4 Historical Places to Say ‘I Do’

Stone castles, elaborate gardens and desert oases are classic scenes for fairytales. It’s easy to see why: Such real-life settings have endured for centuries as the most enchanting and romantic places in the world. Here, four venerable destinations (and traditions) for an occasion to remember.

Amman

While modern-day Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city nestled among rolling hills, its history dates back to the Stone Age. The Citadel, the site of an ancient fort and other centuries-old structures, towers above town. Within at few hours’ drive is Petra, the 2,000-year-old red sandstone city and one of the Seven Wonders of the New World. Four Seasons Hotel Amman’s hilltop location offers wedding spaces with breathtaking views of the dramatic cityscape.

Something old:  At Jordanian weddings, it is tradition to serve mansaf, a dish of lamb, Arabic rice, and broth made from dry yogurt, which guests eat from a communal dish using their right hand.

Istanbul

A wedding at Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus, along the Bosphorus River, shows a surprising side of Turkey’s two-millennia-old capital and largest city. Better known for its ancient architectural wonders, including Byzantine-era monuments, underground cisterns and massive domed mosques, Istanbul also has a 21st-century spirit and bustling nightlife—and the result is a beautiful marriage of past and present.

Something old: For centuries, brides have prepared for their wedding day with a ceremonial bathing ritual at a hammam or Turkish bath. The Four Seasons offers traditional or luxurious hammam treatments for brides or any guests looking for an experience steeped in history.