UAE Venues: Discover the diverse worlds of wedding venues in the UAE - One country, countless experiences

What do Hardik Pandya, Olly Murs and Pia Wurzbach have in common? Why, they all got married on a private island! You don’t have to own one, but you can channel your inner A-lister with an intimate affair at the Sweden Beach Palace, right here in Dubai. Part of The Heart of Europe archipelago on The World islands, this ultra-private enclave features nine beachfront villas that connect Nordic sensbilities with Middle Eastern flair. “We have created something incredibly rare with Sweden Beach Palace. It’s luxurious, yes, but it’s also deeply personal. It’s for people who want to celebrate life’s big moments in a setting that feels entirely their own,” says Sneden Lobo, Director of Events.

Open since last year, the venue recently hosted a VIP wedding for nearly 200 guests, with a full palace buyout, luxury yacht arrival, live orchestra, custom-built floating stage and candlelit beach dinner under the stars. Friday Bride can reveal that wedding packages start from Dh75,000 to Dh125,000 with customisation options based on food and beverage, the number of guests and experiences selected. Typically included are the exclusive use of the Sweden Palace villa, gourmet catering, planning and styling support, bridal suite access, boat transfers, and day-of coordination on site. The island can host up to 300 guests. Thoe.com/Sweden

Lush mangroves and overwater villas are the hallmark of a tropical wedding celebration, but Mina Al Arab brings that Bali vibe to the UAE’s northern coast. Tucked away on a private peninsula where the lagoon meets the sea is the sustainability-forward resort of Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah. With intimate beachfront ceremonies, sit-down lunches in hideaway locations, and grand receptions under the stars, the property offers a number of locations to choose from.

You can choose from lawn and beach packages, with inclusions such as banquet dining, open-air celebrations or romantic honeymoon stays with spa add-ons. Unique touches include ceremonies in nature, private boat arrivals and full venue buyouts. Prices begin from Dh550 per person for up to 300 guests with a minimum of 40 guests. Anantara.com/mina-al-arab

The timeless desert ups the ante at The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah – Al Wadi Desert, which sits in a 1,235-acre nature reserve filled with Arabian oryx, ancient ghaf trees and endless dunes. It’s an experience right out of the Arabian Nights. The all-villa property has a reputation for distinctive, bespoke wedding celebrations. Typical packages include exclusive use of the venue, a custom-designed two-tier wedding cake, and a personalized menu by the resort’s executive chef.

Besides the ceremony itself, there are opportunities for photo moments across the reserve, open-air dinners inspired by Bedouin traditions, family desert activities – and experiences like bridal arrivals on horseback or open-topped Polaris. Couples can avail of preferred villa rates for loved ones, an in-villa breakfast, butler service and spa discounts. Packages begin from Dh650 per person (food only), with opportunities for full resort buyouts. Past celebrations have included Bollywood celebrities. Ritzcarlton.com

A wedding is, at its core, a diplomatic entente, where alliances are forged as much as vows exchanged. And, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi, with its domed archways and interplay of water and light, has long been the preferred choice of heads of state, diplomats and the quietly influential. Cultural comfort is a priority here – and the hotel is able to customise weddings to specific international requirements, whether Emirati, Indian or international. Wedding packages start at Dh290 per guest and include venue rental, chef-curated menus, pre-wedding tastings, a bridal suite stay, and a custom cake.

To elevate the experience, the resort also offers full venue buyouts for large weddings. Hotel staff told Friday Bride that the venue can host multi-day celebrations across different areas from ballrooms to the beach, complete with private abra boat rides along the hotel’s canals – all steps away from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Shangri-la.com/abudhabi

Mountains frame every angle of the JA Hatta Fort Hotel – and weddings here equally dramatic, an executive tells Friday Bride: “We offer both a dramatic backdrop of lush nature mountain scenery, as well as truly personalized service to match.” Typical packages include welcome drinks, standard set-ups and catering options ranging from buffets to set menus. The property works closely with a range of tried-and-tested wedding planners so couples can bring their vision to life. Full venue buyouts are available (subject to availability), and the resort features a helipad for arrivals by helicopter.

Guest tours can take in local attractions and activities like guided hikes or kayaking at Hatta Dam. Catering packages start at Dh250 per person, with venue hire from Dh6,000. Jaresortshotels.com

If it’s an unforgettably Dubai wedding with a strong sense of place you’re looking for, The Palm Jumeirah really is your only option. The8 Palm Beach Resort, part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, promises beachfront luxury in an Art Deco-inspired setting against panoramic views of the Persian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic sunset ceremony or a sophisticated evening reception, the hotel pitches “personalised service and curated culinary experiences to bring your dream wedding to life”. Packages start at Dh350 net per person and include soft beverages, standard sound system, basic venue equipment, a choice of buffet or family-style menu options and complimentary valet parking.

The property can also organise traditional experiences drawn from across the GCC, from Indian culture or elsewhere, ranging from themed décor to live entertainment. The8palmdubai.com

Abu Dhabi’s islands are its best-kept secret. Saadiyat Island – the isle of happiness – is where the UAE slows down and starts to breathe. low-key luxury and protected beaches are well suited to couples who want an unhurried, beautifully grounded event. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort offers just that with private entrances, panoramic ballrooms, quiet cocktails, bridal lounges, a three-tier wedding cake and a suite beginning to the rest of your life. Expert advice is on hand, and special room rates for family and friends are also available.

In support of the UAE’s Medeem initiative, the hotel offers tailored three-hour wedding packages designed to celebrate Emirati culture, priced from Dh30,000 onwards. Jumeirah.com

Write your own Greek romance right here in the UAE. Understated, couples-only and brand new on the menu of wedding locations is Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi. The whitewashed architecture and stunning sea views provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate love story or a larger-than-life, Mamma Mia!-style romcom. The location between Dubai and Abu Dhabi makes it convenient for guests from everywhere. There are just 22 rooms, so it’s perfect for a takeover – while also giving you a readymade excuse to keep the nasties off your guest list. Property facilities include an indoor cinema, Arabic and Mediterranean restaurants, a spa with a Moroccan hammam and Himalayan salt sauna and a pristine beach.

Tailored experiences, from romantic designer dining on the beach to immersive activities like Arabic perfume workshops and mixology classes can also be organised. Anantara.com