All Filipinos have the right to find love and, if they choose, tie the knot in a wedding surrounded by their loved ones. While some Filipinos choose to look for affordable venues in the Philippines to keep their celebration within their tight budget, those who have the means to splurge go all-out on their big day.
If money isn’t a huge factor and you want a wedding that will wow yourself and your guests, consider some of the most popular luxury wedding reception venues in the Philippines. While there are many high-end options to consider, these are the most popular choice for many who can afford to spend more on their venue.
Luxury Venues for Weddings in the Philippines
Balesin Island Club
The ultimate private destination wedding venue for celebrities and prominent figures, Balesin Island Club is arguably one of the most private and exclusive wedding venues. If you and your partner are on a tight wedding budget and have no connections with the rich and famous that vacation on this private luxury island, then this isn’t the wedding venue for you.
First of all, there’s the cost of membership which starts at P2.5 million, excluding monthly membership dues. You don’t have to be a member to host a wedding in Balesin though; if you know a member who can vouch for your wedding or is extremely prominent that Balesin sponsors your wedding there, you can probably get in.
Next are the transportation and accommodations. Unlike other destination weddings where you don’t always have to pay for your guests’ travel expenses, it’s a must at a Balesin wedding. The only way in or out of the island is through a private plane. Pep.ph did some digging into the costs of a Balesin wedding and found that a round-trip ticket per person is P8,960. And because you can’t expect your guests to travel all this way and go home in one day, you have to pay for their overnight accommodations, which is at P22,400. So, if you have a wedding party of 100 guests and four people share one villa for three days and two nights, that’s just over Php 2 million pesos on your guests’ travel expenses.
That’s almost four times the total wedding cost of most Filipino weddings – and we haven’t even gotten to the actual wedding costs. Based on Pep.ph’s findings, a 250-guest wedding with a three-day, a two-night stay can come up to P7,351,000. This was published in 2018, so it might be a safe bet to increase that estimate to P7.5 to 8 million.
It’s a lot for some, but for those with the money to spare to make their fairy tale beach wedding come true, it could be money well-spent.
Contact Information
Address: Polillo Island, Quezon
Website: http://www.balesin.com/
Email: sales@alphaland.com.ph
Facebook: @Balesin
Phone: +632-8846-6205
Sofitel Philippine Plaza
What’s more luxurious than getting married in the first 5-star hotel opened in Manila? Picture this: a seaside wedding ceremony in a breathtaking garden, your photographer capturing you and your partner with either the stunning Manila Bay or the iconic hotel building designed by a National Artist of the Philippines in the background. After cocktails and a photography session outdoors, you’ll enter your wedding reception venue in the Grand Plaza Ballroom, featuring the iconic Murano crystal chandeliers and an upscale room that’s a perfect blend of Filipino and French interior design.
While there’s no available rates online, based on wedding forums and women sharing tidbits about wedding venues they’ve scoped, it’s a safe estimate that wedding receptions in Sofitel start at P800,000 upwards. Various function rooms in the Sofitel can host wedding parties as small as 70 guests and as large as 2,000 guests. Based on their brochure (which you can view here), you may be working with their in-house vendors, including InspiredMeetings for event planning, Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle, and LeSPA and Nail Artisan for spa and beauty treatments, Philippe Tordjman’s Le Salon for hair and make-up, and their in-house chefs for catering.
Contact Information
Address: CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila
Website: https://www.sofitelmanila.com/
Email: H6308@sofitel.com
Facebook: @SofitelManila
Phone: +632-8573-5555
Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa
Boracay is the go-to destination for those who want to party on the beach in the summer months, but it’s also home to several upscale hotels perfect for a destination beach wedding. Topping all the wedding venues in the island in terms of luxury, however, is the Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa. It’s the wedding venue of celebrities like Rachelle Ann Go and Maxene Magalona, and it can be yours, too!
Shangri-La promises weddings with luxurious seaside views. Unlike most beaches in Boracay, Shangri-La’s beach is situated on the northern coastline and is guaranteed to be a private paradise featuring the beauty of the land and sea.
According to Boracay Compass, weddings for a hundred guests can start at around P600,000 for just food alone. Based on online booking sites, rooms good for 2 to 4 guests can start at P26,000 and go higher depending on peak season. In destination wedding etiquette, it’s your guests’ responsibility to book their own flights and accommodation. However, you and your partner will have to shoulder the fees of your bridesmaids and groomsmen. So, expect your wedding expenses to go over the million pesos threshold.
Contact Information
Address: Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com
Email: social.sl@shangri-la.com / slbo@shangri-la.com (Boracay Branch)
Facebook: @ShangriLa
Phone: +63-36-288-4988
Antonio’s
As the wedding destination capital of the Philippines, Tagaytay is full of venues ranging from low-end to high-end venues. One of the exclusive high-end places in the city is Antonio’s from Antonio’s Group of Restaurants. The restaurant’s name may ring a bell from that time Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda posted about how he didn’t expect a Mother’s Day lunch with his wife would end up so expensive.
But yes, in case you didn’t know, Antonio’s is a high-end restaurant in the area. It’s one of those restaurants that require you to reserve and come in smart casual before they let you in. Not to mention, some of their entrees require advanced orders and cost as high as P18,000. So, if you’re looking for an upscale wedding venue in Tagaytay that screams sophistication, elegance, and a dreamy garden vibe whether you’re looking out the window of their indoor function rooms or hosting an al fresco event, then this is the place to be.
Antonio’s website says you can book your event a year in advance. Their menu is customizable to help match your vision. Aside from their gardens, there are two function rooms available for use which can hold from 60 to 100 guests, making it the ideal intimate wedding venue. You can also book the entire restaurant if you want all of Antonio’s staff to be focused on your big day and have enough room to fit up to 200 guests. However, just because it can’t hold up to the thousands like other high-end venues can, a wedding here can fetch a pretty hefty price tag, depending on your vision.
Contact Information
Address: Purok 138 Barangay, Tagaytay, 4120 Cavite
Website: https://antoniosrestaurant.ph/antonios-restaurant/
Email: inquire@antoniosrestaurant.ph
Facebook: @AntioniosTagaytay
Phone: +63-917-899-2866 / +63-918-899-2866
Blue Leaf Pavilion
For an events place in Taguig that offers elegance and modernity within the city, there’s Blue Leaf Pavilion. Blue Leaf also has venues in Manila and Quezon City, but our pick is the Modern-Asian pavilion in the center of the business district.
The Blue Leaf Pavilion has three function rooms that can fit from 200 to 300 guests comfortably. It’s Banyan and Jade halls can be combined to create a bigger venue to hold up to 500 guests. With plenty of nearby hotels like the Ascott, Shangri-La at the Fort, and Makati Shangri-La, as well as its proximity to many popular wedding churches like Santuario De San Antonio Parish and St. Andrew the Apostle. This makes it very convenient if you want to have your pre-wedding prep, ceremony, and reception within the metro while trying to keep you and your guests from spending hours stuck in traffic.
Surprisingly, the Blue Leaf posted some of its package rates (good for until December 2020) online. Wedding package prices vary between P480,000 (The Red Chef & Events) to P735,000 (Bizu Catering) for weddings with 150 guests, depending on which of their affiliated caterers you hire. This package includes the venue, catering, and the basic wedding essentials, so you might have to spend more on additional wedding vendors not included in the package. This may also be subject to change depending on which Blue Leaf branch you book.
Contact Information
Address: 100 Park Avenue, McKinley Hill Village, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, 1633 Metro Manila
Website: https://www.theblueleaf.com/
Email: inquiries@theblueleaf.com.ph
Facebook: @TheBlueLeaf
Phone: +63-917-828-2583
Whitespace Manila
Despite its unassuming façade along Chino Roces, Whitespace Manila is a popular wedding venue due to its, obviously, white space. Its lobby and two halls are completely white, and while it may seem boring at face value, the venue is practically a living blank canvas for those who have a specific vision for their wedding. So, if you want a sophisticated, romantic, tropical, or any other type of theme you want for your wedding but find that none of the other venues in nearby cities are cutting it, Whitespace allows you to create your dream venue from scratch.
Because Whitespace is a popular venue for all types of events, its venue rental prices are available on its rental guide page. You can host weddings with as little as 60 guests by renting out the lobby for Php 35,000, and you can rent the entire building (Lobby + Hall A & B) for up to 450 guests for Php 175,000.
While this doesn’t seem as expensive as the other venues on this list, take note: the whole point of booking Whitespace is to dress up the venue the way you want it. What you save on choosing Whitespace over venues like Sofitel will go to the costs of venue styling, which can be a lot pricier if you’re looking for a total room transformation.
Couples can choose to book Whitespace for its venue alone (there’s no corkage for non-accredited suppliers), or they can get a Whitespace Package that provides them with options from Whitespace’s affiliated vendors.
Contact Information
Address: 2314 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati, 1232 Metro Manila
Website: http://whitespacemanila.com/
Email: info@whitespacemanila.com
Facebook: @WhitespaceManila
Phone: +632-88454-917 / +632-79493-673 / +63-917-8215-624 / +63-908-8829-750
Palacio de Memoria
Palacio de Memoria is a luxury wedding venue in the Philippines known for its historic charm, timeless elegance, and versatile event spaces. The grand ballroom within Palacio de Memoria offers a stunning setting for festivities, with its sparkling chandeliers, ornate décor, and spacious layout. This elegant space allows couples to host a lavish reception that exudes luxury and sophistication, making it perfect for couples seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
Located centrally in Manila, it ensures convenience for guests. With its exquisite surroundings and customizable options, Palacio de Memoria promises a wedding reception that exudes luxury and leaves a lasting impression.
Their all-encompassing wedding package extends beyond mere venue rental, providing couples with a comprehensive array of perks and privileges to enhance their special day. Among these offerings is exclusive access to a curated list of accredited wedding suppliers, who have been carefully vetted to ensure top-notch quality and service. Through this arrangement, you can benefit from special rates and discounts, enabling you to create your dream wedding without exceeding your budget.
Contact Information
Address: 95 Roxas Boulevard Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City
Website: https://www.palaciodememoria.com/
Email: hello@palaciodememoria.com
Facebook: @thepalaciodememoria
Phone: +63-997-799-8187 / +632-8253-3994
Lagen Island
Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan, offers an enchanting backdrop for couples seeking an upscale wedding venue amidst pristine natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests and crystal-clear waters, the resort provides picturesque venues for ceremonies, including secluded beaches and verdant gardens. Luxurious accommodations with panoramic views and world-class dining options ensure a memorable stay for guests.
The resort’s dedicated wedding planning team assists couples in creating their dream wedding, from personalized décor to coordinating activities. Whether it’s a sunset cruise, romantic dinner, or spa day, Lagen Resort offers endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
With its unparalleled setting and attentive service, Lagen Resort provides the perfect ambiance for couples to begin their journey together. So, for those dreaming about exchanging vows on a secluded beach or celebrating amidst lush gardens, a wedding at Lagen Resort assures an extraordinary experience.
Contact Information
Address: El Nido, Palawan 5313 Philippines
Website: https://www.elnidoresorts.com/lagen-island/
Email: holiday@elnidoresorts.com
Facebook: @elnidoresorts
Phone: +632-7902-5980 / +63-917-843-7893
Oceanica Resort Panglao
Formerly called South Palms Resort, Oceanica Resort in Bohol offers a stunning venue for weddings, boasting the longest white sand beach among luxury resorts in the area. Nestled on Panglao Island, its pristine beachfront provides a picturesque setting for exchanging vows against the backdrop of azure waters and powdery sands.
The resort’s luxurious amenities and services ensure a memorable celebration. Your guests can enjoy elegant accommodations with ocean views and indulge in delectable dining options featuring local and international cuisine. South Palms’ dedicated wedding planning team can assist you in bringing your vision to life, be it an intimate gathering or a grand affair.
With its unparalleled beachfront location, lavish amenities, and personalized service, South Palms Resort promises an unforgettable wedding experience in Bohol. Whether saying “I do” on the serene shoreline or celebrating amidst the island’s tropical beauty, you’re sure to create precious memories that will last a lifetime at South Palms.
Contact Information
Address: Brgy. Bolod, Panglao Island Bohol 6340 Philippines
Website: https://oceanicaresortpanglao.com/
Email: info@oceanicaresortpanglao.com
Facebook: @OceanicaResortPanglao
Phone: +63-38-502-8288 / +63-917-716-7609
If you have the means to go all-out on a luxury wedding venue, why not? In this country, you’re likely to marry only once in your life, so why not celebrate it with the best that your money can afford. But remember it doesn’t matter how grand your wedding is. What matters is that you’re marrying your partner and celebrating your love surrounded by family and friends.
Author: Justine Lubag
Justine loves costumes, puns, horror films, and blue dresses. A literature graduate from the south, she writes online content for a living but is super shy about others reading her fan fiction.