Planning a wedding is an intricate process filled with significant choices, especially the selection of the perfect venue. For many, the ideal setting transcends modern trends, embracing locations imbued with deep historical resonance. This article explores a curated selection of nine extraordinary hotels across the globe, each boasting a venerable chapel or church that can serve as a magnificent backdrop for a wedding celebration. These properties offer not just stunning aesthetics but also a profound sense of history, allowing couples to exchange vows within walls that have witnessed centuries of stories, thereby adding a unique and unforgettable dimension to their special day.
First, we journey to the heart of Tuscany, Italy, where Pieve Aldina, a 22-room hotel nestled amidst the picturesque Chianti countryside, awaits. Once a summer retreat for the Bishops of Siena during the 15th and 16th centuries, this estate exudes an undeniable romantic allure. Its most treasured feature is the meticulously preserved Romanesque church of Santa Maria Novella, dating back to the 10th century and adorned with 16th-century frescoes. This architectural gem, one of the oldest in the Florentine heritage, is available for private events, offering an intimate and historically rich setting for nuptials.
Next, we ascend to the Peruvian Andes to discover Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, in Cusco. This enchanting city, with its winding cobblestone streets and ancient Inca ruins, provides a breathtaking canvas for a wedding. The hotel, a former monastery and a national monument established in 1595, features a splendid Baroque chapel. This sacred space is lavishly decorated with original large-scale paintings and shimmering gold leaf interiors, reflecting its opulent past. Adjacent to the chapel, a cloistered courtyard boasts a 300-year-old cedar tree, further enhancing the historical ambiance of this remarkable venue.
Crossing continents, we arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city celebrated for its festive spirit and rich architectural heritage. Here, Hotel Peter & Paul, situated in the Marigny district, offers a distinctive wedding location within a repurposed 19th-century Catholic church. Designed by the renowned architect Henry Howard, the church's interior is a marvel of stained-glass artistry, intricate cypress wood moldings, and restored murals. Soaring ceilings and grand columns create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, complemented by the original bell still housed in the bell tower. This unique blend of monastic tranquility and historical grandeur provides a magical setting for unions, as exemplified by a celebrity private ceremony held here in 2022.
Traveling eastward, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp in Belgium presents another captivating option. This 108-room hotel is housed within a 13th-century monastery, adjacent to the city's botanical garden. Couples drawn to dramatic gothic architecture will find the 1400-era chapel particularly appealing. The wedding experience can begin with relaxation at the hotel’s expansive three-floor spa, followed by a ceremony in the historic chapel. Post-ceremony, guests can enjoy canapés in the atmospheric Monastery Garden before the newlyweds retire to a luxurious bridal suite. The hotel's prime location also allows guests to explore Antwerp’s botanical garden, home to over 2,000 species, and immerse themselves in the city’s renowned fashion scene.
For those dreaming of a tropical celebration with a historical twist, the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, in St. Vincent & Grenadines offers a compelling choice. The estate’s chapel is a fascinating testament to architectural translocation, originally built in 17th-century England, then carefully dismantled, transported, and meticulously reconstructed stone by stone on the island in the early 1800s. This non-denominational chapel, set amidst lush palm trees, accommodates 50 to 80 guests. Canouan, once a hidden gem, has rapidly gained popularity as a premier Caribbean destination, celebrated for its accessible location, pristine mountainsides, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional wellness facilities, including stunning overwater spas.
Returning to the American Southwest, Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides a magical desert wedding experience. This Auberge Collection hotel features a whitewashed adobe structure dating to the 1860s, originally built by Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy. The chapel, an intimate space showcasing the Territorial architectural style, is highlighted by a Gothic-influenced wooden altar. Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktails and canapés in the chapel garden, which offers panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo foothills.
In Brazil, the Rosewood São Paulo boasts the breathtaking 1922-era Santa Luzia Chapel, an exceptional venue for larger wedding parties. Adorned with a stained-glass rosette by Vik Muniz and Byzantine-style frescoes, this chapel, now part of the Rosewood São Paulo property, pays homage to early 20th-century Italian immigration to Brazil. With a capacity for up to 180 guests, it stands out as an attractive option for more extensive celebrations, blending historical artistry with grand scale.
Finally, we revisit Italy, this time to Masseria Calderisi in Puglia. This remarkable boutique hotel, nestled within a 17th-century farm, is surrounded by 24 acres of olive groves, citrus trees, and fragrant herb gardens. The hotel's whitewashed tufa stone walls and textured interiors create a serene and atmospheric setting for wedding weekends. Its small chapel, accommodating up to 30 guests, dates back to the 1600s. Just outside, a charming piazza, adorned with twinkling lights, provides a perfect space for post-ceremony festivities.
Lastly, for an unparalleled wedding destination on the French Riviera, Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence offers a truly historic experience. This magnificent château, spanning 32 acres, originated as a fortified Roman structure and later served as a stronghold for the Knights Templar in the 12th century. The property features a beautifully restored chapel from the 1100s, enhanced by a contemporary mural titled “Tree of Life” by artist Erick Lfergan. This unique blend of ancient history and modern art, set against the backdrop of the glamorous French Riviera, creates an exceptionally romantic and distinguished ambiance for exchanging vows.
