Wedding Hideaways

Wedding Hideaways offer stunning backdrops and a level of exclusivity.

From exotic casas to Tudor castles, from lush private islands to evergreen-sheltered alpine summits, Beverly Hills event planner Marianne Weiman-Nelson says there are wonderfully diverse options for couples seeking to celebrate their union in a world all their own. Whether your need for privacy is paramount or you simply want to share a memorable getaway with your most intimate circle, these wedding hideaways offer stunning backdrops and a level of exclusivity that ensures you and your guests will feel comfortable, pampered and sequestered from outside intrusions.

At Cuixmala, situated between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast, the only prying eyes will be those of the zebras and gazelles that freely roam the 32,460-acre Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve that envelops the grand resort compound, formerly home to billionaire Sir James Michael Goldsmith. "It's the most beautiful, special place in the world," says Weiman-Nelson, whose business, Special Occasions, Inc., provides comprehensive, destination wedding planning services, from location scouting to managing details and logistics. "We do everything; we handle all of the activities surrounding the wedding and all of the guests' needs," she says.

The adventure begins as guests arrive via small charter planes. "There is a private air strip on the property," explains Weiman-Nelson, who says that Cuixmala can accommodate about 80 people with its four fully-staffed villas and collection of lovely casitas. The focal point of this estate is Casa La Loma, with its Moorish-inspired gold and cobalt dome, indoor and outdoor dining and sitting rooms, and saltwater pool, but Weiman-Nelson says most couples elect to wed on the beach and feast outdoors on grilled shrimp and fish, plucked from local waters.

Just two miles off the coast of Antigua, the tiny island of Jumby Bay also makes an ideal wedding retreat. "It's unbelievable," says Weiman-Nelson, who describes the carefree isle home to just a few private residences and a Rosewood Resortas "Old World Caribbean." Guests can enjoy an amazing array of activities, from water sports and sunbathing to spa treatments, hiking excursions and outings to view endangered Hawksbill Turtles. Shopping and golfing on Antigua are also popular diversions. The resort can accommodate up to 100 and each guest receives a bicycle. Weiman-Nelson recommends Jumby Bay to couples who want to relax, socialize and exchange vows in a serene and secluded seaside locale.

Although exclusivity and Hawaii may seem an impossible dream, the island of Lana'i remains surprisingly quiet and paradisiacal. With just two hotels, both owned and recently renovated by Four Seasons, a wedding gathering here can be a very private affair. The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay is an oceanfront oasis, perched atop a lava cliff. The Lodge at Koele is a tranquil outpost tucked away within the island's highlands. "I would recommend that everyone stay in the lower hotel, and then we use the upper lodge for parties," says Weiman-Nelson, who also likes the idea of a traditional Hawaiian luau for a rehearsal dinner.

For couples enthralled by the romance, fantasy and history of Europe, equally inviting havens include Suvretta House, a palatial, five-star Swiss mountaintop hotel overlooking St. Moritz, and St. Catherine's Court, a stone castle in Bath, England. Weiman-Nelson says that a European vacation has an entirely different impression on guests than a beach getaway. "When you tie that in with a wedding, it's incredible," she says.

At Suvretta House, peaceful enchantment awaits, particularly when the surrounding slopes are blanketed in snow. It's a perfect choice for couples who want to include children, which Weiman-Nelson sees as a growing trend. "I'm doing fabulous kids' clubs; we'll bring in beanbags, TVs, popcorn, arts and crafts," she says. Each day might feature a different activity, such as "ski camp" and an apres ski party with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and s'mores.

While many European castles are "beautiful on the outside," their interiors are "just not up to par," Weiman-Nelson has found. One exception is St. Catherine's Court, a 14th-century country manor which has been lavishly restored by owners Jane Seymour and James Keach. With its expansive gardens, vineyard and terraced lawns; a phenomenal chef; and 18 bedrooms located in the main house and two cottages, it is an idyllic sanctuary, whether your guest list numbers in the dozens or hundreds. The nearby Royal Crescent Hotel and Bath House Spa, an architectural gem known for its secret gardens and luxurious accommodations, can host additional guests.

As you select a wedding destination, Weiman-Nelson says that one thing is key: "Know your guests." If they all don't adore wine, for example, there may be little to keep them entertained in rural Tuscany. You are sharing a place that many family members and friends might not otherwise experience. While the setting may be superb, it is the joy and love of those you hold dear that will truly insulate you from the everyday world and leave you with exclusive memories to cherish.

Written by Kim Knox Beckius