PinnedPH
Destination weddings is on the rise for years. Couples seem to be discovering the fun in opting out of traditional black-tie weddings and exchanging vows outside of their locale. Mostly held in leisure troves, destination weddings add an element of casual fun to a monumental occasion.
Planning to get hitched out of town? Take the stress out of venue planning and read up on these 13 timeless destination wedding spots in the Philippines.
Batanes
Undulating hills. The Pacific Ocean. Beautiful stone houses. An iconic hilltop lighthouse. The list goes on and on.
For those who prefer an intimate, at-the-edge-of-the-world destination wedding, Batanes ticks all the boxes. Flights and accommodations here are limited, and the Ivatans are known to be adamant at keeping their paradise away from mass tourism, offering couples utmost serenity as they exchange I do’s.
Baguio
Couples looking for a picturesque mountainside wedding won’t be disappointed in Baguio, with plenty of hotels blessed with Baguio’s signature treats: pine trees and extensive gardens, crisp, balmy air, and scenic mountain views from here to there. Popular venues include The Manor at Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club, and Frangeli House.
La Union
Fancy a surf-inspired wedding? Consider La Union. Touted as northern Philippines’ surfing mecca, La Union is the perfect base for beach and surf-themed weddings. A mere four-hour drive from Manila, it’s teeming with beachfront hotels, from upmarket Balinese-inspired Kahuna Resort in San Juan to budget resorts in neighboring Bacnotan – all boasting stunning waves year-round.
Bataan
For history-loving spouse-to-be’s, Bataan’s rich past and rustic spaces certainly fit the bill to a T. Suitable for Filipiniana weddings, this Central Luzon province offers timeless Spanish period-themed venues including Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church in Morong, which conveniently houses a spacious Spanish courtyard for receptions.
In nearby Bagac, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar features a beachfront property with cobblestone streets, heritage houses, and three lavish event venues, pieced together using curated antique materials to reflect an authentic 18th century village.
Zambales
A mere three-hour drive north of Manila, Zambales is highly accessible for guests residing in Manila – and a pretty sweet destination at that. Couples can choose to hold the ceremony on agoho-lined trees shoes of San Antonio or San Narciso (Zambawood is often the go-to choice in the latter), or book a venue in Subic, Olongapo for a more cosmopolitan feel. Subic boasts modern beachfront accommodation options, from hotels with private marinas to island getaways, all fronting the majestic Cawag mountains.
Batangas
Batangas is quite popular for beach-themed weddings, thanks to its white beaches and upmarket seaside resorts. Many are located in Nasugbu, including eco-centric Sandari Batulao, and Punta Fuego, an exclusive by-membership resort club with beautiful infinity pools facing the Pacific.
Tagaytay, Cavite
For a sweat-free garden wedding, Tagaytay seems to be the most logical choice near Manila. This famous town in Cavite is blessed with balmy climate all year round, vibrant foliage, hillside churches, and a 360-degree view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.
Traditional church weddings are often held in Calaruega or Don Bosco Chapel, followed by receptions at Taal Vista Hotel or Splendido, both overlooking Taal Volcano. Tagaytay Highlands is a popular option for those who prefer both the ceremony and reception in one place. Sonya’s Garden, a B&B cum farm-to-table restaurant in Alfonso, also provides rustic garden wedding packages.
Quezon Province
Aside from its coconut plantations, Quezon Province is also known for its pristine, chalky islands. Here, couples and their guests can enjoy solemn ceremonies against the gentle sound of waves.
Balesin Island Club, an exclusive resort community that sits on a 500-hectare beach strip, is a popular venue in the province. It’s dotted by luxurious themed villas, a lush forest, marine sanctuaries, and opulent comforts befitting of discerning couples.
Palawan
Imagine being surrounded by karst limestone cliffs, white sand, and glassy waters as you say your marriage vows. That’s Palawan for you. Whether you’re in the in the hip beaches of El Nido or in the secluded islands of Taytay, Palawan guarantees a picture-perfect backdrop for weddings – and the ensuing honeymoon thereafter.
Top choices include Coron resorts Two Seasons Hotel (Bulog Island) and Maldives-inspired Huma Island Resort and Spa. In Taytay, Floral Island Resort (also known as Flower Island Resort), Club Paradise, and Amanpulo.
Cebu
For those who want to venture outside Luzon, the Queen City of the South offers beachfront luxury hotels in Mactan and off-shore.
Most couples choose Mactan as a base, with plenty of available beachfront options, including Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Movenpick Cebu, Be Hotel, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, and Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.
White Sands Resort and Spa offers both beachfront and garden, as well as three gorgeous islets called Tres Marias. All-inclusive wedding packages for 100 guests and up can also be availed at the Grand Convention Center Cebu and Casino Español de Cebu.
There’s also Bantayan Island and Bantigue Cove in Malapascua.
Boracay
Consistently hailed as the Best Island in the World by international travel magazines, it’s no doubt why Boracay remains as one of the Philippines’ choicest wedding getaways. And with a temperate weather all year-round, the Aklan island is ideal for seaside weddings even during the rainy season.
Couples are treated to powdery sands, stunning sunsets, and a laid-back island vibe. With scores of resorts, from Grecian-themed hotels to five-star stunners like Shangri-La and Boracay Regency – couples will never run out of options in Boracay.
Samal Island, Davao
The Island Garden City of Samal, or simply Samal Island, is a suitable destination for intimate weddings in Mindanao. Surrounded by a romantic seascape of coconut-fringed white shore and cerulean waters, beachfront properties like Pearl Farm Resort and Banana Beach Davao serve as excellent wedding venues.
Dahilayan, Bukidnon
Luzon has Benguet. Mindanao has Dahilayan, Bukidnon. Resting on a high-elevation, mountainous area, this nature park offers couples a backdrop of towering pine trees and mountain ranges, and cool breeze to boot.
