Top Spots To Say 'I Do'

Stop the Search, Here Are the Most Spectacular Venues in the Region.
 

Aoife Stuart-Madge

You know the who and the when, but you haven’t got the where quite sorted yet. Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a huge task for any couple – after all, the whole feel and style of your day can hinge on finding the right setting. And that’s before you even factor in constraints like budget and guest-list numbers. From traditional ballrooms to private gardens and unique beachfront spaces, the huge variety of stunning venues on offer in the region is enough to make your head spin. Luckily, help is at hand. We’ve compiled and curated a list of great places in the UAE to get married whatever vibe you’re going for. Catering for parties and budgets of all sizes, you’re sure to find somewhere that suits your unique love story and that encapsulates your ideas for your big day. Read on to find your perfect venue…

THE FAIRYTALE WEDDING

WHERE? Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

HIGHLIGHTS: With romantic waterways, ornate ballrooms, a lagoon-locked fort and an arena fit for a princess, this magical wedding venue is the stuff of your childhood fairytales.

THE NUMBERS: The sheer size and scope of this venue means that any size of wedding can be catered for in a variety of spaces, running the gamut from a beachfront hideaway to the grand setting of the Madinat Arena hosting 4,500 guests.

THE SPACES: The talking point banquet space is undoubtedly the Madinat Arena, purely for its jaw dropping decadence. Built in the style of an old fortress, it boasts an exclusive entrance, a balcony with separate seating area for the bridal party and a dedicated Majlis area for a super-grand ceremony for up to 4,500 of your closest friends. If you’re not inviting a small country, or can’t stretch to the Dhs270,000 minimum spend (food and drink only, not including the Dhs60,000 rental fee for drapes), then there are plenty of other spaces to suit even the most discerning bride. Take the Joharah Ballroom in the Madinat Conference Hall. With a max capacity of 750 for a banquet dinner and a minimum spend of Dhs180,000, the Arabic themed room can be divided into up to seven smaller rooms or configured according to your specific requirements. In a more modest terrace further long the meandering waterway, Magnolia offers stunning indoor and outdoor seating for up to 150 guests (Dhs70,000 minimum spend) amid the landscaped gardens and a quaint waterside setting, while the waterfront venue at Layali offers an intimate beachfront setting for 200-250 guests (minimum spend Dhs70,000). Also known as Al Qasr Beach Platform, Layali is one of Dubai’s best kept secrets offering sweeping views, the calming sounds of the waves and a balmy breeze to accompany your vows.