Best Wedding Venues in The GCC: 12 of the Most Luxe Locations
From Jeddah to Kuwait, say “I do” within a fairytale-inspired wedding hall that surpasses even your wildest dreams
On the hunt for the best wedding venues in the GCC? Bazaar Arabia shares a list of the most luxe locations to book for your Big Day.
Transforming your nuptial dreams into an unforgettable wedding ceremony starts with finding the right venue. From spacious halls to exquisite decor, stellar entertainment, and world-class catering, the ideal wedding venue offers the happy couple, their families and guests a multifaceted celebratory experience quite like no other.
Extravagant wedding ceremonies are by no means a rarity in the GCC, a region that consistently upholds five-star standards in the world of hospitality at large. Marrying traditional Arabian opulence and contemporary allure, a certain number of luxe wedding venues across the most prestigious hotels in the Gulf region vow to commemorate your marriage in the most indulgent manner. Here, Bazaar Arabia compiles the best wedding venues – and certainly the most luxurious – across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Inside The Best Wedding Venues in The GCC
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, UAE
The incomparably luxurious hotel houses one of the best and most unique wedding venues in town, combining contemporary allure with timeless opulence.
Whether you desire to say “I do” outdoors – within a sophisticated garden space overlooking the glittering Arabian Gulf – or indoors at the Hotel’s indulgent Diamond Ballroom, Atlantis The Royal’s wedding venues were designed to surpass even your wildest expectations. From its delectable menus – meticulously crafted by internationally acclaimed chefs – to its expert team of wedding specialists, this extraordinary Hotel is committed to sweeping newlyweds and guests alike off of their feet, in an incomparably luxurious and unforgettable wedding celebration.
Location: Crescent Rd., The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
For more information visit their website.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, UAE
The prestigious hotel’s Al Mudhaif Ballroom is one of the most majestic wedding venues in Abu Dhabi, spanning across 1,311 square meters and spaciously accommodating up to 650 guests. Its décor is the definition of prestige – boasting a luxurious array of blown-glass chandeliers, intricate embellishments including leather-embroidered walls, and cove lighting – within a truly sophisticated banquet setting.
Location: Nation Towers, Corniche St., Abu Dhabi
For more information visit their website.
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Located on the oasis of tranquility that is Ras Al Khaimah, the opulent Juman Ballroom overlooks the breathtaking Arabian Gulf and is illuminated with natural sunlight – serving as a supremely joyful space for wedding celebrations. The space is entirely customisable in accordance with your specific décor aspirations. It boasts elegant high ceilings and spans across 462 square meters – welcoming up to 220 guests. Prior to heading into the ballroom, invitees can enjoy light refreshments at the venue’s Secret Garden outdoors, amid lush greenery and blissful ocean views.
Location: Hayat Island, Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah
For more information visit their website.
The Dubai Opera, Dubai, UAE
A wedding at the Dubai Opera is one for the books. The prestigious Dubai Opera auditorium-theatre indeed holds the ability to transform itself into a unique and truly sensational wedding venue, taking on the form of a flat-floor banquet space which is 1,800 square meters in size. Welcoming up to 1,000 guests, the Dubai Opera wedding venue is straight out of a fairytale and is the ideal space to host a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony.
Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
For more information visit their website.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The luxurious hotel’s glamorous Etihad Ballroom spans over 2,183 square meters and is cohesively embellished with marble elements and gold accents – marrying traditional Arabian sophistication with contemporary design. The opulent and versatile ballroom can be customised into 3 distinct spaces, depending on the wedding venue size and décor that you desire.
Location: West Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
For more information visit their website.
Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat, Oman
Formerly a palace, Al Bustan Palace at Ritz-Carlton Hotel has retained its opulence whilst having transformed into an idyllic and highly prestigious wedding venue. It constitutes the largest ballroom in Muscat, inviting up to 2,000 guests to enjoy an unforgettable wedding party as they mingle with their drink of choice in hand. From personalised catering to luxurious décor, this prestigious venue is the ideal space to tie the knot – whether you desire an extravagant wedding celebration or an intimate soirée with your loved ones.
Location: Al Bustan St., Muscat, Oman
For more information visit their website.
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The finest five-star hotel in Riyadh offers a massive selection of luxurious wedding venues that will surpass even your wildest dreams. Its Prince Sultan Grand Hall, located at the heart of Riyadh, is the Kingdom’s most luxurious venue, spanning an area of 4,446 square meters and welcoming up to 2800 guests. In addition to its state-of-the-art services and breathtaking embellishments, the wedding venue’s bespoke dining experience – courtesy of the hotel’s unmatched culinary maestros – has set it apart as one of the best wedding venues in Saudi Arabia.
Location: Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
For more information visit their website.
Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Shangri-La Jeddah’s Grand Ballroom is one of the most popular wedding venues in the Kingdom. The 900 square meters hall overlooks the glittering Red Sea, and incorporates state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that the fairytale wedding of your dreams becomes a reality.
Location: Burj Assila, Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah
For more information visit their website.
InterContinental, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Hosting up to 1,500 invitees, the lavish Buraidah Hall ballroom at the luxurious InterContinental Hotel in Riyadh is ideal for large-scale wedding ceremonies in the Kingdom’s bustling capital.
Location: King Saud Rd, Al Mutamarat, Saudi Arabia
For more information visit their website.
Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Qatar
Al Mirqab Ballroom takes the crown for the most luxe wedding venue in Qatar. Offering an eclectic array of indoor and outdoor venues, the luxurious hotel will host your wedding celebrations in accordance with your deepest wishes.
From its glistening chandeliers and high ceilings to its luxurious marble entrance and live entertainment options this grand ballroom – sprawling over 758 square meters – is certainly one of the best wedding venues in the GCC. Its palatial open-air terrace overlooks the breathtaking Arabian Gulf, offering spectacular views to top off the joyous experience.
Location: The Corniche, Doha, Qatar
For more information visit their website.
The Ritz-Carlton, Manama, Bahrain
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is committed to turning your wedding dreams into a reality. Its team of expert wedding planners, culinary maestros, and staff at large will ensure that every detail of your Big Day is impeccable. Housing two spacious ballrooms – incorporating sound-proof walls and state-of-the-art technology – the hotel’s luxury wedding venues are perfect for your dream ceremony.
Location: King Mohammed VI Ave, Manama, Bahrain
For more information visit their website.
Waldorf Astoria, Kuwait
At Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, every single detail of your wedding day will be as perfect as can be. Among the hotel’s 13 versatile meeting rooms, the lavish Al Yasmine ballroom sprawls over 923 square meters – offering a spacious and elegant setting for the luxurious wedding celebration of your dreams.
An expert team of planners will ensure that your wedding ceremony at the hotel perfectly aligns with your desires, organising an unforgettable evening for each of your beloved guests.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Rd, Kuwait
For more information visit their website.
Lead image courtesy of Unsplash