Here is a rundown of some of the grandest cathedrals in the world where two lovers may best tie the knot.
Whether you are planning an intimate wedding getaway with just close family and friends, or inviting the whole clan to a grand ceremony, the world is filled with amazing locations to hold this unforgettable moment. We listed down ten picturesque and historically interesting Roman Catholic cathedrals across the globe from which you may choose to say “I do”.
Cathedral of St. Etienne of Bourges, France
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, this massive religious work of art was hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Its unique gothic architectural style can be seen in its audacious double flying buttresses, chevet, and striking stained glass windows. Indeed, it is one of the great surviving—and well-preserved—Gothic masterpieces. A wedding in this cathedral may feel like one that is straight out of a fairy tale book and matched with the enchanting fragrance of the flowers from the Jardins de l’Archevêché (The Archbishop’s Garden).
Chartres Cathedral, France
Built and completed in the 12th century, this cathedral boasts magnificent stained-glass windows that illumine the whole cross-shaped cathedral from all sides. Also hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a wedding in this cathedral would make it a romantic journey of a lifetime as it serves as a pilgrimage site that houses the Sancta Camisa—the tunic believed the Blessed Virgin Mary have worn when she gave birth to Jesus Christ.
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Italy
Around 13th and 14th centuries in Florence, the elite ruling families were patrons of arts and culture and doing the best that they could to put the city on the map as the epitome in the said field. When chevets and domes were still believed to be built with flying buttresses to support them, one architect by the name of Filippo Brunelleschi dared to make history by creating the most impressive church dome at the time, which will encapsulate Florence’s grandeur. Indeed, even the simplest wedding in Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral would be one for the books.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, USA
A link of the past to the present, the glorious St. Patrick’s Cathedral sits in the middle of the New York metropolis. The beautiful Gothic cathedral is already 130 years old and although it is quite young for its archaic style, the cathedral has gained popularity among old and millennials alike. A wedding in the St. Patrick’s Cathedral may fit a couple’s preference of a classic fairy tale wedding with modern touches—a perfect metaphor for life’s new beginnings.
Las Lajas Cathedral, Colombia
Down south, one may found one of the most outstanding architectural monuments in the world, which is the Las Lajas Cathedral. Built inside the canyon where the Guitara River flows, Las Lajas Sanctuary, as it is fondly called, welcomes travellers and pilgrims through a 50 metres tall bridge. Although it resembles a European castle, Las Lajas Cathedral was built in the 20th Century during the wars on the spot where many faithfuls believe Maria Mueces, an Amerindian woman, and her deaf-mute daughter Rosa have found shelter in the middle of a great storm in 1754 and have seen an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the walls. The apparition was believed to have cured Rosa and the site has been a go-to place for pilgrims since then. A wedding in Colombia sure brings colours to the budding married life of the couple, not to mention divine blessing to send them off for a new start.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Vietnam
If one may prefer a simple wedding but in a lavishly designed Romanesque cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City’s renowned cathedral is the best place to be. Established by French colonists in the late 19th century, the cathedral has two iron spires as its bell towers, reaching a height of 190 feet. A wedding in this part of Vietnam would definitely be a colourful one as the country is known for its rich culture and heritage, perfect for a small party of fun and lively guests that are up for an adventure.
