Discover the Most Breathtaking Waterfalls for Your Dream Wedding Setting
Imagine exchanging vows amid the roaring beauty of nature’s grandest displays. For couples seeking a truly unforgettable setting, a waterfall weddings, no matter how big or small, offer an enchanting and dramatic backdrop. From the thunderous cascades of Iguaçu Falls to the serene beauty of Havasu Falls, each destination provides a unique and breathtaking experience. Whether you dream of a grand celebration with panoramic views or an intimate ceremony surrounded by lush greenery, these stunning waterfalls worldwide promise to make your wedding day truly magical.
Getting married by a waterfall can be incredibly magical! Here are some stunning waterfalls around the world where you can exchange vows:
- Iguaçu Falls, Brazil/Argentina—This breathtaking series of waterfalls is on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Many tour operators offer packages that include intimate ceremonies with stunning views.
- Viktoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe—This is one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world. Weddings can be arranged at nearby lodges or with a view of the falls.
- Havasu Falls, USA – Located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, this picturesque waterfall requires a hike. It’s a remote and beautiful spot for a unique wedding.
- Sutherland Falls, New Zealand—This stunning waterfall in Fiordland National Park offers a remote and dramatic backdrop for a wedding. Access is typically via a hike.
- Niagara Falls, USA/Canada – Known for its grandeur, Niagara Falls offers several wedding venues with views of the falls, including the Observation Deck and nearby resorts.
- Plitvice Lakes, Croatia – A series of cascading waterfalls
and crystal-clear lakes. Weddings can be arranged at the national park with a picturesque natural setting. - Tumpak Sewa Falls, Indonesia—This dramatic and lesser-known waterfall is in East Java, surrounded by lush vegetation. It offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path wedding experience.
- Langfossen Waterfall, Norway—Known for its powerful and dramatic appearance, this waterfall is located near the scenic E134 road and can be a stunning backdrop for a wedding.
- Seven Sisters Falls, Norway – This collection of waterfalls on the Geirangerfjord provides a dramatic and scenic location for a wedding.
- Angel Falls, Venezuela—The world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall is located in a remote area of the Gran Sabana. Getting married here would require planning and logistics, but it would be incredibly unique.
Tips: If you’re considering any of these options, it’s a good idea to work with a local wedding planner or tour operator who can help with the logistics and permissions needed for a waterfall wedding.
Remember, water is ‘wet’, so determine the logistics of where to stand for your ceremony. Also, consider the noise factor. The roar of a waterfall can be extremely loud. Make sure to check out the destination to determine what sound devices might be needed and what is allowed at each locale.
Did you know?
Many waterfall locations require special wedding permits due to their protected status or remote nature. For example, getting married at Havasu Falls involves obtaining a special permit from the Havasupai Tribe, and access requires a challenging hike or helicopter ride. Similarly, wedding ceremonies at Niagara Falls often need to be booked well in advance through official wedding planners or venues that have arrangements with the falls’ management. This added layer of logistics ensures the preservation of these natural wonders and adds a unique aspect to planning your waterfall wedding.
A little history:
Waterfall wedding locations worldwide offer stunning and unique settings for exchanging vows, each with its rich history. Iguaçu Falls, straddling the Brazil-Argentina border, was first encountered by Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast network of waterfalls. Niagara Falls, formed during the last Ice Age, has been a major tourist destination since the 19th century, located on the border of the USA and Canada.
Victoria Falls, named by David Livingstone in 1855 and known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO site. Havasu Falls, part of the Havasupai Reservation, has been a significant site for the Havasupai Tribe for centuries and became accessible to tourists in the 1960s. Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, established as a national park in 1949, is famed for its cascading lakes and waterfalls and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tumpak Sewa Falls in Indonesia, a recent discovery in the remote East Java rainforest, has gained popularity among adventurers. Langfossen Waterfall in Norway, near the Åkrafjord, is renowned for its powerful flow and scenic beauty, while the Seven Sisters Falls on the Geirangerfjord, named for their seven streams, contribute to the region’s appeal.
Finally, Angel Falls in Venezuela, discovered by Jimmy Angel in 1933, is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall and a key feature of Canaima National Park, established in 1962.
