Editor’s Picks: The 20 Most Beautiful Weddings That Defined 2025

Photography: Naman Verma
Photography: Naman Verma

20 Dec 2025 | By Ksenia Larina
A year of evolution, design-forward storytelling, and unapologetic individuality

Every year, weddings evolve – and 2025 was a masterclass in modern romance, design-forward storytelling, and unapologetic individuality. From mirror-lined gardens on Lake Como to stone quarries in Provence, couples across the globe redefined what it means to say I do. This year’s most unforgettable weddings blurred the lines between fashion, art, and place, transforming destinations like Italy, France, Mexico, Iceland, and Zambia into deeply personal expressions of love. Couture bridal moments, immersive multi-day experiences, and intentional design took center stage, proving that today’s modern couples are less interested in tradition for tradition’s sake – and more inspired by meaning, atmosphere, and emotion. These are the weddings that didn’t just follow trends, but shaped them. 

An Indian Wedding
at the Foot of the Pyramids

Monica and Vivek’s wedding was an extraordinary journey across Cairo, culminating in one of the most awe-inspiring backdrops on earth. The celebrations began with a traditional Hindu ceremony at the Dahab Island Palace, rich in ritual and color, before 180 guests crossed the Nile by boat to a private residence as anticipation built. At sunset, the wedding party entered through a private gate to reveal a custom-built venue on the Giza Plateau, where the Great Pyramids rose dramatically against the desert horizon. The bride dazzled in a sculptural, corseted lehenga, while the groom cut a sharp figure in a tailored black sherwani. With pyramids, sand, and sky framing the moment, the evening felt both intimate and monumental – a once-in-a-lifetime celebration set between history and modern romance.

A Mirrored Lake Como 
Wedding at Villa Balbiano

Set against the storied grounds of Villa Balbiano, Kimberly and Klaas’s Lake Como wedding felt like a modern mirage. A reflective aisle and mirrored seating transformed the garden into a dreamlike landscape, catching the light at every turn and amplifying the sculptural greenery throughout the space. The contemporary ceremony design stood in striking contrast to the villa’s historic architecture, creating a dialogue between old-world romance and modern minimalism. Nothing felt forced or overworked – the beauty lived in the restraint. This was Lake Como luxury reimagined through a clean, editorial lens. 

A Romantic Abbey Wedding with
Dakota Johnson as Bridesmaid

Stella Banderas Griffith’s wedding unfolded like a cinematic love story steeped in heritage and elegance. Wearing a custom Rodarte lace gown, Stella embodied timeless romance with a sculpted neckline, delicate sleeves, and intricate detailing that felt both soft and intentional. The setting – the 12th-century Abadía Retuerta – added a layer of gravitas, its stone walls and historic textures grounding the celebration in history. Every visual element felt perfectly in sync with the venue’s quiet grandeur. Bridesmaids, including Dakota Johnson, added a modern polish that balanced tradition with contemporary cool. 

Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s
Old-Hollywood-Inspired Wedding

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s wedding was a masterclass in modern bridal style with vintage soul. Across the day, she wore three Ralph Lauren bridal looks, each capturing a different facet of her personal aesthetic. From a silk halter gown with a sweeping train to a lace-embroidered ceremony dress, the evolution felt thoughtful and cinematic. Her final look – a ’60s-inspired reception silhouette – brought playful glamour with unmistakable polish. Paired with lily of the valley florals, a voluminous Hollywood bob, and Rare Beauty’s signature glow, every detail felt intentional yet effortless. Together with Benny Blanco’s classic tailoring, the celebration balanced nostalgia, romance, and contemporary elegance.

An Artistic Stone Quarry
Wedding in Provence

Hidden within the monumental stone walls of Carrières des Lumières, Lauren and Sevag’s wedding felt like a modern art installation brought to life. The Provençal setting – textured, dramatic, and bathed in golden light – became the perfect canvas for a celebration rooted in architecture and emotion. Draped fabrics and sculptural florals softened the quarry’s scale, creating intimacy within grandeur. Following a traditional Armenian ceremony, guests experienced a cinematic reveal that unfolded into a moody, candlelit dinner. Lauren’s bridal wardrobe, featuring an archival Oscar de la Renta gown and a Danielle Frankel second look, mirrored the balance of classic and contemporary. Every detail told a story of heritage, intention, and artistry.

Ella McFadin's Elegant Château
Wedding in France

Ella McFadin and James Hanbury-Williams’s wedding at Château de Sibra was the epitome of understated luxury. Nestled in the French countryside, the estate’s soft stone and winding gardens created an atmosphere of quiet romance. The design leaned into the natural beauty of the setting, layering in airy draping, sculptural florals, and an earthy palette that felt organic and refined. Ella’s bridal wardrobe brought an editorial edge – polished yet effortless, fashion-forward yet timeless. Every detail felt considered without feeling staged. A celebration defined by ease, elegance, and modern restraint.

A Botanical Brutalist
Wedding in Portugal

Gerardo and Carlos transformed Portugal’s Herdade do Freixo into an avant-garde botanical landscape. Set within a striking brutalist winery, the wedding blurred the lines between architecture, nature, and art. Inspired by carnivorous plants, the design featured tropical layers, translucent structures, and sculptural installations that felt both daring and poetic. Custom steel tables and light-catching panels amplified the space’s geometry. The result was immersive and unexpected, pushing past tradition into something deeply expressive. A wedding that existed as both celebration and installation.

A Zambian Destination Wedding
with Wildlife & Heritage

Simone and Jason’s wedding along the Zambezi River was rooted in meaning and place. With Victoria Falls as a powerful backdrop, the multi-day celebration blended cultural tradition, natural beauty, and thoughtful luxury. From Shabbat blessings beneath open skies to an intimate chuppah surrounded by water and florals, every moment felt intentional. Guests were welcomed into a journey that celebrated connection, music, and shared experience. Barefoot dancing, bespoke local details, and moments of quiet reflection defined the weekend. A soulful celebration that honored love through story and setting.

A Careyes Wedding Where 
Architecture Met Ocean Drama

Aliett and Parke’s wedding in Careyes was guided by feeling rather than tradition. Set against bold architecture and cinematic ocean views, the celebration unfolded like a carefully composed film. Guests wandered through gardens before gathering beneath white umbrellas as the sun dipped toward the sea. The reception revealed textured tablescapes, vintage-inspired details, and sculptural orange florals that echoed the landscape’s warmth. Aliett’s custom Annie’s Ibiza gown mirrored the venue’s architectural lines, feeling effortless yet intentional. A destination wedding that felt transportive, personal, and deeply atmospheric.

A Five-Day Italian Wedding
on the Cliffs of Sorrento

Alyssa Caparelli and Jess curated a five-day wedding celebration that blurred the line between event and experience. Set along the cliffs of Sorrento, the weekend unfolded with sun-drenched ease – beach days, cooking classes, and gatherings rooted in connection. For the ceremony, Alyssa wore a custom Wiederhoeft gown featuring the iconic rose bra, bringing sculptural fashion to the romantic setting. Lush florals framed the vows, while the reception embraced maximalist color and texture. Every detail felt joyful, expressive, and alive. Italian romance, reimagined through a playful editorial lens.

Temi Otedola & Mr Eazi’s
Multi-Destination Wedding

Temi Otedola and Mr Eazi’s wedding journey spanned three unforgettable locations, beginning with an elegant court ceremony in Monaco, followed by a vibrant traditional celebration in Dubai. The grand finale unfolded in Iceland, where they exchanged vows surrounded by moss-covered mountains and rugged rocks, creating a serene, otherworldly backdrop. Each moment was infused with thoughtful details and sweeping landscapes, making the multi-country celebration feel both intimate and cinematic. From royal sophistication to cultural richness and ethereal natural beauty, their wedding story is a masterclass in creating an extraordinary, globetrotting romance.

 

Photography: Jose Villa 
Planning: Califano Productions

Terracotta-Drenched
Modernism in Mallorca

Blaise and Nathan Redmond’s wedding at Neuendorf House in Mallorca was a bold exploration of color and form. Set against the venue’s iconic terracotta walls, the ceremony featured geometric seating softened by flowing fabrics. Guests moved through olive groves for cocktails before discovering a dramatic square reception table that echoed the architecture’s clean lines. As night fell, projections and twinkling lights transformed the modernist space into something ethereal. The design balanced structure with romance, minimalism with warmth. A striking example of architectural wedding design done right.

Hailee Steinfeld's Stunning
Santa Barbara Wedding

Hailee Steinfeld and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen said "I do" in a dreamy garden ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. Steinfeld dazzled in a strapless gown, paired with opera gloves, a sleek bun, and a dramatic French Chantilly lace veil. The weekend of celebrations was nothing short of cinematic: a pearl-encrusted welcome party look set the tone on arrival, while the after-party saw Steinfeld commanding attention in a beaded, feather-trimmed dress that shimmered under the California stars. Renowned photographer Jose Villa captured every impeccable detail – from the lush garden setting to overflowing margaritas, indulgent late-night grilled cheese sandwiches, and a curated cigar bar – making the weekend feel like a perfect blend of romance, glamour, and a touch of playful fun.

An Elegant Garden Wedding
Inspired by Pride & Prejudice

Set within the manicured gardens of an 18th-century palace, Kami and Leo’s wedding felt like a modern love story lifted straight from the pages of Pride & Prejudice. Historic elegance met contemporary restraint as soft linen panels drifted from the trees, framing an open-air ceremony that felt intimate and poetic. Personal touches were woven seamlessly throughout the day, from embroidered linen napkins guiding guests to their seats to the thoughtfully curated design palette that balanced heritage with simplicity. As dusk settled in, the garden transformed into a candlelit refuge, where florals and lush greenery wrapped the celebration in a quiet, romantic glow. 

A Model’s Charming Wedding
on the Shores of Sicily

Australian model Dominique Elissa Faludi and Thomas Bull celebrated their love in a summery Sicilian wedding at the breathtaking Castello San Nicola, a 14th-century castle perched above waters. The bride captivated in couture gowns, including a striking off-shoulder design with a corseted bodice, subtle drapery, and a graceful drop-waist skirt, topped off with a playful bridal bandana. The day was a vibrant fusion of elegance and local charm, with pomegranates, grapes, and refreshing matcha shots adding a flavorful Sicilian touch. Guests were enchanted by the romantic setting, where sunlit terraces and lush gardens provided the perfect backdrop for the celebrations. 

Xiayan Guo's Cinematic Abbey
Wedding in Southern France

Xiayan and Rod’s celebration at the Abbaye de Valmagne in southern France was truly a poetic mix of minimalism, mysticism, and cinematic beauty. The nearly thousand-year-old abbey, with its soaring arches and candlelit cloisters, served as both stage and sanctuary. Their vision was simple: no screens, no microphones, no excess – letting architecture, light, and ritual shape the day. Cloaked figures opened the ceremony, later revealing stunning Mongolian garments and performing traditional throat-singing, honoring Xiayan’s heritage. Design echoed the same quiet intensity: a single 30-meter table draped in sculptural white fabric, lined with hundreds of candles, hosting a champagne dinner that ended with a one-meter blueberry tart. 

Patrick Schwarzenegger & Abby Champion’s
Lakefront Celebration

Patrick Schwarzenegger and Abby Champion celebrated love with an intimate three-day wedding on Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The weekend began with a farm-to-table rehearsal dinner, leading to Abby’s walk down the aisle in a sculptural silk-wool gown by Danielle Frankel, with a high neckline and plunging V-back. Their lakeside ceremony, framed by the Rocky Mountains and adorned with white roses and hydrangeas, was understated yet cinematic, with minimalist seating and serene décor letting the landscape take center stage.

A Gothic Castle Wedding
with a Custom Bridal Look

Harley Weir and John Kelleher’s Irish wedding unfolded like a modern gothic editorial, set within the dramatic stone walls of Lismore Castle. For the ceremony, Weir wore a corseted Dilara Findikoglu dress she co-created with the designer, featuring a whimsical silhouette, intricate beading, and a trailing train that felt lifted from a dark fairytale. A voluminous veil added softness and scale, while her dried-flower bridal bouquet grounded the look with an earthy, romantic edge. The bridesmaids wore blush-pink Simone Rocha dresses, offering a gentle contrast to the castle’s moody setting. Captured through an editorial lens, the photography felt intimate and cinematic, blurring the line between fashion story and real-life romance.

A Multi-Day Oaxaca Wedding 
Blending Fashion & Culture

Alix Traeger and Zoya Biglary’s wedding in Oaxaca unfolded as an immersive cultural tapestry. Set across Casa Silencio and the vibrant streets of Oaxaca Centro, the celebration honored both Persian and Mexican traditions through fashion, food, and design. Each day revealed a new layer – from a calenda parade to a richly textured bazaar – creating moments that felt experiential rather than performative. Their bridal looks pushed boundaries, with architectural tailoring and vintage couture redefining modern bridal style. Music, ritual, and atmosphere carried equal weight, turning the weekend into a sensory journey.

Charlie XCX’s Effortless
Tonnara di Scopello Wedding

Charlie XCX and George Daniel’s wedding at Tonnara di Scopello unfolded as a three-day celebration rooted in music, intimacy, and effortlessly cool Sicilian elegance. Set against the turquoise waters of the iconic tuna fishery, the ceremony centered around a sculptural altar layered with lush greenery that felt organic yet strikingly modern. Charlie wore a sheer bridal dress that balanced softness with edge, perfectly aligned with the raw beauty of the setting. The reception embraced chic restraint, with elegant white tablescapes glowing against the historic stone and sea-swept backdrop of Tonnara di Scopello. As night fell, the celebration shifted gears when the couple stepped behind the decks, DJing together for an afterparty that felt joyful, electric, and deeply personal. 

Credits
Category: Real Weddings
Author: Ksenia Larina
Published: 20 Dec 2025
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