The Complete Destination Wedding Planning Guide

Select a destination based on: legal marriage requirements (some countries make it difficult for foreigners), flight accessibility for most guests, weather reliability during your planned date, available venues and vendors, your budget, and any personal connection to the location. Popular domestic destinations include Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, and California. International favorites include Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and France.

Every country has different requirements for legally recognizing a marriage performed on their soil. Some destinations like Mexico and France require extensive paperwork and residency periods. Others like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Costa Rica make it relatively simple. Many couples simplify things by legally marrying at their local courthouse before the trip and having a symbolic ceremony at the destination. Research requirements 12+ months in advance.

For destination weddings, send save-the-dates 10-12 months in advance so guests can plan and budget for travel. Create a wedding website with all travel details, accommodation options at multiple price points, and group booking links. Be explicit that attendance is optional and there is no obligation. Expect 50-70% of invited guests to attend. Consider hosting a reception at home after the trip for those who could not travel.

Destination weddings can cost less overall due to smaller guest counts, but the per-person cost may be higher. You will need to budget for: venue and vendor scouting trip(s), local wedding planner or coordinator (highly recommended), potential currency exchange fluctuations, vendor travel fees or accommodations for traveling vendors, welcome bags for guests, group activities, and contingency funds for travel disruptions.

A local wedding planner at your destination is nearly essential — they know the venues, vendors, and logistics. Conduct extensive video consultations with all vendors. Request detailed photo and video portfolios of their previous work. Get everything in writing with clear cancellation policies. Consider bringing your photographer from home (the one investment that is hard to redo) and hiring everything else locally.