Top wedding anniversary destinations for your romantic getaway:
- New York City
- Lisbon
- Ottawa
- Dominican Republic
- Arizona
- Siem Reap
- Paris
- Bali
- Cozumel
- Alaska
1. New York City
Of course, New York City makes the list of best wedding anniversary destinations. Everyone knows about checking out a show on Broadway and catching views of the city from the Empire State Building, so what other wedding anniversary ideas are there to do in the city? Well, there’s the Brooklyn Botanical Garden for nature lovers or Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park for all of those big-little kid couples. Considering this is your wedding anniversary–and you’re more than likely to be very familiar with each other–how about checking out the museum of sex? For a truly remarkable stay, book a room with a view of the Empire State Building at The Langham hotel, or a luxurious suite at The Pearl New York.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal has become immensely popular over the years because it’s one of those cheap romantic getaways. Flights are reasonably priced while food and accommodation costs are much cheaper compared to many other European countries. Visitors can relax in the sun in the Algarve or enjoy wine country in the Douro valley. Of course, then there’s Lisbon, a city that doesn’t get as much as attention as it deserves.
The city was built on a series of hills, so you’re guaranteed fantastic views from just about any part of the city. Just 45 minutes by train lies the town of Sintra where Lisbon nobles used to spend their weekends. Want to really enjoy your time in Lisbon? Book a room at the new IBEROSTAR which is a 5-star property with modern designs. The hotel’s sophisticated architecture was designed to seamlessly blend into Baxia, one of Lisbon’s top shopping hubs. History buffs might prefer the cozy 19-room Santiago de Alfama, located on a cobbled street in the city’s oldest district.
3. Ottawa, Ontario
For cheap wedding anniversary destinations, consider flying north to Canada where the exchange rate works in your favor. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver always get the most attention, but Ottawa is a great city that has a lot to offer. Head downtown where you’ll find three of the top museums: the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum. Once you’ve had enough of your cultural intake, make your way over to the ByWard Market where some of the best shops, boutiques, and restaurants can be found. Need a place to stay? The Westin is Ottawa’s signature wellness hotel is within walking distance of the city’s top attractions. Book a corner room for the stunning views which will make your wedding anniversary extra special, or go all-out with the palatial Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
4. Dominican Republic
Does dancing in a square to traditional live Merengue music with your loved one sound like a great wedding anniversary idea? If you said yes, then head to the Dominican Republic where the newly revamped Colonial Zone of the country’s capital city, Santo Domingo, has been bustling. Alternatively, you can hike to the breathtaking Salto El Limon waterfalls in Samana which is a stunning romantic getaway.
If you truly want a memorable experience, book your stay at the Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana where the exclusive adults-only section of the resort will give you utmost privacy while enjoying amenities such as the adults-only pool and beach. Sanctuary Cap Cana offers colonial architecture and comprehensive activities on a sprawling, immaculate resort.
5. Arizona
Arizona has so many options for anniversary destinations to choose from. In Scottsdale, you can treat yourselves to a spa or yoga retreat at the Montelucia Resort & Spa. There’s also the Heard Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West nearby to get a feel of the local culture. Of course, the real reason people come to Arizona is for nature. Antelope Canyon is one of the most Instagrammed spots in the state while Monument Valley has jagged rock formations and stone spires that wouldn’t be out of place on Mars. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the main attraction, the Grand Canyon.
Looking out over the ridges is a surreal experience and nothing less than spectacular. On the other side of the state, Tucson offers mountain views, endless hiking, and a unique food culture. The Lodge on the Desert offers spacious rooms and numerous restaurants within walking distance.
6. Siem Reap
Few people think of Cambodia when they think ‘honeymoon’, but Siem Reap is a romantic and adventurous location. Next to the famed Angkor Wat ruins, it offers opportunities to explore anthropology, architecture, history, and the jungle by day…and inexpensive, amazing bars and restaurants by night. This bustling little city is exotic, yet safe, luxurious, and still inexpensive. The Sojourn Boutique Villas offers private space coupled with colonial-level service. On the higher end, a stay at Angkor Village Resort offers fine dining, spa service, and romantic activities both on-site and in the surrounding area.
7. Paris
What list of wedding anniversary destinations would be complete without Paris? The City of Lights has been a favorite for falling, staying, and being in love since long before Skyscanner was even a possibility. Whether you come for the atmosphere, the museums, the theater, the nightlife, the cuisine–or any of the other myriad moments and moments that make Paris the city it is–you and your partner will not be disappointed. Places to stay are numerous and varied (and every one of them romantic in their own way), but the Hotel Plaza Athenee and Le Bristol Paris top most lists of “Most Romantic Hotel in Paris”, which we think you’ll agree is a pretty impressive list to reach the top of!
8. Bali
Pristine beaches. Romantic local culture. Perfect weather. All of it’s within an easy trip from your pristine hotel room or the lounge chairs with cold drinks next to them. Bali is a South Pacific paradise tailor-made for weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries. The Komanenka at Tanggayuda offers private suites and villas off the beaten path, but with full-service amenities. Or, you can go all-out with the Villa Casabama, one of the most luxurious resorts in Oceana. It’s the kind of posh you couldn’t afford in Europe or North America, but priced within reason out here.
9. Cozumel
Mexico is among the go-to honeymoon and anniversary destinations for Americans, and for good reason. The food is excellent. The prices are low. It offers exotic options close to home. Of the Mexico destinations, Cozumel is the best for romantic getaways. It’s on the Gulf Coast, away from much of the spring break and party crowds, and offers a chance to relax deeply between expeditions for activities like ziplining, visiting ruins, scuba, snorkeling, fishing, and shopping. The Cozumel Palace is a full-amenities resort offering everything you need on-site, with daily expeditions into the surrounding area. For an all-inclusive, adults-only getaway, try the Secrets Aura.
10. Alaska
Although not the best choice for those who got married in the winter, Alaska‘s milder summer and early autumn can put your anniversary celebration in the middle of some of the most beautiful vistas North America has to offer. You’ll fly into Anchorage, then move out into any of hundreds of resorts, camps, lodges, or other accommodations to serve as a base camp for expeditions into one of America’s few remaining wild spaces. If you did get married in the winter, you can still visit. Just plan for a cozy couples time, tucked into a warm hotel room, celebrating one another in between trips out to check for the northern lights. Inside Anchorage, the Hotel Captain Cook has a great atmosphere and top-notch service with large rooms. For a true Alaskan adventure, consider the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a civilized stay off the beaten path.
