From the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean to the wide open plains of Africa, nothing says romance more than a destination wedding. With as diverse locations as Napa Valley, Tulum, and Marrakech, a destination wedding is the stuff of fairytales.
And at Wanderlust Jetsetter, our team of destination wedding travel agents make these fairytales come true, helping couples plan their dream weddings in myriad locations worldwide.
If you wish to say ‘I do’ in paradise, but aren’t yet sure of your perfect venue, we’ve created this guide to the best destination wedding locations.
Keep reading for our top recommendations, and should you want to learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
You won’t get much closer to saying ‘I do’ in paradise than the Caribbean. These islands provide the perfect tropical backdrop to your ceremony and reception, which is precisely why we provide Caribbean destination wedding services across numerous islands.
And since these islands are just a plane ride away from Miami, couples from the US will find them practically ideal!
Known for its consistently sunny weather and pristine beaches, Aruba is a top Caribbean destination for couples dreaming of a stress-free wedding. With a mix of Dutch charm and island flair, Aruba offers stunning ceremonies on its coastline, including the world-famous Eagle Beach. Choose from a range of beachfront resorts that provide wedding venues and services, or even opt to say your vows in the iconic Alto Vista Church for a more traditional ceremony.
Our team offers specialized Aruba destination travel wedding planning services, helping you to find the perfect resort and accommodations for your wedding!
Sandals Resorts offer 17 all-inclusive luxury resorts across several Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, St. Lucia, and their latest, Sandals Saint Vincent. Ideal for destination weddings, these adult-only resorts feature customizable wedding packages, overwater chapels, and personalized planning services for a seamless celebration from ceremony to reception.
At Wanderlust Jetsetter, we’ve had the privilege of staying at Sandals Resorts and have become experts in Sandals Resorts destination weddings, helping guests organize their dream day! And if you need some honeymoon inspiration, check out our Sandals Resorts honeymoon packages!
The Dominican Republic boasts a variety of breathtaking wedding backdrops, from the palm-fringed beaches of Punta Cana to the colonial charm of Santo Domingo. With affordable luxury resorts, lively culture, and breathtaking coastal views, it’s a go-to for couples wanting a vibrant and budget-friendly Caribbean wedding.
We offer a range of Dominican Republic destination wedding planning services, including for a 5-star Dreams Flora wedding in Punta Cana.
With its medley of beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, and ancient ruins, Mexico presents one of the most unique and picturesque wedding destinations. And with everything from luxury resorts to affordable venues, it’s also one of the most cost-effective options for the special day. If this is your dream location, then our Mexico destination wedding planners are here to help!
If you want to check out your venue options before booking, read our guide to Planning the Perfect Trip to Mexico.
Offering a luxurious yet bohemian atmosphere, the Riviera Maya is perfect for couples wanting a meaningful and unique celebration. Enjoy a classic beach venue in Tulum or Playa del Carmen, or choose a cenote as the one-of-a-kind backdrop to your ceremony. You can even decide to include ancient Mayan rituals as a part of your ceremony for an intimate and deeply spiritual occasion.
Cancun is a classic destination for tropical weddings, offering crystal-clear waters, luxury hotels, and top-tier service. Whether you want a beachside ceremony or a Mayan-inspired celebration, Cancun has you covered. And with numerous all-inclusive resorts available to choose from, you’ll easily find the best venue and accommodations for you and your guests!
From the desert to the ocean, Baja California Sur is certainly one of the most photogenic wedding destinations in Mexico. Whether you get married in the charming town of Todos Santos or in Cabo San Lucas between the mountains and the sea, this peninsula provides one of the most enchanting locations. And for some swoony newlywed pics, you can go out into the desert or on a boat ride to the iconic Arch. For a truly unique experience, you can even say ‘I do’ on a yacht!
Boasting metropolitan cities, vineyards, and breathtaking natural scenery, the United States has a diverse yet classic selection of wedding destinations to choose from, whether you’re a local or foreigner. And wherever you go, you’ll be guaranteed a taste of luxury!
For wine lovers and nature enthusiasts, Napa Valley is one of the most dreamy locations for a destination wedding. With its rolling vineyards, rustic-chic venues, and Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll get to declare your love in one of California’s most iconic and elegant regions (all while sipping on world-renowned wines).
The ultimate cosmopolitan wedding destination, New York City has it all — from chic rooftop venues with skyline views to romantic ceremonies in Central Park. Whether you’re into high glamour or classic luxury, New York City offers endless options for a bold, unforgettable celebration. Better yet, the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and incomparable cityscape will serve as the backdrop to your wedding photos!
With locations like Palm Beach, Key West, and Miami (where our wedding travel agents are based), Southern Florida provides the perfect blend of city sophistication and tropical paradise. Palm Beach brings with it old-world charm, while Key West offers a relaxed and charming setting. And in Miami, you’ll have a smorgasbord of luxury venues to choose from!
Hawaii’s islands are the epitome of romantic paradise. From the lush waterfalls of Kauai to the volcanic beauty of the Big Island, Hawaii’s diverse natural settings and welcoming aloha spirit make it perfect for intimate elopements or larger celebrations. Include island traditions as part of your ceremony, like lei exchanges, for a truly special wedding experience.
If you’re interested in learning more, read our guide to How to Plan a Beach Wedding in Hawaii.
Filled with castles, chateaus, and cathedrals, Europe offers the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. And with its diverse cultures and cuisines, you’ll have endless options for wedding destinations suited to your tastes!
With wedding destinations ranging from the canals of Venice to the cliffside views of the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers the idyllic blend between lavish luxury and homely intimacy. Whether you choose to wed in a villa overlooking Lake Como or a farmhouse in Tuscany, one thing is guaranteed — the food will be unforgettable!
Of course, there’s no mention of destination weddings without Paris. The Eiffel Tower has long served as the symbol of love, but there are even more worthy locations outside of the capital. Perhaps you could say your ‘I do’s’ in the lavender fields of Provence, or at a chateau in the Loire Valley. Or, take your ceremony to the enchanting French Alps or pristine French Riviera. France is undeniably the embodiment of romance.
How about getting married in Barcelona’s iconic cathedral, the Sagrada Familia? Or hosting your reception beneath the Alhambra palace in Granada? With its range of architectural styles spanning centuries, Spain offers numerous striking locations for a destination wedding. Take inspiration from cultural traditions such as flamenco, and have a festive, one-of-a-kind wedding.
If you’re looking for something more exotic and adventurous, why not take your ceremony to Africa? Whether you say your vows on the wild plains of East Africa or in the riads of the North, Africa is an out-of-this-world wedding destination.
Imagine exchanging vows with elephants or giraffes in the distance, surrounded by pristine wilderness — this could very well be your reality! Destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa offer deluxe safari lodges and unforgettable backdrops for nature-loving couples. Our African Safari travel agents are experts in arranging an epic safari, and can take the planning up a notch by including your wedding!
With its maze-like medinas, colorful gardens, and lavish riads, Marrakech offers a striking and culturally rich wedding experience. The opulent city architecture and intricate design elements present one of the most awe-inspiring settings for a beguiling wedding, while the nearby desert offers truly magical scenery.
A secluded Indian Ocean paradise, Seychelles is perfect for intimate island weddings. With powdery white sands, granite rock formations, and lush jungle landscapes, it offers a peaceful and pristine escape for couples wanting privacy and natural beauty in equal measure.
Of course, location is everything for a destination wedding. You’ll want to make sure you choose one that reflects your style, whether you want a beach wedding or city ceremony. Make sure to take seasonality into account, as this will affect weather, crowding, and prices.
Destination weddings require months of planning in advance, and it’s recommended that you book your venue at least one year before the special day. This gives you enough time to arrange accommodation, travel, and the finer details of your celebration.
A local wedding planner will know the area and the best vendors, creating a much more seamless experience. Most resorts that host weddings already have their own in-house wedding planner, who will be able to attend to the necessary arrangements like decor and menu. They will also be able to help with translations if necessary!
It’s important to give guests at least 6-12 months’ notice of your wedding date so that they have time to arrange their documentation and book their travel. Include any visa requirements or accommodation information as part of the invitation to help simplify the process. But when you work with a destination wedding travel agent like us, we can help your guests for you!
Every country has different rules for marriage that may influence the legality of your ceremony. Depending on your destination, you might need to get legally married at home first and then have a symbolic ceremony abroad. Make sure to do your research beforehand—and if you book your destination wedding with Wanderlust Jetsetter, we can help point you in the right direction when it comes to legal requirements.
Ready to get married in your dream destination? The Wanderlust Jetsetter team is here to help start planning your special day. Our destination wedding travel agents can assist you in identifying the right destination and venue for your ceremony and reception, as well as arrange all of the travel requirements for you and your guests. A destination wedding is no small feat, but we will make the journey as easy as saying ‘I do’! If you have any questions about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us.