Say I Do. Tying the Knot with Rocco Forte Hotels

Before you say ‘I do’, explore some of the most romantic wedding locations in Europe and, with expert tips from three top wedding planners, discover which one is for you.

Wedding planner Sarah Linow, who works for the largest wedding planning agency in Berlin, has a great starting point. “At the first stage, adjectives are important,” she says. Consider her suggestions – “elegant, stylish, urban” or “relaxed, rural, in nature” – and then select your own keywords and let the fun begin.

“Elegant, unique, sustainable”

Hotel de Rome, Berlin

Linow has noticed that weddings are becoming much more “individual and elaborate”. When every feature needs to be stand-out beautiful, it helps to have a good start. She highlights the excellent bones of Hotel de Rome, where every feature has been designed with care and attention. “The Opera Court, with the stone columns, the glass roof and the black furniture is very chic, for example,” she says. 

At this historic Berlin hotel, there are endless options for couples to add their own unique touches. The “unsurpassable” ballroom, a study in quiet elegance, can be easily customised. “The cream-coloured stone columns can be individually illuminated in colour,” Linow explains, a feature made all the more spectacular by the “incredible height of the room”. Lit up by a combination of dimmable crystal chandeliers and natural light flowing through the glass roof, it’s the ultimate setting for a night to remember. 

Linow also notes that, increasingly, couples wish to put sustainability at the front and centre of their menu plans. They’re looking for venues that use locally sourced ingredients and value vegetarian dishes as highly as meat or fish. Employing local suppliers and artisans is equally important and Hotel de Rome ticks all of these boxes. So, if you’re a socially conscious international couple looking to party the night away in the coolest city on the planet, what could be better?

“Heavenly, destination, holiday”

Verdura Resort, Sicily

Having worked in partnership with our team at Verdura Resort, London wedding planner Emma Gold can personally endorse the appeal of this Sicilian retreat – particularly for the growing number of couples who want their weddings to feel more like a holiday, surrounded by loved ones. 

This requires a venue with plenty of things to do. “For destination wedding weekends, it’s great to have a venue with activities for the guests in addition to the wedding celebrations,” says Gold. She’s drawn to Verdura Resort precisely for this reason. Guests can go horse-riding on the beach; cycle to ancient ruins; play golf on renowned courses; learn to cook the Sicilian way; or relax in the spacious Irene Forte Spa.

Longer weddings also require more settings, Gold says. “With a variety of locations we can make the guest experience fun and engaging. Flexibility with different spaces is something that Verdura does very well. Each of the day’s events – from the ceremony to the reception, dinner and dance – can be hosted in different areas. If the guests are staying, space is key to ensure minimal disruption while adding the surprise factor.”

“Classical, traditional, elegant”

The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

Lauren Delemarre, in-house wedding planner at The Balmoral, believes that the landmark Princes Street hotel is the place that people imagine when they close their eyes and think “Classic Scottish wedding”. It has it all: the grand ballrooms; the gorgeous banqueting; the balcony photo opps with Edinburgh Castle in the background. 

Lots of the couples who marry here are of Scottish descent, but they might not live in Scotland and so are seeking an authentic connection to the Auld Country. Delemarre makes the connection clear: “The Balmoral is iconic to Edinburgh – a genuine landmark in this historic town.” She adds that she particularly loves working with couples who want that “true Scotch” feel which she achieves through “perhaps a piper, a quaich toast and a ceilidh”. The banquet menu incorporates haggis too, of course, though only if the couple want (and they usually do).

Delemarre also pointed out that all-in-one solutions are a necessity for destination weddings where the couple might not live locally. “They are looking for a venue that has the key elements included, such as the furniture, crockery, guestrooms etc,” she says. The Balmoral is that place where the dream comes to life, as Delemarre holds your hand and guides you through the wedding you imagined – featuring grand ballrooms, the elegant gown and, of course, lots and lots of dancing. 

A Rocco Forte wedding starts by making a perfect match between you and the most beautiful venues in Europe. Just start with your three word moodboard and we’ll be with you to create a moment worthy of the occasion.