33 destination wedding ideas around the world to celebrate your special day
The question and champagne have both been popped. You’re officially engaged! But it’s not quite time to embark on the lifelong adventure of marriage just yet. First, you have to navigate through another exciting journey—wedding planning.
Before you start pouring over Pinterest boards and scouring style options, you’ll want to decide where you and your fiance will say “I do.” And with a destination wedding, you’re given a world of options.
From breathtaking beachside locales to majestic mountain hideaways, we’ve compiled a list of 33 destination wedding ideas to help narrow down your search. So grab a pen and maybe another glass of champagne, and let’s set sail on your wedding venue voyage.
Table of Contents
The best locations for your destination wedding
Whether you want to hop across the pond, fly south of the border, or cruise across the United States, our top destination wedding locations cover all your options.
Greece
1. Canaves Oia, Santorini – Once a 17th-century cave used to store wine, this luxury hotel now overlooks the azure water of the Aegean sea. Choose this venue for a celebration that boasts unparalleled views, salty ocean breezes, and of course, plenty of wine.
2. Scorpios, Mykonos – At the southern tip of the island of Mykonos lies the unique beachside venue of Scorpios. Its open-air design is inspired by the Greek agora—a place where community members would share food, art, and music, making it the perfect spot for you and your loved ones to come together on your special day.
3. Amanzoe, Porto Heli – If you’re looking for a venue that truly captures Greek history and culture, look no further than Amanzoe. With marble floors, private pools, and stunning panoramic views, this modern day Acropolis will make you feel as though you’re tying the knot atop Mount Olympus.
Italy
4. Caruso Belmond, Ravello – Feel like royalty with a wedding at the Caruso Belmond, an 11th century palace that overlooks the Amalfi Coast. With private rose gardens, marbled hallways, and a heated infinity pool, you and your fiance may never want to leave.
5. Borgo Finocchieto, Tuscany – Travel to the idyllic Tuscan countryside with a destination wedding at Borgo Finocchieto. This restored medieval village is composed of five villas that can accommodate up to 44 lucky guests, making it the perfect venue for a more intimate wedding experience.
Mexico
6. Proyecto Publico Prim, Mexico City – Located in the heart of Mexico City, the historic Proyecto Publico Prim is sure to impress any romantic. Peeling paint and exposed brick walls reflect a rustic elegance, while lush plants and hanging greenery inspire secret garden vibes.
7. Casa Hyder, San Miguel de Allende – Known as a living museum among locals, Casa Hyder is a Colonial-style estate adorned throughout with 17th-century artwork, ornate Moroccan lanterns, and unique decor. Host your wedding ceremony in their sprawling gardens as the sun sets behind the Sierra Madres mountains for a truly unforgettable experience.
8. Flora Farms, San Jose del Cabo – At the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, you’ll find the enchanting Flora Farms. This 25-acre organic farm flourishes with heirloom vegetables and fresh fruits that you can incorporate into your reception menu for a true farm-to-table experience. And don’t forget the local tequila for your signature cocktail menu.
Pacific Northwest
9. SeaWinds Estate, Oregon – Embrace the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest with a secluded, cliffside ceremony at the SeaWinds estate. With 72 acres of land, a private beach, and panoramic ocean views, this breathtaking venue feels more like a modern-day castle.
10. Glen Oaks Big Sur, California – Imagine marrying the love of your life beneath magnificent redwood trees, with the delicate babbling sounds of the Big Sur River accompanying your vows. At Glen Oaks Big Sur, you can do just that.
Don’t care about the where? Here are some destination themes to consider
If you’re not married to the idea of saying “I do” in a specific country or region, check out some of our other favorite destination wedding ideas below.
Beaches
11. Goldeneye Resort, Jamaica – Once home to James Bond creator Ian Fleming, the white sand and lush tropical plants of this magnificent resort creates a unique backdrop for a classic beach wedding.
12. Esperanza Resort, Cabo San Lucas – The private beach and stunning views of the Esperanza Resort are not all it has to offer. In fact, after your wedding, you and your guests can take part in a number of unforgettable experiences, such as whale watching, camel riding, and sailing through Cabo Bay.
Wineries
13. Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, Virginia – For a rustic-chic winery wedding that doesn’t require a passport, explore Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards along Virginia’s Monticello Wine Trail. Its relaxed, yet elegant vibes explain why it ranks among the top wedding venues in the U.S.
14. Auberge du Soleil, California – With a destination wedding at the renowned Auberge du Soleil Vineyard, you can explore all that Napa Valley has to offer, including hot air balloon rides, the Napa Valley Vine Trail, and of course, delicious wine.
Farms
15. Blackberry Farm, Tennessee – A farm destination wedding guarantees fresh food and scenic landscapes. Blackberry Farm creates an even more memorable experience with unique weekend activities for you and your guests, including horseback riding, fly fishing, and paintball. Who says marriage can’t involve a little friendly competition?
16. Roxbury Barn, New York – Nestled in the iconic Catskills of upstate New York, this enchanting 1850s carriage barn is the perfect venue to enhance a rustic, bohemian, or vintage wedding style. Plus, Roxbury Barn offers a full-service wedding coordination team, along with a craft bar offering drinks from local breweries and distilleries.
Lakeside
17. Pines Resort, California
18. Overlook the sparkling waters of Bass Lake with a destination wedding at the Pines Resort. The venue is only seventeen miles from Yosemite National Park. Its sprawling mountain landscapes, stately pine trees, and open skies can naturally elevate your outdoor ceremony.
19. Log Country Cove, Texas – Just outside of Austin, Texas, Log Country Cove offers a serene and memorable wedding experience alongside beautiful Lake LBJ. Plus, their elegant log home accommodations will redefine your idea of a cabin (and a destination wedding).
Mountains
20. Old Edwards Inn, North Carolina – Breathe in the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a destination wedding at the Old Edwards Inn. This charming rustic venue not only serves up breathtaking views, but also fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
21. Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri – Tucked among the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, Big Cedar Lodge can accommodate any wedding style, with venues ranging from refurbished stables and modest chapels to grand ballrooms and historic houses.
22. Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum, Colorado – For a venue steeped in history and abundant in natural beauty, consider the Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum. Located on the edge of Aspen, this once-working silver mill offers a relaxed yet unique wedding experience for both you and your guests.
Deserts
22. Tubac Golf Resort, Arizona – Just south of Tucson, the Tubac Golf Resort captures the feel of the desert with hacienda-style accommodations and a 17th-century mission-style chapel, complete with hand-crafted, mesquite doors.
23. Springs Preserve, Las Vegas – This stunning desert oasis will make you forget all those cliche ideas of a Las Vegas wedding. At the Springs Preserve botanical gardens, you’ll dance, dine, and mingle among cacti, succulents, and beautiful desert roses. It’s the perfect setting for a dreamy bohemian wedding.
Small destination wedding ideas
Choosing to host a smaller destination wedding does more than create an intimate atmosphere. It can also help alleviate some wedding planning stress. For instance, if you limit your guest list, you’ll have an excuse for why people like your mom’s neighbor Suzanne aren’t invited (sorry, Suzanne).
With fewer guests to cater to, you can dedicate more of your budget to other important expenses, such as a world-class chef or a videographer who can capture priceless moments.
Consider these small destination wedding venues for the ultimate private getaway:
24. Villa Santa Cruz, Todos Santos – Villa Santa Cruz is a well-kept secret, hidden in the rustic town of Todos Santos. By renting out this 15-room resort, you and your guests can have exclusive access to 20 acres of private beachfront property, a rooftop terrace, and a stone patio bathed by a canopy of lights for celebrations lasting long into the night.
25. Glen Falls House, New York – The Glen Falls House in upstate New York provides a cozy, yet modern retreat into the woods. Explore this venue’s 47 acres of rolling hills, hiking trails, waterfalls, and even fire pits. You and your guests can end the weekend festivities with some celebratory smores.
26. Troutbeck Inn, New York – Another upstate escape, this 18th century home once drew the likes of poets and naturalists such as Myron B. Benton, John Burroughs, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. The natural beauty and serenity surrounding this romantic hideaway provides the perfect setting for your own love story.
27. The Other Side Hotel, Bahamas – For a private island getaway, rent the Other Side Hotel. Here, you and your guests can experience solar-powered “glamping,” with tents that boast hardwood floors, four-poster beds, and walk-in showers.
Why choose a destination wedding?
Couples choose to have destination weddings for a variety of reasons. To decide whether a destination wedding is right for you and your fiance, consider some of the benefits:
28. Celebrate in a significant location – One way to add a unique personal touch to your wedding day is by choosing a venue that holds special meaning. This might be a childhood vacation spot, the place where your fiance proposed, or even a destination you’ve both dreamed of visiting together.
29. Extend time with your loved ones – A single wedding day can pass by in a blur. Destination wedding weekends typically last three to four days, and you and your guests will have ample time to connect, celebrate, and create lifelong memories.
30. Combine your wedding and honeymoon – It’s the perfect excuse to prolong your celebration and start your honeymoon early. And after all your destination wedding planning, you deserve an extended vacation.
The best time of year to get married
Before you save the date, it’s important to consider your destination wedding’s location. You may be inclined to choose a specific date for your big day, like an anniversary or holiday. Before you commit, there are other factors to take into account, such as:
- Whether your location has a rainy season
- Whether your location has a dry season
- What popular holidays are celebrated at your location
- When your location is bustling with tourists
Avoid a date that coincides with these times to avoid increased venue costs, sweltering ceremonies, and rainy receptions.
Inexpensive destination wedding ideas
If you don’t want to spend too much on travel, consider turning a unique venue into a destination.
Not sure what we mean? Take a look at some of our proposals:
31. Golf courses – Golf courses often provide on-site wedding services, such as catering, linen rentals, and wedding coordination. Plus, in the event of inclement weather, you can always move your celebration into the clubhouse. Even if you’re not a golfer, a golf course venue can provide an above-par wedding experience.
32. Science museums – Want a destination wedding that’s out of this world? Choose to celebrate your special day at a museum of science. During your reception, your guests can sip cocktails next to space shuttles, mingle among minerals, and dance beneath a planetarium of stars.
33. Art museums – Undeniably stylish, art museums and galleries are the perfect venue for chic, modern weddings. Plus, if you host your wedding in an art museum, you can cross “decor” off your wedding planning checklist. After all, your venue is already adorned with one-of-a-kind works of art.
Paperless Post: your invitation destination
Once the destination and the date have both been set, it’s time to send the invites. To find the perfect destination wedding invitations, you’ll want to take a trip to Paperless Post.
With both virtual and paper invitation options, Paperless Post can cater to all your wedding wishes. Plus, their vast selection of destination wedding invitations means you’re guaranteed to find a look to match your wedding venue. Explore vibrant beach designs, watercolor mountain landscapes, and gold-embellished Greek styles. You can even choose a skyline wedding invitation to celebrate your wedding city.
“Skyline View” by Paperless Post
With all the possibilities, you’re destined to find the destination wedding invitation that’s right for you. Start your search today at Paperless Post.
