The Best Destination Wedding Venues in the U.S.

biltmore estate wedding in north carolina with greenery-lined ceremony aisle — Photo by Perry Vaile

Whether you dream of exchanging vows atop a mountain or dancing the night away under desert stars, there are countless unforgettable places to say “I do” in the United States. Picking the right destination is all about zeroing in on what’s meaningful to you as a couple: getting married in a scenic locale, cultivating a vacation vibe, offering a five-star experience to your guests—the list goes on. Focusing on the elements that are priorities ensures your wedding always remains pointed toward its own True North.

The next step in the domestic destination wedding planning journey is to find a hotel, resort, or venue that can execute a wedding weekend aligned with those priorities. The best venues not only have ample event spaces, attentive staff, and top-notch catering, but also provide a unique sense of place. After all, tying the knot away from home is an excuse for a couple to showcase their favorite spots and create memories with their loved ones. But remember: Just because a venue is beautiful or a resort has a long list of amenities doesn’t make it foolproof—it’s the responsibility of the couple to ensure that their friends and family are taken care of. Where possible, aim to offer accommodations at a range of budgets and to offset your guests’ travel investment by hosting events throughout the weekend.

No matter the setting—a bustling metropolis or an off-the-grid retreat—gathering together your nearest and dearest for a multi-day celebration guarantees the experience of a lifetime. To kickstart your search, take a look at these top domestic destination wedding venues and start turning dream into reality for your big day.

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Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island

ocean house hotel in rhode island — Courtesy of Ocean House

Quintessential New England charm is everywhere you turn at this grand dame resort—from the Victorian-inspired architecture to the quaint, rocky shoreline. Guests can busy themselves exploring Newport and indulging in some R&R on-site or at nearby sister hotels Watch Hill Inn and the Weekapaug Inn. Kick off the weekend with a toes-in-the-sand welcome party before exchanging vows on the sloping lawn—which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean—and partying under a timeless sailcloth tent.

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Boston Public Library, Massachusetts

<p>Reception dinner tables</p> — Photo by Lisa Rigby Photography

One of Boston’s most sought-after venues, the iconic McKim Building at Boston Public Library is a stately 19th-century Renaissance Revival building overlooking Copley Square. Take your pick of indoor and outdoor spaces; if you want to tie the knot surrounded by historic art, we suggest staying inside. Or, plan your evening “I dos” (events typically take place after the library has closed to the public) in the open-air courtyard, capping the ceremony with a kiss in front of the library’s fountain. During the reception, guests can sneak a look of the iconic Bates Hall (with 50-foot-high vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with bookcases) and enjoy drinks on the balcony overlooking the courtyard.

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Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Manchester, Vermont

kimpton taconic hotel in manchester, vermont — Courtesy of Kimpton Hotels

The ultimate four-season venue, this Vermont boutique hotel, nestled into the heart of idyllic Manchester Village, is big on small-town charm thanks to its clapboard architecture and elongated front porch. It's big on event options, as well: Host your nuptials on the north-facing terrace overlooking the green or in the 2,800-square-foot ballroom (complete with a solarium!). Your guests will appreciate the on-site lodging options; they can stay in the Main House or one of the three cottages, also situated on the verdant grounds.

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Cedar Lakes Estate, Hudson Valley, New York

Aerial portrait of the couple by the lake — Photo by Edward Winter for READYLUCK

Set on the grounds of a 1940s-era summer camp in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Cedar Lakes Estate offers the ultimate glamping-meets-wedding experience. Guests can stay in the on-site cabins and get to know each other during activities that range from lakeside yoga and kayaking to field games and canoeing. Kick off the weekend with a picnic-style BBQ featuring live music and s’mores around the campfire. For the big day, take your pick of picturesque ceremony sites: a platform overlooking the tree-lined lake or a hilltop lawn with panoramic vistas.

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620 5th Avenue Garden Loft and Rooftop, New York City

rooftop ceremony space in Rockefeller plaza — Photo by Jenny Fu Studio

Corralling your nearest and dearest in a nonstop metropolis like New York City is no small feat. But when guests converge to watch you exchange vows on this manicured outdoor terrace—overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Radio City Music Hall, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan—the hustle and bustle of the city will fade away. Follow it up with a dance-'til-dawn reception in the indoor loft, which can be transformed to reflect any décor style and twinkles as city lights filter through sky-high windows.

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Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

wedding at biltmore estate — Photo by Perry Vaile

When George Washington Vanderbilt III visited Asheville, North Carolina, for the first time in 1888, the city-minded philanthropist fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains—and promptly built a 250-room French chateau, which was completed by 1895. He hired Richard Morris Hunt to design and build the grand house and Frederick Law Olmsted to ideate and execute the gardens and grounds. Today, the original estate and its lush landscape have been carefully preserved—and are the ultimate destination wedding sites. With a mix of ballrooms, galleries, outdoor gardens, and more, you can dream up just about any big-day vision at Biltmore—and since guest caps stop at 400, the property can handle events of just about any size, too.

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Vizacaya Museum & Gardens, Miami, Florida

<p>Outdoor Gardens</p> — Photo by Gianny Campos

With its winding stone walkways, grand Italian mansion, and serene Biscayne Bay views, Vizacaya lies in stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers of nearby Brickell and Downtown Miami. Old-World charms and European-style architecture make this an ideal domestic alternative to the likes of Lake Como—and your guests will thank you for the opportunity to turn up in the Magic City all weekend.

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Mission Point, Mackinac Island, Michigan

mission point hotel in mackinac island, michigan — Courtesy of Mission Point

The shores of the Great Lakes are a Midwestern couple’s dream come true. And few destination retreats can compete with this storied resort, set on 18 acres overlooking crystal-clear Lake Huron. After guests check into their rooms and suites, spread across two separate lodges, kick off the festivities with a private welcome reception at Bistro on the Greens. For the big day, choose from a ceremony on the Great Lawn or in front of the Gazebo, followed by an elegant reception in the Cypress Room.

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Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee

This pioneering resort, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, set the standard for luxury destination weddings when it caught the attention of A-list planners and their discerning clientele. Years later, the idyllic scenery, heirloom produce, luxurious accommodations, and rustic yet elegant venues help Blackberry retain its status as the O.G. farm venue.

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Camp Hideaway, Fredericksburg, Texas

camp hideaway in texas — Courtesy of Camp Hideaway

Southwestern brides searching for a destination-style event need look no further than this 25-acre Texas Hill Country retreat. Have your wedding party and immediate family post up in the on-site lodging, which includes glamping tents. Guests can spend the weekend exploring the Old Western vibes of Luckenbach, hiking Enchanted Rock State Park, and sipping vintages at nearly 50 regional wineries. When they reconvene for the main event, expect them to be wowed by the event space’s al fresco ambience and 360-degree views of rambling countryside.

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Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah

The remote, otherworldly landscapes of the American Southwest are on full display at on this 600-acre desert resort, favored by celebrities. From a guided hike of Antelope Canyon to boat excursions on Lake Powell and luxurious treatments at the world-renowned spa, your guests can expect a truly five-star weekend. After exchanging vows in the open desert, move to a candlelit reception tucked into the sloped surroundings of Raven’s Nest.

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The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

wedding ceremony — Photo by James & Schulze

It doesn’t get more epic than saying “I do” on the 11,212-foot summit of Aspen Mountain. Give yourself a long lead time booking The Little Nell’s Wedding Deck, a panoramic ceremony site with views so breathtaking, it hardly needs any décor. Depending on the time of year, guests can ski-in/ski-out and après at Ajax Tavern—or fly fish on the Roaring Fork River and sip top-shelf whiskey at Silver City in town.

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Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming

Brides can watch their Yellowstone mood boards come to life at this luxury dude ranch in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains. Kick off the festivities with Tex-Mex and margaritas at Trailhead Lodge, followed by live bluegrass and line-dancing in the Saloon. Let guests roam the 30,000 private acres on fishing, hiking, and horseback riding excursions before fancying up to watch you tie the knot in a wildflower-blanketed valley. Plan a hearty, farm-to-table reception dinner that complements the rustic yet warm vibe of the Saddle Barn.

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Filoli Historic House & Garden, Woodside, California

Bride and Groom in Traditional Indian Attire in Sunken Garden at Engagement Party Venue — Photo by Yuliya Jul Photography

If you dream of saying “I do” in an English garden—without having to fly all your guests across the pond—look no further than this 654-acre estate, located some 25 miles south of San Francisco. Guests can take in the city sights during the day or venture further afield to Redwood National Park for a hike through 300-foot canopies. For the ceremony, the lily-pond-covered pool stuns with romance, while manicured lawns are ideal for a formal, seated reception.

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Beaulieu Garden, Napa Valley, California

ceremony — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

As one of the oldest wine-producing vineyards in Napa Valley, this private, family-owned estate is steeped in history and romance. Cultivate a European-worldliness-meets-California-casual aesthetic: think bistro chairs mirroring the garden’s formal lines for the ceremony and long, connected dinner tables that lead to endless toasts at the reception. With everyone seated together like one big extended family—noshing on a meal made from locally sourced ingredients, including Beaulieu Garden’s own tomatoes—you can expect an event to remember.

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Alila Ventana Big Sur, California

cocktail hour — Photo by Lacie Hansen Photography

Sweeping Pacific Ocean views, misty redwood forests, blankets of stars—the enchanting setting at this storied Big Sur retreat is the stuff destination wedding dreams are made of. In fact, it will feel like a dream when your nearest and dearest converge for a weekend of glamping among towering trees, hiking unspoiled coastlines, and dining high above a towering cliffside.

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