The sun setting over lapping ocean waves or behind the Eiffel Tower as you say “I do” to your beloved sounds downright magical. But a far-away wedding locale isn’t for every couple. Read on to discover whether a destination wedding is right for you.
First, let’s answer “what is a destination wedding?” While the phrase conjures visions of exotic settings, the reality is that it simply refers to hosting your wedding in a place that is neither your hometown nor your usual place of residence. That means that if you live in Atlanta, a destination wedding for you might mean exchanging vows on a rooftop in NYC, a vineyard in Napa, a beach in Mexico, or a pristine white balcony in Santorini.
photographer: Darling Juliet | planning & design: Fête Nashville Luxury Weddings | catering, cake, + florist: Grand Chemin | venue: Dunderry Castle
When it comes to deciding whether you should host your wedding away from home, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It all starts with open and honest discussions with your partner. You’ll need to consider potential destinations that hold interest and meaning for you both, your budget, and what it will mean in terms of your guest list.
We believe that all of these choices are best made in consultation with your skilled wedding planner. Your planner can provide valuable insights into the feasibility and practicality of your ideas based on your specific circumstances.
See our picks for the Best Destination Wedding Planners for Your International Nuptials to find your perfect wedding planner.
photographer: Photo76 | event planner: Geller Events | venue: Acre Resort
Here are some questions that you, your partner, and wedding planner can (and should) discuss as you make this decision:
1. Why are you considering a destination wedding?
First, think about why a destination wedding might appeal to you. Reflect on your own desires and dreams for your wedding day. Consider your vision and values.
- Is travel a hallmark of your relationship as a couple?
- Is there a particular place that holds meaning for you both?
- Is there a location rooted in family history that you’d like to honor?
- Are you hoping to create meaningful shared experiences for you and your guests?
- Have you always imagined getting married in a picturesque location like a beach, in the mountains, or at a historic landmark?
- Would you like to have your wedding and honeymoon in the same locale?
Once you understand your motivation, it will be easier to hold that vision against the questions that follow. Wherever you decide to wed, the setting will become part of your wedding story, and your comfort and happiness are paramount.
photo courtesy of & event planner: Elegante Weddings and Events | venue: Lake Como
2. How will a destination wedding impact your budget?
While there are some savings to be had (owing to a potentially smaller guest list or fewer guests who are able to attend), the costs of getting married far away can still add up. A perk of a smaller guest list is that you can often invest more time and resources into personalized details, décor, and activities that lend more meaning to your celebration.
However, destination weddings can be more expensive than local weddings due to travel costs, accommodations, and additional logistics like transportation. Consider whether you can comfortably afford the expenses associated with a destination wedding.
photography: gerber + scarpelli photography | event planner: Michigan Avenue Events | design: L & A Weddings | venue: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
3. Will your closest friends and family be able to join you?
Make a list of the friends and family you most want to join you on this important day. Will they be able to make the trip? Questions that will help you arrive at a preliminary answer include:
- Is the destination convenient for your guests to travel to?
- Are there direct flights from where you and most of your guests live?
- Will distance and/or cost prevent closest friends and family from attending?
Travel fatigue and jet lag could be hindrances, as well as travel delays which might disrupt your plans. Also think about how accessible your potential destination is for all guests. Consider the elderly or those with mobility issues. Will your grandparents or favorite great aunt be able to make this important journey?
Though your locale may mean fewer guests, a more intimate celebration will allow you to spend more quality time with those present. And you can, of course, host a smaller reception at home for important guests who are unable to make the trip.
Hear how one bride made her destination venue more accessible in our article on Accommodating Guests with Disabilities.
photographer: Collin Pierson Photography | event planner: Christina Currie Events, Inc. | floral: Flowers Living – Tuscany | venue: La Villa de Vendetta
4. How will you handle planning from a distance?
First of all, you’ll need a skilled wedding planner, preferably one who has experience in planning destination weddings — even better if that planner has worked in your chosen locale. As you will be relying on some local vendors, your planner will help ensure their quality of services. Your planner will also coordinate all vendor and venue logistics — and much more — remotely.
If locals in your destination speak a different language, consider how this might make communication with vendors challenging. Additionally, when considering potential destinations, research the local culture, traditions, and legal requirements of marrying there. Some places might have specific residency requirements, waiting periods, or paperwork.
For example, as an American you can host a wedding ceremony in France; but it is not legally-binding unless it is at the town hall and all of the daunting legal paperwork is complete. Meanwhile, some Caribbean islands require only a multi-day stay as residency in advance of your nuptials. Make sure you’re respectful and mindful of these customs as you plan your wedding.
Use Partyslate’s curated wedding planner directory to find a local planner to work on your distant celebration or to locate a talented planner in your destination.
photographer: The Paris Photographer | event planner: Dure Events | florist: Esther Lamarche Design Floral | venue: Plaza Athenee Paris France
5. Does your destination align with your wedding vision?
Let’s take a harder look at your dream location. First, consider the weather. Ensure that the time of year you want to get married in is temperate in your destination. You’ll want to avoid phenomena like hurricane season in tropical locales, hot months causing forest fires in places like Northern California, or heavy snowfall and rainy seasons. Just make sure that your preferred season and destination are a good match.
Next, sit with your wedding vision a bit to fully define the experience you’d like for you and for your guests. Are you imagining a toes-in-the-sand welcome party or a wine-tasting rehearsal dinner? Would you like to do a local tour with guests or relax around the pool during downtime? Most importantly, are there venues that you’re excited about that fulfill your imagined concept?
Whether you’d like a resort that provides activities galore for you and your guests or a city-centric spot that offers lots of options within walking distance, make sure that there are appropriate venues available.
Check out PartySlate’s venue directory to narrow your options with filters for locale and your desired amenities. Reach out to your favorite spots right from the directory or click through to their profile to see real events in their spaces.
photographer: Suzanne Karp Photography | event planner: Quintana Events | florals: Aimee Lomeli Designs | venue: Thirty-Seven Winery | caterer: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Some of our favorite international destination locations include:
We love how this luxury Aruba hotel sets the scene for everything from stunning nuptials exchanged in the sand to an unforgettable milestone bash in The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is bound to impress both party host and guests with premier service, world-class amenities, and gorgeous event spaces.
The Ocean Club has been welcoming celebrities, politicians, and royalty since opening in 1962. We love how the venue feels timeless, exclusive, and authentically Bahamian, providing a unique wedding experience in a stunning locale — with the Four Seasons service we all appreciate.
We love how Grand Hyatt Baha Mar provides guests with a dreamy oasis to host their events. Located in the heart of the Bahamas, this luxurious venue is a picturesque location for all types of parties.
A few of our favorite domestic destination spots:
We love how this Napa-based wedding venue strives to embody the epitome of romance for one’s most special day. The Meritage Resort & Spa offers stunning, picturesque locations throughout their vineyard that are a must-see when visiting Wine Country.
We love how this Orlando venue offers amenities such as its exquisite golf course, traditional indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a secluded event space available for reservation. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes serves the highest quality service with Marriott Certified Event Planners there to assist you in your event planning.
We love how this luxury boutique hotel, situated in the heart of Napa Valley, is the perfect backdrop for a multi-day wedding — with access to Michelin-starred restaurants, world-renowned wineries, and gorgeous landscapes. Moreover, Alila Napa Valley offers stunning event spaces that highlight the natural beauty of Napa Valley as well as the region’s gourmet cuisine.
We love how this oceanside luxury hotel wows with spectacular scenery, delectable coastal cuisine, and an onsite team of talented event professionals. If you’re hosting a multi-day wedding celebration (and staying for the honeymoon), Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach will give you and your guests an unforgettable experience.
PartySlate is your wedding planning partner from “yes” to “I do” all the way through “thank you.” Find your vendors, venues, and all of the wedding inspiration that you need right here.