Wedding FOMO after Bezos' big day? Craft your own magical moments at these budget-friendly destinations

Now that the uber-wealthy set has left Venice after witnessing the gaudy nuptials of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, you'd think that it's a show-stopper, something that can't be outdone when it comes to deciding where to host your wedding reception.

Well, think again, because there are loads of beautiful destinations you could choose from to say "I do" without breaking the bank or being subjected to ridicule as the Bezos couple were during the high-profile wedding, where mannequins of the bridal couple popped up across the lagoon city.

So if you're dreaming of somewhere unforgettable to tie the knot, a new study has helped refine your choices down to the most sought-after wedding destinations for 2025.

With the global wedding services market valued at a staggering $899.6 billion and projected to reach $1.13 trillion by 2030, it’s no wonder couples are going all out for their big day.

Wedding destinations experts Destify analysed global search interest and social media buzz across TikTok and Instagram to crown the hottest wedding locations of the year.

Positano, Italy

Taking top position this year is Positano in Italy, scoring a popularity score of 93.5/100. The charming town has the second-highest number of Instagram hashtags out of all other destinations (72,410), coming only after the Atacama Desert, Chile.

Positano also holds the second spot when it comes to the number of TikTok hashtags (35,455), this time coming after Cartagena, Colombia. It's a strong all-rounder: visually iconic, widely searched and a social media favourite.

The town's romantic appeal of pastel cliffs and colourful balconies clearly never goes out of style.

Former Bachelorette contestant and author, Andi Dorfman, loved her visit to Positano, as did actor Samuel L Jackson. The cast of "Selling Sunset" has also shared pictures of a brunch outing in the hillside town.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Hot on Positano’s heels, achieving a popularity score of 93.4/100, is the Atacama Desert, Chile. A far less traditional but wildly trending and mesmerising wedding destination, it tops the charts in both Instagram hashtags (94,900) and search demand (6 520), making it the most Googled location in the entire ranking.

While it lags slightly behind on TikTok, the data suggests Atacama is the go-to for couples looking for surreal landscapes and stargazing ceremonies.

It has been featured in some celebrity travel experiences and is known for its unique, breathtaking landscapes. Mandy Moore and her musician husband, Taylor Goldsmith, honeymooned in the Atacama Desert after their 2018 wedding.

Todos Santos, Mexico

With a popularity score of 81.6/100, the third place goes to Todos Santos, Mexico.

It also holds the third spot for the highest number of TikTok hashtags (30 528) out of all destinations in the study, coming after Cartagena, Colombia and Positano. Its Instagram popularity is a tiny bit higher, though, with 30 920 hashtags.

What makes Todos Santos a popular wedding destination is that it is on Mexico's Pacific coast, which generally enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

Antiparos, Greece

Fourth comes yet another sunny destination, Antiparos, Greece, earning a popularity score of 80.7/100.

Greece’s beautiful island accumulates an average of 4,720 global monthly searches - the second highest, coming only after the Atacama Desert.

Antiparos’ social media presence is also significant, generating 33,120 Instagram hashtags and 7 230 TikTok hashtags. This quiet Cycladic island is gaining momentum, attracting couples looking for Greek island magic without the Mykonos crowds.

Actor Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson own a home on Antiparos and are known to spend time on the island.

Tivat, Montenegro

Talk about a surprise entry in the top five, this place bagged a score of 77.7/100.

Despite its low search volume (550), it punches above its weight with the third highest number of Instagram hashtags (71 610) and a solid number of TikTok hashtags (27 191). This Adriatic jewel is ideal for couples chasing luxury without the price tag of Western Europe.

Porto Montenegro, a key attraction in Tivat, is known for its upscale atmosphere and high-end services, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lavish wedding experience.

It boasts a range of beautiful venues, including private villas, seaside resorts and luxury hotels. 

Its high social media engagement suggests that those who do discover it are quick to share, a perfect pick for the 'hidden gem' crowd who want to do things differently.

At the lower end of the list sits Kobarid, Slovenia, a picturesque yet lesser-known destination. While it ranks last in overall popularity with a score of 39.9/100, Kobarid’s modest 950 average monthly searches and relatively low social media presence (just under 12 000 Instagram hashtags and under 1 000 on TikTok) highlight its status as a hidden gem rather than a mainstream choice.

The area’s breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history and authentic Alpine charm offer an intimate setting perfect for couples seeking a quieter, more personal wedding experience away from the crowds.