Just because we travel solo doesn’t mean that we will be solo forever. And when we meet the one that we want to say “I Do” with, where better than to tie the knot somewhere exotic? Having previously been married in Sri Lanka and now living in the Emirates, I would definitely choose somewhere in the Middle East for a future wedding. Dubai being my top choice.
If the United Emirates is your chosen destination for your big day, here are some of the best wedding venues in Dubai for the wedding of your dreams.
10 Best Wedding Venues in Dubai
Hosting a destination wedding has been popular for years with people choosing to get married in lavish gardens and wineries to cathedrals and beaches. Sometimes, getting married abroad can actually work out cheaper than arranging it in your home country.
Whether you choose a hotel with the finest decor or spectacular views, getting married in the UAE is guaranteed to be a day of opulence and enchantment.
The first and most important step before planning a destination wedding is to check the visa procedures for yourselves and also valid visas for your wedding guests. Getting a UAE Visit Visa is pretty straightforward with an easy application procedure.
Once you have got the visa situation all sorted, it’s time to choose the wedding venue. The United Arab Emirates has a wide range of exquisite venues to choose from. So whether you want your wedding to be a casual beachy affair, a fairytale ballroom celebration or a traditional desert ceremony, UAE has something to suit all tastes so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find the ideal location for you and your loved one.
1. Say “I do” Surrounded by Waves at Atlantis The Palm
Guest Capacity: Up to 800 guests
Possible wedding themes: Arabic ceremonies, summertime wedding ceremonies, beach ceremonies and Indian wedding ceremonies
Location: Crescent Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Atlantis The Palm, a world-renowned tourist destination and the city's most opulent resort, is nothing short of a wonderland. I’ve personally stayed here and loved it. This man-made island is ideal for beach lovers who want to have a peaceful wedding by the sea.
It is one of the city's greenest locations, which is beautifully contrasted by the blue seascape and is located just across from the Al Maha Desert Resort. The hotel also has a waterpark as well as aquariums and first-class restaurants and is the ideal location for a destination wedding.
2. Tie The Knot Amidst Sand Dunes at Al Maha Desert Resort
Guest Capacity: 300 people can be seated.
Possible wedding themes: Arabic ceremonies, winter wedding ceremonies, private ceremonies and Indian wedding ceremonies
Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Rd in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Al Maha Desert Resort is one of Dubai's most unusual resorts and is regarded as one of the greatest outdoor wedding locations in the city. Getting married in the middle of the desert is a unique experience, especially with the sand dunes in the background. When you add in the breathtaking views and desert activities, this just might be the wedding location of your dreams. You can even have a private wedding ceremony here because the resort is part of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
3. Toast to Your Union on a Helipad at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Guest Capacity: Minimum of 250 people depending on the venue you choose
Possible wedding themes: Arabic ceremonies, outdoor ceremonies, ballroom ceremonies, beachy garden ceremonies and Indian wedding ceremonies.
Location: Jumeirah St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Have you ever considered having a destination wedding on a helipad? Or maybe at a garden that overlooks the sea? As well as sparkling photographs and a fantastic toast, you can even make your lavish entry on a Rolls Royce. After all, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of Dubai's most opulent hotels. This seven-star luxury hotel is run by the Jumeirah Group and is the place to experience luxury at its finest, as it will leave no stone unturned in bringing your dream wedding to life.
Couples choose to come here to enjoy their special moments because of the beauty of the Gulf, which is just a few steps away from the city's most luxury hotel. For a peaceful, intimate event, floral gardens create a lovely backdrop or if you prefer something a little more formal, they also have a ballroom. The stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, is ideal for those planning a beach wedding in Dubai.
4. Have a Courtyard Wedding at One&Only Royal Mirage Resort
Guest Capacity: 300 people can be accommodated
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Al Sufouh Rd).
True to its name, this resort is one and only of its kind and a wedding favourite. It provides a destination wedding and a pretty venue without a hefty price tag.
There are a variety of settings to accommodate weddings of all different sizes. The resort includes a beachfront, ballrooms, halls, and other amenities, the little courtyards are ideal for a low-cost wedding. The location is ornate with vines, plants, and trees that are all in bloom making it one of the best options for those looking for a low-cost outdoor wedding location in Dubai.
The One&Only Royal Mirage Resort is one of Dubai's greatest wedding locations.
5. Have a Royal Wedding at the Emirates Palace
Possible wedding themes: Private ceremonies, Arabic ceremonies, outdoor ceremonies, ballroom ceremonies, low-budget ceremonies and Indian wedding ceremonies
Guest Capacity: The number of people who can be accommodated ranges from 30 to 2,000.
Location: West Corniche Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As the name says, Emirates Palace is the location where you’re guaranteed that your wedding will be nothing short of a royal occasion. You’ll feel as though you’re in an expensive wedding setting from a Bollywood filmset; it’s that gorgeous.
And these special moments with your other half and family are made even more memorable here, thanks to the wonderful service and gorgeous interior and exterior decor.
Possible wedding themes: extravagant ceremonies, Arabic ceremonies, outdoor ceremonies, ballroom ceremonies, seaside ceremonies and Indian wedding ceremonies.
6. Pronounce your Love in a Country-Themed Wedding at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Guest Capacity: A total of 400 people can be accommodated.
Possible wedding themes: country-style ceremonies, nature-centric ceremonies, outdoor ceremonies, and intimate ceremonies.
Location: Al Qudra Road, Near Dubai Studio City, 7477 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If you envision a wedding filled with grace and elegance, the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club is a good wedding venue choice.
During the day, you can hold your ceremony facing the fresh green polo fields, or even under the starlit evening sky. The stables are also well-known for offering a true rural vibe and they're lovely, establishing the right tone for a simple countryside event.
To make these moments even special, you can enter the wedding on a horse-drawn carriage.
Centre of the Palm Jumeriah
7. Say your Vows Under the Stars at Fairmont The Palm
Guest Capacity: From 150 up to 500 guests depending on the setting
Possible wedding themes: night outdoor ceremonies, garden ceremonies, indoor ceremonies, seaside ceremonies and intimate ceremonies.
Location: Centre of the Palm Jumeirah
Fairmont The Palm is one of Dubai's greatest outdoor wedding locations within a stunning setting. Set against an elegant metropolitan backdrop with the impressive Dubai skyline, the starry skies is definitely a bonus of having your wedding in this resort.
The Sea View Garden, ideal for a small party of 150 people, is like something out of a fairy tale. Other choices include the Palm Courtyard and Palm Ballroom. Fairmont The Palm is a great option if you’re looking for a small wedding venue in Dubai.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
8. Tie the Knot by the Pool at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
Guest Capacity: From 150 up to 500 guests depending on the setting
Possible wedding themes: night outdoor ceremonies, pool-side ceremonies, balcony ceremonies, Arabic ceremonies, Indian ceremonies and intimate ceremonies.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel gives you a taste of metropolitan Dubai in a place where the city celebrates with you. The rush of the city, the frantic energy, the exhilarating music make this an enticing place to tie the knot. And there are numerous places in the hotel to do it such as the pool deck. If that wasn't enough, you can say “I do” on the balcony with the Burj Khalifa in the background.
Bab Al Shams
9. Have a Mystical Wedding at the Bab Al Shams
Guest Capacity: Guests range from 1200 up to 6000 depending on the setting.
Location: Al Qudra Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Bab Al Shams situated near Al Qudra Lake in the desert, is the ideal location for an out-of-the-ordinary wedding away from the fast pace of the city. Choose from a variety of modest and beautiful settings and experiences, each with its own unique blend of natural beauty and Arab sophistication. For example, the Masala Courtyard is perfect for alfresco events whereas the Falcon Courtyard has a more traditional feel.
The resort offers a mystical touch for brides and grooms who choose to celebrate their wedding under the stars.
Possible wedding themes: night outdoor ceremonies, grand alfresco ceremonies, Arabic ceremonies, Indian ceremonies and intimate ceremonies.
The Westin Dubai
10. Have a Grand Union at the Westin Dubai
Guest Capacity: Up to 1000 people with flexible seating options
Location: D94 – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Possible wedding themes: grand alfresco ceremonies, Arabic ceremonies, Indian ceremonies and intimate ceremonies.
In the United Arab Emirates, the Westin Dubai is a popular choice for destination weddings. The Westin offers a gorgeous setting, superb cuisine, and fine detailing to create an unforgettable wedding experience. This five-star luxury beach resort not only boasts stunning antique architecture with elegance and creativity, but also spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. The crystal blue seas provide the ideal backdrop for an alfresco wedding. The hotel is grand enough to accommodate private, big and exquisite weddings.
About The Author
This article on the best wedding venues in Dubai was written by Robeena Brown, a travel blogger & destination expert living in UAE. Robeena works for local tourism companies like Arabiers. If you have been looking forward to touring Dubai, getting a visa, extending stays and exploring the city you can follow her on social media.
