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We Egyptians love weddings. We love the preparations phase, getting ready for them, attending and above all gossiping about them. We really just can’t get enough of them!  Being blessed with a country filled with exceptional destinations, wouldn’t it be great to spend such a special day in one of these places? Here are 19 incredible ideas for wedding spots to give you some inspiration…

Beach Themed Spots

1. El Gouna

This seaside resort town is becoming an increasingly popular wedding venue. It has great scenery, a perfect weather almost all year round, and many spots to choose from. Choices include resorts such as Movenpick, Steigenberger and Sheraton Miramar, beach clubs such as Moods Beach Club and luxurious guest houses such asLa Maison Bleue hotel. It also has many dining options that can serve as entertaining venues for pre and post wedding gatherings.

Photo from Gouna’s official website

2. Soma Bay near Hurghada

Another great location across the Red Sea coast, Soma Bay is a secluded unique spot fully surrounded by sea from all sides, making it a picture perfect place for a wedding. Adding to that is a world famous spa promising a great way to get prepared for the big day. Kempinski, Sheraton, and La Résidence des Cascades are luxurious resort options to choose from.

Photo from Soma Bay’s official website

3. Sahl Hasheesh

A place that exudes romance and an already famous honeymoon spot, Sahl Hasheesh of the Red Sea can also be a place for a fairytale wedding. There are resorts such as the legendary Oberio or open spaces such as the Arrivals Piazzaavailable as great options.

Oberoi Hotel from their official website

4. Dahab

Not only a diving hub, this Sinai sanctuary is an excellent location for those looking for a simple yet eccentric wedding. Hotels such as Dahab Paradise and Coral Coastoffer scenic seaside spaces, with a range of activities to do and excursions to go for, Dahab offers an adventurous wedding program like no other.

Can you imagine celebrating your wedding in such a beautiful sunset? Photo courtesy: David Burton

5. Sharm El Sheikh

The world famous beach destination offers endless venues for a dreamy wedding by the sea. The range goes from highly luxurious branded resorts to secluded cozy venues offering both indoor and outdoor settings.

Photo courtesy: Stewart Morris

6. Ain Sokhna

Due to its close proximity to Cairo, Sokhna is becoming a primary choice for beach themed weddings in Egypt. The incredible mountainous backdrop, calm sapphire sea, and growing range of resorts to choose from such as Jaz Little Venice Golf resort and Movenpick resort have turned Sokhna into a truly attractive wedding spot.

Movenpick El-Sokhna from their official website

7. Ras Sudr

With kite-surfing becoming a recent trend here in Egypt, Ras Sudr is drawing a lot of attention. Various trendy venues are springing up here making it a cool spot for a wedding. One of those is Matarma Bay offering a large terrace overlooking the sea, serving delicious food.

Photo from Matarma Bay’s Facebook Group

8. The North Coast

Turquoise blue sea, white sandy beaches and cool sea breeze, it is this magical combination that makes the North Coast one of Egypt’s most favourite summer destinations and also a one of a kind spot to host a summer wedding. Choices for a wedding venue can include private residences, or for large scale ones; hotels such asAl Alamein Hotel-Marassi in Sidi Abdel Rahman and Rixos Alamein can be considered.

 Rixos Alamein from their official website

Historical Places

9. Cairo Marriot Hotel Omar El-Khayam

This palace turned into hotel was built in the 1800’s by Khedive Ismail and still retains much of its royalty and unique decorative pieces. A lavish wedding can be held in its grand Aida ballroom, or a sunset wedding can be hosted in its center balcony overlooking the beautiful Nile.

Cairo Marriott Hotel Omar El-Khayam from their official website

10. Mena House (past Mena House Oberio) – Cairo

is another royalty spot in Cairo, this hotel was originally a grand hunting lodge used by Khedive Ismail and his guests. With 40 acres of green gardens, a breathtaking backdrop of the Great Pyramids, and a selection of ballrooms this venue is like no other.

View from Mena House Gardens by kris

11. Sofitel Old Cataract - Aswan

A world famous 19th century Victorian palace set across the banks of the Nile river, the Old Cataract offers a unique mixture of Nubian and French atmospheres. Its riverside Terrace can host an outdoor wedding reception or for a smaller and more private gathering, there is Fouad’s Corner, an exclusive dining area overlooking the Nile.

View from Old Cataract by Omnia Mamdouh

View from inside by TrevorLowe

12. Sofitel Winter Palace – Luxor

This hotel is originally a palace that was built during the British colonial era, well known for its lush gardens and spectacular view of the Valley of the Kings. For intimate wedding receptions there are indoor venues such as the Royal Victorian Lounge and for larger ones there is the lavish pool and garden outdoor setting.

View from outside by tim rich and lesley katon

13. Al Montazah – Alexandria

The famous Alexandrian red and white palace and incredible gardens are a much loved retreat for many and the romantic nature of the place qualifies it for a beautiful wedding venue. For hotel options there are the Sheraton and Helnan Palestine Montazah hotels.

Montazah Palace by Islam Kotb 

Unique Country Clubs

14. Royal Mohamed Ali Club – Cairo

This place was created to take you back in time to the so called “liberal experiment” era of the 1920’s and 30’s in Egypt. Its exceptional location across the Nile and gigantic garden landscape gives a lot of room for creative wedding themes and decorations.

Royal Mohamed Ali Club from their Facebook Page

15. Sakkara Country Club – Cairo 

Although a primary venue for equestrian, and other sports activities, Sakkara country club can be turned into a stunning wedding venue. The mix of desert ,greenery and picturesque background of the Abu Sir pyramids makes it an incomparable spot. It also offers transportation arrangements for guests making it a convenient option.

Sakkara Country Club by TripAdvisor 

Unusual Spots

16. A Cruise liner/Sailboat

How about a wedding that sails its way through the Nile or the Red Sea for a day or two? Various Nile cruise liners or sea yachts can be exclusively rented out for this occasion.

Photo from Abercrombiekent.com

17. A Landmark

Egypt is full of iconic landmarks that can host one of a kind wedding -if you were able to get a permission- Cairo Tower, the Citadel of Salah El Din, Al Amir Taz Palace orQaitbay Castle in Alexandria are a just of few quirky examples.

Qaitbay Castle in Alexandria by Ernie R

18. A Park

Al Azhar park is one of the most well known (and most well kept) parks in the country and is a top choice for hosting many events. Although a public park, a part of it can be closed off for a wedding. The panoramic view of historical Cairo and its manicured green spaces makes it ideal.

Al-Azhar Park by apricotdaze

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We Egyptians are without doubt one of the most foodies in the world -prove me wrong-, when we travel to the North Coast or Alexandria a stop at Wa7et 3omar is agoes-without-saying, to have Fetir Meshaltet, and if not traveling with family a sharwet Fetir to bring back home is a must, we don’t mind driving all the way even if at 1 A.M. to devour Molokheya, Kebda and Wara2et La7ma from Kebdet El-Brens, or going to Alexandria for the sake of an Aklet Samak w Gambari taza from Abou Ashraf or Balba3, then use Jilaty 3azza or Fetir with honey & cream as a digestive. (Below photo of Fetir Meshaltet by IDip)

ِAs Ramadan is around the corner, we can hardly wait for the Konafa with mangoes, or 2atayef with Nutella. Mmm…Is it just a Ramadan-ish thought? Hell no! If you give a deep thought about Egypt’s main occasions, and how they are celebrated, you will find out that they more or less end up being around food. (Below photo of Konafa byDanielle Tsi)

Sham El Nessim (Easter)

Probably one of the oldest occasions celebrated till today. Ancient Egyptians marked the date as the beginning of Spring, which was related to agriculture, and fertility, but after the Christianization of Egypt the festival became associated with the Christian spring festival of Easter, and is since then celebrated by all Egyptians regardless their religion or belief on the Monday following it. Ancient Egyptians used to celebrate the festival by including Salted Fish -Fesikh, Renga & Melou7a-, lettuce, onions, and ful 7eraty to their diet, and this is how we celebrate it till this date :). (Photo by: www.almasryalyoum.com and video by: assemnour’s channel)

Ramadan

Other than being the most significant, and holiest month for Muslims, it is the biggest Egyptian food fiesta, housewives put so much effort, all their expertise to produce the best recipes. Apart from traditional oriental desserts, and those specially made in Ramadan namely 2atayef -pancakes-, & khoshaf in recent years it has become “the hottest season” for dessert creations; Konafa with mangoes or dates, Konafa with Nutella, Basbousa with Red Velvet cake and some konafa sprinkled on top, Konafa tart with dates and caramel, 2atayef with Nutella, Om Ali with Creme Brulee…got the munchies? (Photo below of 2atayef by:www.hawaalive.com)

Eid-El-Fitr

As if we have’t already eaten enough desserts in Ramadan!!! Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which we usually celebrate by eating ka7k -Eid cookies- with tea for breakfast on the Eid morning. In reality this never happens, we actually buy ka7k at least 10 days in advance, get 1/4 kilo from this sweets shop, 1/8 from this bakery around the corner until we get our hands on the best ka7k in town to have it for breakfast on the Eid morning, and maybe don’t stop eating it for another 10 days if not more. (Photo below of ka7k: www.elwatannews.com)

Eid-El-Adha

Another event with a huge religious significance, this is the second biggest event celebrated by muslims worldwide each year, it honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of submission to God’s command, when Prophet Ibrahim was about to slaughter his son God saved Ismail and ordered to substitute him with a sheep instead. Ever since God commanded that the slaughtered animal would be divided into three part 1/3 for the poor and the needy, 1/3 for the family and neighbors, and 1/3 for those who bought the animal. During Eid-El-Adha, the freshly slaughtered meat and kebda (liver) -along with other weird parts of the animal that in my opinion shouldn’t be eaten- are cooked, and Fattah is made with La7ma Dani -lamb chops- to be eaten once ready at whichever time of the day it is. (Below photo of Fattah with La7ma Dani by www.fatafeat.com)

Mouled El-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birth)

And now, did you believe me when I said that Egyptian occasion are all about food? Even the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) -on 12th of Rabi3 2 of the Hijri year- is celebrated with specially made 7alawet el mouled that is only found in Egypt, nowhere else -there is 7alawet el mouled in other parts of the world, but not specially made for the mouled and not as good unless we are talking about Syrian & Lebanese delicacies-7omosseya, fouleya, gazareya, ladida, malban, semsemya, goz hend, nougat with amar el din…yummi! (Below photo of 7alawet el mouled by: www.almasryalyoum.com)

Tassou3a and 3ashoura

The 9th and 10th of Moharram is a special day in the Hijri calendar, there are many stories behind its significance, one of them is that this is when Prophet Moses fasted to thank God for saving him and his people from Pharaoh and his army by drowning them in the Red Sea. We celebrate it by home-making and eating 3ashoura -a dessert that is made of wheat, milk, sugar, starch, zebib, and whole skinless almonds and pistachios sprinkled on top. What’s the relation between 3ashoura and the occasion??? No idea…(Photo courtesy: google.com)

Eid El-Ghetass (Epiphany)

Probably not the cutest way to convince a child to eat colocasia, or sugar cane, we all heard the famous Egyptian say: “Eli mayakolsh 2ol2as fel ghatass yesba7 men gher ras”, or “Eli fel ghatass maymossesh 2assab yesba7 men gher 3assab”. Eid El-Ghetass commemorates Jesus’ Baptism -January 19th-, and is celebrated by all Egyptians ever since ancient times. Why was it called Ghetass -derived from ghatss? and why sugar cane, and colocasia? Because baptism basically involves contact with sacred water, as for colocasia and sugar cane some versions say it’s because this is their harvest time, and others say that they have a special significance in Christianity believing that colocassia has a poisonous substance that once mixed with water it’s gone just like how water cleanse a person from his sins, and sugar cane is filled with water and sugar giving the eater the sweetness of forgiveness. (Photo of colocassia: botagaz.com)

Islamic New Year

A new year means a new beginning, and a refreshing start, that’s why we celebrate it by eating any dessert that is white colored “3ashan teb2a sana beida :)” be it Mehalabeya, or Roz Belaban -Rice Pudding. (Below photo of Roz Belaban by www.youtube.com)

Got any stories regarding the link between the occasion, and the food? Know of any other Egyptian occasions where food steals the show? Let us know in the comments below…