Ultimate Fairytale: 5 Dreamy European Wedding Destinations
If you’re thinking about getting married in the near future, then you’ll want to settle upon a suitably glamorous, luxurious setting. Fortunately, Europe provides several stunning locations in which to exchange your wedding vows, and your wedding rings. If you’d like to evoke that magical, fairytale vibe, then why not consider one of the following destinations?
Château de Villette, France
We start our list with an amazing castle. Just outside of Paris, this 17th-century “Petit Versailles” is dripping with classical grandeur. There are beautiful interiors, and, outside, a series of cascading fountains is set within perfectly manicured gardens. For those seeking an opulent, royal aesthetic, it’s the way to go.
Santorini, Greece
A fairy-tale wedding needn’t always be set within a castle. The white-washed villages that line the Aegean Sea can speak just as forcefully of romance-infused stories of old. Book a wedding in Santorini, and you’ll be able to exchange your vows at sunset, with the glittering sea behind you. Or, you might prefer to overlook the island’s amazing caldera.
The Scottish Highlands
If you’d prefer a sense of drama and sorcery, then a remote, elevated wilderness might be exactly what’s required. The Scottish Highlands provide not only the required landscape, but also a series of stirring, formidable castles. Eilean Donan, flanked by water, can bring you a sense of medieval history – and for couples with Scottish heritage, it’s more than possible to lean into things with bagpipes, kilts, and other traditional paraphernalia.
Bear in mind that if you want to get married in the Highlands, the weather can be slightly inhospitable at certain times of the year. Make sure that you plan for the occasion, and that you don’t take any unnecessary risks – even if you think you’re going to make big savings in the long term.
Sintra, Portugal
In Portugal we find Pena Palace, Sintra. This structure, with its iconic red and yellow turrets, arguably evokes romantic architecture and sensibilities as no other structure does. But it’s just one of countless venues in the region, which can be extremely beautiful at any time of year.
If you’d like a more playful ceremony, that draws upon the traditions of Portuguese culture, then this might be a great place to hold it.
Venice, Italy
Finally, we come to what must rank as one of the most romantic destinations for couples. After all, if Jeff Bezos wants to hold his wedding here, then there must be something worthwhile about it.
Visit the city, and it’s easy to see the appeal. A network of silent canals connects a series of gorgeous Gothic and Renaissance palazzi, any one of which might make a stunning destination for your wedding. You might exchange your vows, before retiring to a gondola and getting your photos taken beneath the evening lights.
Introducing Amanda Marks
We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant
With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
An Interview with English Professional Boxer Chris Billam-Smith
At BROOD, we’re always drawn to stories that celebrate not just professional triumphs, but the heart and humanity behind them. Someone who embodies this spirit perfectly is Chris Billam-Smith—a world-class athlete
whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.
Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback
There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.
From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism
Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.
WHY PARENTS NEED A WILL (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)
A lot of people still think wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly. I hear this all the time. In reality, wills are about far more than dividing up money.
Learning to let go – the empowerment edit with Sarah Jayne Dunn
Have you ever found yourself in a situationship that doesn’t serve you? You’re not sure why, you can’t quite put your finger on it, but deep down, something doesn’t feel right. Your gut is nudging you, your heart feels heavy, the energy is off, and somewhere in the background, the alarm bells are starting to ring.
PETER SIDWELL’S HOMEMADE WAGONWHEELS & HOB-NOB STYLE BISCUITS
This month, I’m thrilled to share two of our all-time favourite bakes: our homemade Hob Nobs and nostalgic Wagon Wheels. These recipes are more than just sweet treats—they’re time capsules. The Hob Nobs came from a rainy weekend when we had oats, butter, and not much else in the cupboards. The kids loved rolling the dough into little biscuit balls and watching them flatten in the oven. Dipping them in chocolate was the final touch—well, that and licking the spoon clean!
Building a Brand from the Kitchen Table
Mum-of-two Megan Ford shares how family life, late nights, and a passion for purposeful play sparked the beginnings of Ellor & Co — proving that big dreams really can start at the kitchen table.
a wave of light: Honoring little lives lost
Honoring Little Lives Lost October 9–15 marks Miscarriage Awareness Week, a time to remember and honour all the little lives lost too soon. Having experienced the pain of pregnancy loss myself, I see this week differently now. It is not really for those of us who have...
Marcus Bean’s – Chicken, basil pesto & courgette risotto
Once you master the basics of risotto, the options are endless. To make it easier on busy weekdays, you can
make the base in advance, then finish it off just before serving
