What is a Destination Wedding? Read this is you’re Engaged!

If you’re recently engaged and found yourself here, congratulations (and welcome)! You may have heard of a destination wedding already – but let’s dig into it.

If you’re wondering what a destination wedding is and how to define one, you’ve come to the right place.

When it comes to saying “I do” couples are choosing more and more to have a destination wedding. In fact, it’s reported that 1 in 4 Americans choose to have a destination wedding!

White Beach Wedding Setting

Post pandemic, these types of weddings have really grown in popularity, and I can fully understand why. Couples are jumping at the chance to celebrate their love in breathtaking locations while creating lasting memories with their family and loved ones.

As an experienced (😇) former destination wedding bride who has helped over 9,000 brides plan the wedding of their dreams, I’ve seen the magic unfold when couples choose a destination wedding.

What is a destination wedding?

The definition of a destination wedding is a wedding held in a location other than a couples’ hometown. But that’s the simplest explanation – it’s just the beginning!

A destination wedding is an incredible opportunity that I knew right away I wanted to take; you get to choose the location of your dreams to get married at – no matter how far away it is! 

Many brides choose to get married on tropical beaches, historic castles, or remote locations. And this doesn’t even mean it has to be in a foreign country. Any wedding away from your hometown can be considered a destination wedding.

Pink and Red Roses Centerpiece Near Silverwares

People often associate destination weddings with warm and tropical luxurious locations, but that’s just one option of many places you can have!

Destination weddings are not traditional weddings, but as a former destination wedding bride, I couldn’t imagine a wedding any other way, and of all the brides I’ve spoken to over the years, no one has regretted having a destination wedding!

Since destination weddings aren’t traditional, that means the typical guest list can be smaller, and couples will face more “regretfully decline” RSVPs. However, this adds to the intimacy and makes destination weddings all the more special.

No two destination weddings are the same, which is why they’re so special! This can make it difficult to fully define what a destination wedding is; each one is unique. 

Still unsure if it’s the right type of wedding for you? Break down the pros and cons of destination weddings and go from there!

Newly Couple Standing on the Building

How is a destination wedding location chosen?

This is really an open-ended question, one of which we’ll dive into on my blog.

Generally speaking, there could be bunch of different reasons why couples pick a certain destination wedding location. Typically couples choose to get married in a destination that holds special meaning to them, or it’s just the vision they had for their day.

There are a wide range of factors that go into choosing a destination wedding location, whether it’s a tropical beach, historic city, or remote mountain escape.

The options (and reasons) are quite literally endless!

Man and Woman Walking of Body of Water

Destination weddings are generally held in places with:

  • Special meaning (such as where the couple met or always wanted to go
  • Stunning scenery (picture white-sand beaches, lush rainforest, or medieval castles!)
  • Tropical climates (like Mexico and the Caribbean)
  • All-inclusive resorts with free and custom wedding packages for every budget

What are some popular wedding destinations?

In my experience, the Caribbean and Mexico are amongst the most popular destination wedding locations.

Places like this offer couples endless options for customizing the wedding of their dreams, ease of travel, and often offers an affordable option for guests. These are just a few of many reasons to choose a destination wedding.

You can see how it can be easy to define a destination wedding, and its possilibities are endless.

With a little planning and zest for adventure, a destination wedding is the perfect way to start your new journey together!

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