February may be the month of love, but June is the month of weddings. This special month is said to be related to the Greek goddess Juno, the goddess of marriage and child birth, who also got married on June 1st to the Greek god, Jupiter.
While selecting June as your wedding month is easy because of June’s romantic origins, choosing a venue may be more complicated! The look, the capacity, and the budget all play a huge role in selecting the perfect place to get married.
Good thing that we have our top 10 list of the best wedding venues in the country according to our readers’ votes. From church, garden, or even a getaway wedding, take your pick from the destinations below.
10. Surftown (La Union)
Let the waves and clouds be your witnesses at Surftown, La Union! (Image: Urbiz Garden)
First on our list is Surftown in La Union. This surfing spot might not be at the top of your mind when choosing a wedding venue, but the beautiful beach should be enough reason to have your wedding here. If you and your partner are surfers at heart, or dreams of a destination wedding by the beach, Surftown is an ideal place. Plus the waves and the sand would be a great background for your wedding photos.
If Surftown is your wedding venue of choice, you can connect to the many hostels and hotels near the beach regarding your special day. One great venue is Urbiz Garden located in Urbiztondo, La Union. The bed-and-breakfast has a beautiful garden that can be the perfect venue for your wedding. If you prefer a church wedding, you can also opt for Urbiz Garden to be your venue for reception.
El Nido is not just for honeymoon but for weddings, too! (Image: El Nido Resorts)
No one can deny the beauty of El Nido, that’s why it’s no surprise that it would also serve as a great place for your wedding. Celebrity couple Bianca Gonzalez and JC Intal held their nuptials in one of the islands in El Nido, and more and more couples are following too! The beautiful rock formations, the turquoise waters, and the fine white sand will surely serve as the perfect backdrop for your special day.
Wedding in El Nido may come at a price but if you’re dreaming of a beach wedding that is intimate and solemn, then it’s worth the investment for a once in a lifetime event. Resorts in the area like El Nido Resorts have handled weddings already and you can have your special day in one of their beaches, too!
Stay close to the city and have your wedding at Sitio Elena. (Image: Sitio Elena)
Also on our number nine is Sitio Elena in Pasig. Located in Valley Golf, Ortigas Extension, Pasig City, you’ll be surprised that this events place is inside a city. Sitio Elena is known for their beautiful garden and their glass-walled pavilion that will make you feel close to nature while staying indoors. If you’re dreaming of a garden wedding and wants to stay close to the metro, Sitio Elena is one of your best bet. There are also nearby churches in the area if you prefer a traditional ceremony and have your reception with them.
Aside from the picturesque venue, Sitio Elena also offers a big venue that can accommodate up to 500 guests if you are planning of a big wedding. They also have various wedding packages that you can choose from so they can work with your wants and needs. You can directly contact Sitio Elena for reservations.
8. Caleruega Chapel (Tagaytay)
Not everybody can say they got married on top of a hill! (Image: Gerald Esguerra Photography)
Eighth on our list is Caleruega or the Transfiguration Chapel in Tagaytay. This quaint chapel is actually located in Nasugbu, Batangas but is easily accessible if you’re coming from Tagyaytay. And with the humidity in our country, a Tagaytay wedding is not a bad idea. Sitting on top of a hill, Caleruega has been a favorite because of its lush greeneries surrounding the area and the chapel in itself is a gem with its beautiful woodworks giving a rustic feel. The small chapel can accommodate up to 200 guests, perfect for a medium-sized wedding.
If you’re planning to have your ceremony in Caleruega, you can call the church as early as now and book your wedding date. You can also invite your own priest to initiate your wedding and Caleruega will provide sacristans to assist in the wedding. A little heads up also, because you will need to coordinate with the chapel regarding the choir, flowers, carpets, missalette, etc. for your big day.
Be wowed by the beauty of Tayabas Basilica. (Image: Alien_Scream Design & Photography)
Making it to our number seven is Tayabas Basilica located in the province of Quezon. Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, or Tayabas Basilica to locals, is built way back in 1578. It has undergone major renovations in the past and is now known to hold two world titles: the longest church in Asia, with its 103-meter aisle, and the church with the oldest and biggest church clock installed in early 1900s. It also has a unique floor plan resembling a key,which the locals refer to as Susi ng Tayabas or The Key of Tayabas.
If you’re a local of Quezon, getting married in this beautiful baroque-style church is a no-brainer. Aside from the majestic façade, the grandiose interior is also one for the books with its seven altars and ceiling painting. Just remember that you’ll be walking a very long aisle. You can contact the church directly and schedule your special day. You can choose to either have it on a Wednesday or a Saturday.
6. Balesin Island (Quezon) and Diguisit Beach (Aurora)
Fall in love with your partner and with Balesin Island on your special day! (Image: Nice Print Photography)
Located in Polilio, Quezon, Balesin Island is a private resort that has been known for its intimate setting and beautiful sands and waters. The resort has been getting rave reviews as one of the best wedding venues lately, thanks to the wedding of Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista. Aside from the beautiful beach, Balesin Island’s indoor and outdoor setting is also a delight. Their facilities are built to resemble some of the famous destinations in the world like Bali and Greece.
Remember though that this is a private resort and being an exclusive member might be a little pricey. But if you know someone who is a member you might make something work! Interestingly also, last April 2017, Alphaland, the developer of Balesin Island, hosted a wedding fair to give non-members a chance to have their wedding in the private island. Who knows, they may have a part two?! If you do decide to have you special day in this private resort, you can work with their team to craft your wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception and even the food.
Have a scenic and secret wedding at Diguisit Beach. (Image: The Ultimate Wedding Planner Baler Philippines)
Also on number six is Diguisit Beach in Baler, Aurora. This hidden paradise is a famous for its white sand beach and the beautiful rock formations that surround the area. If you’re planning a getaway or a beach wedding, you can opt to have your big day here! Aside from the nature itself, Diguisit Beach is also known for its beautiful photo opportunities during sunrise and sunset. Imagine your wedding photos with the scenic view as your backdrop!
Aside from having a beach wedding, you can also have a forest wedding if nature and greeneries suits you better. You can choose the nearby Dicasalarin Cove or the Artist Village Forest can also be your venue for your ceremony and then have your reception near the beach.
One of the well-known resorts in the area is AMCO Diguisit Beach Resort with whom you can work regarding your special day. They can accommodate up to 300 guests and also offer wedding packages to help you in your planning.
5. Palacio de Maynila (Manila)
Do you prefer Manila Bay as your backdrop? Check out Palacio De Maynila. (Image: Palacio De Maynila)
Halfway on our list is Palacio De Maynila, located in Malate, Manila. Palacio De Maynila is an events place known to hosts not just wedding but various parties and events. They also have four different rooms that you can choose from. Their Main Hall can accommodate up to 500 people, while their other rooms like the Seaview or Upper Hall can handle up to 150 guests. Other than the comfort of being indoors, you and your guests will also be treated with the beauty of the Manila Bay as your background.
They offer several wedding packages to meet your specific requirements and they also have partner suppliers in case you haven’t completed your list yet! Couples can directly contact Palacio De Maynila for reservations.
4. White Space Manila (Makati)
Create the wedding of your dreams with White Space Manila. (Image: White Space Manila)
On our number four is White Space Manila located in Makati City. Another events place in the city, White Space Manila became known for being a blank canvass for your special day. Their white walls and ceiling allow every couple to personalize their big day and make their design dreams come to life. Aside from the white-painted walls, the huge windows also invite natural lighting inside the halls making the place feel even bigger.
White Space Manila has four packages that you can choose from to have your big day. The whole events place can accommodate a total of 450 guests but you can also opt to only use part of their space with price adjustments if you have fewer people. Couples can directly reserve their special day with White Space Manila.
3. San Agustin Church (Manila)
Voter’s comment:
“Solemn, romantic ambiance and pre-war inspired interiors” – Grace
Let the historic San Agustin Church witness your big day! (Image: Alien Scream Design & Photography)
Taking the third spot is San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila. Known as the oldest stone church in Manila, San Agustin Church was built way back in 1589 and is popular for being a UNESCO Heritage Site. It has been a go-to venue for traditional Catholic weddings because of its regal beauty. From the stunning chandelier to the famous trompe l’oeil painting on the ceiling, you and your guests will be in awe during your big day. Plus the picturesque Intramuros will serve as a beautiful spot for your post nuptial shoot!
If you opt to have your ceremony at San Agustin Church, you can directly call their office and have your special day reserved. The whole church can accommodate a maximum of 500 guests and will also include designing the church to beautify it on your big day.
2. Fernwood Gardens (Quezon City)
No need to travel far to experience nature with Fernwood Gardens. (Image: Fernwood Gardens)
On our top two is Fernwood Gardens located in Quezon City. Fernwood Gardens is one of the most well-known wedding venues in the country thanks to its theme of bringing nature in the city. They have four venues that you can choose from depending on your theme and the number of your guests. You can include up to 500 people in your big day and Fernwood Gardens will be able to accommodate all of them!
Aside from the huge space, Fernwood Gardens is also known for their domes. You can enjoy the beauty of nature while keeping cool indoors. They also have birds like swans, mallard ducks, and parrots giving the ultimate rainforest feel. You can directly reserve your big day with Fernwood Gardens and work with their team regarding your specific plans.
1. Ibarra's Garden (Manila)
The top wedding venue in the Philippines goes to Ibarra’s Garden! (Image: Ibarra’s Party Venues)
Finally, the top wedding venue in the country is Ibarra’s Garden in Ermita, Manila. Opened in 2001, what started as a restaurant is now known as one of the premiere wedding venues in the country. From their original events place in Manila, Ibarra’s has now five other locations in Quezon City and Tagaytay.
Perfect for an indoor reception, Ibarra’s Garden in Manila is an antique house with a facade that will make you travel back in the past. The interior on the other hand is like an indoor garden and the whole area can comfortably accommodate up to 250 guests. They also have a beautiful garden outdoors that would make a great photo opportunity location for any couple. If you opt to have your reception in Ibarra’s Garden, you can choose from their wedding packages that come with options for menu so no need to book a separate caterer.
Results are based on the Top 10 Best Wedding Venues in the Philippines 2017 Poll posted at the home page of yoorekka.com from May 22 to May 29, 2017.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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