Without question, there’s no shortage of wedding venues. Good ones, however, are rare treasures.

The blissful island of Bermuda boasts more than its fair share of extraordinary places to have a wedding and reception, as well as pre- and after parties. To be sure, its Bermuda’s nature to embrace all its visitors with the warmest welcome. And with a plethora of outdoor scenes so perfect they just beg for their picture to be taken, seas in every imaginable shade of blue, and pale pink, soft-as-sugar sandy beaches, Bermuda is among the most desirable places in the world to host a wedding and all the festivities celebrated in conjunction with the very special day.

These days, anything goes when it comes to wedding ceremonies and receptions. “We’re noticing that more and more couples are opting to have everything, the ceremony, reception and brunch the next day, all at the same spot,” says Coco Reef General Manager Vince Angelo. “We’re also seeing a lot more creativity in theme weddings.” Soft colors and sparkle are also dominant. “We’re seeing a lot of light pinks and white/beige for wedding colors,” says Kathleen Dodwell of Bermuda Event Solutions, which works closely with the wedding crew at The Reefs Resort & Club. “Gone are the bright pops of colors in a bouquet/ table arrangement as everyone seems to want very muted tones. This seems to be happening with bridal party dresses as well. The pictures I’m getting right now are very pale colors for dresses. The rustic decor look seems to be holding strong, and we are also seeing a lot of sparkle.”

Lots of couples are opting for non-traditional ceremonies on Bermuda’s sparkling waters aboard the Venetian, a spectacular vessel that cruises the island’s matchless seas. Offering 100 feet of splendor, it’s the perfect way to enjoy an intoxicating dose of Bermuda sea air and delightful days alive with heat from the salacious sun. “Wedding cruises are especially molded to the client’s specific wishes, as we can provide a most personal experience,” says Venetian spokesperson Emma Simmons.

Bermuda’s pristine beaches are also popular wedding spots. “If you come to Bermuda for a wedding, we recommend a daylight ceremony on the beach, and then a reception here at the most historic inn on Bermuda,” Fourways Inn and Restaurant Manager Andy Detzer said. “We can do a candlelight reception with silver service and a piano player, or something more low-key. We do it all and we make it work in style.” Of course, great food and stellar service are always in style. “We pride ourselves on hospitality,” Pompano Beach Club owner Tom Lamb explains. “We’re all about customer service. As a family-owned business, we know all about being family-friendly. Yet golfers and honeymooners also find us appealing. We have a great staff and guests value that, along with our rich rooms and excellent cuisine.”

For a rich, show stopping wedding cake, it hard to beat the skilled and creative pastry chefs at The Lido Restaurant. Tell them what you have in mind, specify a filling and frosting, name the number of tiers and be brought to tears with a flawless, truly one-of-a-kind wedding cake. For the “something blue” in your wedding, make it Blu, one of Bermuda’s most notable bar and grill restaurants. And for great food, generous portions and the kind of friendly service you can only get at the home of dear friends, take your whole wedding party to Portofino. A Bermuda landmark for three decades, Portofino is the island’s favorite Italian restaurant for everything from cheesy slice of pizza on the run to a sit-down feast of pasta and exotic dishes. Exotic or simple, things take on a whole new meaning on Bermuda. Brides, grooms and guests agree that if happiness were a place, it would indeed be Bermuda.

• TEXT by DIANE E. ALTER PHOTO by TWO + QUARTER STUDIOS