Destination Weddings in Chile

Weddings in Chile vary hugely, depending on whether you marry in the hot north of this thin country, or the cool south. But every marriage will have a distinctive Chilean flavor. Why not add flamenco-style ruffles to the hem of your wedding dress, for a real Latin American feel? A local tradition is to wear your wedding bands before the big day - but on your right hands. You will then switch them to your left hands during the wedding ceremony.

One essential feature of your wedding reception is Chilean wine, which can be red, white or sparkling, depending on your tastes. It is of excellent quality. Another popular drink is pisco sour, a grape brandy served with lemon juice, egg white and powdered sugar.

Chile has a beautiful coastline, and the two premier beachside cities are Vina del Mar and La Serena. Both have stunning white sand beaches and historical buildings. The former is known as the Garden City, due to its subtropical palm and banana trees and a 151 acre botanical garden.

Chile is home to some of the most spectacular national parks in South America. The most popular is Puyehue National Park, which covers almost 265,000 acres. Here you will discover awe-inspiring volcanic scenery, rare species of wildlife, unusual Chilean plants, dense forests, lakes, thermal springs, waterfalls and ski resorts.

The capital of the country is Santiago, an immense city of museums, skyscrapers, palaces, grand plazas and verdant parks. The city also has lively nightlife and some excellent restaurants.

Chile's second city is Valparaiso, the country's principal port. It has excellent maritime, fine arts and history museums, and its maze of streets are ideal for romantic strolls. In the south of the country, the city of Puerto Montt has some beautifully ornate architecture, an excellent craft market and a cathedral which dates from 1856.

A Chilean wedding is the most romantic way to discover more of the culture of this fascinating South American country, whose arts, literature and music have been influential internationally.