Azerbaijan: The new destination every wedding planner should know

From its cool climate to its ethereal mountain slopes, Azerbaijan’s natural beauty is a true romantic backdrop for destination weddings. With developed infrastructure, experienced wedding planners, picture-perfect weather, beautiful locations and luxurious hospitality chains, Azerbaijan is the perfect option for a destination wedding.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Caucasus’, Azerbaijan combines modern architecture with an old-world charm. An Eastern city with a Western outlook, Baku is an exceptional combination of antiquity and novelty with several sites of interest. Azerbaijan has transformed into a haven for the quintessential Indian bride, with bespoke hospitality venues opening their doors to host the most lavish celebrations.

For the wedding guests who want to make a holiday out of the festivities, Azerbaijan is a hotpot of cultural and adventurous excursions. From Baku’s modern Flame Towers, to the depths of the medieval UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s something for everyone in Azerbaijan.

Our picks for the cultural icons include the UNESCO site Gobustan, that delves into the Palaeolithic past and the eclectic Heydar Aliyev Centre, which showcases the most coveted art pieces. For the daring traveler you can find hiking trails up the picturesque mountains, a haven for golfing enthusiasts and kite surfing for those who prefer to live on the edge.

With Azeri artists and performers, mystic calligraphers, creative carpet weavers and a plethora of gourmet options to delight food connoisseurs, the couple can immerse their guests into the culture of Azerbaijan at their wedding. The capital is a constantly evolving tapestry of life that weaves energy and romance – making it a perfect destination for new age couples.

Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, comments, “Weddings are becoming larger than life events and we are seeing a huge increase in destination weddings. Azerbaijan has an amazing landscape which provides the perfect backdrop for any celebration and it also boasts a diverse climate. Thanks to our easy visa policy of three working days (and visa on arrival for a majority), traveling to Baku is completely hassle free.”

“Azerbaijan is still undiscovered by many, making it the perfect location not only for wedding celebrations but also for a wonderful honeymoon. Couples can celebrate their love and romance in a beautiful and unconventional way.”

Azerbaijan has an array of venues, from luxury and mid-range hotels, to en-suite bungalows, provincial motels and even private homestays for a dream wedding.  While resorts in Baku are known to be state of the art, one of our top picks to host weddings outside of hotels is at Ateshgar, otherwise known as the “Fire Temple.” This Hindu-Zoroastrian temple dates from the 19th century and features 16 inscriptions in Sanskrit or Punjabi that harbour century-old secrets.

Another experiential hotel pick would be the Sheki Palace Hotel, just 50 meters away from the heritage site of the summer Palace of Shaki Khans. This private property allows guests to immerse themselves in the romantic and epic history of the city and is an ethereal backdrop for any couple tying the knot.

Other venue options that can host a magical wedding in Azerbaijan, include:

1. Fairmont Baku - the perfect wedding setting with its grand ballroom and spectacular poolside terrace views overlooking the Bay of Baku. Best of all, your Fairmont Baku wedding specialist will be available to arrange every detail - allowing you to spend precious time with your guests. It boats ballrooms that host almost 1000 people, 299 guest rooms and suites and 19 service apartments.
2. Boulevard Hotel Baku - set in the heart of Baku White City district along the main routes, connecting the city centre with Heydar Aliyev International Airport. With 818 comfortable guestrooms and suites and a banquet for 1300 people; it provides perfect accessibility to all major business and cultural sites of the city.
3. For a wedding rich in romantic glamour, Four Seasons Hotel Baku invites you to the city’s most high-profile setting on the Caspian Sea. Ascend the lobby’s dramatic curving staircase to the two first-floor venues: The Grand Ballroom and Banquet Room. Creative cuisine and attentive service are sure to impress every guest, and passionate Four Seasons care promises an occasion of unforgettable beauty. A Four Seasons Baku on-site expert will work with you or your wedding consultant to reserve your dates, plan the schedule of events, coordinate all food and beverage details from menu design to linens, and assist with other aspects of your wedding experience at the Hotel. It offers 142 comfortable guestrooms and 29 suites and banquets that capacitates 500 people.
4. Whether you are visiting Azerbaijan for business or leisure, you will marvel at the 5-star luxury of JW Marriott Absheron Baku. Ideally located in the city centre, hotel guests are near Port Baku Mall, Fountain Square, Shirvanshakh Palace and the Central Botanical Garden. Every hotel room and suite features a generous layout with views of Baku's skyline or the Caspian Sea.  You can rely on their team of expert wedding planners to bring your dreams to life, working closely with a team of culinary experts, who will help you create your ideal menu. It offers 176 comfortable guestrooms and suites and 13 banquets for 1000 people.