Destination Weddings: Getting Married Abroad

A destination wedding is a wedding held in a location away from the couple's hometown. It is often associated with picturesque locations, like the South of France or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Destination weddings can be held in a foreign country, but this is not always the case. They can also take place domestically, and are often held in charming venues across the United States.

Destination weddings are usually intimate affairs, with smaller guest lists than traditional weddings. They are also increasingly popular, with 19% of couples hosting a destination wedding in 2023, compared to just 5% a few years ago.

The appeal of destination weddings lies in their uniqueness, affordability, and stress-free planning. Couples can curate a fun-filled weekend of festivities and create memorable experiences for their guests, all while enjoying the perks of a vacation.

It's a wedding held outside the couple's hometown

A destination wedding is a wedding held outside the couple's hometown. This means that the couple, the wedding party, and their guests will likely have to travel to the wedding location and may even stay there for about a week.

Destination weddings are usually associated with picturesque locations, like the South of France or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. However, they don't always have to be in a foreign country or on a beach. In fact, the majority of destination weddings today are domestic, or "domestination" weddings. Couples may choose a location that is special to them, such as the place they met or somewhere they've always dreamed of going.

Destination weddings are often seen as a way to reduce stress and create a more intimate and romantic experience for the couple and their guests. They can also be more affordable than traditional weddings, as the average cost of a destination wedding is under $20,000, compared to the average cost of a wedding in the US, which is $35,000.

Destination weddings also allow couples to curate a unique and tailored experience for their guests, turning the wedding into a fun-filled weekend or even a week-long celebration. This can include activities such as luxe wellness treatments, adventurous outdoor excursions, and fine dining experiences.

Ultimately, a destination wedding gives couples the freedom to celebrate their marriage in a dream location of their choosing, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

It's a unique, tailored experience for guests

A destination wedding is a ceremony and/or reception held outside of the couple's hometown, often in a picturesque location. Destination weddings are unique, tailored experiences for guests, offering them a complete getaway and a chance to explore new places.

A Getaway for Guests

Guests are treated to a carefully curated weekend of experiences, reflecting the couple's personalities and interests. From luxe wellness activities to adventurous outdoor excursions and fine dining, guests are immersed in a destination wedding that is far from a traditional, single-day event.

A Unique Experience

The destination wedding experience is designed to be memorable and one-of-a-kind for guests. From the moment they receive their save-the-date cards and invitations, they are transported to the wedding location through carefully selected design elements, such as destination-inspired imagery, colour palettes, and typography.

A Personal Touch

The couple's personalities and love story are woven into the fabric of the wedding experience. From custom illustrations to tailored motifs and symbols, guests are given a glimpse into the couple's unique journey. The wedding becomes an intimate reflection of the couple, creating a cherished memory for all in attendance.

A Well-Planned Adventure

Destination weddings offer guests a stress-free adventure, with expert planners handling the logistics and travel arrangements. From flights and accommodations to onsite coordination, every detail is meticulously managed, ensuring a seamless and extraordinary experience for the couple and their guests.

A Chance to Explore

Destination weddings provide guests with the opportunity to explore new places and immerse themselves in different cultures. Whether it's the rolling hills of Tuscany, the beaches of the Caribbean, or the vibrant culture of Mexico, guests are treated to a unique and exotic getaway, creating lasting memories that extend beyond the wedding day.

It's a chance to honeymoon in the same location

A destination wedding is a wedding held away from the couple's hometown. It is often associated with picturesque locations, like the South of France or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They are usually held in places that are of special significance to the couple, such as where they met or have always wanted to visit.

Destination weddings are a chance for couples to start their honeymoon immediately after their wedding, without the need to travel to a new location. This can be a great way to save time and money, as there is no additional travel involved. It also means that couples only need to unpack once and can spend more time with their friends and family who have travelled for the wedding.

Couples can stay at the same resort for their honeymoon, or they can switch resorts depending on the length of their stay. This is known as "honeymoon hopping". Many all-inclusive resorts offer free wedding packages if you book your honeymoon with them or a free honeymoon if you book your wedding with them. This can be a very cost-effective option, especially if you are on a tight budget, as the cost per night is often lower than booking separately.

However, some couples may prefer to have their honeymoon in a different location to have some privacy after spending a lot of time with family and friends. They may also want to explore a new city or find new experiences together. Additionally, the wedding location may be ideal for the nuptials but not as well-suited for a romantic honeymoon.

Ultimately, the decision to honeymoon in the same location as the destination wedding depends on the couple's preferences and what they value most.

It's a way to reduce the stress of planning a traditional wedding

A destination wedding is a wedding held in a location away from the couple's hometown. This could be in a different country, state, or even just a few hours' drive away. Destination weddings are often associated with picturesque and exotic locations, such as tropical beaches or European cities. While they may seem luxurious and expensive, they can actually be more affordable than traditional weddings, with the average cost being under $20,000.

Planning a traditional wedding can be stressful, with many details to manage and a potentially large guest list to accommodate. Destination weddings offer a simpler alternative. The guest list tends to be smaller, and the couple can choose a location that is special to them, such as a place they have always dreamed of visiting. By choosing a unique and intimate setting, the couple can create a wedding that reflects their personality, likes, and interests.

One of the biggest advantages of a destination wedding is the opportunity for customisation. Resorts and venues often offer all-inclusive packages, but couples are not limited to these. They can work with a wedding planner or specialist to customise every detail, from the menu to the decor. This takes the stress out of planning and allows the couple to focus on creating a memorable experience for themselves and their guests.

Destination weddings also offer a chance for the couple and their guests to spend quality time together. Instead of a single day, the celebration can be extended to include a fun-filled weekend or even a week of festivities. The couple can plan activities and create a tailored experience for their guests, making the most of the chosen location. This turns the wedding into a vacation for everyone involved.

In addition, destination weddings can be more cost-effective than traditional weddings. With a stunning venue, couples may spend less on decor as the backdrop speaks for itself. All-inclusive packages can also help reduce costs, and by choosing a destination within driving distance, travel expenses can be minimised. These factors make destination weddings an attractive option for couples who want to save money without sacrificing the magic of their special day.

Overall, destination weddings offer a unique and stress-free way to celebrate a marriage. By choosing a special location and customising the experience, couples can create intimate and memorable weddings that reflect their personalities. With the potential for cost savings and a focus on creating a tailored guest experience, destination weddings provide a refreshing alternative to traditional celebrations.

It's a growing trend, especially among millennials

Millennials are changing the game when it comes to wedding trends. More and more couples are choosing locations that are special to them, rather than sticking to the traditional option of their hometown. In fact, destination weddings now represent 25% of the wedding market, compared to just 5% a few years ago.

There are several reasons why destination weddings are a growing trend, especially among millennials. Firstly, they offer a unique and customised experience. Couples can choose a location that reflects their personalities, interests, and likes, whether that's a tropical beach, a snowy mountain peak, or a historic church. This allows couples to express themselves and make the wedding truly their own.

Secondly, destination weddings are often seen as a more cost-effective option. By choosing an all-inclusive resort or a destination wedding package, couples can save money on decor, food, accommodation, and even their honeymoon. The average cost of a destination wedding is under $20,000, which is significantly lower than the national average for traditional weddings.

Another advantage of destination weddings is the opportunity to have a stress-free planning experience. Many resorts have full-time wedding coordinators who can take care of all the essentials, from the photographer to the cake. This can be especially appealing to millennials who value simplicity and ease of planning over adhering to traditional norms.

Additionally, destination weddings offer a more intimate setting. With a smaller guest list, couples can create tailored experiences for their guests, turning their wedding into a memorable vacation for everyone involved. This intimate setting also helps to reduce family drama and allows the couple to focus on their own wishes, rather than pleasing others.

Lastly, destination weddings provide a chance for couples and their guests to explore new places and experience new cultures. This aspect of adventure and travel is particularly appealing to millennials, who value unique and memorable experiences.

Overall, the growing trend of destination weddings, especially among millennials, can be attributed to the desire for customisation, cost-effectiveness, reduced planning stress, intimacy, and the opportunity for adventure and exploration.

Frequently asked questions