When it comes to choosing your dream wedding venue in one of the greatest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi (obviously), there are quite a few factors that dictate when and where you’ll say “I do”. Summer is out if you’re after a barefoot ceremony on the beach. If you are on a budget, you’ll probably want to avoid Emirates Palace’s grand ballroom. Luckily, it doesn’t matter whether the wedding is contemporary or traditional, grand or intimate, there’s something for every bride and groom in Abu Dhabi. Here’s our round-up of the most stunning spots for your big day in the capital.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
With waterfront terraces perfect for toasting to wedded bliss, dramatic marble staircases that make stunning photo backdrops and an elegant ballroom boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with gulf and skyline views, the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi is as classic a venue as you can get.
Starting price: From Dhs250 per person
Number of guests: Current COVID-19 restrictions limit guests to 100, with a minimum of 50.
Packages offered: There are three packages available to brides and grooms-to-be: Oud Royal, Rose and Pearl. All include a one-night stay in a deluxe or executive suite plus custom-created à la carte or buffet menus. Splash out on the Oud Royal, and they’ll also throw in Four Seasons pillowcases with embroidered initials, 30 percent discount on two extra suites, 50 percent spa discount, a four-tiered cake and a complimentary one-night stay on your first-year anniversary.
However, all packages include access to skilled wedding planners, where executive chef Christian Buenrostro will personally craft fine-dining plates alongside his team for the wedding breakfast, leaving both hearts and bellies bursting with happiness.
For more on the hotel click here.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, fourseasons.com/abudhabi/weddings (02 333 2222).
St. Regis Abu Dhabi
A classic venue for any Abu Dhabi wedding, the St. Regis exudes elegance and charm, with an undeniable sense of modernity to boot. An outpost of the popular New York hotel, which has been a home away from home for world leaders, celebrities, royals and sophisticated travellers for centuries, weddings take place in the palatial setting of the 1,300 sq m Al-Mudhaif Ballroom, complete with handcrafted ceilings, crystal chandeliers and hand-tufted carpets.
Starting price: From Dhs330 per person.
Number of guests: Current COVID-19 restrictions limit guests to 100, with a minimum of 80.
Packages offered: The lovely people at St. Regis Abu Dhabi tailor different packages depending on your needs, all inclusive of a complimentary stay in a suite, early check-in and late check-out, your own personal 24-hour butler, plus swish transfer to the airport, if you’re heading off on honeymoon. They’ll also craft customised menus, arrange entertainment, flowers and photoshoots, and create a cake so incredibly jaw-dropping you’ll almost not want to eat it. Almost.
For more on the hotel click here.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Corniche, marriott.co.uk/hotels/event-planning/wedding-planning/auhrx-the-st-regis-abu-dhabi (02 694 4444).
Qasr al Sarab
For the Arabian fairytale wedding of dreams, Qasr al Sarab, set in the unspoiled oasis of the Rub Al Khali desert, is just a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi (it’s still classed as such), yet feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spanning 19,000 acres of lush desert landscape, this Anantara property caters to both intimate ceremonies and over-the-top celebrations alike, with private villas to the grandiose Liwa Ballroom complete with terrace for pre-vow beverages. For something truly special, opt for a sunset desert wedding on the dunes, before dining and dancing under the stars like no-one is watching.
Starting price: Dhs649 per person
Number of guests: Minimum of 20 guests, maximum of 200.
Packages offered: There are a whopping seven packages to choose from, all inclusive of bouquet, a one-night stay for the couple, in-villa bubbles, unlimited soft drinks, bespoke buffet, wedding cake and wedding planner, plus discount for guests staying at the resort post-wedding. The more expensive options also include desert activities, sparkling vino for the ceremony and in-villa massages. If you’re feeling really flush, there’s even the option to hire out the whole resort for Dhs2,800 per guest (minimum 250), three days of wedding celebrations included.
For more on Qasr al Sarab click here.
Qasr al Sarab, Qasr al Sarab Rd, anantara.com/en/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi/weddings (02 656 1000).
Saadiyat Beach Club
From a Bohemian beach ceremony to a small, intimate wedding breakfast under dimly lit lights with striking views of the ocean, Saadiyat Beach Club is ideal for those after something a little more laidback. There’s a myriad of venues to choose from, too – the indoor La Salle, the 60 sq m Cabana9 Lawn, the Cabana9 Dune or directly on the beach for an extra-special event.
Starting price: From Dhs3,000 hiring fee with a minimum F&B spend of Dhs25,000.
Number of guests: No minimum, maximum 100 while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
Packages offered: Packages can be changed depending on specific needs, with options including your very own dedicated event planner, tailormade menu (choose from Arabic, Indian or international cuisine), custom-designed wedding cakes, tablescaping, a full banquet set-up table and professional five-star service and staff. Add to that complimentary meals for the happy couple on the big day, a five-star photoshoot, access to spa facilities and a gift voucher or a one year anniversary dinner at Saadiyat Beach Club, and you’ve got the makings of an absolutely memorable day.
For more on Saadiyat Beach Club opening to the public click here.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, saadiyatbeachclub.ae/events/weddings (56 219 2699).
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
A beacon of style and sophistication, everyone knows the name Ritz Carlton. Be it the extravagant Roma Ballroom, where the grandeur of exquisite table settings is enhanced by glittering chandeliers, the intimate Olive Garden, the tranquil Grand Central Beach and Villa Lawn, or the striking Pool Gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice with both indoor and outdoor venues for all wedding styles and sizes. It’s not only what’s inside that counts either, given that it boasts the city’s best views of the Grand Mosque and Grand Canal.
Starting price: Please contact the venue.
Number of guests: Up to 1,000.
Packages offered: Bespoke is the name of the game here, with packages designed specifically for each bride and groom. Chefs meet personally with each couple before the big day to create customised menus and wedding cake. They also get exclusive access to the VIP Majilis on the wedding night, an overnight stay plus first anniversary celebration with gourmet dinner. What’s more, the bride will have a dedicated dressing room in the Bridal Suite. And expert wedding planners are on hand to ensure a smooth ceremony from start to finish. Who said weddings have to be stressful?
For more on the hotel click here.
Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/abu-dhabi/weddings (02 818 8888).
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