On August 26, pop superstar Taylor Swift posted to her Instagram page that she and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, had gotten engaged at his Missouri home, specifically in the backyard he had decorated with gorgeous peonies, roses and hydrangeas. The scene was simple and sweet.
But the cultural impact was seismic. The image carousel got a mind-boggling 14 million likes in its first hour. It was up to 36 million at press time. The striped sundress Swift wore in the pictures sold out in minutes on Ralph Lauren’s website. Vegas already has odds on who’ll be Kelce’s best man and when the ceremony will happen.
There’s also widespread speculation on where the nuptials will occur. Will the lovebirds go over the top or keep things quaint and sophisticated? Only Taylor, Travis and their tireless PR teams know for sure, but it is fun to speculate with everyone else, which is precisely what we’re doing here. From a fabulous California beach scene to a fairytale villa in Tuscany, these are the Forbes Travel Guide-approved venues we know would make spectacular hosts for the celebrity wedding of the century.
Montage Laguna Beach
California
No stranger to celebrity sightings, this Five-Star SoCal stunner would be a great domestic option for Swift and Kelce. An assortment of suites and villas could work for their high-profile family and friends, while the sweethearts could cozy up in the 2,285-square-foot Founders Suite that has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and extraordinary peeks at the Pacific.
On the big day, the nuptials could take place outside on the cliff-hugging lawn and the glamorous Grand Ballroom could host all the shake-shake-shake-shake-shaking for the reception.
Ocean House
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
The NFL season runs from September to February, meaning a late-spring/early-summer wedding makes the most sense. That time of year is glorious around coastal Rhode Island, too, especially at a place like Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Ocean House. With 69 rooms and suites draped in New England charm, it would be a nice size for a more intimate affair. The herb garden, lawn or beach could be a lovely spot for the ceremony.
And if Swift forgets anything, she can ask her assistant to retrieve it from the private residence down the road that the Grammy-winning singer has owned for the past 10 years.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Mexico
It’s safe to say that money won’t be an object for this celebration, which is why buying out a property like this Four-Star 86-acre jungle getaway would be a good plan. That way, Swift, Selena Gomez and everyone else in the bridal party could have a relaxing day at the Five-Star spa without any gawking.
The same goes for Kelce’s crew when it goes out on a scuba diving excursion. And both parties could let loose over a rehearsal dinner at Piaf or Frida without worrying about disrupting anyone else’s meal.
Castelfalfi
Florence, Italy
We saw the pictures of the lovebirds in Lake Como in May 2024, so we know they have an affinity for Italy. If they’re thinking of returning to the country for the wedding, this Five-Star Tuscan estate would be a splendid site.
Offering everything from beautiful heritage architecture to pizza-making classes to indoor golf simulators (another of Kelce’s loves), this village would put a smile on every attendee’s face. The lone issue might be narrowing down the special place to walk down the aisle, since the 2,718-acre jewel has so many stunning vantage points.
Atlantis The Royal
Dubai
A royal venue for America’s new royal couple. Though it’s only two years old, this Five-Star resort is already an icon in the city. With 760 rooms, 90 pools and 17 restaurants, it’s not hard to see why.
And with stellar settings, such as the gulf-facing Emerald Garden and the majestic Diamond Ballroom, it’s easy to imagine how Atlantis The Royal could serve as a dreamy wedding backdrop. Bonus: if the parties have cold feet, they can face their fears by hopping in for a quick swim with the sharks at the hotel’s Aquaventure Waterpark.
Ashford Castle
Cong, Ireland
In videos like “Love Story,” Swift embraces her inner princess, so a castle wedding would be a fairytale ending. Let the fantasy come to life at this Irish castle that dates back 800 years. This former home of the Guinness brewing family sits on 350 meticulously tended-to acres filled with activities like falconry, fishing and clay shooting, so guests will always have something to keep them occupied.
Additionally, Ashford Castle has hosted royalty for decades, so its staff is well-versed in dealing with well-known visitors.
Cloud 39
Hong Kong
Knowing that Swift isn’t a fan of being confined to a box, she could throw a curveball and forego lavish resorts altogether. If that happens, the couple may want to look up to Cloud 39, the breathtaking ballroom sitting atop the 36-story Henderson building in Hong Kong’s Central district — it’s the highest in the city.
Adorned in floor-to-forever windows peering out to Victoria Harbour, the 6,800-square-foot venue with an all-glass rooftop feels as if it’s floating. Add a foyer accented in amber-colored glass bricks and bathrooms dressed in pink onyx, and the ethereal scene is perfect for saying “I do.”
