There’s a reason elopements in Iceland have become so popular – and it’s not what you think! A new study shows Reykjavik as one of the world’s least reliable wedding destinations for weather and climate. In the same list, London, Paris and Tokyo are risky bets (for an outdoor wedding at least) – but I’m not ready to write them off as wedding destinations just yet – and I’ll tell you why.

There’s no longer a one-size-fits-all approach to weddings. Everything’s optional, from cakes to catering, from gowns to guests. Intimate weddings and elopements can be more authentic and meaningful than big weddings. For some couples, the dream wedding is a registry office ‘do’ followed by a party in a city bar. For others, it’s embracing the elements and hiking alone with a photographer to a windswept mountain top.

So yeah – those tables set under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights might look fabulous in sunny Tuscany, and set the perfect scene for a wedding in southern France. Maybe your chances of a dreamy outdoor ceremony are higher at balmy Yosemite Lakes than if you were to plan for a big wedding in rainy Queenstown.  The stats definitely back that up; but it all depends what kind of a wedding the two of you would really like to have. Because these days, the world’s your oyster when it comes to wedding destinations!

Curious about weatherproof wedding destinations? Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony? Here’s the results of that study I mentioned, put together by the destination wedding experts at Destify who analysed current climate data from 40 popular locations around the world. Each destination has been ranked according to the reliability of its climate during the most favourable season for weddings.

Grooms and brides, grab your brollies: riskier wedding destinations (for unpredictable weather!)

Queenstown, New Zealand
With a mild average temperature of 12.7°C, balanced cloud cover, and steady breezes, Queenstown scored just 1.20/10, making it the worst choice for couples seeking reliable wedding weather.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Known for its dramatic landscapes, Reykjavik ranked second with a weather risk score of 1.30/10, due to relatively low temperature and consistent cloud cover year-round.

Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese capital placed third with 2.13/10, balancing warm average temperatures (16.3°C) with heavy rainfall and moderate winds.

London also ranks in the global top (or bottom!) 10, coming in 7th place with a score of 3.23/10. Despite its reputation for unpredictable weather, the capital’s relatively low rainfall (38.6mm per month on average) and mild 17°C yearly temperature make it one of Europe’s least reliable city wedding destinations.

Where weather wins: the ultimate spots for destination weddings

Yosemite Lakes tops the list as the ultimate destination wedding spot, with near-perfect temperatures of 23°C, minimal cloud cover, and one of the lowest rainfall averages. Its strong score of 9.06/10 makes it the most reliable location for sunny vows.

Close behind, Tenerife shines with a year-round warm climate of 22.2°C, very low deviation from the ideal temperature, and a balanced mix of sun and breeze. Its steady conditions earn it an impressive 8.13/10, making it a dream location for couples.

Finally, Seville secures third place, offering 21.2°C warmth and a slightly higher chance of rain compared to the top two. Still, with plenty of sunshine and mild winds, it scores 7.60/10, making it a beautiful and dependable setting for a wedding abroad.

Aside from the simple perspective that sunny weddings are good, and rainy weddings are undesirable – there’s a lot more to weddings and weather. First off, a little rain won’t be enough to ruin the day you marry the love of your life. Honestly, a torrential downpour that last eight hours shouldn’t even ruin that! So long as the two of you are there, and your favourite people can make it, and you get to commit to a lifetime together, the rest is all optional.

Having a plan B for rain is non-negotiable if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, or an afternoon of garden games or drinks on the veranda. Always make sure your wedding venue has plenty of space for all of your guests if it rains all day long. Provide entertainment that works inside or out.

If you’re ready to embrace the rain – perhaps you’re an outdoorsy couple, want to do something different or a traditional wedding just doesn’t suit your personalities – then know one thing: embrace the wind, rain and whatever else nature throws your way on your wedding day. Because some of the most incredible real wedding photos I’ve ever seen have been windswept, rosy-cheeked and bursting with joy – embrace your wild spirits and grab those tickets to the Lake District, Scotland or the Welsh peaks, or to the Dolomites or Alps if you want to elope!

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Some of the best advice I’ve read about planning for wet weather on your wedding day is here. Michelle Jacobs is a leading UK destination wedding planner and her advice is golden.

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Header photo by Olga Solodilova on Unsplash