Pre-wedding getaways in Europe
There’s a lot of talk about honeymoons, but what about the trip before the big day? A pre-wedding getaway is the perfect chance to step away from the seating plans, the menu debates, and the endless email threads about centrepieces (which, let’s be honest, no one will remember anyway). Whether you’re looking for a last hurrah with friends, a romantic escape to reconnect before the chaos, or a solo retreat to clear your head, a well-timed trip can be the best wedding prep of all—no spreadsheets required. We’ve rounded up the best destinations for every kind of nearlywed.
Drift away in Durrës – Adriatik Hotel, Albania
If pre-wedding stress has you craving a seaside escape, Adriatik Hotel in Durrës is just the place to slow things down. This grand waterfront retreat is all about golden beaches, fresh seafood, and that irresistible Adriatic breeze. Spend your days dipping between the pool and the sea, or take a wander through Durrës’ ancient streets, where Roman amphitheatres and lively cafés make for the perfect afternoon detour. With spa treatments designed to melt away tension and sunset views to remind you why you’re doing all this in the first place, this is the kind of getaway that resets your mind and your shoulders.
Experience romance in Copenhagen – Ascot Hotel, Denmark
For couples who love a city break with a side of hygge, Copenhagen delivers in spades. Tucked inside a former bathhouse, Ascot Hotel blends historic charm with sleek Scandinavian design, making it an ideal base for relaxing, love-filled days in the Danish capital. Cycle along the canals, linger over smørrebrød and wine in the city’s effortlessly cool eateries, or settle into a candlelit corner in one of its many cosy wine bars. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Vesterbro or simply soaking in a deep tub back at the hotel, this is a place that makes winter weddings feel very tempting.
Share special moments in Kinsale – The Old Bank House, Ireland
If your idea of a pre-wedding escape involves good food, fresh sea air, and long, lazy breakfasts, look no further than The Old Bank House in Kinsale. This colourful harbour town is a dream for food lovers, with seafood chowder, creamy pints, and top-class dining all within strolling distance. Stay here for a weekend of windswept coastal walks, evenings by the fire, and a chance to slow things down before the big day. Bonus: if you’re still finalising wedding wines, a trip to the legendary Black Pig wine bar might just settle a few decisions.
Let love linger in Venice – Hotel Giorgione, Italy
Venice might be a honeymoon staple, but it’s also a dream destination for a pre-wedding getaway. At Hotel Giorgione, tucked away in a quiet corner near the Grand Canal, you can wake up to the scent of fresh espresso and the promise of getting lost in the city’s labyrinthine streets. Drift along the canals, browse tiny bookshops, and toast to your upcoming nuptials in candlelit trattorias where time slows down and the prosecco flows freely. This is the kind of place that reminds you: love isn’t just in the grand gestures—it’s in the little moments, too.
Write your love story in Rhodes – Allegory Boutique Hotel, Greece
If you’re after an escape that feels worlds away from wedding to-do lists, Rhodes has you covered. Allegory Boutique Hotel is a hideaway in the heart of the medieval Old Town, where whitewashed walls and sun-drenched terraces set the scene for pure escapism. Wander the cobbled streets hand in hand, explore ancient ruins, or simply lose track of time over long, chilled-out lunches by the sea. With just a handful of suites, this place is intimate, peaceful, and a reminder that sometimes the best wedding planning strategy is to do absolutely nothing at all.
Fall for the magic of Méribel – Hotel L’Hélios & Spa, France
Nothing clears a busy mind quite like the crisp air of the French Alps. If wedding planning has you craving a deep breath, Hotel L’Hélios & Spa in Méribel is the perfect escape. Here, mornings are for carving through fresh snow, afternoons are for fireside hot chocolates, and evenings are for sinking into a private spa bath with the mountains as your backdrop. Whether you’re ski lovers or simply here for the après, this is a place that lets you switch off, soak it all in, and maybe—just maybe—start getting excited about that first dance.
