architectural character, making The Ledges a wedding venue that is steeped in traditional appeal. This expansive home includes an elegant library, an enclosed porch and dining area, a large kitchen and pantry, and a gracious front hall featuring murals by noted painter Howard Cushing.