Wedding Bells Are Ringing in Asia’s Most Romantic Destinations

Pledging to spend the rest of your life with the one you love is already momentous enough, but these days, many couples are choosing to make the occasion even more special by swapping vows in exotic locations. Whether you want an ultra-glam wedding or an intimate ceremony by the sea, one of these Asian spots is sure to have what you need.

Tokyo

There’s a good reason director Sofia Coppola chose to set her surrealist romance “Lost in Translation” in the midst of Tokyo. The Japanese capital is a city to swoon over, where reality sometimes seems to flicker at the edges and the streets have a dreamlike quality.

From wandering the shady paths surrounding the Meiji Shrine to perusing the trio of world-class museums in the fabled Roppongi Art Triangle or simply basking in the glow of the glittering skyscrapers of Ginza, there is no shortage of ways to pass the time with your beloved here.

Above all, Tokyo’s chefs, artisans and artists prize the pursuit of pleasure and perfection. The city currently boasts 234 Michelin stars — more than any other city in the world — and dining everywhere, from humble ramen shops to vaunted sashimi temples, is a sensual experience.

If your idea of a dream wedding melds high culture with all manner of aesthetic marvels, you’ll find what you’re seeking in this seductive location.

Don’t Miss: The panoramic view from the top of the 634-meter-tall Tokyo Skytree is achingly romantic. Once you’ve snapped the requisite selfie with bae, head to the nearby Asakusa Shrine, where you’ll see throngs of locals dressed in traditional kimonos.

Where to Stay: Both the Glass Chapel and the strikingly modern Crystal Chapel at the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel make for a gorgeous place to hold a wedding ceremony. Since the hotel has 14 different party rooms and halls, your guests will have plenty of space to dance the night away.

Macao

With its distinctive culture and high-octane, Vegas-style glitz, Macao is perfect for lovebirds who crave a touch of glamour. Situated a breezy boat ride — or, if you’re feeling flush, a scenic helicopter flight — from Hong Kong, this is a place where more is more.

From dazzling fountain shows to Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants, Macao revels in the luxurious side of life. Some of the more extravagant touches here — think a life-size dragon with glinting, golden scales — feel as though they would be impossible anywhere else, but that’s the beauty of it all.

There’s nothing wrong with indulging on your big day, and there are few better spots on the globe to do it. So throw caution to the wind and feel positively fabulous. Should you find yourself needing a break from the life of a high roller, Macao offers more sedate attractions.

After a night on the town, grab your special someone and spend a leisurely afternoon admiring the well-preserved architecture in the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Don’t Miss: Stroll across the Friendship Bridge, the Sai Van Bridge or the Macau-Taipa Bridge and pay a visit to the tiny artificial island of Taipa.

Where to Stay: Ideally situated in Sands Cotai Central, the Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central has more than 4,000 stylishly appointed rooms, meaning it can accommodate just about any wedding party.

Okinawa

The sun in your face, a saline breeze blowing through your hair, warm sand scrunched up between your toes — the beach may be the ultimate spot for l’amour. If barefoot bliss sounds like your preferred way to tie the knot, head to this cluster of more than 150 islands in the East China Sea.

Though located only a short flight from Tokyo, this subtropical archipelago’s pearl-sand beaches and azure waters call to mind the Maldives or the Caribbean. It would be hard to envision a more dazzling locale in which to say “I do” than these sun-kissed shores, but if you and your wedding party can bear to leave the coast, there is so much more to explore here.

Okinawa was an independent state known as the Ryukyu Kingdom until the 19th century, and locals are still fiercely proud of their distinctive customs and cuisine. After you’ve cut the fondant-robed cake, save a day to sample unique dishes like Okinawa soba, made with slow-braised pork spare ribs.

Don’t Miss: Tell the ladies in the bridal party to ditch their high heels, ask the groomsmen to hang up their tuxedos, and then go trekking together in the lush evergreen forest of Yanbaru.

Where to Stay: Soak up the sunshine at Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort, an oceanside oasis perfect for beach weddings. The Art Grace Oceanfront Garden Chapel Okinawa allows you to exchange rings in front of a spectacular view of the sea.