Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 28, 2025
Weddings are a profoundly personal celebration of love and commitment—a beautiful moment where two lives truly come together. The ceremony and party are facets to dwell on, but weddings, for the most part, are about creating lasting memories surrounded by the people who matter most; marking the start of a shared journey filled with hope, joy, and connection.
Completely natural for couples to choose European wedding destinations. Visualise romantic, culturally rich settings or luxurious, intimate celebrations that fuse travel and exceptional experiences.
Holding a wedding in Europe
“Europe just has its magic,” says Hanny Sutra Yunita, COO of TravelPlus - Indonesia and TravelBeyond - Celebration, as her eyes twinkle, while recently connecting to What’s New Overseas. Europe is a dream, even for those who have countlessly spent time there or grasp onto mere wishful thinking.
Europe holds an undeniable charm; its picturesque villages and romantic atmosphere—it’s undeniably the whole package.
“Whether a couple dreams of quaint countryside villages, scenic coastlines, seaside romance, rustic elegance, or a luxurious fairy-tale wedding, Europe has it all,” she elaborates.
Indonesian couples, for instance, commonly reflect on iconic, elegant scenery. The romantic backdrop not only makes for memorable experiences, added Yunita, but also timeless photos—images that still feel magical decades later.
Common preferences include European gardens, horse-drawn carriages, gondola rides, and a châteaux in France or Germany. “Many want that ‘storybook’ feel. But it’s not just about aesthetics. These couples typically seek exclusive venues and VIP-level services to ensure complete privacy and intimacy,” she expresses.
Europe’s magical wedding destinations
Having lived in Europe for a portion of her life, layered with her adventurous spirit, Yunita has walked every corner, most notably going out of her way to explore lesser-known places.
She shares to What’s New Overseas the five best and magical European wedding destinations as follows:
Black Forest, Germany
This is a unique option with a more raw, rustic charm. Think German countryside, traditional beer halls, long wooden tables, and Oktoberfest-style celebrations. It’s festive, earthy, and tons of fun—perfect for those seeking a rustic wedding.
French Riviera (Nice, St. Tropez, and Monaco)
This ideal area is for couples seeking glamour, elegance, and a festive yet sophisticated celebration. The region has a historical connection with European royalty and socialites. Iconic venues, private islands, and mesmerising coastal vistas make it perfect for cultural and refined weddings.
An option is Le Beauvallon, capturing the timeless elegance of the Côte d’Azur; set amidst 10 acres of manicured gardens, palms, and pines overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez. The estate offers effortless access to the glamour of St. Tropez—just eight minutes away by boat. This Riviera landmark enters a new era: its 25 sea-facing suites will now welcome individual guests, heralding the first phase of a refined transformation in partnership with COMO, a brand celebrated for its elevated service, wellness philosophy, and Michelin-level dining.
Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
A stunning choice for winter weddings, this mountain village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush meadows—making it ideal for unforgettable ceremonies. “It’s incredibly elegant and intimate,” she says. The region is home to luxurious five-star hotels, gourmet cuisine, and impeccable Swiss hospitality, ensuring discretion.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Another top winter destination is this quaint area in the Swiss Alps. It’s prestigious, sublime, and full of luxurious venues, great for small weddings with a magical snowy backdrop.
Tuscany, Italy
Perfect for couples seeking an intimate and rustic feel, “you can have a welcome dinner in a charming Italian village, dine among locals, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region,” she says. The culture is rich, the people are warm, and the atmosphere is timeless.
COMO Castello Del Nero is nestled in the heart of Tuscany, presenting a rare blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury housed within a 12th-century castle adorned with original Renaissance frescoes. Relish in world-class wellness amenities, easy access to Florence, and a rich culinary tradition (distinguished by its inclusion in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Italy).
Choosing the ideal European wedding destination
Move from your imagination to reality… Couples interested in saying “I Do” in Europe have five factors to ponder. First and foremost, tailor everything based on your budget while remaining true to emphasise the experience as a whole.
Align venue options with your vision—that could be a romantic château in France, a beachfront villa on the Amalfi Coast, or a countryside estate in Tuscany or Provence. Couples seeking a more urban but equally romantic experience can contemplate Paris or Barcelona.
Accessibility, such as travel logistics from the departing city, is vital. “Usually, a destination wedding involves at least a three-day event. Think of the flights, transportation, accommodation, guest experiences, and visa. For many Indonesians, visas can be a concern,” she highlights. Some locations are a bit more remote.
Timing is crucial. For instance, if you want a wedding in Provence with lavender fields in bloom, there’s only a short window. A wedding in Lake Como must take into account the weather conditions.
Most importantly is to experience beyond the ceremony. A quick meal and photos do not define a destination wedding. All wedding attendants are bound to travel far; they should therefore be immersed in the location. Examples include a pre-wedding welcome dinner in a local village, vineyard tours, and even cooking classes as part of the festivities.
Keep your wedding stress-free
Weddings are meant to be exciting, not overwhelming. Yunita highly believes in this motto; thus, couples can simply show up and celebrate!
Exploring is in her DNA. Since childhood, this sparkling travel designer’s parents encouraged her to experience the world—everything from waking up at midnight to watch turtles lay eggs, to paragliding and parasailing. “Those adventures shaped who I am today: someone who loves exploration and has an insatiable curiosity,” she adds.
Comfort and a touch of luxury are at a pedestal; nonetheless, she remains drawn to nature as well as gastronomy. “That balance is important to me. I’ve explored regions from Japan to the West, and every destination has left a lasting impression,” she recalls.
TravelPlus - Indonesia was established over 13 years ago, inspired by a shared love for Indonesia with her husband. Their globetrotting has exposed them to many beauties, yet Indonesia remains one of the most beautiful, abundant, and unexplored places in the world.
The pair eventually decided to specialise in destinations they know deeply—Europe for her, and Australia for her husband—under the mission of focusing on immersive local experiences. “It’s about knowing when to go, how to eat like a local, and how to shop with cultural context. We guide our guests through these experiences with purpose and care,” she explains.
TravelPlus - Indonesia handles curated travel for small private groups, while TravelBeyond focuses on celebrations, such as weddings. Couples will undergo a consultation to discuss preferences and budget. From then on, Yunita and her team work hand-in-hand with wedding planners, sharing insights about logistics and creative ideas until the extravaganza.
“And yes, Europe is not only perfect for weddings but also for honeymoons,” she emphasises. Getaway in boutique stays, indulge in food tastings, and drive a Ferrari on the Modena track—at TravelBeyond, it’s never just a trip, it’s a curated celebration of love.
Email [email protected], WhatsApp +62 895-3616-09410 (Indonesia) and +61 426 382 972 (Australia), or visit www.yourtravelplus.com for more details and consultations.