This blog post was updated on August 18, 2020.
Gorgeous cities full of natural beauty, history, culture, and great-looking buildings – ah, the perfect fairytale that could be your European destination wedding. But before you pack your bags and hop across the pond, you know there’s one wicked witch that could ruin this fairytale – your wedding budget.
Just so that you can get the most affordable destination wedding on the continent, we’ve scouted out 7 European cities that can help you celebrate tying the knot … without tying you down in debt.
Dubrovnik
Surrounded by ancient walls and crystal blue waters, picturesque Dubrovnik in Croatia is a cheaper alternative to coastal nuptials in another major European city. Plus, if you and your soulmate are Game of Thrones fanatics, there’s plenty of actual filming locations that can help conjure up a great theme wedding (far from the gruesome “Red Wedding” on the show, that is!).
Budapest
Hungary’s capital city gives you a quaint city that just oozes Old World charm. Budapest won’t cost as much as Venice or Paris, and the favorable exchange rate is sure to help you plan the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. The city abounds in potential venues, but highlights include St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, and Harris Park.
Prague
Known as “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague has long been a been a favorite destination for budget travelers. Throw in the pristine baroque buildings, beautiful churches, and friendly locals, and you’ve got yourself the perfect combo for your perfect day. Two of the the top venues in the city are Vrtba Garden and Chateau Troja.
Bratislava
The Slovakian capital city of Bratislava sits along the Danube River and is surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains. The old town is spread under the watchful gaze of the majestic Bratislava Castle as well. Can you imagine your epic wedding pics already?
Lisbon
Lisbon has towering Gothic cathedrals, imposing monasteries, and rustic palaces that can be the perfect backdrop for your budget wedding in Portugal. Structures like the Belem Tower (pictured) would look great on your wedding shoot. Tip: Avoid the busy summer months, and go for a pleasant spring or fall wedding to avoid bumping elbows with a lot of tourists.
Athens
The capital of Greece boasts several ancient ruins, like the must-see Acropolis, but it’s the cheaper prices in general (especially in comparison to more picturesque but touristy cities like Santorini) that make Athens an ideal location to have your wedding and entice your wedding party to attend. One outdoor venue worth considering is Diomidous Botanical Garden, which has been around for more than fifty years and is the largest garden of its kind in southeastern Europe.
Istanbul
An outside favorite of ours when it comes to a budget Euro wedding location, Istanbul is the classic melting pot of east and west. You can expect a very unique experience in taking the plunge by the scenic waters of the Bosphorus or with the iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia in the background.
Are there any great European cities that are perfect for a budget destination wedding? Let us know in the comments.
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