Breathtaking venues for weddings.

Why travel so far when you have such exquisite wedding venues right here in the UAE. Swati Jain picks some of the best in Dubai and beyond…

Yes, we agree destination weddings are all the craze but for those looking for something closer to home - beyond the new celebrity favourites of Lake Como, Udaipur and Bali, here we pick our six favourite properties in the UAE so you don’t have to travel too far and will still make your wedding anything but run-of-the-mill.

CITY SLICK The Address Boulevard

Considered one of Dubai’s most opulent venues for weddings, the hotel is located in the heart of Dubai. From breath-taking décor to exquisite cuisine and keenly attentive service, weddings at Address Boulevard create lifetime memories. Check out the Boulevard Ballroom that boasts of exquisite features such as high ceilings, ornate chandeliers and a subtle colour palette across a vast expanse of space. An exclusive driveway, a dedicated entrance and complimentary valet parking make it accessible to one’s guests while features such as three built-in dispense bars and the ability to partition the ballroom provide flexibility. As a pre-event option, the Majlis, situated next to the Atelier show kitchen, is ideal for serving a light buffet. For a fairytale outside setting, opt for the poolside venue with magnificent alfresco views of Burj Khalifa and elegant cabanas. Several tailor-made options (including a tasting appointment to experience the flavors that the chefs would create) are provided so that you can organize a wedding that is perfect to the T. INFO: Sheikh Mohd. Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown, 04 561 8888, meet.adboh@addresshotels.com

SEASIDE FUN The Ritz-carlton, Ras Al Khaimah

If you are looking for a truly picturesque and an intimate wedding destination, The Ritzcarlton in Ras Al Khaimah is it. With a capacity of accommodating up to 200 guests in their Khanzama Tent, this sunset pheras overlooking the dunes of Al Wadi desert – will truly be something else. Perfect for intimate, special occasions. INFO: Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, PO Box 4558, Vienna Street , 04 720 4 888

ROYAL LOOK Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

Adding the hotel’s signature touch of glimmering royalty, weddings at the Emirates Palace are something else altogether - especially if you are looking for a palace fit for a fairytale intimate wedding or something more elaborate. The hotel boasts a selection of outdoor and indoor venues, including beachside gazebos under the stars to extravagant ballrooms dressed in lavish Swarovski chandeliers fit for a queen. INFO: West Corniche Road, 02 690 9000

LUXE HEIGHTS JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai

Wedding bells are ringing and considering every minute detail that goes into planning one, JW Marriott Marquis – the world’s tallest five star property - makes for one of the best in-city wedding choices. Their stunning ballrooms and brilliant hotel planners – can transform the spaces into whatever theme your heart fancies! Take help of the Marriott Certified Wedding Planners to co-ordinate weddings of all types, budgets and interests. INFO: Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, 971 4 414 0000

CLASS APART Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

Located in the heart of Jumeirah, the brand new Mandarin Oriental Jumeira has been well worth the wait. On one side overlooking Dubai’s iconic skyline and the other, the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel makes for a perfect choice. Adding an oriental touch and a sense of understated luxury to traditional Indian weddings, it makes for a chic wedding option. Aside from the excellent catering options and the services of an efficient events team, the USP is the chic bridal suite which enjoys an expansive views over the Arabian Sea. Designed for bridal parties, the suite features a make-up station and a private lift with direct access to the ballroom. The living area is furnished with a comfortable sofa and a spacious sleeping area with a king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom in leather-finished Persian Travertine. INFO: Jumeirah Beach Road, Opposite Mercato Mall, 04 777 2222

BEACH WOW Le Meredien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah

Nestled amongst the hidden valleys of Al Hajar Mountains and on the coast of Dibba, the resort is lauded around natural beauty. Whether you are looking for a beach-side sangeet and after-party and star-lit pheras in the lush gardens, the hotel makes for an unbelievably elegant location. INFO: Anajaimat Dibba Rd, Fujaira, 09 244 9000