1. On top of Mount Everest, Nepal
Extremely costly and physically demanding, getting married on the top of the world’s highest mountain takes a lot of dedication, a bit like marriage itself. A Nepalese couple, Pem Dorjee and Moni Mulepati, were the first to do it. They’d made the ascent as part of the Rotary Centennial Everest Expedition, keeping their plan a secret in case they didn’t make it to the top. The couple spent a mere ten minutes at the peak and briefly took off their oxygen masks to exchange vows while friends took pictures.
2. Trang Underwater Wedding, Thailand
Held every Valentine’s Day, this annual event sees 30 couples parade through the streets of Trang and engaging in traditional Thai celebrations on the beach before literally taking the plunge to complete the wedding formalities underwater.
3. Point Imperial, Grand Canyon, USA
Prefer something a bit more intimate? How about Point Imperial, in the Grand Canyon National Park? Only ten people can fit on the 8,800ft high viewpoint. And it’s a bit of a trek to get there. Special permits are required too, but the views are breathtaking.
4. Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, South Africa
A venue guaranteed to deter even the most determined gatecrashers! The crocs are kept at a safe distance during the ceremony, but once the vows have been exchanged, guests are encouraged to handle the baby crocs and take guided tours of the park. The function hall is in a stunning and tranquil setting, with unending views of South Africa’s vast veldt.
5. Dracula’s Castle, Transylvania, Romania
Give your vows of everlasting love that little bit extra piquancy by getting married in Bran Castle. Better known as Dracula's Castle, it was home to Vlad the Impaler, the bloodthirsty warlord who inspired the vampire tales. Getting there can be a pain in the neck, but you’ll remember your special day for ever. And ever. And ever.
6. Shark Tank, Atlantis Marine World, USA
Nothing quite prepares you for a life together than getting hitched in a 120,000-gallon shark tank, wearing custom-created wetsuits (white for her, black for him) and being circled by ten skulking sand sharks. The minister sensibly stays outside the tank, communicating with the happy couple via the underwater radio units in their helmets. And let’s face it – if you’ve faced down a man-eating shark, dealing with the mother-in-law has got to be a doddle, right? Right?
7. On the Titanic. At Dollywood, USA
It doesn’t get any weirder than this – saying ‘I do’ on the exact replica of the Grand Staircase on the Titanic, lovingly recreated as part of the Titanic Museum at Dollywood in Tennessee. The only thing that would make it even more memorable would be if Dolly Parton officiated the ceremony herself.
8. 99 Cents Only Stores, USA
On a budget? The owners of the 99 Cents Only Stores in Los Angeles periodically hold a competition where nine lucky couples get ceremonies and all the trimmings in their store for only, you guessed it, 99 cents.
A new life together and change from a dollar. Bargain.
