Planning a wedding can get overwhelming fast! Add a passport to the mix, and you’re stepping into a different level of logistics. A destination wedding is an incredible chance to make your wedding a full experience with the backdrop as exciting as the vows.
You might dream of a beach in Greece, a vineyard in Argentina, or a mountaintop in New Zealand for your big day, and this guide will help you plan an unforgettable (and manageable) celebration.
Start Planning Sooner Than You Think
If you’re hosting your wedding in another country—or even another state—you’ll need more time than you might expect. Travel arrangements, legal paperwork, passports, visas, language barriers, and potential weather issues can complicate the timeline.
Start early. Give yourself a minimum of 12 months if you’re heading abroad. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not scrambling to figure out how to ship your dress or schedule a marriage license appointment in a language you don’t speak.
Choose Your Destination With Purpose
Think beyond the postcard! Your destination sets the tone for everything—your guest list, the vibe, outfits, and music.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want a beach or even a castle?
- Are you inviting tons of guests or just your closest friends and family?
- Will guests need to fly internationally?
- Do you want to go on a honeymoon in the same spot?
Some of the most popular (and wildly different) places to get married include:
- Italy for countryside villas and food that doubles as a love language
- Thailand for tropical settings, ornate temples, and laid-back ceremonies
- Iceland for dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and midnight sun photo ops
- Mexico for lively culture, coastal venues, and strong margaritas
- South Africa for safari views, wine country estates, and winter sun
Let your love story help guide the location! Are you an adventure seeker? Go for Patagonia. City lovers? Maybe Paris. Want something completely different? Morocco and Slovenia are growing favorites for a reason.
Visit Before the Big Day (If You Can)
Not everyone has the time or budget for a wedding planning trip, but try to visit your destination at least once before the wedding. You’ll be able to meet with vendors, scout locations in person, and figure out logistics like nearby airports, grocery stores, and accommodations for guests.
That visit can also help you decide about décor, weather expectations, and photography spots that photos online don’t show properly.
Work With a Local Wedding Planner
A local wedding planner is your lifeline. They speak the language, know the area, and have vendor contacts. They’ll also help you avoid common mistakes, like booking an outdoor ceremony during the rainy season or hiring someone who ghosted three other couples last year.
Some wedding planners specialize specifically in destination weddings and can coordinate everything from travel logistics to legally binding paperwork.
Pick the Right Time of the Year
One word: weather. Beach weddings during hurricane season? Not ideal. Tuscany in August when half the country goes on vacation? Tough on your guests and your vendors.
Research local climates and holidays before you pick a date. It’s worth checking for things like:
- Rainy seasons
- Local festivals or holidays that might close businesses
- Tourist high and low seasons (which also affect costs)
- National election days, which in some countries can disrupt services or cause unrest
Find Your Ideal Wedding Venue
Not every destination wedding needs to happen at a beach resort. The world is full of unforgettable places to say your vows. Some couples book ancient churches or rent historic estates. Others go barefoot on a quiet beach at sunrise.
When picking your spot, make sure the venue matches your guest list, needs, and the tone of your day. Your ideal wedding venue might include lodging for your family, a kitchen for your private chef, or even a dance floor under the stars. Think about flow, comfort, and accessibility—not just aesthetics.
Be Thoughtful About Your Guest List
Destination weddings often have a smaller turnout—and that’s usually a good thing. People who love you will move mountains to be there. People who would’ve come out of obligation probably won’t. That means a more relaxed, personal experience for everyone.
Give guests plenty of notice to request time off, book travel, and plan financially. Send save-the-dates early (six to eight months in advance is standard for destinations), and keep everyone in the loop with a wedding website or group chat.
Help Guests With Travel Planning
If you’re bringing people to a new country, be the kind of host who makes it easier for them. That includes:
- Suggesting hotels at different price points
- Providing airport info and local transportation tips
- Creating a loose itinerary for optional group events
- Letting them know about the weather and what to pack
Don’t forget to check visa requirements for your guests, especially if you’re hosting in a country with strict entry rules.
Know the Legal Stuff
Every country has different laws around marriage, and some are surprisingly complicated. Some require blood tests. Others require that you arrive a certain number of days before the ceremony. A few won’t even recognize your marriage unless you’re a citizen.
You can handle the legal paperwork at home before or after the destination celebration. That way, you can enjoy the ceremony without any pressure or confusion.
Build in Buffer Days
Don’t fly in the day before your wedding. Give yourself at least two or three extra days on the front end to handle last-minute changes, adjust to the time zone, and rest. The same goes for guests. They’ll appreciate a little breathing room between landing and celebrating.
Stick to Your Budget Without Sacrificing Joy
Surprisingly, a destination wedding can be more affordable than a traditional one—but only if you keep your priorities straight.
Pick what matters most. Is it the food? The setting? The music? Spend there, and keep the rest simple. It’s easy to go overboard when Pinterest starts whispering sweet nothings about welcome bags and custom napkins. You might find that you don’t need all of it.
Take the Pressure Off the Day Itself
The whole point of a destination wedding is to slow down and celebrate over a few days, not cram everything into five hours. Plan a welcome dinner, a group excursion, or a farewell brunch to give guests time to connect and unwind.
Also, don’t try to control everything on the actual wedding day. Let your planner, vendors, and bridal party handle the details. You should be sipping something bubbly and living in the moment.
Wrap It Into Your Honeymoon
You might not want to leave if you’re already in a fantastic place. Consider staying for your honeymoon or jumping to a nearby country. Many couples take a short break after the wedding to decompress, then continue on a bigger honeymoon. Either way, celebrate each other after the crowd goes home.
A destination wedding isn’t for everyone—but if the idea makes your heart race in the best way, it might be the perfect fit. It’s a chance to turn one special day into a shared adventure, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Featured image by Camila Cordeiro on Unsplash
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