The act of renewing your wedding vows is not exactly a new thing, but it’s something which continues to gain popularity, both in the celebrity world and as a worthy excuse for a good holiday. Indeed, many of the world’s most romantic destinations are within easy reach while on a luxury cruise, so here’s a look at the 10 best places to renew your wedding vows.
Venice
When it comes to destinations synonymous with romance, few float into the collective consciousness as much as Venice does. This iconic Italian port is a mainstay on many a Mediterranean cruise, so it’s possible to visit it on a large number of itineraries. The gondola ride along the Grand Canal may indeed be a tourist cliché but a renewal of vows while taking in the city’s timelessly romantic architecture by water would be just perfect.
Verona
Remaining in Italy and a place you can visit on an excursion from Venice, what about Verona for one of the 10 best places to renew your wedding vows? This is the very place in which that most iconic of love-lorn tales, Romeo and Juliette was set. Take a stroll up the pink marble Via Mazzini and you’ll come to Casa di Guilietta, or Juliet’s House. This always bust tourist attraction boasts a balcony built to represent the setting for one of the story’s most iconic scenes and you can leave a renewal love message on the wall of the tunnel which leads to the square.
Paris
If you’re exploring Europe on a cruise and stay, be sure to book one which involves a Paris hotel and you’ll be able to renew your vows in one of the world’s most traditionally romantic cities. Whether you choose to re-declare your undying love atop the Eiffel tour or at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, there is an abundance of romantic eateries and bistros to choose from. Or for something a little more quirky, why not head to the wall of ‘I Love You’s’ and write your own message?
Beach weddings are popular with many and so too are beach renewals. If you’re on a six star voyage to French Polynesia however, you’ll find one of the most beautiful of the 10 best places to renew your wedding vows in the form of Tahiti. Spirited grass-skirted dances, inviting warm-water lagoons and a host of enticing dishes all contribute to a memorably romantic atmosphere, a holiday to remember and the perfect place to renew your vows.
Hawaii
In a similar vein, though in a very different location, Hawaii is the perfect place in which to renew your vows in America’s most exotic state. It’s renowned for its beautiful beaches as much for its range of spa therapies, and indeed, after declaring your togetherness once more, what better than treating yourselves to a relaxing spa treatment or massage?
New York
At first look, you’d be forgiven for not counting the city that doesn’t sleep as one of the 10 best places to renew your wedding vows. However, just think for a moment about how many romantic cinematic stories have been played out in its streets over the years. When it comes to exact locations however, the top of Empire State Building is one of the world’s most popular places to propose, so it could certainly be a great place to renew your vows, too.
A Greek islands cruise offers some of the most breath-taking and enchanting scenery you could ever hope to see. When you think that you’ll be exploring destinations frequented by those responsible for many word about and artistic likeness of Eros and Aphrodite – the Greek God and Goddess of love respectively – you’ll realise this is the perfect place to make that special recommitment. Santorini is widely regarded as one of the Greek Isles’ most inspiring and beautiful destinations and naturally, a very popular destination on Greek Island cruises.
Rome
Fascinating though they undoubtedly are, there’s more to Rome than gladiators and the Vatican and certainly, there a number of reasons why the Eternal City is the perfect place to re-declare your eternal love. The most obvious destination would be one of the city’s famous fountains, such as the iconic Trevi Fountain, where lovers have long tossed coins and made wishes. There’s a host of inspiring art to enjoy together too, and of course a great choice of Italian restaurants in which to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner.
A special destination…
If you’ve read this far, there’s a good chance you’ll already have visited one or more of the places I’ve mentioned. Maybe you’ve honeymooned in one of them or perhaps there was a destination I listed which was the first place abroad you ever holidayed together? With that in mind, a return visit could be the perfect way to reflect on your life together, and everything you’ve done since that memorable holiday.
The ship
You may not be aware that your ship itself can be the location for your renewal of wedding vows. The truth is, a number of Six Star lines offer vow renewal packages, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. Prices vary and depending on the line, some come with no charge but all should be booked in advance. Cake, champagne and a romantically decked-out lounge are all part of the package and the ship’s captain is usually on-hand to officiate.
By Simon Brotherton
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