25 destination wedding location ideas

The big question—and the 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 deep-diving Pinterest boards and scouring style options, you’ll want to decide where you and your fiancé will say “I do.” And with a destination wedding, you’re given a world of options. Destination weddings are a great way to make the most romantic day of your life even more thrilling by adding unique culture, stunning scenery, and a bit of adventure into the mix. If keeping things local isn’t necessarily on your dream wedding checklist, consider packing up that gown and traveling across the globe for a destination wedding.

From breathtaking beachside locales to majestic mountain hideaways, we’ve compiled a list of 25 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. And once you’ve landed on your dream locale, let guests know where they’ll be jetting off to with thematic save the dates and destination wedding invitations to match.

Classic wedding destinations

Whether you’re revising the site of your most romantic vacation together, have extended family spread out all over the world, or simply love traveling to new places, explore these classic destination wedding location ideas for a jetset ceremony your guests will remember forever.

1. Greece

A destination wedding in Greece can check every type of traveler’s box, while also serving as a bucket list trip for many. From the sprawling cliffs of Santorini to the dazzling beaches of Mykonos to the historical architecture of Athens, there’s something for every taste. For the island-bound, Santorini’s Canaves Oia, once a 17th-century cave used to store wine, now offers a luxury hotel overlooking 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. Italy

 

A popular travel destination for history buffs and foodies alike, Italy encompasses some of the best wedding destination locations to spark amore in style. 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. Or feel like royalty with a wedding at Caruso Belmond in Ravello, an 11th-century palace that overlooks the Amalfi Coast. With private rose gardens, marbled hallways, and a heated infinity pool, you and your fiancé may never want to leave.

3. France

 

Say “oui” to saying “I do” in the city of love, because what could possibly be more romantic than a Paris wedding? Particularly idyllic for springtime ceremonies, Paris offers stunning photo backdrops (a dramatic kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower, anyone?), a bustling city atmosphere, and enchanting venue options, from luxurious hotels like the Hotel Le Marois to historical castles right outside the city, like the extraordinary elegance of Château de Champlâtreux. Or you can travel down the coast to the French Riviera for a positively luxurious setting for your love story.

4. England

Hop across the pond for your very own royal wedding in jolly old England. Your guests will love exploring the city of London, soaking up the centuries-old history and architecture, and even just having a few pints at the pub to truly feel like a local. Host your wedding at one of the countless gorgeous hotels and venues the city of London has to offer—or hop on a quick train for a sprawling English countryside ceremony with a rustic ambiance, like at the charming Elizabethan manor house Cain Manor in Surrey, which hosts up to 123 guests and offers enchanting garden surroundings as well as cozy wood-beam interiors.

5. Wineries

 

Breathtaking vineyard views paired with flowing wine made right on the premises: what more could you ask for? Whether it’s in the Loire Valley or the Bay Area, any winery makes for a classic, crowd-pleasing destination wedding idea for couples with a taste for elegance—and Cabernet. For a rustic-chic winery wedding that doesn’t require a passport, explore Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards along Virginia’s Monticello Wine Trail. The relaxed, yet elevated vibes explain why it ranks among the top wedding venues in the U.S. Or take it to wine country itself with a wedding at the renowned Auberge du Soleil Vineyard in California’s Napa Valley.

Affordable wedding destinations

If you’re hoping not to break the bank on travel expenses, or want to keep things to a smaller, more intimate ceremony with just a few close friends and family, consider one of these affordable destination wedding location ideas that allow you to stay within your budget, without sacrificing the wedding of your dreams.

6. 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. For a Northeast getaway, browse one of the customized wedding packages in a range of price points offered at Tashua Knolls Golf Club in Trumbull, Connecticut.

7. Science museums

Want to travel lightyears away for a destination wedding, while still somehow staying domestic? Choose to celebrate your special day at a museum of science. During your reception, guests can sip cocktails next to space shuttles, mingle among minerals, and dance beneath a planetarium of stars. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia allows you to exchange your vows under the moon and stars of the Fels Planetarium for a wedding that’s out of this world.

8. 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 “décor” off your wedding planning checklist. After all, your venue is already adorned with one-of-a-kind works of art. While museums in metropolitan areas like New York and D.C. may be on the pricier side, explore venues like the Saint Louis Art Museum, which offers a range of wedding packages and catering options. And with Paperless Post’s expansive wedding invitation collection, you can browse artful and elegant museum-inspired designs to match the vibe of your venue.

9. National parks

 

Perfect for nature lovers, adventurous travelers, and couples looking to save money on venue costs—embrace the great outdoors with a destination wedding at one of over 60 national parks across the country. Secure a permit (which can be as little as $50) and host an intimate outdoor ceremony surrounded by mountain landscapes, dazzling lakes, or lush forests. Set your sights on the jaw-dropping views at national parks like Olympic National Park in Washington, Redwood National Park in California, or Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

10. Florida

With the tropical vibe of the Caribbean for the price point of a domestic plane ride, Florida has sun, sand, and plenty of great locations for an affordable beach wedding.  Enjoy the hip nightlife and impressive art scene of Miami while tying the knot at one of the many beachfront resorts the city has to offer, or hop over to the Florida Keys for scenic celebrations at venues such as Havana Cabana in Key West, which offers Cuban-style weddings and catering options.

Beach wedding destinations

From the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore to the soft sand underneath your feet, a beach wedding is an appealing destination wedding idea for couples whose idea of a great vacation involves relaxing by the water with a piña colada in hand. With island and beach options far and wide, dive into one of these tropical locations perfect for tying the knot under the sun.

11. Hawaii

Hawaii remains one of the most popular wedding destinations for a reason, with an expansive range of stunning venue options across its distinct islands. From cultural and convenient Oahu, densely packed with resorts, to the diverse natural terrains and coastlines of the Big Island and beyond, you’ll be able to host a beach wedding as refined or down-to-earth as you prefer.  Opt for a more secluded ceremony on the lush island of Kauai among tropical greenery and hidden waterfalls at the National Tropical Botanical Garden, or pamper yourselves with a beachside Honolulu hotel wedding venue.

12. Mexico

 

With impressive beach locales easily accessible from both the east and west coasts of the U.S., Mexico has destination wedding location options for any couple’s dream wedding. From the all-inclusive resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya to the historical charm of Puerto Vallarta to the white sands of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find countless settings perfect for sipping margaritas at cocktail hour. For a private beach and stunning views, try the Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas. 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.

13. Jamaica

Jamaica is a convenient Caribbean destination for a classic tropical wedding, with the popular Montego Bay boasting resorts and beaches as far as the eye can see. Surround your nuptials with pristine turquoise waters, enjoy the laidback vibes in the birthplace of Reggae music, and extend your stay for the perfect romantic honeymoon spot once the dance floor has cleared. For a standout experience with villas and views galore, check out the Goldeneye Resort. Once home to James Bond creator Ian Fleming, the white sand and lush tropical plants of this magnificent resort create a unique backdrop for a classic beach wedding.

14. Maldives

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime wedding destination, whisk your guests away to the glamorous Maldives, the small island nation sitting southwest of Sri Lanka and India. While it may be more of a time—and cost—commitment to get there, the Maldives will not disappoint those seeking a romantic and luxurious destination beach wedding experience. Wake up in an iconic overwater bungalow and dive right in to the pristine waters before an intimate sunset ceremony surrounded by loved ones at resorts like the Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa.

15. The Bahamas

Less than an hour flight from Florida, a wedding in the Bahamas is a great destination option for those seeking all the splendor of a tropical island without too much of a logistical hassle. Think pink sand beaches, snorkeling with exotic fish, and sipping rum cocktails all day long. For a private island getaway, rent out the Other Side Hotel for your beach wedding venue. Here, you and your guests can experience solar-powered “glamping,” with tents that boast hardwood floors, four-poster beds, and walk-in showers.

Scenic wedding destinations

First comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes an album full of beautiful wedding photos! You and your soon-to-be-spouse will spend a lifetime looking back with wonder on the gorgeous landscapes and natural splendor of these impressively scenic destination wedding location ideas.

16. The mountains

 

West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home…or rather, away from home to one of these majestic mountainside destination wedding locations. Breathe in the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a destination wedding at the Old Edwards Inn in North Carolina for a charming venue with breathtaking views and fresh, locally sourced cuisine. Or travel to the Ozark Mountains of Missouri to Big Cedar Lodge, with venues ranging from refurbished stables and modest chapels to grand ballrooms and historic houses.

17. Pacific Northwest

Embrace the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest with a secluded, cliffside ceremony at the SeaWinds Estate atop the coast of southern Oregon. With 72 acres of land, a private beach, and panoramic ocean views, this venue feels more like a modern-day castle. For an enchanted woodland ceremony, explore the majestic redwoods of Big Sur. Imagine marrying the love of your life beneath magnificent towering trees, with the delicate babbling sounds of the Big Sur River accompanying your vows. At Glen Oaks Big Sur, you can do just that.

18. Scottish Highlands

Don your kilts, grab your bagpipes, and set off for the dramatic landscapes and unbeatable views of the Scottish Highlands in Northern Scotland. Characterized by mountainous terrain, magical lakes (including the iconic Loch Ness), and castles straight out of a fairytale, the Scottish Highlands will make for a destination wedding to remember. Host an intimate yet incredibly romantic ceremony at the onsite chapel of Forter Castle with up to 24 guests, or explore the 26-acre private estate Shieldaig Lodge venue.

19. Upstate New York

Nothing compares to the colorful treetops of New York’s sweeping Hudson Valley in peak foliage season, making for a truly picturesque fall wedding. Nestled in the iconic Catskills of upstate New York, the enchanting Roxbury Barn and Estate is the perfect destination wedding location to enhance a rustic, bohemian, or vintage style ceremony. With five indoor and outdoor location options—nestled in the trees, within the charming carriage barn, and more—Roxbury offers a full-service wedding coordination team, along with a craft bar offering drinks from local breweries and distilleries.

20. Lakeside

 

Overlook the sparkling waters of Bass Lake with a destination wedding at the Pines Resort in the Sierra National Forest of California, only seventeen miles from Yosemite National Park. This venue’s sprawling mountain landscapes, stately pine trees, and open skies can naturally elevate your outdoor ceremony. Or visit Texas Hill Country for serene views of Lake LBJ. Located just outside of Austin, Texas, Log Country Cove offers a memorable wedding experience in elegant log cabin accommodations surrounded by beautiful backdrops.

Unique wedding destinations

Make your wedding stand out from the rest by setting it in an off-the-beaten-path destination that guests will have to see to believe. Why not enhance the best day of your life by making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved?

21. Alaska

For an unconventional destination wedding surrounded by rugged natural beauty and majestic wildlife, take it all the way up to the Alaskan wilderness. Embrace the rustic ambiance and adventurous spirit of Kodiak Island, home to the Kodiak brown bear, eagles, otters, whales, and now, your wedding! Find charming rural lodge and farm options nestled in the wilderness, like the beautiful AK Diamond J Ranch.

22. The desert

 

Turn up the heat for a unique destination wedding experience with a sunny ceremony in the desert. Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada offers a stunning oasis that will make you forget all those cliché ideas of a Vegas wedding (not an Elvis impersonator in sight). 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. Or for a venue that captures the feel of the desert with hacienda-style accommodations and a 17th-century mission-style chapel, take your wedding to the Tubac Golf Resort just south of Tucson, Arizona.

23. Farms

Embrace country vibes with a wedding down home (or rather, away from home) on the farm. Transport your guests to a rustic barn away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives for a cozy, DIY-feel wedding. A farm destination wedding also guarantees fresh food and scenic landscapes. Amid the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee creates a 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?

24. Treehouses

 

For an unforgettable wedding destination location idea, take to the treetops. Channel childhood nostalgia and expansive woodland scenery at an intimate wedding ceremony at Treehouse Point, an enchanting venue in the forest just outside of Seattle, Washington. Providing lodging for up to 20 guests, Treehouse Point makes for a special experience with your closest circle of family and friends as well as options for elopements and micro-weddings.

25. New Orleans

Dance the night away in the birthplace of jazz with a celebratory destination wedding in the eclectic and energetic city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Combining elegant southern charm and unique culture, New Orleans offers plenty of fun, incredible food, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy everything the area has to offer with venues like Rosy’s Jazz Hall, with in-house catering serving up traditional cuisine from The Big Easy.

Wherever the wedding, Paperless Post gets you there in style

Once the destination and the date have both been set, it’s time to tell your guests where they’ll be jetting off to. With destination weddings, it’s particularly important to share details with guests as far in advance as possible—send destination wedding invitations out 4 to 6 months in advance if possible, and destination wedding save the dates with at least 6 months notice.

Set guests’ sights and expectations with the perfect wedding invitation wording, and communicate all the necessary flight, train, and other pertinent details when you add a Travel Block to your Paperless Post invitation. Include an Accommodations Block as well to send information on hotel and lodging options so guests can book their stays with ease. Browse our full collection of wedding invitations to find the perfect design to match any style, season, and venue, wherever your destination may be.