How to Plan a Destination Wedding in 2027 Without Losing the Meaning of the Day
Destination weddings have this really cool way of slowing everything down. Instead of squeezing your wedding into one busy day where you’re running from one thing to the next, everyone gets to settle in. Your favorite people become roommates for the weekend. You grab breakfast together. You watch the sunset together. You make actual memories outside of the wedding itself. And that’s one of my favorite things about them.
If you’re dreaming about a wedding that feels less like a production and more like an experience, you’re in the right place! This is my guide on exactly how to plan a destination wedding that feels full of presence, connection, and calm energy, while still hitting all the major details you need to make planning seamless.
Here’s How to Plan a Destination Wedding, Step-by-Step
Here’s a handy table of contents that’ll let you jump to different sections of the guide, because I’m all about making things easy.
Why Choose a Destination Wedding?
There’s something really special about gathering everyone you love in a place that’s completely new to all of you. Destination weddings are some of the days that feel the most special, unique, and even a little bit iconic. They’re always gorgeous (whether you’re getting married on a tropical beach or somewhere on a mountaintop), and they always have an energy that feels excited and relaxed, all at the same time.
I also love destination weddings because they’re usually filled with so much meaning. Whether it’s you two getting married in a special spot, like the first place you ever traveled together, or somewhere you’ve always wanted to go together, it’s always an intention I’m obsessed with!
Lastly, the guest experience for destination weddings is always incredible. A chance to celebrate your loved ones and take a vacation all in one is basically the dream!
Who a Destination Feels Totally Right For
If you’re reading this and wondering if this type of day is right for you… The answer is probably definitely yes.
If you’re the kind of couple who loves to travel, would rather spend your wedding weekend exploring a new city with your favorite people rather than rushing from table to table saying hello, would rather have one incredible weekend than one really busy day, and care more about meaningful experiences than you do tradition… A destination wedding is right up your alley. Let’s get into the planning guide!
Things Nobody Tells You About Destination Weddings
Some secrets about destination weddings that no one will tell you?:
You’ll spend way more time with your guests.
People actually relax.
Your days will be spent making morning coffee, lounging in the pool, and sunset walks.
The wedding weekend becomes part of the memories.
Everyone ends up becoming friends.
The photos naturally feel more relaxed.
So if that’s not the kind of energy you want… This kind of day is not for you.
Who to Invite to Your Destination Wedding
The best part about destination weddings is that you can do literally whatever you want. I’ve seen destination weddings with 200 guests and destination weddings with 0 guests, and I love them both equally.
Want no guests, just you and your person? Love it.
Dreaming of a guest list with hundreds of your favorite people that gives you crazy dance party energy? It’s yours.
Want just your closest 10 people there, celebrating your love? Obsessed.
One thing couples don’t always think about is how much more time they actually get with their guests during a destination wedding, so make sure you’re inviting the people who you actually want there, celebrating with you all weekend long.
Whatever you choose as far as a guest count for your destination wedding, just make sure it feels like you. The option that gives you the most connection, love, and joy (and, of course, works with your destination wedding location) is the best route to take.
Destination Wedding Locations (That You’ll Absolutely Love)
Okay, let’s get to the fun part now, because there are some destination wedding locations that really get me every time.
One thing I always tell couples is not to choose a location just because it’s trending. Choose somewhere you’ll actually be excited to spend four or five days in! Some of my couples pick places they’ve always dreamed of visiting together, others go back to where they got engaged. Some just want mountains because they feel more like themselves there than they ever would in a ballroom!
There isn’t a wrong answer. It just has to feel like you. Check out my guide on how to choose a destination wedding location based on your personality, and see a few of my favorite destination wedding locations here:
My Favorite Beach Destination Wedding Locations
St. Lucia – where you’ll get that kind of breezy, effortless, secluded feel. Weddings here always feel relaxed, and this is where I see couples and guests exhale, drop their shoulders, and really live in the day.
Hawaii – one of those places where people naturally slow down. Mornings start with coffee outside, everyone ends up barefoot by sunset, and your wedding somehow feels like the best vacation you’ve ever taken.
Mexico – which has the kind of energy where you get to relax all day, say “I do” on a beautiful beach, and then party all night long, surrounded by the best atmosphere, the best food, and the best music.
My Favorite Mountain Destination Wedding Locations
Mount Rainier, Washington – this is the kind of place for sweet, romantic couples. Snow-capped mountains, wildflower fields, and mild temperatures give summer outdoor elopement energy that feels like a movie.
The Rocky Mountains – if you love rustic, outdoor vibes, you’ll love it here. There are so many venues in the Rockies that feel laidback and super charming, and I’m obsessed with a cozy wedding here every time.
The Swiss Alps – because European destination weddings are always a great time. Think idyllic views and European dinner party vibes to the max!
My Favorite City Destination Wedding Locations
New York City – do I even have to say iconic? Imagine a rooftop wedding here, dancing with your favorite people in a sparkly reception dress that captures the city lights just right. The dream.
Florence, Italy – the city streets are too cute here, perfect for the kind of destination wedding that feels organic and effortlessly cool.
Paris, France – the romance in the city of love? Unmatched. Picture yourself hitting a cafe to start the day, and ending the night dancing around the sparkline Eiffel Tower.
Destination Wedding Locations in the US
Napa Valley, California – Napa isn’t just gorgeous. It’s one of those places where dinner becomes an experience. Long tables, incredible food, local wine, everyone lingering outside after sunset… It’s basically made for couples who love hosting people!
Arizona – red rock views and insane golden hours make Arizona an incredible spot for mountain-lovers. Adventure elopements work really well here because of all the hikes you can take, so if that’s your vibe… Definitely look into AZ.
Acadia National Park – because who doesn’t love coastal New England vibes?! Acadia destination weddings give cool-girl energy in a way that’s also surrounded by a ton of love and joy.
Photographer’s Tip: Check the Local Wedding Laws
Just as a side note, always be sure to check the wedding laws for whichever location you choose to get married in. For out-of-country weddings, you typically have to get legally married in the US, then celebrate overseas! For destination weddings in the US, know that every state has different laws for marriage licenses, witnesses, and officiants.
As your destination wedding photographer, though, I’m always here to help you through the tricky things. I’ve captured a lot of weddings like this, so I know exactly how to go about it and will guide you through every step of the way!
How to Plan a Destination Wedding: 12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline Edition
Destination weddings take extra planning than a typical wedding planning timeline, just because you have to coordinate travel for yourself and guests, and deal with different local laws. If you’re working on a 12-month planning timeline, here’s everything you should be doing:
11-12 Months Out
Choose your location
Create a guest list
Set a budget
Recruit your wedding party
Apply for passports (if needed)
Be sure to have all the paperwork you may need (IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, vaccine records, etc.)
Secure vendors, like a venue, a wedding planner, and a photographer (hi!)
9-10 Months Out
Send out save-the-dates
Purchase attire
Start reserving travel, like hotel room blocks and early-bird plane tickets
Take engagement photos
6-8 Months Out
Schedule and plan any other wedding events, like your welcome party or rehearsal dinner
Be sure to have all vendors booked
Have all travel reservations booked
Order wedding party attire
3-5 Months Out
Send out wedding invitations
Finalize honeymoon plans
Begin attire alterations
1-2 Months Out
Finalize everything with vendors, like wedding photo lists, song lists, menus, timelines, etc.
Get any necessary vaccines
Make a plan for getting the necessary documents
Get final RSVPs
Start packing (carefully, please!)
1 Week Out
Travel and walk through your venue space
Get your marriage license
Enjoy your trip!
Common Questions I Get Asked About Destination Weddings (As a Destination Wedding Photographer Who’s Captured Several)
How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?
The cost of your destination wedding fully depends on how you plan it. Different locations have different travel costs, and your wedding pricing will also depend on how large your wedding is, what kind of venue you choose, and what vendors you book!
Can You Get Legally Married Outside of the US?
For couples who want to get married abroad, know that every country AND every US state has different laws for what’s legally recognized in the US, so you’ll always want to check local laws. Again, I’m always here to help you with these situations as your destination wedding photographer!
What’s the Best Time of Year for a Destination Wedding?
The best time of year for a destination wedding fully depends on where you’re choosing to get married. Beach locations may work best in the summer, and mountain locations may work best in the fall, but it totally depends on the local climate, time zone, and amount of sunlight.
How Many Guests Can You Invite to a Destination Wedding?
It’s totally up to you! You can invite as many or as few guests as you’d like, as long as it feels like you.
How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Destination Wedding?
I may be biased since I’m type A through and through, but I always say that the more time you have, the better. Ideally, you want to have at least 12 months to plan a destination wedding.
What Are Common Travel Requirements for a Destination Wedding?
Every location will vary, but definitely expect to need documents like IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, and vaccine records for your wedding.
Should I Hire a Travel Agent for My Destination Wedding?
I’m someone who always thinks splurging on an expert is helpful, so if you need the assistance, it can never hurt to hire a travel agent! They’ll know the location well and be able to help navigate some of the local situations.
What Vendors Should I Hire for a Destination Wedding?
Vendors you should hire for a destination wedding fully depend on the size and style of wedding you’re having, but I always recommend at least booking:
Wedding planner
Photographer (that’s me!)
Videographer
DJ
Caterer
Bartender
Hair + makeup artist
These vendors will make the day run smoothly, especially if they have destination wedding experience and know exactly how these kinds of days go.
Amelie & Frankie’s Colorado Destination Wedding, For Your Inspo
Amelie and Frankie planned their destination wedding completely right. It was the kind of day where you could tell how thrilled they were all day long, and it was SO adorable.
They chose Colorado (right outside of Denver!) as their destination wedding location, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for them. They were able to bring their dog, and they were surrounded by the kind of views that took everyone’s breath away.
My favorite part of the day, though, was when they embraced the full adventure of their destination wedding and went on a hike in the most gorgeous mountains to get their dream wedding photos! I mean… Just look at these and try to tell me you aren’t completely obsessed.
Ashley Olafsson | Destination Wedding Photographer
At the end of the day, your destination wedding isn’t really about the destination, it’s about creating a weekend where you actually get to be present with the people you love most.
Yes, the views are incredible, the travel is exciting, but years from now, I think what you’ll remember most is laughing over breakfast with your friends, watching the sunset with your person, and realizing you never once felt rushed. And that’s exactly what I want for you.
Reach out today, and we’ll start planning the destination wedding of your dreams.
Xoxo,
Ashley
