What are the best wedding dresses for a beach wedding?

If your wedding is taking place on the beach, consider dresses in breezy fabrics like cotton and linen as well as lightweight lace. Short wedding dresses are also stylish and practical for seaside nuptials.

Does a destination wedding dress have to be casual?

Definitely not—destination wedding dresses come in a wide range of styles from laid back slip dresses to lace ballgowns . Just keep in mind that some silhouettes and fabrics may be too heavy and uncomfortable for certain destinations or travel.

What are the best bridal shoes for a destination wedding?

For beach and garden weddings, opt for sand and grass-friendly shoes like flats , espadrilles, or sandals.

17 Best Destination Wedding Dresses of 2023

Planning a destination wedding is exciting—especially when it comes to picking out your wedding day look. Whether you’re getting married on the white sands of a tropical beach or in the sprawling gardens of a grand castle, you’ll need to find the perfect dress to suit your bridal style as well as your wedding destination. And, you're in luck! There are certainly an array of options on the market that will fulfill all of your bridal dreams—that are still easy to pack. A few of our favorite destination-worthy bridal designers include Theia Bridal, All Who Wander, Danielle Frankel, BHLDN, and even REVOLVE.

No matter the location of your wedding, be it abroad or domestic, it’s important to choose a dress that works best for the climate and wedding venue. If you’re tying the knot with your toes in the sand, opt for laidback silhouettes crafted from breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Short dresses and bridal separates are also ideal for seaside nuptials and warm-weather weddings. For brides planning a more formal affair, elegant slip dresses and lightweight ball gowns are always a sophisticated choice.

From casual cotton mini dresses to romantic ball gowns, we've rounded up the best destination wedding dresses for every style and budget.

Most Effortless: Theia Bridal Vanille Dress

Theia Bridal Vanille Destination Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Kleinfeld Bridal

Price at time of publish: $1,798

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Crepe | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Inquire with bridal retailer

Make a sleek and sophisticated statement in the Vanille gown. This slinky crepe fit-and-flare gown is easy to pack and equally effortless to wear.

Best Lace: Heartloom Della Gown

Heartloom Della Lace Destination Wedding Gown — Courtesy of REVOLVE

Price at time of publish: $319

Size Range: XS-L | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase

We can't stop picturing this dress set against a backdrop of white sand and clear blue water. Its sexy, yet sweet, back will make for the most stunning photos.

For a Beach Wedding: Martina Liana Style 1150 Wedding Dress

Martina Liana Style 1150 Chiffon and Lace Destination Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Essense Designs

Size Range: 2-32 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Embellished lace and Parisian silk chiffon | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Inquire with bridal retailer

If your nuptials will be celebrated in the sand, this lightweight Martina Liana gown is a no brainer. Featuring the most incredible embellished lace bodice and silky chiffon skirt, the stunning sparkle is just the cherry on top.

Best Wrap Dress: DB Studio Flutter Sleeve Satin Plus Size Dress with Ruffle

DB Studio Flutter Sleeve Satin Plus Size Destination Wedding Dress with Ruffle — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Price at time of publish: $200

Size Range: 16W-30W | Length: High-low | Material: Satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 7 days of purchase

If you love a simple silhouette with feminine accents, opt for this sweet gown featuring gentle ruffles and a plunging neckline. Elevate the look with a bridal headband or pearl hairpin.

For an Elopement: Markarian Laurel Scalloped Lace One Shoulder Dress with Duchess Satin Train

Markarian Laurel Scalloped Lace One Shoulder Destination Wedding Dress with Duchess Satin Train — Courtesy of Markarian

Price at time of publish: $4,695

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Material: Lace and duchess satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale

Make an exit that's just as striking as your entrance in this exquisite dress from Markarian. The duchess satin train feels utterly regal and adds some drama to the simple silhouette.

Most Elegant: Danielle Frankel Maren Gown

Danielle Frankel Silk Wool V-Neck Maren Destination Wedding Gown — Courtesy of Danielle Frankel

Price at time of publish: $5,990

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Wool and silk blend | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 5 business days of delivery

We can't think of a more swoon-worthy gown for a chic black-tie wedding. Its liquid silk silhouette strikes the perfect balance between minimalist and romantic.

Best Sparkle: Dana Harel Iris Dress

Dana Harel Embroidered Sequin and Beaded Tulle Destination Iris Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Dana Harel Design

Size Range: Inquire with bridal retailer | Length: Floor-length | Material: Embroidered tulle, beading and sequins | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Inquire with bridal retailer

Between the beaded and sequin embroidery, the corset bodice, and thigh-high slit, there's no element to this design that wasn't carefully thought through. A perfect choice for brides looking to elevate any destination venue.

For a City Wedding: Jenny Yoo Blanca Gown

Jenny Yoo Blanca Destination Wedding Gown — Courtesy of BHLDN

Price at time of publish: $1,200

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Stretch crepe | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

Whether it be Paris or Milan, you'll want to pack this ultra chic dress for your city wedding. The clean lines and asymmetrical cut add a fashion-forward flare to a timeless silhouette.

Most Ethereal: Willowby by Watters Aeryn Gown

Willowby by Watters Aeryn Destination Wedding Gown — Courtesy of Anthropologie

Price at time of publish: $1,950

Size Range: 0-15 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Beading, tulle, and illusion | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase and guidelines

An intricately beaded tops this ethereal A-line gown by Anthropologie. The free-flowing tulle skirt will appear as if it's merely floating down the aisle—and who wouldn't want that?!

For a Black-Tie Wedding: David's Bridal Collection Off-the-Shoulder Satin Ball Gown

David's Bridal Collection Off-the-Shoulder Satin Destination Wedding Ball Gown — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Price at time of publish: $699

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 7 days of purchase

This breathtaking ball gown feels especially appropriate for brides getting married in the gardens of a grand estate. Its A-line silhouette and alluring off-the-shoulder neckline also make it a flattering option for a wide range of body types.

Best Halter Neckline: Jenny Yoo Nicola Dress

Jenny Yoo Nicola Destination Wedding Dress — Courtesy of BHLDN

Price at time of publish: $1,200

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Luxe satin | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

Make a statement in this elegant slip gown. In luxe satin, the Nicola dress features a striking bias cut and halter neckline with an unforgettable cut out. Plus, we're head over heels for the open back!

For the Laid-Back Bride: Khaite Andrina Ruffled Washed-Cotton Midi Slip Dress

Khaite Andrina Ruffled Washed-Cotton Midi Slip Destination Wedding Dress — Courtesy of MatchesFashion

Price at time of publish: $1,480

Size Range: 2-10 | Length: Midi | Material: Washed-cotton | Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $300 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines

Slip into this cotton midi for an easy-breezy wedding day. We're obsessed with the sweet ruffle details and daringly low back.

Best Texture: AMUR Mimi Mini Dress

AMUR Mimi Destination Mini Wedding Dress — Courtesy of BHLDN

Price at time of publish: $548

Size Range: 2-14 | Length: Mini | Material: Recycled polyester | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

Featuring ruffled details and eccentric pleats, this mini is a vivacious bridal statement. Its effortless yet playful nature is proof that a mini is ideal for a destination wedding.

For the Romantic Bride: Oleg Cassini Tiered Floral Ballgown Wedding Dress

Oleg Cassini Tiered Floral Ballgown Destination Wedding Dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Size Range: 0-30W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Organza, lace appliqué, and sequins | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 7 days of purchase

You'll practically float down the aisle in this fairy-tale-worthy ballgown. Its lightweight, effortless nature makes it easy to travel with without sacrificing that grand bridal moment.

Best Statement Sleeve: Rebecca Schoneveld EveMarie Gown

Rebecca Schoneveld EveMarie Statement Sleeve Destination Wedding Gown — Courtesy of Rebecca Schoneveld

Price at time of publish: $2,950

Size Range: 00-30 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Taffeta | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Inquire with bridal retailer

For the bride who is seeking an effortlessly chic statement—your search stops here. This classic A-line gown features a beautifully draped bodice, puff sleeves, and a show-stopping slit.

For a Garden Wedding: All Who Wander Leyla Dress

All Who Wander Leyla Destination Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Kleinfeld Bridal

Price at time of publish: $2,000

Size Range: 2-24 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Floral-embroidered lace and tulle | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Inquire with bridal retailer

Delicate floral-embroidered lace cascades from head to toe on the Leyla gown. Featuring soft tulle and a breath-taking open back, this beauty is nothing short of romantic making it perfect for a garden destination wedding.

Best Long Sleeve: Tara Keely Thalia Dress

Tara Keely Thalia Long Sleeve Crepe and Lace Destination Wedding Dress — Courtesy of Kleinfeld Bridal

Size Range: 2-28 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Crepe and floral-embroidered lace | Shipping: Inquire with bridal retailer | Return policy: Inquire with bridal retailer

Delicate floral-embroidered lace cascades along the bodice and long sleeves of this form-fitting crepe gown. The plunging V-neckline adds an elongating and strikingly romantic touch.

What to Look for in a Destination Wedding Dress

Before you jet off to your celebratory escape, you'll want to add a few extra notes to your dream dress' "must" list. Firstly, take advantage of your surroundings. Choose a gown that will photograph beautifully behind your destination's backdrop whether it be a tropical beach, the peak of a mountain top, or a city skyline. We love sleek silhouettes and billowy fabrics that create an effortlessly dramatic bridal look. Equally important, be mindful of how the landscape or terrain will impact your mobility. You'll want to select a gown that's equally comfortable as it is stunning. For instance, if you're going barefoot on the beach or walking along cliffs, we recommend opting for an A-line silhouette with a soft chiffon or tulle skirt featuring little to no train.

Arguably most crucial, create a plan for how you will transport your wedding dress. When it comes to taking your gown on an airplane, you have a few options. The most safe (yet pricey) option is to buy a seat for your dress and have it sit right next to you! We know, we know—it may seem extreme, but it could definitely be worth saving yourself from any worry or stress. One of the best (and budget-friendly) options is to call the airline in advance and notify them that you will be flying with your wedding dress. Some airlines will allow you to walk onto the plane with your gown in a garment bag and hang it in the flight attendant's closet. That way, you are able to walk directly on and off with it while also having a few eyes keeping a close watch. Regardless, we certainly don't recommend checking your gown in your suitcase underneath the plane. Whether you're flying or driving, ensure that the gown is packaged in a garment bag protected by tissue or paper. Lastly, don't forget to pack a portable steamer!

FAQ

What are the best wedding dresses for a beach wedding?

If your wedding is taking place on the beach, consider dresses in breezy fabrics like cotton and linen as well as lightweight lace. Short wedding dresses are also stylish and practical for seaside nuptials.
Does a destination wedding dress have to be casual?

Definitely not—destination wedding dresses come in a wide range of styles from laid back slip dresses to lace ballgowns. Just keep in mind that some silhouettes and fabrics may be too heavy and uncomfortable for certain destinations or travel.
What are the best bridal shoes for a destination wedding?

For beach and garden weddings, opt for sand and grass-friendly shoes like flats, espadrilles, or sandals.

Why Trust Us / About the Author

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former Brides editor and a current contributing writer. She earned her degree in Media and Society from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. With over seven years of professional experience in the fashion industry as well as over five years of experience in bridal, Sophie is an expert in all things bridal fashion.

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