Wedding Destination Dupes 2024
The Top 10 Most Popular Wedding Destinations And Their Unique Alternatives
2023 was a big year for trends on TikTok, but one that’s taken off is the “dupes” trend. What started as users sharing their affordable dupes for beauty products has now begun to migrate into travel, and indeed “Destination Dupes” has been named as one of the key travel trends in 2024 by the likes of Forbes and CN Traveller.
“Destination Dupes” are alternative travel destinations that are less touristy and more unique than their favoured counterparts – and, ideally, slightly cheaper. Less popular destinations also offer a solution to important environmental and social issues: many highly visited areas are experiencing ‘over tourism,’ and destination dupes can help ease this – meaning less tourist traffic, less environmental damage, and more unique wedding locations. Because everyone’s seen a wedding on a Hawaiian beach, or on the steps of Chelsea Old Town Hall in London, but how many of us have considered a wedding Mexico over Italy?
That’s why here at Holiday Best, we’ve created a guide to Wedding Destination Dupes. Using research complied from Google Search Trends, TikTok and Instagram, we found the most popular wedding destinations around the world, and their unique alternatives.
The Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations (with dupes) Around The World:
| Country | Destination | Instagram hashtags | TikTok hashtags | Google searches | Index score out of 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | Hawaii | 756,486 | 7,555 | 74.81 | 30 |
| 2 | England | London | 905,540 | 11,031 | 73.69 | 30 |
| 3 | UAE | Dubai | 871,743 | 12,184 | 72.15 | 30 |
| 4 | Indonesia | Bali | 1,491,367 | 14,030 | 71.67 | 30 |
| 5 | USA | New York City | 541,818 | 4,970 | 85.29 | 29 |
| 6 | USA | Colorado | 688,645 | 9,992 | 66.71 | 29 |
| 7 | Italy | Tuscany | 330,491 | 4,677 | 67.46 | 28 |
| 8 | France | Paris | 201,044 | 3,059 | 69.02 | 27 |
| 9 | Greece | Santorini | 236,472 | 3,654 | 58.98 | 26 |
| 10 | Sri Lanka | 70,984 | 14,414 | 73.77 | 26 |
We’ve paired them with side-by-side pictures too, so you can see them in all their glory and discover just how similarly – and breathtakingly – beautiful these spots can be.
The Top 10 Wedding Destinations And Their Dupes
1. The Azores, Portugal
Dupe for: Hawaii, USA
Hawaii has long been a dream destination wedding for couples. In 2021, there were 18,498 weddings, and 60% of these were destination weddings where both people in the couple were non-residents. Unfortunately, Hawaii has been severely affected by overtourism. In 2022 there were 9.2 million tourists to a state with only 1.4 million residents and locals have complained that tourists now overwhelm their once picture-perfect beaches.
While Hawaii has that long-haul tropical, “isle of paradise” ambience straight out of a fairytale, closer to home is the Azores in Portugal. An underrated series of islands with all the sandy white beaches of Hawaii, but significantly less of the tourists. Dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Azores offer fantastic culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine – it’s even the only place you can watch your meal cook in an active volcanic oven.
There’s also the Sete Cidads (Seven Cities) in Sao Miguel, the iconic twin lakes, surrounded by majestic green cliffs with a view so beautiful it looks like a scene from Disney.
Plus, the Azores has 96% less searches per year for weddings, making it the perfect unique spot to tie the knot and be the envy of all your guests.
2. Liverpool, UK
Dupe for: London, UK
London is ranked as the third most visited city in the world, attracting over 19 million tourists and scores as the second most popular wedding destination. Just a few (hundred) miles northwest, Liverpool is a fantastic dupe, offering a wide range of venue choices without the difficulty of securing venues or capital city prices.
While the “World Capital City of Pop” might not seem like the dream destination wedding local, Liverpool city centre provides a similar feel to many infamous London areas. Liverpool Town Hall is a great ‘dupe’ for Chelsea Old Town Hall, chosen as the legal ceremony venue for celebs Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo in 2023.
3. Muscat, Oman
Dupe for: Dubai, UAE
Oman’s capital, Muscat offers a vibrant cultural scene, without the extravagance of Dubai. Weddings in Dubai also encounter legal requirements – there are rules regarding where non-Muslim couples can marry.
Muscat is famous for its fresh seafood, the endless desert and regal architecture, and has even been coined the “new Dubai” by Travel Noire, who stated that the country is ‘a star in its own right’.
A culture rich city, Muscat is overlooked by the Al Hajar Mountains, offering rocky cliffs, architectural wonders and plenty of history. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the city’s most famous attractions – as the largest mosque in Oman it is a staggering 45ft tall and is decorated with 600,000 Swarovski crystals.
Further out of the centre of Muscat, Wadi Bani Khalid offers pools of emerald-green water with rocky cliffs of the Hajar Mountains. Often referred to as the “desert paradise,” it would prove an excellent wedding destination.
The Dimaniyat Islands are a perfect wedding location for those wanting something utterly unique. Located a 40-minute boat ride from Muscat, they provide stunning turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, home to plenty of sea life. Consisting of nine, uninhabited islands that remain practically untouched by tourists.
4. Lombok, Indonesia
Dupe for: Bali, Indonesia
With over 1 million Instagram posts using the hashtag ‘Bali wedding’, it is fourth most popular wedding destination in the world – and it’s no wonder. Bali is breathtaking, so much so that it was visited by 1.14 million tourists in December 2023 alone – a number that has caused the island to introduce entry fees to tourists, with the money forming part of the battel against local water pollution.
Lombok is often referred to as ‘the unspoilt Bali’: offering the same stunning beaches, similar cuisine and mountains, but free of the tourism of Bali. Like Bali, Lombok is an island surrounded by smaller islands; the most notable attractions are the Gili Islands, offering tropical paradises that are so beautiful it’s hard to believe they are real.
On Lombok Island, Selong Belanak is one of the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer. The dream destination for couples looking for a beach wedding.
5. Montreal, Canada
Dupe for: NYC, USA
Similar to NYC, it is a fascinating destination and would be an excellent wedding destination for those particularly passionate about art and culture. Notre-Dame Basilica is the oldest church in Montreal, founded in 1656 it boasts an intricate interior, and it’s also available for weddings: a beautiful venue for a traditional ceremony.
Montreal is also home to several stunning gardens and parks. Mount Royal Park offers stunning views of the city and a very similar feel to New York’s Central Park. In fact, both were designed by Frederick Olmstead, explaining the similarities.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Montreal, for guests to enjoy post-wedding ceremony, or for a couple to enjoy a romantic break away and get a proper feel for the city. The DoubleTree by Hilton is a 4-star hotel located right in the heart of Montreal, perfect for couples wanting to experience the vibrant city culture.
6. The Swiss Alps
Dupe for: Colorado, USA
The Swiss Alps match the serenity and landscape of Colorado thanks to the awe-inspiring mountains, famous ski resorts and breathtaking views. For those craving a winter wonderland wedding, the Alps are the perfect set up.
Zermatt is a wonderful, picturesque village which is home to Matterhorn – one the most famous mountains in the entire world, reaching a peak of 4,478 metres. Zermatt is also recorded as the sunniest place in Switzerland, meaning beautiful views, good weather, and picturesque photo settings – the perfect location for an outdoor wedding packed full of adventure.
For a fairytale Swiss wedding, 3-star hotel Les Bains de Saillon is perfect. Located in the heart of Valais it offers a unique thermal spa experience with astonishing views.
7. Piedmont, Italy
Dupe for: Tuscany, Italy
The rolling hills, infamous vineyards and stunning buildings make Tuscany one of the most popular wedding destinations, with 330,491 Instagram posts for ‘Tuscany wedding’ alone. The Piedmont countryside is just as beautiful, but surprisingly still relatively unknown. Located in Northern Itay, Piedmont is surrounded by the Alps, offering beautiful ski resorts, vineyards, medieval villages and luscious landscapes – the best of all worlds.
Like Tuscany, Piedmont is one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, responsible for some of the best wines in the world: Barbera, Barolo and Barbaresco. The Alpine Sacri Monti region was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003; consisting of chapels, sanctuaries, statues and more dating back to the 17th century – some of which are now only accessible by rocky hiking. Plus, the north-eastern corner of Piedmont houses one of Italy’s a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/article/lake-orta">“best kept secrets”: Lake Orta, home to Sacro Monte di Orta, the old pilgrimage site belonging to the Sacred Alpine Mountains which are dedicated to San Franceso d’Assisi
Piedmont is also home to the ‘slow food movement’: famous for its white truffle, alpine cheese and freshwater fish – making it a dream wedding destination for foodies.
For those dreaming of a vineyard wedding, Piedmont is the perfect option. The Gavi region is one of the most famous white wine regions in Piedmont – referred to as the “white monarch”. What would be a dreamer wedding than saying ‘I do’ amongst luscious Italian hills, sipping on some of the best wine in the country?
8. Antwerp, Belgium
Dupe for: Paris, France
Paris is the most visited city in France, the second most visited in Europe, and the fifth most visited in the world. Between January and April 2023 Paris had 11.6 million tourists (visiting the Greater Paris area) - almost pre-pandemic levels.
Just a stone’s throw across the border into Belgium is Antwerp, an excellent dupe offering vast historical and cultural attractions. The Antwerp Central Station (voted most beautiful railway station in the world by Mashable in 2014), would make a wonderful setting for wedding photos.
However, it is worth noting that getting married in Belgium can be quite complicated for non-Belgium residents. According to Belgium law, those wanting to get married must declare their intension to do so to the Civil Registry at least 14 days before the wedding date. Spouses who are registered in the Population Register or the Register of Non-nationals must provide a series of documents including birth certificates, proof of identity, a marriage contract (if there is one). Non-nationals must also present: a proof of nationality, evidence of not being married, proof of residence.
A beautifully unique place to get married, where the historical meets modern, but one that requires a little bit of forward planning.
9. Paros, Greece
Dupe for: Santorini, Greece
Famous for its white-washed walls, vibrant blue roofs, crystal clear waters and magnificent volcanic cliffs, Santorini has for many years reigned as the most popular Greek island - with approximately 23,6472 Instagram posts using the #santoriniwedding.
Paros in looks is almost identical and has been considered a destination dupe for travellers for a while now. While searches for Paros increased by 193% in 2023 compared to 2022, it’s cheaper than both Santorini and Mykonos – and very underrated thanks to a lack of influencer visits.
It was also recently featured as a filming location in the much-loved Netflix series, One Day and it’s easy to understand why; offering the same vibrant white buildings, beautiful beaches, coves and picturesque villages, it boasts a very similar landscape to that of Santorini, without the crowds.
10. Palawan, Philippines
Dupe for: Sri Lanka
Palawan, named the most beautiful island in the world (according to Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards in 2020) offers a tropical paradise for anyone looking for an idyllic island wedding – or a romantic, off the beaten track holiday. Home to all the sandy beaches, crystal clear water, limestone cliffs and lagoons that Sri Lanka is notable for, but without the streams of tourists and predictable wedding pictures.
As half of the island is still desert, Palawan has an ‘untouched’ feel. Perfect for those wanting a wedding with a feeling of tranquillity and peace. El Nido, the northern point of the island, is currently rated as the “most beautiful beach in the world.”
Coron Island, the third largest island in northern Palawan is famous for Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. The Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake and Kayangan Lake are some of the wonders of the island, offering breathtaking views that would make a fairytale wedding.
Distinctive Dupes That Deserve A Special Mention
The Algarve, Portugal
Dupe for: Cabo, Mexico
The Algarve is a fantastic dupe for Cabo ‘Los Cabos,’ offering the same cliff-lined beaches and fantastic hidden caves but much closer to home. Particularly for British residents planning an abroad wedding, Portugal is a fraction of the price and is easily accessible from mostly all UK airports.
The Algarve offers plenty of stunning towns to visit, but for a unique experience you want to venture away from the likes of Albufeira and Faro. Places like Tavira offer a much quieter experience – and arguably much prettier landscapes. Plus, for those looking for an action filled wedding weekend, the Algarve has fantastic surfing beaches – definitely a wedding that guests will remember.
Cacela Velha is a tiny village, located in the gorgeous Ria Formosa Natural Park. White-washed houses trimmed with blue make up the village, entwined with golden sandy beaches, lagoons and a much calmer atmosphere than Cabo.
For a picture-perfect Portugal wedding Holiday Best has it covered. The 3-star hotel Pedras da Rainha, located in the peaceful fishing village Cabanas and close to the Ria Formosa National Par, offers beautiful apartments and villas with plenty of space for the whole wedding party.
Lake Koman, Albania
Dupe for: Lake Como, Italy
One of the most underrated countries in Europe, Albania offers beautiful beaches and quiet towns, without the overwhelming crowds of Lake Como.
Home to several stunning beaches and cliff backdrops – like those surrounding Lake Como - the Albanian Riviera is an underrated dupe. Palasa Beach offers clear waters and slate grey pebbles, a slice of paradise without the cost of Como.
Lake Como, on the other hand, is constantly swamped with tourists and is quickly becoming a destination may choose to avoid. As another victim to overtourism, the number of tourists is beginning to cause more harm than good. In 2023, the famous villa featured in James Bond and Star Wars announced it was going to limit the number of tourists who can visit, from 2,000 per day to 1,200, in response to overtourism in the area.
Vlore located directly next to the Albanian Riviera offers beautiful beaches. Five-star hotel Maritim Resort Marina Bay is a luxurious hotel offering panoramic views of Vlora city, built on a gulf coast it is known for the fresh, turquoise waters with underground springs.
Other Notable Dupes Include:
Tarifa, Spain
Dupe for: Ibiza, the Balearic Islands
Taipei, Taiwan
Dupe for: Seoul, South Korea
Guanajuato, Mexico
Dupe for:Florence, Italy
Any British citizens planning to marry abroad should get the legislation for the country they are planning to wed in. The Government website states British nationals who are marrying or getting a civil partnership abroad may need certain documents, such as a certificate of no impediment (CNI).
If you’re looking for more inspiration for a romantic trip away (perhaps a proposal in the works?), and great hotels around the world, visit Holiday Best?