Features

Best Wedding Venues in the UAE

21 Dec 2018 by Anithya Balachandran

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi 

If you are looking for a royal wedding experience, then Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi is the ideal place to be. The property boasts a range of indoor and outdoor venues that can accommodate from 30 to 2000 guests. For a grand indoor celebration, there is the Etihad Ballroom, a 2,183 sqm venue featuring three Swarovski crystal chandeliers with ornate marble and gold elements. The outdoor venues include 85 hectares of beautiful gardens, manicured lawns, regal terraces, and 1.3 km of pristine private beach, each of which offer the backdrop of the stunning façade of Emirates Palace.

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi provides three wedding packages — Coral Wedding, Pearl Wedding and Diamond and Diamond Wedding package. Depending on the package chosen, perks could include a complimentary honeymoon suite, overnight stay in the Emirates Palace or other Kempinski hotels and customised menu options. kempinski.com

DUKES Dubai

DUKES Dubai, a member of Preferred Hotels  & Resorts, is known for hosting Indian weddings either at its popular outlet Khyber or at the private beach. At Khyber, guests can enjoy a 180-degree view of The Palm and Dubai Marina skyline, lavish interiors and authentic customised Indian menus.    

The hotel is well-equipped to host bachelor parties, in its high-end suites, private beach parties and stunning set-ups for weddings.

With a team of event and wedding planners complemented by a range of India-centric services, DUKES Dubai is undoubtedly among the preferred spots for Indian weddings in the UAE. dukesdubai.com

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai has a dedicated team of wedding planners who work closely with the bride and groom to manage all the wedding functions.  The indoor venue spaces at the property include 14 meeting rooms, three ballrooms and two boardrooms. Atlantis Ballroom can host events for up to 2,000 guests, and provides direct access to the Royal Terrace that overlooks the Dubai Marina skyline and is ideal for cocktail parties and receptions. Another spacious indoor venue is Asateer that has a seating capacity of 2,500 people.

Adding to this, is the wide range of outdoor spaces such as the Zero Entry Pool and the Atlantis Private beach for a bespoke wedding affair.

Atlantis has a choice of wedding packages — Arabic wedding packages and Indian destination wedding packages. The Arabic wedding packages consists of a dedicated wedding specialist, bespoke menu, complimentary stay, access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark and spa services for the couple.

The Indian wedding package features wedding specialist, honeymoon amenities and complimentary access to leisure and recreational activities for the couple. atlantisthepalm.com

Fairmont Ajman

The luxury facilities and beachfront location coupled with a highly experienced wedding planning team makes Fairmont Ajman, part of AccorHotels, a popular wedding venue in the UAE. The grand pillarless ballroom, garden venue and private helipad for a seaside sunset ceremony are available here. At Fairmont Ajman, you are provided with a wedding butler, an additional member of the wedding services team, who focusses all his attention on the needs of the bride and groom and immediate family members of the bridal party during the celebrations. fairmont.com/ajman/ 

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai offers a perfect combination of picturesque settings, quality food and fine service. The Pool Deck with an outdoor terrace overlooking Burj Khalifa or the stunning Dubai Ballroom with a capacity to host up to 1,000 guests, are recommended for a lavish Indian wedding.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai provides customised menu options, prepared by their on-site culinary team. Select from the hotel’s ten signature award-winning outlets — host a rehearsal dinner at the award-winning steakhouse, Prime68 or a sangeet celebration in the hotel’s Indian restaurant. Celebrate your bachelorette party or gentlemen’s gathering at Vault, wherein a team of talented mixologists will serve you the finest cocktails. Couples can host a bridal breakfast in the classic French bakery La Farine.

Besides, the hotel has its own acclaimed cake boutique with a dedicated cake artist who creates one of a kind wedding cakes to order, that can be shipped internationally.

Additionally, bride and groom should definitely try out the exclusive wedding spa packages at the hotel’s Saray Spa.

Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, with its prompt service, personal offerings and culinary line-up, takes the wedding celebrations to a whole new level. marriott.com

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi 

Tucked amidst the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, the 5-star property offers a range of indoor and outdoor venues to choose from.  The Al Forsan Ballroom, the largest in Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi can seat 350 for a banquet.

The on-site culinary team provides bespoke wedding menus. A dedicated wedding planning team helps you with the wedding hall selection, décor and other important arrangements of the wedding. marriott.com

Palazzo Versace Dubai

With an uninterrupted view of the Dubai Creek, Palazzo Versace Dubai, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is a perfect pick for destination weddings. The hotel has the Gala Ballroom, decorated with chandeliers, glassware and tableware from the Versace Home collection. It can accommodate up to 900 guests. Adjacent to it, is the pre-function area for pre-dinner cocktails and ancillary events.

Palazzo Versace Dubai offers pre-designed wedding packages categorised into different budgets — Calabria Package: AED 15,000, Verona Package: AED 20,000, and Portofino Package: AED 35,000.

For relief from all the wedding stress, couples and their guests can indulge in spa at the seven luxurious treatment rooms, a spa suite with its own private jacuzzi, a nail studio and two Moroccan hammams. It also has relaxation areas for men and women including plunge pools, steam rooms and saunas. palazzoversace.ae

Taj Dubai

Taj Dubai collaborates with some of the best wedding specialists in the industry. “Weddings are always a special occasion in Taj Dubai as we create a special cultural and ethnic traditional touch to the affair, not just for the couple, but we ensure all the guests leave with an unforgettable experience. That’s something we call Tajness. The team will support the client in all aspects of the event process from creating well balanced menus, unique set-ups as well as assisting with permit etc. From the onset, clients will be provided with personalised service with effortless efficiency that allows the Taj team to create a truly unique experience every time,” says Ranjit Phillipose, Area Director – UAE & Africa and General Manager Taj Dubai.   

The event venues here include the Opera Ballroom for a traditional wedding ceremony and outdoor pool deck or the Secret Garden for cocktails and reception.   

As far as the preparations go, the wedding planner puts you in touch with the most reputed grooming artists available in
the region.

Lastly, relax and indulge at Taj Dubai’s heritage spa Jiva with special bridal treatments that have been inspired by the rich wellness heritage of India. taj.tajhotels.com

The Oberoi, Dubai

The Oberoi, Dubai has a dedicated wedding partner, that takes care of all the wedding arrangements to the T. Their services include wedding décor, table arrangements, technical arrangements, stylised lighting, event logistics, gift design and packaging.

Adding to this, is a range of luxury facilities such as personalised and hand-made treats for guests, an exclusive helicopter ride over the city’s skyline for the couple and a honeymoon at one of the lavish Oberoi properties spread across India, Mauritius, Egypt and Indonesia.     

The indoor venue is the Grand Hall that has a seating capacity up to 280 guests (banquet style). Adjacent to it is an outdoor Courtyard which is perfect for an evening cocktail reception. Other outdoor venues at The Oberoi, Dubai include the Poolside overlooking Burj Khalifa and The Yoga Deck which is perfect for intimate ceremonies. oberoihotels.com

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

The décor at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s Al Mudhaif Ballroom gives us a glimpse into the Art Déco period, thereby setting the right tone for an opulent wedding. There is an Al Mudhaif suite adjacent to the ballroom that can be utilised for the last-minute bridal preparations. Mixed with the warm colours of a desert landscape, this ballroom is highly recommended for those who are looking for an Arabian-themed wedding in the UAE capital.

For an outdoor ceremony, the luxe property has an al fresco lawn that offers scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. Spread across 46 sqm of space, the lawn can accommodate up to 300 guests and provides direct access to the private beach area.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi delivers excellent food service which is led by Executive Assistant Manager of F&B, Arun Narayanan, and his team of chefs.

To top it all, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s renowned Remède Spa has special “Wedding Party Wellness Package”, that the bride and her friends can enjoy during the wedding day countdown. This includes The Remède customised body polish, The Remède customised facial or massage and a light lunch. marriott.com

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is increasingly becoming a popular global wedding destination. Manu Koshy, Commercial Director, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah says, “Ras Al Khaimah offers impressive indoor and outdoor venues for intimate and grand celebrations. Dotted with picturesque venues and pristine beaches, nestled between the mountains and the sea, Ras Al Khaimah offers an exotic wedding destination. The city is also a treat for guests with lots of fun activities in store right — from exploring the city’s rich culture and history to soaking up the sun on sandy beaches. Ras Al Khaimah boasts a diverse array of natural landscapes that appeal to everyone from beach lovers, adventure junkies to wellness seekers.”

Situated between the Al-Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea, this property is highly preferred for outdoor weddings.

A garden, Al Fayrouz offering beachside set-up and Cabanas for intimate functions are some of the outdoor event venues.

The palatial grandeur and Arabic hospitality make Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah an attractive spot for Indians. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

This Waldorf Astoria property in the UAE is ideal for weddings. Situated amidst the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf with glittering views of the skyline, this is one of the most classic beach front locations in the Middle East to host an outdoor wedding.

Along with this, the grand ballroom, with a seating capacity of up to 350, makes for an ideal indoor venue.

Select from the Gold, Silver and Diamond packages or opt for a package to suit your wedding requirements.

Additionally, the bride and groom can try out special wedding wellness services at the 3,200 sqm, Waldorf Astoria Spa and Health Club. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com 

New Opening: Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai

Another stunning wedding venue is the newly opened Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai. For an indoor wedding, choose the Grand Salon Maximilian ballroom, which is reminiscent of a grand ‘salle de bal’ from an 18th-century European palace. The outdoor spaces include Grand Lawns for a sunset or night time wedding; and a private beach with a backdrop of deep blue water and the sparkling Dubai skyline.

Seasoned wedding planners offer bespoke wedding décor options, which include specially designed mandaps, koshas and more, according to the couple’s personal needs.

Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai aims at serving the wedding clients with holistic facilities that range from finding the right officiants to providing guests with culturally focused wedding celebrations and entertainment. kempinski.com

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