wedding destinationDestination weddings are hugely popular, as couples follow a growing trend for intimate and luxurious weddings with a focus on the quality of the experience rather than the size of the party. With Britain’s weather only being predictable in its unpredictability, here is a guide to the best places for a destination wedding in 2016.

New York, USA

You can’t top the Big Apple for fun, excitement, and amazing photo opportunities. Direct flights from London take around seven hours, and it is easy for your guests to get a good package deal on flights and accommodation if they wanted to arrange a longer stay.

May, June and July are the best months for an outdoor wedding in New York, and you can often expect nice weather in September. Central Park is at its prettiest in spring and autumn, and you can’t beat New York’s Christmas lights displays for a glitzy backdrop.

Algarve, Portugal

Not only does the Algarve offer couples a wide variety of luxurious villas and resorts, it is utterly stunning. Where New York is energetic and vibrant, the Algarve is elegant and relaxed with historic buildings, pristine beaches, emerald green golf courses, and clear turquoise waters just begging to be admired and explored.

The Algarve is close enough to the UK and mainland Europe to access easily for a weekend away, yet provides a week or more of distractions if your guests want to extend their stay into a longer holiday. With a temperate climate it is ideal for a destination wedding at any time of year.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Laid back extravagance is the order of the day in Jamaica. Leave your wedding worries behind as you step off the plane into a country renowned for its easy going vibe. With 700 miles of white sandy beaches, dramatic cliff top vistas, and lush rainforests, it is the perfect choice for a destination wedding and honeymoon.

Montego Bay combines breathtaking beaches with superb amenities and a fantastic nightlife. It is best between December and April when the days are long, warm and sunny. Treat your guests to a sightseeing tour, hear the finest reggae bands in the world, or indulge in a pre-wedding spa day.

Cote d’Azur, France

The South of France was popular with the 1960s jet set for its elegance and glamour, and its appeal is being rediscovered by a new generation. Dotted with private villas for secluded garden ceremonies, you and your guests can recline in the lap of luxury, enjoying long summer evenings overlooking the Mediterranean.

Spend your days on the beach of Cannes, browse the up market boutiques of Saint Tropez, or don your black tie and visit the casinos in Monaco. If you want a truly luxurious wedding experience, you will find it on the Cote d’Azur.

Fiji, South Pacific

Bula! The traditional Fijian word for welcome is one you will hear often in this South Pacific paradise. The journey time means not many Brits ever experience the beauty of Fiji, but this incredible country will give you the experience of a lifetime. Fiji’s crystal clear waters, coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and dense rainforests are as beautiful as any you will find in the world, yet delightfully uncrowded even in the high season of April to May, and October to November.

The largest Fijian islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. This is where you will find the largest choice of venues and suppliers. There is no end of incredible beaches and gardens for your wedding ceremony, with resorts both large and small to suit the size of your party and your budget.