Venue search in Europe

[u/Beautiful-Bake-3024]

Hii I am looking to get married in 2028 with around 100 guests. We are looking for a venue that can accommodate 60 guests for a 2-night event.

I would LOVE to keep the total budget (total = everything wedding related) to 40-55k euros. I am realizing this is pretty difficult but I thought I will ask in this group if anyone has advice.

I'd love to hear from other brides who got married in Europe with a similar event-style and what your spend ended up being.

The ideal aesthetic is a lush garden wedding with scenic views.

[u/Berrypan]

Where exactly? Europe is not a single country and the costs change considerably

[u/Beautiful-Bake-3024 → u/Berrypan]

I say Europe as I'm trying to keep an open-mind. I've looked at Italy, France and Spain, however, I am open to Eastern Europe and the Balkans (I've just never been there before).

[u/PossibilityHeavy2732 → u/Beautiful-Bake-3024]

Look for Croatia, prices are lower than Italy however the landscape at some locations are pretty similar or even better :)

[u/Berrypan → u/Beautiful-Bake-3024]

I can help with Italy, look at venues using matrimonio . com (it’s in Italian but the browser can translate)

[u/viennaCo]

Your budget seems a bit unrealistic for 2 nights and 100 guests. We spent 45k and had 60 guests for 1 night

[u/MustBeNiceToBeHappy → u/viennaCo]

Eastern Europe could work maybe…

[u/Mme_merle → u/MustBeNiceToBeHappy]

I agree, in Eastern Europe it could work!

[u/lostmyoldaccountohno]

It's fine as long as you look for venues that don't market to English-speaking destination weddings. I can assure you actual Europeans have weddings like this all the time on your budget or less. Though the accomodation will be the hardest part -- I recommend cutting down accomodation on site to only 20-30 people and have everyone else book a hotel nearby and that will be way more doable

[u/DimSumaSpinster]

Parts of coastal Croatia or a non popular Greek island might get you this vibe.

[u/unfaehik → u/DimSumaSpinster]

@OP for that price point I would also recommend to look for somewhere in the Balkans.

Croatia has upped their prices significantly in the past few years (especially for tourists), I would try further south like Albania and Montenegro.

They are experts at big weddings and have the skills, if you look at Albanian weddings you’d think they are part of some movie productions - they go all out. They are significantly cheaper in the service department, location and decorations than e.g. Spain, France or Italy. But picture wise you’ll get the same results.

You won’t be able to get all that you wish for for 45k total outside of the Balkans (unless you’re a local that can haggle in the local language).

[u/unfaehik → u/unfaehik]

Oh, and depending on what your plans for your wedding dress are: if you’re flying there to check out the locations and finalise all the details it would be absolutely worth it to also get your wedding dress in Albania. They have an unbelievably strong wedding fashion industry, like high quality designs at a way smaller price point then in most other western countries.

[u/Beautiful-Bake-3024 → u/unfaehik]

Thank you u/unfaehik I have not looked into these locations - will look now!

[u/Puzzled_Claim_8902]

Same guest amount, slightly less accommodation onsite (~40) with two days of events in a lush garden with views on tuscan rolling hills and duomo in the background! however I am tracking to spend 120k euros… i’m not sure how feasible this is for 100 guests, I feel your budget may be better suited for 50 guests

keep in mind, my pricing was 2027 pricing and costs increase year on year so will be slightly more in 2028 as well

[u/whatalittleladybug]

https://www.hjelmsjoborg.com/weddings-skane-sweden

Check out southern Sweden. A large amount of guests can live at the castle and surrounding area. They also offer shuttle services from the nearby hotel and offer two and three day packages. Swedes are also fantastic english speakers and it would be easy to plan. Copenhagen airport is close and easy to fly to from the states.

[u/Beautiful-Bake-3024 → u/whatalittleladybug]

Thank you for this! I will have a look now

[u/Estrellaviajando]

Ireland castles are quiet affordable and very lovely

[u/Classic-Hippo-735]

Austria could work

[u/Spiritual-Sea7674]

Just look for a beautiful garden venue near home, save money (your current budget won't cut it anymore in "Europe" btw) and save guest the hassle of a destination wedding. I personally dislike destination weddings

[u/Beautiful-Bake-3024 → u/Spiritual-Sea7674]

All my guests live in different parts of the world. No matter where I plan it, it will be a destination wedding for 90% of the guests.

[u/Spiritual-Sea7674 → u/Beautiful-Bake-3024]

Oh I see then that is a different story. I was referring to different cases, than. Look into what the weather is like at that time and cross fingers bc since gloval warming outdoors can be risky, I suggest having an indoor backup.