Medieval magic

Wedding vows in

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is fast becoming a wedding destination of choice, and Anna Burlow asks why settle for less when you can get married in a medieval palace.

The Dubrovnik Archives possess a picture depicting an array of men in bright blue pantaloons and a woman in an embroidered tunic. The picture, painted in 1892, is of a traditional Dubrovnik wedding procession with red flags and loaded guns exploding. On observing the print, one wonders if this procession paraded down the Stradun, the central avenue of Dubrovnik 's old city with its polished white stones. Or did they wander along the vast city walls, stopping to catch their breath as the sunset bathed this medieval city in subtle oranges and gold.

If you were to ask any English bride-to-be what her ideal wedding location would include, it would either be a sultry summer location with sea views or an ancient castle with elegant arches framing the couple for those perfect, atmospheric photographs. Dubrovnik , with its rich history and swathes of brilliant blue water, combines both to provide the perfect wedding location.

The last few years have seen an increase in intrepid wedding parties sampling the delights of this deeply romantic city. Of course there is more to a wedding than happy couples framed by gorgeous vistas; there is military precision planning, detailed arrangements and near chaos averted. Dubrovnik , with its acclaimed history of diplomatic successes - throughout its history the Ragusa Republic never engaged in war - thrives on planning, organizing and hosting big events as well as intimate soirees. The city's hotels, restaurants and specialised wedding agencies offer a range of wedding services that rival other established wedding destinations such as Italy and France with friendly…