In the Philippines, couples are spoiled by the number of beautiful beach destinations they can choose for a wedding.

Michelle Solomo Valdez, architect of some of the most memorable wedding celebrations in Palawan through her own company MS Events Management, is a specialist in scouting for the most idyllic, romantic locations such as San Vicente, El Nido and Coron. According to her, the next big thing in destination weddings is a little pocket of unspoilt paradise a short distance from Puerto Princesa City - Sabang Beach.

Michelle pointed out that Sabang Beach’s raw natural beauty and feeling of exclusivity make it ideal for intimate weddings. It’s less commercialized than other beaches and its untouched shore with dramatic mountain backdrops make a beautiful setting for photos. The Underground River, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage Site, as well as fun activities like a mangrove tour, zip-lining, nature trekking, visiting the Sabang Waterfalls or island hopping to the private Isla Rita will ensure a wedding that will be talked about for years by anyone who attends.

Wedding parties have several options to book into for their stay on Sabang Beach. The most premium is the Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa. Michelle mentioned that the hotel’s beachfront, with its stunning sunset view and wide-open space make it a favorite for ceremonies. Other popular scenic spots include the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Tour photoshoot area, and dramatic visuals from viewpoints overlooking the limestone cliffs.

Apart from its breathtaking natural wonders, Palawan has a rich cultural heritage and traditions. Couples can incorporate some of these in their plans. Michelle has executed weddings that showcased indigenous Cuyonon musical traditions; she likes to use native elements such as woven banig accents or shell-based souvenirs. Apart from fresh seafood, she suggested adding local delicacies like lato (sea grapes) or the “fear-factor” tamilok (woodworm) to the menu for a unique touch.

“Yes,” Michelle laughed, “there are always challenges to overcome when it comes to destination weddings. Unpredictable weather, limited access to specialty suppliers, coordinating logistics for guests who come from all over the world. It helps to have a wedding planner based in Palawan, and an efficient team at a venue, because we will both ensure that every detail is covered so that the couple can focus on enjoying the moment.”