Choosing where to walk down the aisle is one of the most exciting decisions for both brides and grooms. Destination weddings are gaining popularity for couples because of the exotic appeal, travel opportunity, trimmed-down guest list, and of course, the built-in honeymoon. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachy aesthetic, mountaintop marriage, or city escape, we’ve got you covered for unique places to get married. Destination wedding prices can be steep, but with the right planning, you can say “I do” and tie the knot in your dream location without breaking the bank with an expensive wedding planner.
Destination Wedding Locations with Tropical Vibes
If your dream of a destination wedding is all things tropical and beachy, you’re not alone! A good portion of brides and grooms settle on a tropical location for their destination wedding which is no surprise. The best tropical destination weddings offer chill vibes, endless sun, and an exotic experience for both the bride and groom and the wedding party.
Nevis
Nevis is a Caribbean island in the West Indies nicknamed “The Sweet Island.” This tropical destination place remains under-the-radar with unbeatable beaches, reefs, and rainforests. You can have your private dream wedding on Nevis with plenty of activities for your guests to do including horseback riding and mountain climbing.
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is located along the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It’s known for all-inclusive resorts, ancient Mayan ruins, and gorgeous tropical beaches. Destination weddings can be held on the north end of Riviera Maya in Cancun for more of a party vibe, in a Mayan village for a hacienda-style celebration, or Playa del Carmen for a relaxed setting.
Cayman Islands
Destination weddings in the Cayman Islands are known for hospitality and beachy romance. You can celebrate a traditional wedding or a nontraditional wedding at an intimate resort or a five-star hotel with a guaranteed picture-perfect tropical wedding backdrop. Each of the three Cayman Islands have tons of wedding venues to choose from with on-site planners and plenty of activities to keep your guests busy. Island dwellers can go swimming, snorkeling, dancing, or shopping in the historic towns.
Destination Wedding Location with a Country Feel
When you think of your destination wedding, do you think of a rustic, country feel? Farmhouses and lakefront venues are an increasingly favorable choice for modern destination weddings.
Fiddle Lake Farm
The northeastern Pennsylvania mountains have become a popular and affordable destination wedding location in recent years. Fiddle Lake Farm is a historic farmhouse in Thompson, Pennsylvania that overlooks Elk Mountain. Lodging options include the farmhouse as well as a roomy lake house for the bride and groom. The venue also allows custom coordination and decoration of the property for wedding parties that book for multiple days.
Destination Wedding Locations with Mountain Views
If your idea of a destination wedding is less tropics and more snowy mountains, there are plenty of locations to choose from right here in the U.S.! Winter nuptials are a fab choice for destination weddings.
The YMCA of the Rockies
The YMCA of the Rockies is an outdoor chapel located in Estes Park in the Colorado Rockies. The mountain views are to die for, making it one of the most sought-after destination wedding locations in Colorado for couples to tie the knot. Depending on the season, guests can try snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking, or fly fishing during their stay.
Park City, Utah
Just a half hour drive from the Salt Lake City airport, Park City is a sophisticated little Utah town known for its luxury resorts and breathtaking views. It’s one of the best destination wedding locations for winter weddings, offering world-class skiing, boutique shopping, and on-site assistance for planning your ideal mountain wedding.
Destination Wedding Location with City Charm
A city destination wedding may not be exactly what your guests expect, but the right location will really knock their socks off. Getting married in a charmingly urban locale will be something you—and your guests—will never forget.
New Orleans
Known as “Paris of the South,” New Orleans is a charming destination wedding location with all kinds of character. You can host your wedding ceremony under ancient oak trees and take your pick for a reception in one of the funky historical venues. The Streetcar Charter wedding package allows you to say your vows on a streetcar with up to 50 guests! Some of the best New Orleans parks to get married in are Audubon Park, Jackson Square, and City Park.
Destination Wedding Location with a Nautical Atmosphere
Nautical destination weddings offer an all-American feel with beautiful seaside character. For a classic wedding theme, nautical may be just the way to go.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Located in Maine’s stunning waterfront, Bar Harbor is surrounded by deep blue water, sandy beaches, and iconic lighthouses. If you’re leaning toward a nautical-themed wedding, Bar Harbor is an excellent choice! Celebrations can be sophisticated, casual, or anywhere in between. Wedding guests can go kayaking, whale watching, bike riding, or swimming in the ocean.
Many brides and grooms like the idea of a destination wedding, but may fear that it will be too expensive or that planning will be too big a hassle. In reality, destination weddings are totally achievable, and they don’t need to drain your bank account! With the right research and planning, you and your hubby-to-be can get married in a unique destination wedding location that checks all your boxes!
