Deborah Chan
The United States offers a plethora of destination wedding options, from the tropical beaches of Hawaii to the vineyards of Napa Valley. With a range of climates and landscapes, couples can choose from arid deserts, lush islands, mountains, and tundras. Destination weddings within the US can be more complex to organize than all-inclusive resort packages in Mexico or the Caribbean, but there are still many exceptional venues to choose from. From the luxurious Warm Springs Inn & Winery to the remote Texas Hill Country, there is something for every couple, whether seeking a Western-themed wedding or a sleek city affair.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of destinations | 23+ |
| Types of destinations | Coastal, mountain, vineyard, desert, tropical, city, countryside, etc. |
| States | California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Texas, Wyoming, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Georgia, Utah, South Dakota |
| Venues | Resorts, hotels, vineyards, national parks, beaches, historical buildings, etc. |
| Vendors | In-house vendors may include caterers and DJs; other vendors may need to be sourced externally |
| Accommodation | Ranges from luxury suites to shared AirBnBs |
| Activities | Hiking, vineyard tastings, yoga, bonfires, etc. |
| Guest capacity | 25-250+ |
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What You'll Learn
Destination wedding packages in the US
The United States offers a plethora of destination wedding packages, from tranquil beaches to majestic mountains, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. Here are some options for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience:
Beachfront Resorts:
- Hawaii: With its pristine beaches, emerald-green landscapes, and cascading waterfalls, Hawaii is a popular choice for couples seeking a tropical paradise. Kauai, Oahu, and Maui offer a variety of island backdrops to suit different styles.
- Puerto Rico: The enchanting Caribbean island of Puerto Rico offers a vibrant and romantic setting for destination weddings. Old San Juan, the lush rainforests of El Yunque, and the beautiful beaches are just a few of the options available.
- Florida: Orlando is a popular choice for destination weddings due to its lush, tropical settings and affordable flight options. Couples can choose from a range of accommodations, from Airbnbs to luxury resorts.
- California: For those seeking a beach wedding on the west coast, California offers many scenic options, including Santa Monica, San Diego, and Cannon Beach.
Mountain Retreats:
- Colorado: With majestic mountains, lakes, and meadows, Colorado is ideal for couples seeking a wedding amidst nature's beauty. Denver and Frisco are popular destinations, offering hiking, sightseeing, and boating activities.
- Utah: Park City, UT, offers stunning luxury resorts at higher elevations, providing a perfect backdrop for a winter wedding.
- Alaska: Kodiak Island in Alaska offers a range of wedding packages and venues to suit different preferences and budgets. Expect breathtaking scenery, including lakes, meadows, and mountains.
City Escapes:
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Las Vegas needs no introduction as a popular wedding destination, offering a unique blend of canyon, cliff, desert, and mountain scenery.
- San Francisco: This city combines the best of both worlds, with its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. Couples can enjoy a beach wedding or explore the city's art and cuisine.
These are just a few examples of the diverse destination wedding packages available in the United States. Whether you're dreaming of a beachside ceremony, a mountain retreat, or a city escape, the US has something to offer for every taste and budget.
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Mountain destinations
The United States is a country that offers a variety of destination wedding venues, from subtropical to Arctic geographical climate zones. Mountain destinations are a popular choice for couples looking for a peaceful and scenic location for their wedding. Here are some mountain destinations for a wedding ceremony in the United States:
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, offers a stunning backdrop of jagged snow-peaked mountains for wedding ceremonies. The park features numerous areas that can be used as ceremony locations, such as meadows, creeks, and quiet streams. It is recommended to consider spring or summer for a wedding at this venue as the roads tend to close down during the winter.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
The North Cascades National Park is a rugged mountain venue located three hours from Seattle. It offers a combination of mountains, glaciers, and crystal clear lakes, creating an unforgettable setting for weddings and elopements.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
The Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is a vast natural area encompassing over six million acres. It is ideal for adventurous couples who enjoy camping and long-distance hiking. The park features a variety of landscapes, including mountaintop peaks and icy cold glaciers.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is California's most famous national park and a popular choice for mountain weddings. The park offers a variety of peaks and valleys overlooking iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan. It is recommended to consider the fall season for a wedding at Yosemite to avoid the peak season crowds.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia offer a picturesque setting for weddings. Shenandoah National Park, part of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, provides a stunning natural backdrop with lush greenery and tranquil streams.
Wheeler Peak, New Mexico
Wheeler Peak is New Mexico's highest peak and offers a beautiful landscape for weddings. Couples can hike to the summit, which is approximately 4.5 to 5 miles, making it a perfect choice for adventurous couples.
In addition to these locations, there are numerous other mountain destinations in the United States that can provide a unique and memorable setting for a wedding ceremony, such as the La Sals in Moab, Utah, and the Berkshires in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
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Beach destinations
The United States offers a wide range of beach destinations for weddings, with Florida and California being popular choices.
Florida, with its stunning beaches and all-inclusive packages, is a convenient option for couples seeking a beach wedding. Companies like Florida Beach Weddings and Sun and Sea Beach Weddings offer customisable packages, handling everything from decorations to vows, making the process stress-free. Popular Florida beach wedding locations include Clearwater Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Anastasia State Park, and St. Augustine.
California is also renowned for its beach wedding venues, with Long Beach being a notable choice. The state's diverse landscapes, from subtropical to Arctic, offer a range of backdrops for couples to choose from.
For those seeking a tropical paradise, Hawaii is a dream destination. With its palm trees, ocean breezes, and breathtaking sunsets, Hawaii offers a laid-back vibe and natural beauty that enhances any wedding.
Other notable beach wedding destinations in the United States include Savannah, Georgia, and the Virgin Islands. Savannah offers a combination of history and beachfront settings, while the Virgin Islands provide a unique and exotic backdrop for a destination wedding.
Additionally, destinations like Orlando, Florida, offer affordable options in lush, tropical settings. With easy accessibility and a range of accommodation choices, Orlando can cater to intimate or grand weddings.
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Vineyard destinations
The United States is a popular destination wedding location, with its varied landscapes, from subtropical to Arctic zones, lush islands, arid deserts, and tundras. There are many vineyard destinations for weddings in the US, offering natural beauty, stunning views, and a rustic aesthetic. Here are some notable vineyard destinations for weddings:
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard is a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, known for its natural beauty, including beaches, cliffs, and lighthouses. The island offers a range of wedding venues, from beaches and historic lighthouses to hotels, inns, and private homes overlooking the ocean. Martha's Vineyard can accommodate a variety of wedding styles, from formal to informal events, and strives to be inclusive of all types of celebrations.
Sunstone Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, California
Sunstone Vineyard is located just 40 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport and offers a Gallic-inspired vineyard and villa experience. With its rustic charm and proximity to the coast, Sunstone Vineyard provides a dreamy backdrop for weddings, reminiscent of the French countryside.
The Vineyards at Chappel Lodge, Texas
The Vineyards at Chappel Lodge in Texas offer a unique, elegant wine country experience without the need for pricey out-of-state flights. The 53-acre property features majestic live oak trees, wildflower fields, and a picturesque vineyard. The venue provides everything needed for a seamless wedding, including sound systems, heaters, custom tents, tables, and chairs. It also offers overnight accommodations for up to 28 guests in a stone lodge and log cabin, making it a convenient choice for intimate weddings.
Viaggio Estate & Winery, Acampo, California
Viaggio Estate & Winery is a private estate nestled in the plains of San Joaquin County, California. Surrounded by vineyards and natural beauty, this venue exudes old-world European charm. Couples can enjoy a dreamy outdoor ceremony with views of the Mokelumne River, followed by a reception in the villa's banquet hall, featuring exposed beams and stone flooring. The family-run estate is known for its event planning expertise, ensuring a personalized and well-organized wedding experience.
Landmark Vineyards, California
Landmark Vineyards, tucked away in the Mayacamas Mountains of California, offers a rustic and versatile wedding venue. With both indoor and outdoor options, couples can choose between a dining room, patio, or tasting room for their celebration. The tasting room can accommodate up to 50 guests for an intimate evening of dining and dancing.
These vineyard destinations offer a unique and scenic backdrop for weddings, combining natural beauty, rustic charm, and, of course, the allure of wine country.
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Desert destinations
The United States offers a wide variety of destination wedding venues, from subtropical to Arctic geographical climate zones. Desert weddings are particularly trendy, with their boho-chic vibes and Western flair. If you're seeking a desert wedding venue in the US, here are some top destinations to consider:
California
The Golden State offers several desirable desert wedding locations. Palm Springs is a popular choice, known for its chic resorts and private estates, many boasting stunning desert views. The Saguaro and Colony 29 are two well-loved venues in this area. For a more authentic desert experience, consider the Mojave Desert or Joshua Tree, located just an hour away from Palm Springs. Blackbird Ranch in Pioneertown, nestled within 20 acres of Joshua Tree forest, provides an intimate setting for your special day.
Nevada
The Black Rock Desert in Nevada is a unique option, famous for being the site of the Burning Man festival. You can transform this desert expanse into your own private village for a truly memorable wedding celebration.
Utah
Utah offers a mix of gorgeous mountain scenery and desert landscapes. The Moab Desert is a sought-after location, as is the Amangiri, a luxe desert hideaway 25 miles from Page, Arizona. Built to blend with the surrounding red rock landscape, it provides a seamless and breathtaking backdrop for your wedding.
Arizona
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona in Arizona are known for their incredible desert landscapes and offer a range of wedding venues, from rustic to elegant. The Boulders Resort and Spa in Scottsdale and Desert Botanical Garden are notable choices. For a Red Rocks wedding, L'Auberge in Sedona offers a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony.
Oregon
While not a traditional desert, the High Desert region in Central and Southeast Oregon boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The views of the Cascade Range and Blue Mountains are simply incredible. The High Desert Museum, Juniper Golf Course, and the Pronghorn Resort are highly praised for their service and stunning surroundings.
New Mexico and Texas
New Mexico and Western Texas also offer unique desert wedding venues, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural influences that can make your wedding day truly memorable.
These destinations offer just a glimpse of the diverse desert wedding venues available in the United States, each promising an unforgettable celebration amid breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind settings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are destination weddings in the United States.
Popular destination wedding spots in the United States include Hawaii, California, Alaska, and the Southwestern states.
Some unique destination wedding spots in the United States include the Siskiyou Mountains near Ashland, Warm Springs Inn & Winery, and the Virgin Islands.
When looking for a destination wedding venue, consider ample event spaces, attentive staff, top-notch catering, and a unique sense of place. It is also important to ensure that your friends and family are taken care of by offering accommodations at a range of budgets.
One challenge to planning a destination wedding in the United States is that tidy packages are not as standard as in other countries. You may need to coordinate vendors and accommodations separately, which can be cost-prohibitive.
