18 hotels with epic wedding arrivals

We’ll never argue with the classic appeal of walking down a flower-strewn corridor, but brides – or grooms! – with a flair for the dramatic or the desire to do things a little differently, could appreciate a little creativity outside of the box when it comes to the all-important first appearance at the ceremony. We are not only talking about boats, but also about zip lines, horse-drawn carriages and hot air balloons. Here, 18 newcomers are surprised, delighted and let everyone crawl after their cameras.

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For those who believe that the journey is not the end, there is an ultimate excursion on the way to the big event: a traditional junk ride in Jimbaran Bay. The colorful boat brings couples in love to their wedding in Sundara at the Four Seasons, where they can continue the aquatic theme by crossing Bali’s longest floating wedding aisle on the 187-foot pool (followed by a champagne sunset cruise to Uluwatu). True adventurous couples who don’t worry about a bit of mud can raft along the Ayung River to their “I dos” in the wonderfully virgin sister resort in Ubud.

Whether it’s a glorious, sunny summer or a sunny, powdery winter, this picturesque destination blessed by Mother Nature is perfect for an unforgettable start. Non-traditional couples can turn heads when they arrive by helicopter in the Wasatch Mountains at the supplier Powderbird. It’s only a 10-minute flight from the resort to the mountaintop so no hair is out of place.

It’s impossible not to think of Lake Como without imagining George Clooney, and the Villa Pliniana bucket-list venue definitely feels like something worthy of the classic A-list. There are several ways to get to the venue, but the best options are by helicopter – scenic, of course – and the Riva boat, a sleek, custom-made wooden boat that, like Clooney himself, represents the lake.

Take your “something blue” literally as you set sail on your way across the Pacific to marry your true love. This classic coastal Newport Beach resort offers couples the option of arriving by gondola, iconic duffy boat, or three-story yacht for 150 people. It is only a few steps from the dock to the ceremonial lawn.

At this tree house style boutique hotel – these are fancy tree houses, no kids allowed! – In Negril, Jamaica, there’s an opportunity to partner with the local Jamwest Adventure Park to give you an intimate wedding that you and your sweetheart can actually zipline to!

This classic wine country wedding destination is popular for a reason: it features a range of creative arrivals. To name a few, there are riding stables, bicycles, vintage cars, a cable car, golf carts, helicopters and hot air balloons. Remember, the way you enter is important, but so is the exit after your “I dos,” and the hotel balloon lifted couples right after that magical moment.

Call to all adventurers! It couldn’t be more eventful and eventful than to kick off your ceremony in a cenote, these cavernous limestone bathing holes that connect via the crystal clear underground rivers of the Riviera Maya. This epic wedding would take place in a 130-foot tall named Chukum-Ha, where vaulted ceilings feature stalagmites that resemble an ancient cathedral. If the abseiling isn’t wild enough, there’s always a zipline or ATV.

This Quebec hotel has its own yacht club, helipad, and extensive grounds, making the possibilities seemingly endless. Tailor your arrival to the mood of your big day and choose between a motorboat or sailboat, seaplane, helicopter, horse-drawn carriage or sleigh, hot air balloon or even dog sled.

Water rats and boat lovers will love the coolest way to get to their Hawaiian wedding on Maui: by outrigger canoe. Couples can enjoy outside in the beautiful blue Pacific – highly recommended taking the photographer with you! – Can be paddled directly to the hotel’s beach.

The Romantik team knows that you have to do something different for an appearance, so they made sure that couples arrive on their sandy beaches of Los Cabos on horseback and in a horse-drawn carriage – a sight you don’t often experienced Come to a tropical paradise!

It is no surprise that this Dubai icon is equipped with the very best in wedding venues and claims the title of the most luxurious hotel in the world. The helicopter makes for an unforgettable flight arrival that is hard to beat, and arriving in a Rolls Royce with a chauffeur is pretty cool too.

Overlooking the picture-perfect San Miguel de Allende, the eight-acre Casa Adela estate has a few stunning arrivals, including a helicopter. For even more adventure, opt for a hot air balloon and not only will your guests be waiting for the big landing, but a mariachi band will be ready to serenade you after your exhilarating ride.

Getting to your wedding in the romantic Guatemalan hideaway La Lancha by Francis Ford Coppola is like being out of a classic film. First, the lovebirds board a 26-foot fiberglass boat across Lake Petén Itzá. Then they board the new funicular, also known as the jungle elevator, to the top of the lush canopy for their cinematic ceremony.

Take in the sights of the Maldives’ surreal blue lagoons by dropping by for your wedding on a private seaplane decked out in chrome and purple leather. The actual ceremony is also surrounded by crystal clear water, on a villa above the water, on a secluded beach or on the lagoon.

There are several ways to get to Ireland’s 13th century castle in County Mayo, and all of them are the stuff of princess dreams. Extravagant entry options include a boat across Lough Corrib, a horse-drawn carriage or a vintage convoy, with optional drummers, flame leaders and stilt walkers accompanying the procession and ensuring that every guest knows this is a royally worthy wedding.

Imagine this: a colorful, bold entrance on the edge of the Rift Valley and Masai Mara Park, flanked by Maasai tribe warriors and maidens decked out in their traditional, vibrant clothing, singing and dancing. For the ultimate destination wedding, couples can opt for a Maasai blessing in the traditional sunset boma from an elder.

See more: 25 ideas to say goodbye to the wedding for an unforgettable finish

If you’ve got vintage glamor and charm, one of the world’s oldest luxury hotels has the perfect authentic prop: a 19th-century horse-drawn carriage. For its 175th anniversary this year, the hotel tracked down its original wooden-wheeled carriage from the mid-19th century; now couples can come to their fairytale ceremony through the main entrance to the park by the lake.

The in-house wedding planners at this grand hotel in the Pink City have done and seen pretty much everything. So if you dream of stepping on an elephant this is the place to book. The gentle giants, along with camels and horses, are part of a traditional Indian royal wedding procession. The property can also arrange a 1940’s style wedding with vintage cars.