Postcard-perfect destination wedding chapels

By Jackie D’Antonio

updated 3:06 p.m. ET May 17, 2007

Throwing a destination wedding doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of marrying in a church. These five resorts all have unique chapels to fit every style, from a serene over-water perch to an ornate Catholic sanctuary.

Intercontinental Resort and Thalasso Spa, Bora Bora
The Resort: Bora Bora is one of the most gorgeous places on earth, and the InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa takes full advantage of its locale. Every bungalow sits over the lagoon, with a thatched roof, glass-bottom coffee table for undersea viewing, and direct water access from a private split-level deck. (Other posh room amenities include outdoor showers, flat-screen TVs and claw-foot tubs.) The Deep Ocean Spa is the first thalassotherapy center in the South Pacific, utilizing mineral-rich water drawn from the depths of the Pacific Ocean (2,500 feet to be exact) in its signature treatments. Due to long residency requirements, getting legally married in French Polynesia isn’t practical, so do as most couples do: Make it legal at home, then come here for a romantic ceremony and stay on for your honeymoon.

The Chapel: The Blue Lagoon Chapel, the South Pacific’s first and only overwater chapel, debuted in September 2006. In this tranquil wooden haven, panoramic windows along the walls and in the floor give guests incredible views of both Mount Otemanu and the marine life beneath them. Traditional priests and dancers can be arranged if you’d like to incorporate some Polynesian traditions. Bring up to 20 guests to paradise for an event they won’t forget.

That Extra Touch: Bring your wedding party out to meet the locals -- black-tipped reef sharks -- on a shark-feeding expedition. Then, to get your heart rate back down, indulge in a treatment at the Deep Ocean Spa; glass floors mean you can view sea life while enjoying your massage. Rooms from $808. Chapel package from $3,315.

Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic
The Resort: Located on the southeastern coast near the Chavon River, this chic getaway offers guests everything from the world-famous Teeth of the Dog golf course (one of three on the property) to an upscale marina and yacht club, as well as swanky stores like Burberry and Cartier. Book your guests into luxe digs in the main hotel or upgrade to one of the private villas, owned by celebs including actor George Hamilton and slugger Sammy Sosa (he recently held his birthday bash at the property). For fun, head to Altos de Chavon, just down the street. Modeled after a 16th-century Mediterranean village, this cultural center offers great dining and shopping, plus a selection of art galleries featuring local artisans set along its winding cobblestone streets. A Grecian-style amphitheater offers world-class performances by the likes of Sting and Gloria Estefan.

Casa De Campo The Church of St. Stanislaus at Altos de Chavon at Casa de Campo, La Romana, in the Dominican Republic feels like a romantic little chapel you would find on a forgotten street in Rome.

The Chapel: The Church of St. Stanislaus at Altos de Chavon feels like a romantic little chapel you would find on a forgotten street in Rome. Set in a beautiful courtyard with stone fountains and panoramic river views, the consecrated chapel is built of weathered stone with small ornate windows and big wooden doors, and houses some religious artifacts. (The ashes of St. Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland, were sent by Pope John Paul II to commemorate the church’s inauguration.) Up to 65 guests can join you for a traditional Catholic wedding. Per Dominican Republic regulations, all ceremonies must be performed in Spanish, but English translators are available upon request.

That Extra Touch: Hold an outdoor candlelight reception in the village square overlooking the river, with catering done by one of the resort’s five restaurants (our fave is Italian-style La Piazzetta). Rooms from $353. Chapel package from $500, not including required donation to the church. 

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The Resort: Overlooking the Pacific at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, this 327-suite resort is pleasantly removed from Cabo’s hubbub, but close enough for convenient access to local landmarks like El Arco (the stone arch that marks where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez), San Jose del Cabo’s lovely 18th-century architecture, and the hip bars and restaurants of Cabo San Lucas. The decor reflects the region with stucco walls and tiled roofs, life-size Katrinas (the clothed skeletons you see during the Day of the Dead celebrations), warm cedar beams, and fountains and floors made of Mexico’s famous cantera stone. Your guests will also love the wide stretch of beach, onsite cigar bar and relaxing spa.

The Chapel: The Sunset Chapel’s exterior is subtle, blending in with the resort’s hacienda style. The surprise awaits inside, where you’ll find a colorful array of religious paintings and elegant chandeliers that reflect the elaborately decorated cathedrals of Latin America and Spain. Although officially a Catholic chapel, it can host ceremonies for all denominations for up to 80 guests seated.

That Extra Touch: Have a Mexican fiesta in the adjacent Salón Monasterio. Built into the side of the cliff, the open-air terrace has amazing ocean views and seats 140 people. The onsite catering staff can provide whatever cuisine you desire. Rooms from $295. Chapel rental fee $1,500.

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