Planning a destination wedding can be so exciting yet very time consuming. I know that it’s something you and your spouse are happy to do because it’s a dream wedding you have always wanted. Whether it’s a few states away or over seas in another country, such as Europe. There is so much to do and so many little details that can go unnoticed. If you are planning a destination wedding in 2025 or 2026, I have created this ultimate guide for you!
Planning a destination wedding
- How to choose a destination wedding location
- First, set a budget. Talk with your family and your spouse and decide on a total budget for wedding fees, venue, vendors, etc. Then, when you have your total, decide where you want to go based on what is in that budget. HACK: you will save some money if you decide to have a wedding off season. For example, April or September in the south of France might be cheaper than a July wedding.
- Second, choose a venue and location that is easily assessable from a major airport or city. Many destinations in Europe have venues close to major cities, or easily assessable by train (followed by a short taxi ride).
2. Choosing A Venue
- When deciding on a venue, villa, chateau, etc. there are a few things to think about. First, consider a venue that may cover certain things such as rentals, lodging for all guests up to so many people, etc. This will equal to less things you have to worry about.
- Plan a week trip out to the location and schedule tours and visits to as many of the venues you are eager to see and have your wedding at. This will give you and your spouse a vacation and also see the venue in person. HACK: If you can’t, most venues offer free FaceTime and virtual tours of the grounds.
3. The Guest List
- Because it is a destination wedding, most of the time, the guest list is smaller. This can save you money. However, if you want to host a large wedding, consider sending out save the dates to everyone you want there as early as you can. Reason being is because this allows time for those to save up, take off from work, etc. HACK: to make it easier for them, include the accommodations, details, closest airport, etc with the information so they have everything they need to plan and budget.
- If you decide on a villa or location that has enough lodging on site for everyone or even your family/wedding party, make sure you let those people know. If not, look at hotels close by with room blocks, book them soon, and plan transportation for your guests to/from the venue.
4. The Timeline of planning
- Although I have seen destination weddings be planned in 8 months, on average, allow 16 or so months to plan. This allows you time to save money for you to have what you want, your guests to save as well, and so you are not stressed out during the planning process. HACK: Get a wedding planner book and each month, set goals for what you need done. This will save stress.
5. Travel and Logistics for ease
- It’s a good idea to suggest to your guests to get travel insurance. If you are using Zola, they offer travel insurance options for those planning a destination wedding of some kind. This is highly recommended fore everyone to get.
- Welcome your guests with luxury experience (while still maintaining a budget). First, book a transportation company that will offer a ride for your guests from the airport to the hotel they are staying at/the location of the wedding. This way, they do not have to worry about getting to their lodging after a long flight. They know it’s already done, and where to go
- Second, create a welcome kit for your guests and place them at the rooms they are staying at. This can include: snacks, water, hangover kits, or anything else that may fit your wedding (a towel if its a beach party, fans if it is hot, etc.)
6. Vendors with Experience
- When deciding on your wedding vendors, it’s ideal (but not mandatory) to find someone with experience in destination weddings. HACK: Look for vendors with great reviews that share the destination experience, ask if their business insurance covers destinations, and look at their portfolio. If you see different venues from all over the country or parts of where you want to have your wedding, they might have the experience you are looking for.
- Have a meeting with your vendor and ask what the packages they offer include. Some couples do multi-day events, and many vendors have an all-inclusive package that covers it all!
7. Activities for Guests
- When having a destination wedding, consider multi-day events. It can be as simple as a pool party with light lunch catering, or as fancy as a dinner cruise on a boat at sunset. HACK: Using a poll of some kind, or knowing your guests, mix it up. Some might want a day to explore a nearby city or town while others would love pasta making and staying at the villa. This gives a local experience for your guests to enjoy and offers a variety to make everyone happy.
- Plan a welcome dinner or excursion and make a theme out of it. Some fun ideas would be “Hawaiian” or ” Gatsby”. Even offer a prize for the best dressed! These events make the travel worth it even more for your guests.
8. The Wedding Attire
- It’s best when planning the wedding and the location, to ask your guests to dress for the style. HACK: Look at what the weather is like that time of year, and consider the climate, location, and feel of the wedding day. Choose your “look and theme” based on this and include it in your invitation guide or wedding website.
- Now, when it comes to your wedding dress and traveling, I know this is scary. I was once a bridal consultant for a wedding dress shop. My advice is to get a very nice garment bag that you can carry on with you. Most airlines will allow this to be hung in first class. Or, fit it into a carry on suitcase. You can also ship it ahead of time to your venue or wedding planner.
9. Consider the legal things
- This is where it is important to have a local host at the venue or coordinator. They will help you with the marriage paperwork to ensure it is done right. HACK: Many countries might have wedding traditions they stand firm with when weddings are done in their country. Consider adding or including this into your wedding if it fits your needs and vision! This can be a sign of respect. DOUBLE HACK: Also look to make sure your wedding will not offend the rules and regulations of the country.
- You may get married in your own state and county before having your destination wedding. This may make that part of the process easier. Then, at your actual wedding day, exchange new vows, host a ceremony, and be on your way!
10. Enjoy the Process
- Lastly, it’s important to trust your wedding vendors. Your planner or coordinator on site will help with planning and rentals, etc. The photographer is there to create a photo timeline and ensure every moment you want is captured, etc. You hired them and the planning can be easier, better, more enjoyable if you just ask your family and vendors for help! That is why they are there! HACK: Take breaks and know, you got this!
Keep it happy
Planning a destination wedding can be challenging, but it does not have to be. When you ask for help, rely on your trusted wedding vendors, and take breaks, you will find it very enjoying. The key for this is to make sure you allow yourselves plenty of time to plan and execute. When you allow this, you and your guests will have and attend an unforgettable destination wedding they will talk about for years to come!
France Wedding Photographer
My name is Dana, and I am a wedding photographer who specializes in destination weddings. Since 2018, I have photographed weddings in many different states in the U.S. As well as photographed weddings and high-end editorials in France, Greece, Portugal, and The UK. I love what I do with my whole heart. Getting to photograph such beautiful weddings for the joyful couples sparks my joy. If you are looking for an experienced world traveler and destination wedding photographer, you can check out my work here. Not only do I offer digital photography, but drone photography, weekend coverage, and more. I hope this ultimate guide helped you plan your 2025 or 2026 destination wedding!
