Exploring Armenia as a Wedding Destination
We took part recently in a 4 day familiarisation trip to Armenia to explore the country as a wedding destination. The trip was hosted by Mon Amie Events, Armenia’s top luxury wedding planning company that specialises in both local and destination weddings and events.
Our group of 6 persons was one of 4 groups that Mon Amie Events graciously hosted during the month of May. The groups included wedding planners and vendors from different parts of the world including India, Russia, Georgia, UAE, Qatar, Cyprus, Lebanon, Jordan and others.
The visit was an eye opener. We learnt first hand what Armenia offers as a unique and culturally rich country that makes it an excellent wedding destination. Here are some reasons why Armenia has huge potential to become a popular wedding destination for couples from the Middle East and around the world.
Also read: Interview with Edita Poghosyan - Top Florist & Wedding Designer in Armenia
Rich History & Heritage
Armenia is steeped in history and heritage; it is one of the oldest countries in the world. The country is dotted with ancient monasteries, churches, and historical sites that add a touch of grandeur and significance to destination weddings. Several impressive historic attractions of Armenia include Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and many others.
Yerevan, Armenia's capital city, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world with a history that spans over 2,800 years. Through our city tour in Yerevan we saw a mix of architectural styles, blending elements of traditional Armenian design with Soviet-era and modern influences. Yerevan is often called the Pink City reflecting the pinkish color of many of its buildings.
The Cascade complex in Yerevan is a massive stairway adorned with fountains, sculptures and art galleries that lead the way to the iconic Yerevan Opera House. Parks and green spaces provide great recreational areas for residents and tourists.
Couples and their guests can experience the rich traditions, music, and dances of Armenian culture when hosting a destination wedding. The Armenian communities in the Levant will find it particularly interesting to consider Armenia as a wedding destination, and include their culture, tradition and food in their celebrations.
Beautiful Wedding Venues
Armenia offers a variety of unique wedding venues to choose from. Couples can exchange vows in a medieval monastery, an ancient castle, a vineyard, a luxurious banquet hall or a 5-star hotel.
We stayed at the Seven Vision Hotel in Yerevan, which is in its soft opening phase. The lavish hotel has certainly brought a new level of luxury to Armenia. The property boasts many wonderful wedding venues including The Stage and The Music Hall.
Our tour in Armenia included site inspection visits to many other wonderful venues. The Pharaon leisure and entertainment complex includes beautiful venues in the Multi Grand Hotel, as well as, open air restaurants and terraces that seat up to 2000 guests. Harsnaqar Restaurant Complex is another wedding venue to consider and for more casual day-time events, the 7QAR Restaurant, located near the 'Symphony of Stones', is a good choice when you want to be surrounded by beautiful nature.
The fabulous Lake Sevan is surrounded by many venues that make perfect wedding venues with picturesque backdrops of the Lake.
For more rustic and boho chic weddings, you can opt for one of hundreds of wineries in Armenia. We visited Van Ardi Winery and Armenia Wine Company in the Aragatsotn Region which offer great venues, outdoor and indoor, for weddings and other celebrations.
Scenic Beauty
Armenia is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including majestic mountains, picturesque valleys, and serene lakes. These stunning natural backdrops provide a beautiful setting for outdoor weddings and make for unforgettable wedding photos.
Surrounded by tall mountain peaks and dotted with ancient Armenian history, Lake Sevan is one of the most popular day trips from Yerevan. It took us around 45 minutes driving east to get to this magnificent freshwater lake from Yerevan.
From Lake Sevan we followed the road to the resort town of Dilijan; a beautiful little town in the Tavush province of Armenia known for its National Park, forests, water springs, and its rich biodiversity. We visited the fascinating Haghartsin monastery situated in the forest. The monastery complex has churches, living quarters, dining areas and a tower.
Hospitality and Warmth
Armenians are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. Wedding guests are often treated like family, and couples can expect to receive tremendous support and assistance when planning their special day.
We have certainly felt the hospitality and warmth of our gracious hosts, Edita and Karen the co-owners of Mon Ami Events, and their team, particularly Ani Afrikyan who professionally planned and executed the program. We left Armenia knowing that we have made lifetime friends.
Culinary Delights
Armenian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, offering a wide range of delicious dishes and traditional delicacies, influenced by its neighbouring countries.
Our hosts made sure that we sampled the best of Armenia's cuisine; from its famous Basterma, to succulent kebabs, mouthwatering dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and lavash (traditional flatbread), we indulged in an unforgettable culinary experience, ending most meals with a delicious sweet Gata.
Budget Friendly Weddings
Compared to other popular wedding destinations, Armenia can offer excellent value for money.
The cost of wedding services, accommodation, dining and entertainment is generally more affordable, allowing couples to have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.
This affordability factor can be especially appealing for couples planning a destination wedding on a budget.
Easily Accessible
Armenia is relatively accessible for international travellers with regular flights connecting the capital city, Yerevan, to various destinations around the world.
From the Middle East there are direct flights from Beirut (2 hours), Dubai (3 hours, 10 minutes) and Doha (3 hours), in addition to, seasonal flights from Saudi Arabia.
The country also offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for many nationalities, simplifying the travel process for wedding guests.
