At nearly every destination resort, you are bound to find two things: a beach and a gazebo. While we adore both options, we are also all in for ditching this concept and going above and beyond being the typical destination bride. We are sure you've heard this before, your wedding day is all about you! It's the day where you and the love of your life get to share your story, and start an entirely new chapter together. When considering your dream wedding, incorporate a few off the beaten path details and start with alternative options to a typical gazebo. Keep reading for 13 jaw dropping alternative gazebo concepts hand selected from the Weddings by Funjet team for all of the innovative brides out there!
1. Design your story
Photo captured by Katie Pritchard Photography
This wood backdrop was everything for the couple who has been working together in the design industry together for the past 5 years. With a desire to incorporate the story of their relationship into the wedding, the groom hand crafted this gorgeously unique ceremony detail.
2. Labor of love
Photo captured by Derek Martinez Photography
Thanks to something old, something new was made with this couple's idea of taking a basic white arch and making it into a whimsical greenery piece with a special touch. The hanging paper cranes symbolize more than creativity, they represent love. In Japan, the crane is known to represent love, honor, and harmony. Learn more about the Japanese wedding tradition and symbol here.
3. Bead-ifully Glam
Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts allow brides to show their inner glamour goddess on the wedding day with the Elegant Ivory wedding package. This wedding collection inspired by Colin Cowie sets aside the traditional wedding arch and strives for the ultimate chic look. A bead panel pairs perfectly with the bright blue Caribbean waters and white powdery sands. You'll love every last photo of your ceremony with this one!
4. Nature's handy work
Photo captured by Sylvia Gil Photography
This St. Thomas couple let nature take over and embraced the beauty of these trees for their ceremony backdrop. To add a special pop, they used a few floral pieces on the tree trunks. Our favorite part about this alternative gazebo is the representation that trees are the symbol of life. What's more perfect than two trees coming together as they become Mr. and Mrs.?
5. Modern flair
Photo captured by Weddings by Lomas
This modern beachfront gazebo can be every bride's newest BFF. Azul Fives in Riviera Maya is proud to showcase their newest wedding venue. Sitting right in front of the beach with a hard wooden surface, brides will be able to rock their favorite heels like a bombshell beach bride!
6. Agate always & forever
Photo captured by Cassie Loree Photography
Deemed another one of the year's coolest trends is incorporating agate into your wedding decor and color scheme. We love the idea of decorating with hanging agate in lieu of a typical beach gazebo. It's natural and blends in nearly any setting, especially a beach! Looking to put your own boho bride spin on it? Try adding a few free flowing strands of mix and match fabrics for an extra pop!
7. Dramatic driftwood
Photo captured by Deer Pearl Flowers
If your heart is set on a beach wedding, and you are not ready to fully commit to an alternative gazebo, we love the idea of this dramatic driftwood. Natural and romantic, this arch will be the main focal point, second only to you the bride!
8. Amphitheater alter
Photo captured by Villa Caletas
Hotel Villa Caletas is surrounded by the lush greenery of Costa Rica, but their biggest catch has got to be their stunning amphitheater. Ditch the typical gazebo, and even the sand! Let your guests watch you say "I do" in front of the majestic mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful open sky. The most exciting part might not only be the medieval time feel, but the sunset that accompanies it!
9. Everlasting glamour
Photo captured by Jana Williams Photography
We are swooning over this beautiful floral arch. Shaped like a circle and saturated in roses and orchids, this alternative gazebo will wow all of your guests. The subtle additions of flowers and suspended crystals along the aisle have us even more in love. Can you imagine yourself saying your vows in front of this beauty?
10. Ancient aqueduct
Photo captured by Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Within Hilton Rose Hall's 400+ acres, brides will find romantic historic hideaways on the island of Jamaica. This ancient aqueduct from 1837 remains on the grounds, and makes for a dreamy wedding venue that has us all swooning. Skip the gazebo and go full blow alternative with this one! Perfect for history buffs or culture enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary. Your wedding photos are sure to not disappoint 'mon!
11. Flower fiesta
Photo captured by Cara Robbins Studio
Fit for the bride who is looking to have a pop of color and traditional Mexican flair, these hanging florals make for the ultimate alternative to a gazebo. Use all the same color, or take things to the next level and do a little mix and match. Looking to stay in tune with your destination? We suggest using flowers local to the destination.
12. Let love linger
Photo captured by Steve Cowell Photo
Set by the sea, surrounded by love. We absolutely L-O-V-E this marquee sign as a ceremony backdrop. The natural wood pairs perfectly with the sea behind it, and it makes for the perfect photo prop throughout the wedding night for your guests to enjoy. Ask your Weddings by Funjet concierge about vendors in your particular destination that can accommodate to this awesome idea!
13. Secret cenote Chapel
Photo captured by Del Sol Photography
Resembling a rustic countryside Chapel, the Chapel of Guadalupe located inside Xcaret Park in Cancun, Mexico, is unlike any other Chapel you have seen on Mexico's east coast. Set indoors with the altar hovering above a natural cenote, the stone walkway to the altar is breathtaking every step of the way. No gazebo or arch is needed either; right above the altar is a 39 foot tree trunk that is engraved with symbolic representations paying honor and respect to the Lady of Guadalupe.
