The Ultimate List of Top Destination Weddings We've Performed At
Published on 28 November 2025

Say your vows on a sunlit terrace with sea breezes tousling your hair, or dance your first dance beneath twinkling chandeliers in a centuries-old palace. Over the past 15 years, Courtier Music have brought the soundtrack to spectacular destination weddings in every corner you could dream of. From ancient clifftop venues to modern city skylines, we’ve seen couples’ wedding visions transformed into reality—and heard their guests gasp in delight as the band struck up that opening chord.
Why Destination Weddings Are in a Class of Their Own
There’s something about jetting off somewhere extraordinary to celebrate love that sets the whole tone for the adventure ahead. A destination wedding isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a shared journey with friends and family, filled with laughter, wonder, and celebration. Time and again, we’ve seen the energy in the room soar higher because everyone’s left their routines behind.
One couple we played for in Puglia arrived at their reception by vintage Vespa, their guests showering them with olive branches and cheers. Closer to home, we performed a Motown classic while the Thames sparkled outside—a reminder that magic can happen anywhere, as long as love and good music are present.
Santorini’s Caldera: Where the Sun Sets on Ordinary
Few places rival Santorini’s Caldera. Here, shimmering cliffs fall away into a deep blue sea, and every sunset looks suspiciously like a watercolour masterpiece. We played for a couple whose ceremony perched on the very edge of the caldera—guests caught their breath both at the view and the strings swelling through the warm evening air. It’s little wonder so many couples choose this Greek island for fairytale weddings.
Mallorca’s Sun-Soaked Sophistication
Mallorca never disappoints. Breathtaking villas with wisteria-draped terraces, tables groaning under the weight of paella and grilled fish, and the kind of balmy climate that keeps everyone outdoors until the small hours. Our rhythm section once played to a crowd who’d swapped high heels for bare feet, dancing under the stars with not a care in the world. It’s that kind of effortless Mediterranean luxury that keeps Mallorca in a league of its own.
Marrakech: Opulence with a Modern Twist
Every note seems to echo just a little longer in Marrakech’s palatial venues—think rose petal courtyards, intricate lanterns, and an atmosphere thick with romance. We’ve played soulful jazz as peacocks strutted by marble fountains, and turned up the tempo for couples who wanted to fuse Moroccan traditions with a contemporary flair. Marrakech blends old and new so seamlessly, your wedding feels both timeless and on-trend.
Italian Romance: The Soundtrack to La Dolce Vita
Italy really does spoil you for choice. Whether it’s the cypress-lined peacefulness of Tuscany or the sparkling glamour of Lake Como, every wedding here has a story. In Venice, we serenaded a couple as they arrived by gondola, and in Florence, our set against the backdrop of Renaissance piazzas took on an almost cinematic quality. Newlyweds in Milan wanted Motown, while the laughter in Puglia carried on the summer breeze long after our last note.
- Tuscany: rolling hills and rustic charm.
- Lake Como: lakeside majesty and elegant mansions.
- Puglia: olive groves and sun-baked tradition.
- Venice: canalside romance and Venetian grandeur.
- Milan: urban style and energy.
- Florence: historic splendour and artistic heart.
Lisbon: Portugal’s Rising Star
Lisbon’s energy is infectious—steep hills, pastel buildings, and an undeniable sense that everything’s about to happen. At Quinta da Bellavista, we watched the sun slide behind ancient olive trees as a couple swayed to their first dance. The city’s mix of tradition and trend (and those dazzling Atlantic views) have fast made it a must for couples planning something truly special.
The Riviera Dream: French Glamour at Its Finest
Monaco glitters, Cap Ferrat shimmers in afternoon light, and in St Tropez and Cannes, old-world charm meets modern luxury with a flourish. We’ve played melodies under moonlit cypresses for couples who wanted a hint of old-school movie magic. On the Riviera, every party turns into a celebration worthy of a champagne toast at midnight.
Dubai: Where Winter Feels Like Summer
Dubai offers lavish hotels, endless sunshine, and every comfort you could wish for—even in the middle of December. We’ve witnessed the simple joy on a couple’s faces as they said their vows poolside while it snowed back home. Dubai turns tradition on its head, proving your wedding doesn’t have to fit into anyone else’s calendar.
Ibiza: The White Isle, Where Every Day Is a Festival
Ibiza’s energy is contagious. We’ve kept guests on the dancefloor until sunrise, playing funk, soul, and every classic that gets your feet moving. One night, the dancefloor was rimmed with sparklers as we played "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire—joy hung in the air like confetti. On the White Isle, the party never runs out of breath.
Barcelona: Castell de Sant Marçal – Castles and City Lights
There’s nowhere quite like Castell de Sant Marçal—a castle surrounded by lush gardens just minutes from the city. The blend of Gothic arches, golden light, and live vocals echoing off the ancient stones brings a storybook quality to the day. Here, we played jazz sets while the city sparkled in the distance, creating magical moments that are still talked about by guests.

London: Timeless, Grand, Unbeatable
There’s a reason London’s on every couple’s shortlist. Venues like The Dorchester blend sophistication with homegrown charm, and hidden city gems are perfect for something more intimate. We’ve performed everything from elegant ballads in grand ballrooms to funky R&B floor-fillers in secret city gardens. Sometimes there’s nothing quite like celebrating love in the greatest city on earth—rain or shine.
Hidden Gems: Cyprus and Unexpected Surprises
Cyprus, with its sun-kissed beaches and warm hospitality, quietly delivers weddings that guests reminisce about for years. We’ve also been blown away by small chateaux outside Paris, cliffside villas in Amalfi, and even a converted barn in the English countryside that lit up with fairy lights and music. The world is full of surprises—some of the most intimate, heartfelt celebrations happen far from the obvious hotspots.
“No two weddings are ever the same—the right venue, the right moment, and the right song can turn an ordinary spot into something extraordinary.”
What Makes a Venue Unforgettable? Our Musicians’ Take
Step inside a venue at golden hour and watch it transform. But it’s not just bricks and mortar—it’s the people, the stories, the anticipation. We believe a truly unforgettable venue creates an emotional boost for everyone. It inspires the band to play their finest set, lifts guests onto their feet, and stays in your hearts forever. Great acoustics help, too! But at the end, it’s the moments—big and small—that make a wedding legendary.
FAQs: Planning Destination Wedding Music
How do I choose the perfect destination wedding location?
Consider what fits your personalities—beaches, castles, rustic countryside, or chic city venue. Think about climate, travel for guests, and what atmosphere you want for your big day.
What are your tips for booking live entertainment for a destination wedding?
Book early, especially if you have your heart set on a specific band! Check the band’s experience with international gigs and ask about logistics—power, space, and local sound restrictions. Communication with the venue and your band well in advance is key.
Will the band travel with their own equipment or hire locally?
That depends on distance and location—sometimes, we bring our own gear, for further locations we may hire high-quality local equipment to ensure the best sound.
Can Courtier Music play a mix of genres?
Absolutely. Our setlists include Motown, Funk, R&B, Garage, pop, and classics from every era—flexible to your taste and the mood you want to set.
How do you ensure performances suit international locations and cultures?
We work closely with couples and local planners to respect traditions and blend music styles that suit the atmosphere and culture of your destination wedding.
Key Takeaways: Music Makes Every Location Sing
The right music can set hearts racing, tie cultures together, and turn any destination into an extraordinary celebration. Whether you dream of fjords or fairy lights, Courtier Music thrive on making your once-in-a-lifetime party live on in memories, photographs, and every time that favourite song plays again.
