Arabia Weddings Attends Exclusive 4-Day FAM Trip, Uncovering Lebanon’s Premier Wedding Destinations

Arabia Weddings recently concluded an intensive and comprehensive Familiarization (FAM) trip through Lebanon, joining a select group of top Arab wedding planners from Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE. Meticulously organized by Dubai-based Lebanese wedding planner Maya Toubia, the four-day journey (November 1–5, 2025) was strategically designed to reposition Lebanon as a premier, year-round destination for luxury events and destination weddings.

The whirlwind trip saw the delegation inspect over 30 magnificent event venues across various regions. The itinerary provided a deep dive into Lebanon's history, culture, and nature, proving the country can seamlessly host every type of celebration, from intimate destination weddings to large-scale extravaganzas.

Showcasing Historical Grandeur and Natural Beauty

The tour meticulously covered a spectrum of venues, categorized by experience:

Historical Grandeur: The Sursock Legacy and Timeless Estates

While touring the breathtaking landscapes and charming towns of Lebanon, the delegation was immersed in the profound impact of the Sursock family on the country’s hospitality and wedding scene. We marveled at their collection of majestic, historic properties, which included:

• The opulent Sursock Palace (Beirut, built in 1860).
• The timeless Grand Sofar Hotel (built in 1892).
• The Donna Maria Sursock Gardens (built in 1909) in the mountain village of Sofar (Sawfar).

Crucially, while Sursock Palace undergoes careful restoration after the Beirut Port explosion, the Grand Sofar Hotel and Donna Maria Sursock Gardens are intentionally preserved in their current state and used as distinctive event venues. This offers a captivating design canvas for wedding creators seeking authenticity. The highlight of the visit was meeting Mr. Roderick Sursock Cochrane whose passion for preserving his family’s legacy and Lebanon’s architectural heritage left a lasting impression on everyone present.

Other historic landmarks included Château Rweiss, a modern architectural marvel high in the Metn mountains, celebrated for its vast, pillar-free ballroom and capacity to host Lebanon's most extravagant society weddings. Equally significant was the Mir Amin Palace, an authentic 19th-century palace in the Chouf Mountains, offering guests an experience rooted in aristocratic history with breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding forests.

At Sursock Palace. Photo by Tony Khattar Photography

Natural Escapes and Vineyards

Lebanon’s natural beauty provides unparalleled settings for outdoor celebrations, and the trip featured some of the most idyllic scenery:

• O Ciel, Les Talus and Domaine de Zekrit: These venues offer stunning, versatile outdoor spaces perfect for grand receptions, blending panoramic mountain vistas with luxurious, adaptable grounds.
• Tanit: Known for its unique aesthetic and atmosphere, providing an elegant backdrop for large-scale destination events.
• Ixir Winery: Provides a sophisticated, rustic-chic setting amid active vineyards, offering an unparalleled experience for wine-loving couples and a unique Lebanese backdrop.
• Bkerzay, Jardin des Lys, Domaine des Oliviers, and Le Clos de Faqra: These charming venues showcase Lebanon’s ability to host intimate garden weddings and picturesque, pastoral-themed celebrations, leveraging the country's rich agricultural landscape.

Intimate Heritage and Village Charm

We also explored venues that offered deep character and a profound sense of place. We were charmed by the intimate appeal of Aux Glycines, which is defined by its beautiful gardens and idyllic vineyard atmosphere, making it a favorite for romantic, European-inspired celebrations. The 200-year-old mountain house, Indira Kfour, provides a tranquil, heritage-rich setting, blending traditional Lebanese architecture with Levantine and Andalusian accents, ideal for gatherings under 150 guests. In addition, the complete village experience offered by Arnaoon Village presents an authentic, large-scale setting that immerses guests in rich Lebanese tradition, perfect for multi-day cultural celebrations.

We also explored numerous other hidden gems and unique venues such as Mehreen Thee Venue, Skylodge, and Nabu Museum.

At Aux Glycines. Photo by

 

Exceptional Hospitality and Comfort

The journey was supported by 3 exceptional host properties, which served as the base for the planners:

Phoenicia Hotel Beirut: Serving as our essential urban base, we experienced world-class luxury and service in the heart of Beirut. The hotel’s iconic status and comprehensive facilities proved ideal for unwinding after intensive days of site inspections.

Indira Kfour: This tranquil two-hundred-year-old mountain house, perched above the Mediterranean Sea, is a remarkable blend of traditional Lebanese architecture with beautiful Levantine and Andalusian accents, full of antiques and artifacts. It serves as the ultimate setting for intimate weddings (perfect for gatherings of around 150 guests) seeking a rich, meaningful, and highly personalized experience.

Arnaoon Village: An idyllic complete Lebanese village experience, offering stunning views and a rich setting for authentic, large-scale celebrations.

Reflecting on the sheer volume and quality of the venues discovered, the trip was immediately hailed as a significant success by participants. "Maya’s flawless organization and passion for her country ensured this FAM trip was highly productive and memorable," said Samar Shawareb, Founder/CEO, Arabia Weddings. "Lebanon’s unparalleled natural backdrop, combined with the professionalism of its vendors, cemented its position as a top-tier destination ready for the global spotlight."

At Indira Kfour. Photo by Creation9

At Arnaoon Village. Photo by Creation9

Partner Collaboration and Artisanal Showcase

Arabia Weddings extends immense gratitude to the comprehensive network of partners whose contributions ensured the FAM trip was executed with flawless quality and provided a true taste of Lebanese professionalism.

The successful execution was supported by essential service providers, including The Tipplers who curated sophisticated beverage experiences, Tony Khattar Photography who expertly captured the trip's most stunning moments, Creation9 who provided artistic design support, and DMC Nakhal & Cie. who ensured seamless, professional logistics and transfers throughout the intensive itinerary.

Beyond the essential service partners, the participants were spoiled by the incredible, thoughtful gifts from Maya’s partners, which beautifully showcased Lebanon's artisanal heritage and provided excellent inspiration for wedding favors. These personalized items included organic olive oil products, exquisite handmade soaps, aromatic lavender items and scented candles from partners like Salma Loves Beauty, Lavanda Farms, Solace by Scented Spaces, and Zouyouti. The generosity also extended to the culinary and artistic realm with delectable Lebanese sweets & cakes from AR Hallab 1881, The Candy Bunch, and Chocolate and Sunshine, beautiful ceramics from Bkerzay, personalized note pads from Gemayel Printing House, beautiful plexi glass products from L'Atellier Roulant, personalized pouches from Love Mellow, and Rose Dew for the beautiful flower arrangements.