With weddings abroad becoming increasingly popular why not choose one of our romantic European locations to exchange your wedding vows? Beautiful scenery will complement your special day, and with the large number of twin centre resorts to choose from there are plenty of options for your perfect honeymoon.

In a truly magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Zell, with glorious views across the water over to the snow capped peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the stunning Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, the scenic town of

Zell am See is a truly romantic resort to get married in. The historical registry office in its fairytale castle style is an unforgettable setting for

your wedding vows. To complement your day we have chosen the stylish, family-owned Romantik Hotel zum Metzgerwirt (page 86) as the perfect base for your wedding party. The standard wedding package includes a welcome cocktail, co-ordination of appointments, a festive gala dinner, for the bride and groom, planting a rose bush as a living memory, wedding present, sparkling wine in the room, bridal bouquet, groom’s buttonhole and the wedding ceremony in Zell am See Registry Office (officiated in English and with organ music).

Prices start from £499

One of the most romantic resorts in Austria, located in the heart of the Salzkammergut, an area of outstanding natural beauty - made famous by the film "The Sound of Music". The wedding package includes registration, translation of 4 compulsory documents, certificates, the wedding ceremony, horse-drawn carriage ride in Mondsee, transfer to and from Mondsee from your St. Wolfgang or St. Gilgen hotel, bridal bouquet, buttonhole for the groom, assistance of a wedding co-ordinator and a wedding dinner at your chosen hotel. Stay in either the lovely Hotel Hollweger in St. Gilgen, the excellent Hotel Margaretha or the luxurious Hotel Im Weissen Rössl in St. Wolfgang.

Prices from £1375

Upgrade to the Deluxe Wedding Package for just £624

Lake Bled (page 134) is a magical lakeside resort providing a splendid romantic setting for your wedding. The lakeside building which houses the registry office is an ideal setting for your wedding ceremony. After the ceremony a “Pletna” boat glides you across the tranquil waters to the island in the middle of Lake Bled for a blessing in the Church of St. Mary. Set against a stunning mountain backdrop, the 17th century church is the perfect picturesque setting to bless your wedding vows. The tradition is that after the ceremonies you both will ring the 'Wishing Bell’ and make a wish for the future…

Stay in either the impressive Grand Hotel Toplice or the modern Hotel Park in the centre of Bled, with a lakeside setting. The wedding package includes wedding ceremony in the registry office, church blessing accompanied by organ music, buttonhole for the groom, bride’s bouquet, wedding cake for up to 10 people, translation of 6 documents, photography of ceremony and blessing, festive dinner, sparkling wine and flowers, a romantic ride in a horse and carriage to the registry office and around the lake as well

as the Pletna trip to the island, co-ordination of appointments, and room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability).

The enchanting Lake Garda resorts of Malcesine and Torri del Benaco, with their magnificent Scaligeri castles set against the shimmering blue of the lake, provide a romantic and picturesque setting for any wedding. Stay in one of the resorts of North Lake Garda and your wedding ceremony will be held in the historic castle in Malcesine, where the narrow cobbled streets wind lazily down to the lakefront, beneath the inimitable backdrop of stunning Monte Baldo (see page 186). If you prefer to stay in one of the resorts of the southern shores then your wedding will take place in the little harbour town of Torri del Benaco (see page 194) or Garda (see page 196)

With time to soak up the atmosphere and charm of Italy both before and after your wedding why not sample what else Italy has on offer. From cities and spas to beaches, lakes and mountains - Italy has something for everyone. For more detailed suggestions and ideas see page 158.

Your wedding package in all resorts - Malcesine, Torri del Benaco and Garda includes Italian administration fees, Bristish consulate fees for administration, documentation, and translation, civil wedding ceremony in resort of your choice, translator during the sworn declaration and wedding ceremony, meeting with our wedding planner in resort, bridal bouquet, buttonhole for the groom, small flower arrangement at the ceremony, CD music during the wedding ceremony, bottle of Italian sparkling wine to toast, transfer with a deluxe car from your hotel to the ceremony and back.

Prices start from £1199 (Malcesine)

From £899 (Torri del Benaco)

From £879 (Garda)

Please note a supplement of £30 is payable if couples staying in the South Lake resorts wish to marry in Malcesine or for couples staying the North Lake resorts who wish to marry in Garda or Torri del Benaco

Italy - Venice

The eternal city of canals and gondolas is a perfect wedding setting in all its historical and romantic splendour. Choose from one of our hotels in the city itself or on the stylish Venice Lido (see pages 156-159). The short civil ceremony takes place at the beautiful renaissance Palazzo Cavalli, situated along the Grand Canal overlooking the famous Rialto Bridge. The Wedding package includes documents assistance fee, assistance/translation during the sworn declaration and wedding ceremony, welcome meeting on arrival, civil wedding ceremony, small bridal bouquet, small buttonhole for the groom, toasting after the wedding ceremony, romantic lunch for 2 in a well chosen restaurant including half bottle of local wine and a half bottle of water per person. There is assistance throughout the day and depending on how grand or simple you would like your day to be (max 6 hours). There are additional features such as a wedding cake, gondola rides, and music  during the ceremony available on request. 

Prices start from £1349

Please note there is a an additional supplement of £125 for those staying on Venice Lido

What to do now...

Let Thomson take the stress out of organising your big day - our dedicated Weddings Team know just how important your special day is and use our wealth of expertise to ensure your wedding ceremony runs as smoothly as possible. We can tailor any holiday or guest requirements and can offer any ‘extras’ to make your day perfect.

Please call the specialist Thomson Lakes & Mountains Weddings Team for further details and an information pack on 0870 166 4991.