30 Best Destination Wedding Ideas

destination wedding invitation suite with mountain illustration — Photo by Steve Steinhardt

Tying the knot at a local venue is always a meaningful experience, but there’s something particularly magical about jetting off to a faraway place for your nuptials. Whether it’s set amid the rolling hills of Tuscany or along the coastline of Fiji, a destination wedding locale provides jaw-dropping views that will make your vow exchange unforgettable. Beyond the idyllic scenery, traveling to a distant spot will give you and your loved ones the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and try new and exhilarating experiences—all while celebrating your union. Plus, hosting a destination wedding is an excuse to throw a weekend of events filled with celebrations that extend beyond the ceremony and reception.

Most couples planning a destination wedding choose a location that has personal significance to their relationship, whether it’s the European city where they got engaged or the annual trip they take to Costa Rica every summer. Some even choose a bucket-list place they’ve always wanted to visit, so their big day functions as a vacation with their favorite people. Either way, the setting plays a big role in destination weddings, so you probably have a desire to familiarize your friends and family with the special locale and share your passion for adventure with them. That’s why many couples honor the region through the setup, décor, and activities seen throughout their wedding weekend. Perhaps you use an illustration of your French château as a recurring motif on your paper goods, or maybe you book historic landmarks for each phase of the festivities. From your invitations to the cake, there are so many ways to highlight your destination in a compelling and touching way.

Read on for 30 dreamy destination wedding ideas to make your far-flung nuptials even more memorable.

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Establish a Sense of Place With Your Invitations

Invitation suite with illustrations of the San Miguel de Allende venue and red and yellow envelopes — Photo by Sarah Slover Photography

The primary function of your wedding invitations is to share details about the time and place of your nuptials—but the design of your stationery suite is also an excellent way to pay tribute to your locale. Paint an illustration of your venue on your envelope liners or place a sketch of the scenery at the top of your itinerary to set the scene and get your guests excited about their trip. You can even buy postage stamps that shed light on the area’s culture and landscape, such as a picture of a papel picado, Frida Kahlo, and a cactus; that's exactly what this couple did when designing a suite for their rust-colored wedding in San Miguel de Allende.

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Include a Map in Your Stationery Suite

Wedding invitation suite with white invitations with a pink border, an illustrated map, pink flowers, and greenery — Photo by Heather Waraksa

One particular destination-forward design element that you’ll want to include in your invitations is a map of the region. If you’re hosting a weekend of events in multiple locations, a map highlighting the different areas will serve as a helpful and visually appealing guide for your guests. Even if your celebration is taking place at just one spot, a map of the various places within the venue is a fun way to set the tone for your faraway event.

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Buy Out a Hotel

exterior of Villa Centinale in Tuscany, Italy — Photo by Kurt Boomer

Many destination weddings are intimate affairs, given the expenses and logistics that come with saying “I do” abroad, but if you have a large enough guest list, consider buying out a hotel for the accommodations. Although it can be costly, all of your friends and family will be able to lodge in one place. Plus, you can host a number of events at the location without needing to book transportation to access multiple venues.

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Distribute Welcome Bags

welcome bags with monogrammed initials and local snacks and drinks inside — Photo by Hana Gonzalez Photography

Welcome bags aren’t a requirement, but they’re a considerate gesture if you’re hosting a destination wedding with several days of festivities. Stock your bags with local snacks and drinks to give guests a taste of the region’s palate, plus items they’ll need during the weekend, such as sunscreen to protect their skin from strong UV rays at an outdoor affair or Advil to combat achey feet after dancing in the sand from dusk until dawn. Receiving these goodies will make loved ones feel appreciated, and they’ll function as a cherished memento after everyone returns home.

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Host a Pre-Wedding Event With an Iconic Backdrop

Bride and groom kissing while holding champagne on boat with Eiffel Tower in background — Photo by Oliver Fly

Before the main event, most couples kick off destination weddings with a welcome party or rehearsal dinner. When booking a venue for this pre-wedding party, consider scouting a location that spotlights an iconic landmark. Throwing your fête overlooking the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Tower Bridge in London will lead to stunning photo ops.

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Take a Hike

a wide shot of a bride and groom standing on a cliff at sunset — Photo by The Foxes Photography

Besides the more structured events that you’re planning for your destination wedding, from the rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch, you and your guests will most likely have a bit of downtime. Why not arrange a hike with your partner and any interested members from your crew to explore the natural landscape? This activity is best for nuptials taking place in a mountainous region or a national park or for locations with nearby trails. Make sure your photographer comes along to capture the remarkable sites on camera.

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Explore the Region on Horseback

bride and groom in wedding attire kissing on horseback with stream in the background — Photo by Michelle Beller Photography

Another equally scenic alternative to a hike is taking in your surroundings by horseback, especially if you’re trading vows on a farm or ranch. Getting your guests involved in this activity might be more of a tricky feat logistically, but trotting across the region with your partner will make for a memorable and intimate experience before you become newlyweds.

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Create a Scenic First Look

Bride and groom sharing a first look on the Amalfi Coast with views of the town — Photo by David Bastianoni Studio

First looks are already highly emotional, but to make the experience even more sentimental, position this moment against a striking backdrop. Find a spot that reflects the visual appeal of your venue, such as along the coast, on top of a mountain, or in the middle of a vineyard. A picturesque location will also lead to eye-catching photos that you’ll want to preserve forever.

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Capture the Landscape on Camera During Portraits

Bride and groom pose for portraits on the beach in the Athens Riviera — Photo by Elias Kordelakos

After the first look, couples often set aside another 15 minutes or so to take portraits before their guests start to arrive. If you’re snapping photos before the ceremony, work with your photographer to map out some of the most breathtaking locations at your venue, whether it’s on the beach or on top of a cliff. Not only will you get cinematic shots of your destination, but also spending one-on-one time together while basking in the beauty of your surroundings will help alleviate any pre-wedding jitters.

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Choose a Local Place of Worship for Your Ceremony

Bride and groom holding hands followed by their wedding party outside of a church in Italy — Photo by Gianni Di Natale Photographers

Churches, synagogues, and mosques around the world boast some of the most ornate architecture that is embedded with history. If you’re arranging a religious wedding ceremony, consider exchanging vows at a place of worship that aligns with your beliefs. Since the setting itself will be the focal point, you’ll need minimal decorations to make the space come to life.

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Exchange Vows at a Historical Landmark

ceremony set up in amphitheater with chuppah decorated with baby's breath — Photo by Asia Pimentel Photography

Another choice for your ceremony setting? Saying “I do” at an ancient landmark. An old-world amphitheater, a 17th-century palace, or a historic museum are some of the many options that will make your vow exchange even dreamier. Your guests will get a history lesson while celebrating this new chapter in your relationship.

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Spotlight the Views During Your Service

outdoor ceremony setup overlooking Sicilian landscape — Photo by Sergio Sorrentino

Instead of reciting your promises in a physical building, consider the great outdoors; this is always a viable option for your ceremony. If your destination has astounding views, make sure to host your service in a location that highlights the awe-inspiring scenery. Assemble your altar in front of the majestic terrain, so your guests can admire the landscape and so your photographer can record it on camera. Bonus points if the spot has panoramic views, so you and your significant other can marvel at the backdrop, too.

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Hire Local Vendors

Second line parade of local musicians from ceremony to reception — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

To help your vision come to life in a seamless way, hire local vendors. Professionals who live in the area will know the ins and outs of your chosen locale, which will alleviate a lot of stress and guesswork that naturally comes from orchestrating your big day abroad. Ask your venue for referrals, and then vet the experts by reading online reviews and setting up virtual meetings.

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Drive a Getaway Car Through Town

bride and groom driving in a vintage convertible through the Amalfi Coast — Photo by Gianni Di Natale Photographers

Hopping in a getaway car with your partner after you’ve been pronounced newlyweds is one of the best ways to ring in your new marriage and soak up the destination’s sprawling landscape. Whether it’s a vintage convertible or a local trolley, driving around the region will create a special and intimate moment that you’ll look back on fondly. Have your photographer ride in another vehicle beside you to get striking shots of the two of you posing against the gorgeous backdrop.

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Book a Boat Ride for Your Mode of Transportation

bride and groom celebrating on a boat ride in Barbados — Photo by Leah Marie Photography

If your reception is taking place at a waterfront location, consider making your grand entrance by boat, like this couple did at their tropical bash in Barbados. You can even use the ride as an opportunity to schedule a photo shoot with your partner, especially if you decided not to do a first look earlier in the day. If anything, the two of you will get some much-needed alone time.

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Welcome Guests With the Native Liquor

tequila shots with lime featuring name tags as escort cards — Photo by By Julieta

The food and drinks that you serve at your destination wedding are a tangible way for everyone to experience a new culture. One fun and celebratory idea is pouring local liquor in shot glasses for your friends and family to throw back when looking for their seating assignments. At their elegant affair in Cabo, this couple chose the region’s native tequila topped with a lime wedge for their escort cards.

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Complete Your Escort Card Wall With an Illuminating Illustration

Escort card wall with illustration of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco — Photo by Unique Lapin Photography

For those who want to go the more traditional route with paper escort cards arranged on a sign, you can still reference your destination through the display. For example, if you’re tying the knot in San Francisco, showcase an illustration of the Golden Gate Bridge as the base of your signage. Then, adorn slips of paper with drawings of other attractions that are unique to the locale. The artistic setup will grab your guests’ attention and signify the spot’s importance to your relationship.

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Assemble Your Lounge Area Overlooking the Scenery

A lounge area with wicker furniture and burgundy ottomans and star-shaped lights overlooking an ocean — Photo by Erich McVey

Adding a lounge area to your floor plan not only offers your guests a reprieve from an action-packed dance floor, but it also provides you with an opportunity to flaunt your destination. Consider situating the seating arrangement outside, along the perimeter of your floor plan, so it faces the natural landscape. Then, use materials that coordinate with the terrain, such as rattan chairs and beige throw pillows trimmed with tassels for coastal nuptials, like this laid-back fête in Cabo.

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Show Off Exquisite Architecture

long oval reception table set for 30 people in opulent gilded room at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris — Photo by Franklyn K Photography

From Morocco to Antigua, there are so many locations around that world that house some of the most beautiful and long-standing architecture. Hosting your ceremony in the ruins of an ancient church in Guatemala or celebrating your marital status in a Parisian hotel ballroom with ornate gold details will create the most lavish and interesting canvas for your party. The interior and exterior of a destination’s buildings is also one of the best expressions of a place’s identity and culture.

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Look to Your Location to Inspire Your Aesthetic

Tables decorated with printed linens and lemon towers and the ceiling trimmed with gold foliage — Photo by Lilly Red

Your locale will probably be one of the main focuses of attention on your big day if you’re planning a destination wedding. The last thing you want is to overshadow the location with an overpowering theme, so why not let the site influence your aesthetic? For instance, lemons are a native plant that are grown locally in certain parts of Italy, so throwing a lemon-themed reception is a fitting choice for nuptials in Sicily. By adorning your space with lemons and other local foliage, you’ll complement and pay homage to the destination.

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Take Cues from the Natural Setting

Tables decorated with checkered linens and sunflowers in an outdoor forest setting — Photo by Megan Wynn Photography

You can also seek inspiration for your aesthetic from the landscape itself. If your post-ceremony gathering is taking place in a forest or on a ranch, consider a Western-themed event, decorated with sunflowers, checkered linens, and wooden accents. Another example is a tropical soirée embellished with monstera leaves, hibiscus, and coconut shells if your function is happening on a beach.

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Feature Locally-Grown Flowers

Wedding dessert table with floating trays surrounded by bougainvillea and hanging light bulbs — Photo by Heather Waraksa

For most weddings—destination weddings included—flowers tend to be one of the main decorative elements that couples call upon. To paint an accurate depiction of your locale and to successfully animate the space, trim your site with local blooms. Using native plants will coordinate with the natural environment and save money because you’ll cut costs on transportation fees that are included in the total cost of imported buds. This couple engulfed their Brazilian bash in hot pink bougainvillea, which is native to the South American country.

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Decorate Your Tabletops With Customary Items

wedding tablescape with neutral linene, taper candles, and spices — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

There’s so much detail that goes into your tablescape, from the centerpieces to the glassware. While you can rent many of these items for the night, curating pieces from the actual region will create a more meaningful and culturally-rich display. If you’re celebrating your nuptials in Morocco, for example, decorate your tables with spices, candles, and ceramics that you found at Marrakech markets.

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Nod to Your Locale Through Your Place Settings

Lake Como booklets on a place setting with floral plate and menu — Photo by Lilly Red

You can also use illustrations of the destination to accentuate your tablescapes and create a more cohesive event. If your reception is occurring indoors but you still want to showcase the epic views from outside, consider working the scenery into your place settings through a detailed drawing. This couple had an image of Lake Como painted on their menus at their colorful garden wedding in the Northern Italian region.

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Serve Regional Specialties

Table of olives, calamari, and other Mediterranean dishes at a wedding in Puglia — Photo by Roberta Facchini Photography

Since food plays a big role in shaping a place’s culture, think about serving up local dishes after you tie the knot. To go all out, create a menu with starters, sides, and entrées that you would find in a nearby restaurant. You can always offer a few regional hors d’oeuvres at cocktail hour if you don’t want to commit to a full spread dedicated to the region.

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Round Off Your Palate With Something Sweet

Dessert spread with French pastries, a tower of fruit, and candles — Photo by Sotiris Tsakanikas

Since your guests will probably be looking for a sugar fix to finish off their savory meal, consider creating a display of local desserts. Pastries, such as macarons, eclairs, and madeleines, are perfect for French nuptials, while slices of a traditional millefoglie cake will introduce guests to Italian customs. You can even purchase these treats from a neighborhood bakery.

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Conclude the Night With Apt Entertainment

bride and groom kissing during fireworks show on the beach — Photo by Erich McVey

Dancing will probably be the main activity at your wedding, but if you’re looking to supplement your dance floor with another form of entertainment, the options are endless. Think about ideas that will provide more insight into your destination. Fireworks overlooking the ocean in Cancun will give you and your guests another opportunity to admire the views, which is how this couple ended their elegant affair in Mexico. You can also hire a live painter to document the destination with a paintbrush or set up a wine tasting, where friends and family sip on local beverages.

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Throw a Pool Party

Aerial shot of wedding pool party with guests on pool floats — Photo by Sergio Sandona

At destination nuptials, couples often organize farewell parties on the last day of their wedding weekend for one more chance to gather with their group. If you’re getting hitched in a warm climate, why not host a pool party on the day after your vow exchange? Offer brunch with local dishes and drinks and provide plenty of floaties, so friends and family can kick back and relax before heading home.

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Enjoy a Beach Day

Bride and groom embracing one another in their bathing suits on the beach — Photo by Allan Zepeda Photography

If your venue doesn’t have access to a pool but it’s located along the coast, you can also throw your farewell party on the beach. Stock your event with towels, umbrellas, and plenty of snacks, so everyone feels comfortable. If organizing another function for your entire group of guests seems like too much of a headache, you can even enjoy a beach day with just your spouse after the festivities are over.

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Gift Guests a Memento of Their Visit

Limoncello bottles presented on a table beneath a greenery wall — Photo by Bottega 53 Studio

To ensure that your destination wedding will live on, give your friends and family a keepsake that reminds them of the location. Bottles of homemade limoncello are perfect wedding favors for Italian nuptials. Whenever your loved ones decide to sip on these beverages at home, they’ll recall all of the heartwarming moments from your celebration—and the idyllic locale.

Your Biggest Destination Wedding Etiquette Questions, Answered