Best Destination Wedding Ideas

Couples with guests at beach wedding — Getty Images

The beauty of wedding planning is that you truly have infinite options to make your big day your own. And while many couples opt to host their wedding in their hometown or the city they reside in, some look to far-off destinations.

Whether you’re looking for incredible seaside or mountain views, historical architecture, or simply hoping to incorporate the element of travel and adventure into your celebration, a destination wedding may be the ideal choice. However, that doesn’t always have to mean hours of travel time. There are plenty of stateside gems, along with international dream spots, on this ultimate list of 32 ideal places to tie the knot.

01 of 32

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta wedding — PHOTO BY KRISTEN CURETTE, DAEMAINE HINES

Hoping for a beach setting for your destination wedding? Puerto Vallarta, nestled right on the Pacific Coast, offers the option of renting private villas or hosting nuptials at a hotel for an all-inclusive experience. Either way, the photos will be absolutely stunning.

02 of 32

Shiraz Garden, Texas

Shiraz Garden wedding venue — Courtesy of Shiraz Garden

This is not your typical destination wedding location. However, if you’re in the Southwest and looking for a gorgeous place without traveling too far, Shiraz Garden is an ideal spot to say “I do” overlooking Texas Hill Country.

03 of 32

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como wedding — Photo by KATIE GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY

Lake Como showcases breathtaking scenery in Northern Italy as it borders the foothills of the Alps. This wedding destination spot has become so popular, there are plenty of venue options to choose from, including luxury options right on the lake and charming villas with historic architecture.

04 of 32

Joshua Tree, California

bride — Photo by For Love & Light Photography

Few places in North America offer as distinctive of a landscape as Joshua Tree National Park. Two deserts meet at the park, making it a picturesque locale featuring incredible views, rock formations, and the unique shape of the Joshua Tree. Book a venue with this superb backdrop, or search for an Airbnb to accommodate a smaller guest list. Either way, you’ll have stunning desert destination wedding photos to look back on.

05 of 32

Samui Island, Thailand

Jetting off for a private island stay in Thailand sounds like an amazing adventure, right? Choosing Samui Island will offer just that. Cape Fahn Hotel hosts destination weddings, offering a lush setting with water views and 22 private villas for your guests.

06 of 32

Sedona, Arizona

Couples who are aiming for a desert vibe need to check out Sedona. The vibrant Northern Arizona landscape showcases tall red rock buttes, dotted with pine trees and agave. Another bonus: You can easily plan a destination wedding at any time of the year because of its mild climate.

07 of 32

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende is known for its architecture and charm. Incredible pink church towers dot the main plaza, while the streets are lined with cobblestone. There’s also plenty of hacienda options for your destination wedding nuptials.

08 of 32

Tuscany, Italy

This North-Central region of Italy is known for its cultural heritage from Renaissance art to historic architecture. For your destination wedding, opt for an alfresco option in a rural setting, or embrace the history of Tuscany by tying the knot in an extraordinary cathedral.

09 of 32

Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco wedding — PHOTO BY GIUSEPPE MARANO AND MONICA LEGGIO

Marrakech is an amazing destination wedding locale for couples striving for a boho-desert vibe. Surrounded by desert landscapes and paired with dramatic architecture and intricate patterns, it is truly a magical setting.

10 of 32

Antigua, Guatemala

Located in southern Guatemala, Antigua is primed for wow-worthy wedding photos. The charm of Spanish colonial buildings remains intact, while volcano views surround the city. Tie the knot and then waltz through the historic city, or go for an outdoor location to embrace the landscape. Either way, it’s sure to be impressive.

11 of 32

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica is all about tropical vibes. And if you’re hoping for a wedding destination surrounded by turquoise-hued water, white sandy beaches, and palm trees, Montego Bay is it. Multiple resorts offer beach wedding options, or you can choose to find a private Airbnb retreat on the beach. Just be sure they allow nuptials!

12 of 32

Capri, Italy

Italy’s island of Capri is known for its extraordinary cuisine (including Amalfi lemons!) along with picturesque views. Its jaw-dropping coastline and colorful buildings located in the cliffside make for a memorable wedding destination. Couples can find historic churches or venues with seaside views for the ideal spot to tie the knot.

13 of 32

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans wedding — PHOTO BY LOVE IS RAD

New Orleans has a nightlife that never sleeps, not to mention delicious food and wonderful music. If a parade down the streets is what you’re hoping for after the ceremony, then don't pass up this stateside locale. Plus, it’s legal to have a drink in your hand while walking in public, so a signature cocktail can be incorporated into your parade for even more fun.

14 of 32

Scottsdale, Arizona

Couples looking for a Southwest destination that’s not remotely in the desert will love Scottsdale. The city is home to gorgeous architecture, along with with palm trees, cacti, and dramatic mountain views. There are also plenty of resort options so finding a venue won’t cause any stress.

15 of 32

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport has plenty to offer couples who want a coastal destination on the east coast without traveling too far. From the magnificent Newport bridge to the plentiful sailboats dotting the water, this is a lovely escape for those searching for a nautical vibe.

16 of 32

Franschhoek, South Africa

When it comes to wine regions, certain places instantly come to mind, including Napa, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Franschhoek, South Africa is quickly rising to the top of the list. Known as South Africa’s food and wine capital, the region is brimming with vineyard views surrounded by mountain backdrops for a unique wedding destination.

17 of 32

Seville, Spain

In Spain’s romantic city of Seville, you’ll discover eye-catching architecture, including grand Andalusian palaces, epic churches, and beautiful haciendas. Plenty of cobblestone streets remain intact, further boasting this city’s old-world charm.

18 of 32

Cancun, Mexico

Few things compare to the bright turquoise-hued water in Cancun, situated along the Caribbean Sea. And that’s exactly why this city on the Yucatán Peninsula has become so popular. Choose from hundreds of venue options, including all-inclusive resorts, and host your ceremony and reception on the beach with an impressive seaside backdrop.

19 of 32

Provence, France

Dreaming of a destination wedding at a jaw-dropping chateau nestled in France? Well, then, Provence is the place to go. Renowned for its elegance, along with its magnificent vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves, the city also offers remarkable architecture and mountain views. Book a chateau and host an al fresco dinner under romantic string lights for an unforgettable celebration.

20 of 32

Pacific City, Oregon

Tucked away on the Oregon Coast, Pacific City is the perfect beach town for a Pacific Northwest destination wedding. This location has expansive beaches with uniquely carved cliffs and sandstone caves due to its mountainous terrain, offering dramatic backdrops for any couple.

21 of 32

Sintra, Portugal

Royal palaces? Historic estates? Romantic architecture? If you’re searching for all of this and more, Sintra, located in Western Portugal, is certainly the destination wedding spot. This couple said “I do” in an incredible coral-colored chapel before hosting their reception at Penha Longa Resort.

22 of 32

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartegena, Colombia wedding — PHOTO BY ERICH MCVEY

One incredibly vibrant wedding destination is Cartagena, Colombia. The colonial buildings showcase plenty of color nestled amongst expansive seaside views. From the city to the beaches, this locale is for the couple who wants to wed somewhere bold and beautiful.

23 of 32

Uluwatu, Bali

Uluwatu is located on Bali’s most southwestern tip. With that come magnificent views of the Indian Ocean, along with the intrigue of limestone cliffs. Plan a destination wedding weekend of adventure for your guests to explore the clifftop lookouts, and don’t forget to pencil in a visit to the Uluwatu temple—an incredible beacon of architecture perched high on a steep cliff.

24 of 32

Dubrovnik, Croatia

While Croatia may not be the first locale that comes to mind when destination wedding planning, maybe it should be. Located in Southern Croatia along the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik has gorgeous baroque architecture, unique stone walls, and streets paved with limestone. And let's not forget the breathtaking seaside views.

25 of 32

Suffolk, England

If nothing sounds more charming than a weekend in the English countryside, check out Suffolk. This picture-perfect area is where history meets elegance, making for the most delightful destination wedding location. Choose from gorgeous mansion venues with carefully manicured grounds to jaw-dropping historic hotels nestled in the countryside.

26 of 32

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum has become well-known as an up-and-coming Caribbean destination wedding spot. And while it certainly offers remarkable beaches and seaside views, Tulum is also packed with history. From the ancient Mayan ruins to the mangroves, there’s beauty and history no matter where you look.

27 of 32

Aspen, Colorado

wedding ceremony — Photo by James & Schulze

Couples on the hunt for a mountain getaway should start researching venues in Aspen. Of course, this ski town is known for its winter sports, but it’s also a scenic wedding destination, whether you’re hoping for a winter wonderland celebration or would prefer a dramatic mountain backdrop to say “I do.”

28 of 32

Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria is one of the three capital cities of South Africa, with gorgeous architecture, history, and culture. It is also famous for its magical Jacaranda trees, which make the city simply radiate in purple from September to January.

29 of 32

Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaii is a hotspot for honeymoons, but it's also makes for a memorable wedding destination. Kauai is covered with lush rainforests paired with magnificent cliffs along the sea. Talk about the best of both worlds!

30 of 32

Walland, Tennessee

Add some Southern charm to your destination wedding by hosting it in Walland, Tennessee. A quick drive from Knoxville, the location is home to a number of farm and barn-style wedding venues. Luscious green countryside backdrops, string lights, and mountains in the distance? This is the ideal spot for a quintessential country event.

31 of 32

East Hampton, New York

For New Yorkers, heading to the Hamptons is a classic choice. But it may also make for a wonderful wedding destination. The area has splendid venues spanning from luxury hotels to picturesque seaside escapes. Couples hoping for a nautical vibe can hunt down a view with a lighthouse standing tall in the background for frame-worthy photos.

32 of 32

Limerick, Ireland

While many couples opt for beautiful beach vibes for their destination wedding, others want a magical fairytale. For that, Ireland is certainly a good start. Look to Limerick, Ireland, where you can literally get married in a castle.

28 Wedding Venue Questions You Should Be Asking