25 Best Places for a Destination Wedding

You can’t go wrong with the Maldives, which is why we can’t pick a specific area. Not only does it have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but it’s also incredibly romantic. After the wedding, couples can enjoy having a dreamy dinner in the sand as the sunsets or a refreshing swim. There are also several resorts to choose from if that’s more your style. 

Montego Bay is one of the best places Jamaica has to offer. This destination has beach resorts with golf courses plus enough local food to cater to any size wedding. It’s also home to some of the most popular beaches in Jamaica including Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach. Jamaica’s rich culture is one that most visitors won’t ever forget.

Rome, Venice, Tuscany, and Florence are all great choices, but Capri Island beats them all (in our opinion). This little island is known for its old-Italian charm. There are breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and hotels that feature views so amazing that you won’t want to leave. Capri Island is great for larger weddings, but it’s really ideal for small intimate weddings. 

Kauai is also known as the Garden Island. Sold, yet? We’ll keep going just in case. This island is one of the oldest Hawaii has to offer, and it definitely has that “old” Hawaii feel—in a good way. The vibe is more laid-back when compared to the larger islands, and it has the most amazing waterfalls you’ll ever see.

Within the United States, you’ll want to look at Bar Harbor, Maine. This location is surrounded by rugged coastlines, dark waters, and golden beaches. Basically, we’re saying it has the best wedding photo backdrop you could ever want. It’s sophistication, style, and romance all wrapped up into one. There are also tons of stuff for couples and guests to do before and after the ceremony.

The desert can be prettier than you think, and Tucson has some of the best views. The city has reddish-hued mountains that are highlighted by orange-pink sunsets. While this destination is best for those that love the outdoors and hiking, Tucson has plenty to offer to those who prefer indoor activities. Plus, couples are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Mexico, where they can honeymoon!

You don’t have to go all the way to another country for pristine beaches. Check out Sea Island, Georgia! This one is a resort, but it’s totally worth it. It has five miles of beaches that are only accessible to those staying at the resort, meaning you won’t have to fight crowds over pictures. There are also world-class amenities like golf, tennis, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and much more.

Sure, Paris is great and all, but Côte d’Azur is so much better. Better known as the French Riviera, this stunning coast looks like a picturesque fairytale; it’s even complete with a 13th-century castle! Since it’s France, it has impressive backdrops, architecture, and all the sophistication you could want from a destination wedding. 

Ireland is a big place, or rather it is when you start looking for the right place for a wedding. Dublin is always an option, but check out other areas, like County Wicklow. This place is home to one of the best venues we’ve seen in a while—Trudder Lodge. It’s a family-run business with lots of area for guests and even a garden. Ballybeg House is another good one that has an absolutely beautiful old-time hall.

Want something urban? Look no further! San Francisco has what you’re looking for. You can take photos with the Golden Gate in the background or choose one of San Fran’s many beaches. Its hills have stolen the hearts of many brides and grooms, so it’s easy to see why this is an event hot-spot. This bustling city has great parks and some of the best food you could eat. 

Utah?! Yes, Utah. Park City is located in Utah, but it has an old European feel to it. It looks like an Alpine paradise, and it isn’t too far from a major city. Salt Lake City is about 40 minutes away, meaning you can enjoy the outdoors or go for some shopping on your downtime. Park City is also home to three world-class ski resorts that are used to destination weddings.

Why pick Outer Banks? Let’s start with the fact that it has 130 miles of beaches, so it’s easy to find a place for you and your guests. It gives the feeling of being in your own private retreat without the hefty price tag. Plus, this is one of the few places where you can still view wild horses in the United States. Convinced yet? 

Want mountains? We have mountains for you in Madison, Virginia. Early Mountain Vineyard is one of the best places you could have a destination wedding without having to go too far. There are panoramic views of the Blue Ridge foothills, and the venue also offers an event hall with a massive fireplace. It’s cozy, it’s rustic, and it’s nature at it’s finest.

Colorado has tons of snow-capped mountains and plenty of areas for a fantastic destination wedding. It can be difficult choosing just one place, but Avon should be at the top of your list. It’s a small town that’s home to Beaver Creek Resort. Most ceremonies are held outside on the lawn, but there’s also a magnificent ballroom that has views of Eagle River.

National parks are for more than just hiking. Did you know you can also choose one for a destination wedding? And what place is better than Yosemite? None! Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks in the country and has opportunities for photo shoots around every corner. You may even get wildlife in the picture if you’re lucky!

If you’re the type that wants a ranch wedding, Montana is the place to go. In Gallatin Gateway, Montana, there’s a venue called Rainbow Ranch Lodge. It’s located along the Gallatin River, a location that’s known for big, blue, open skies. There’s plenty of places to hold your event including in a stone gazebo, a barn, a covered deck, or the lodge itself. This place is so popular, even stars get married here!

Mexico’s beaches will take your breath away, but that’s not why we’re recommending Mérida. We’re recommending this place because it has such an incredibly rich history and culture that shines through its architecture. Yucatán is also one of the safest places in Mexico, so you and your guests can roam the streets without worry.

Of course, Las Vegas had to be on the list! Even though it seems a little cheesy to get married in Las Vegas, there’s a reason couples choose his place every year. There are unlimited things to do, numerous venues, and you can get married in nearly any style you want. Heck, you can even get married in a helicopter!

St. Pete Beach is a resort city that’s known for its sprawling beaches. It’s also home to The Don CeSar, a historic hotel that dates back to 1928. This place was so amazing that F. Scott Fitzgerald used to frequent the area. If you want a little more excitement, St. Pete Beach is about a two-hour drive to Orlando. 

The benefit of getting married in Costa Rica is that you’ll be able to have a ceremony that’s legal in the United States. But, where to go? Costa Rica has its share of venues, but one of the best we’ve found is the Four Seasons Resort. It’s been around for over a decade, and it’s a popular hotspot for weddings. There are dozens of romantic places nearby and amenities that will make any couple feel special.

Bermuda is a trip of a lifetime. All along the island, there are throwbacks to its British history from pubs to quaint little cottages that dot the skyline. Bermuda is also home to the fabled pink-sand beaches that are lapped by the turquoise sea. The most challenging thing about Bermuda is trying to figure out where to stay since there are so many fantastic options. 

We couldn’t leave out Maui—it’s one of the most romantic spots on the list. No matter where you go, you’ll be able to see waterfalls and rainbows. Naturally, this also makes it a popular wedding destination. Maui offers more than just stunning sights. It also has golfing, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and more. 

Want a fall or winter wedding? Check out Lake Placid, New York. New York is more than the Big Apple. Lake Placid is upstate and has some of the most beautiful tree lines that you’ll ever see. They look particularly good in the fall, but during the winter, you’ll think you’re in a wonderland. Lake Placid also has romantic treats like gondola rides up the Whiteface Mountains. 

Wyoming isn’t the first place many people will think of when they want a destination wedding, but that’s a mistake. Jackson Hole gives this vibe that you’re in the Wild West; so much so, you may think Billy the Kid could come riding up any moment! Because it’s so open, there are numerous interesting activities ranging from horseback riding to bars and even the occasional themed shootout!