Suggestions for destination wedding (approx 40 guests)

Hello! My fiancee and I got engaged a few months ago and are in the process of planning/budgeting our wedding.

We are from Australia and were looking at doing a destination wedding, so we can get away from the day-to-day hustle of life. I really struggle with disconnecting from my work and out of the two of us, needs the distance from home to wind down more.

It would be for approximately 40 guests (45 are being invited, but who knows who will make it in this economy). With a budget of 20k EUROS (or $32k AUD), for the whole wedding, minus flights, accommodation and bridal outfits. We wont have a wedding party.

We were thinking to have the big day in mid to late 2028. If it were to be in Europe, I was thinking a Tuesday in early October. As the weather should still be mild and its a shoulder season.

But I was also considering other regions, such as Asia, where the date may need to shift to avoid torrential rains in monsoon season. Which I am willing to do.

I have found the process of researching over the last few months very overwhelming to say the least, and thought I'd come for some guidance or take someones recently completed research.

The main thing I have realized for my must haves (or not haves):

• I don't want to get married next to a pool or on a beach.
• I would much prefer a historical location, like a older property or a place with a waterfall/lake.
• I would like to be legally married in the country - happy to do this research separately
• Ideally a location which provides a package service and/or wedding co-coordinator (i am happy to have less options, as long as the pricing is reasonable and transparent)
• A hotel or other accommodation which provides breakfast, that I could recommend as a place guests stay at.

Please don't comment on how I should add to the guest experience or cover the expenses for guests. Guests who attend will be paying for their own flights and most likely their own accommodation for the duration of the wedding. The wedding will be treated as part of a wider holiday, as many of my guests travel annually.

I was also wondering what peoples thoughts were of the sweetheart dinner table set up for the bridal couple. As i really wasn't sure what style of formal dinner seating would be best for a smaller wedding celebration.

Thanks for your help in advance!