When you imagine your dream wedding, what comes to mind? Is it a tropical secluded beach with swaying palm trees, a charming vineyard surrounded by rolling hills, or a charming European city with cobblestone streets and historic architecture? Whatever destination you envision, a destination wedding can make your dream come true while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Destination weddings are all the rage right now, and it’s not hard to see why. A beautiful location, a smaller, more intimate guest list, and the chance to turn your big day into a mini-vacation for everyone—it’s the dream!
But let’s be real—planning a wedding abroad isn’t all sunshine and roses. There’s a lot to figure out, like foreign marriage laws and getting everyone there in one piece.
This guide is your go-to checklist for everything you need to know: logistics, budgeting, legal stuff, vendors, and more. Let’s take the hassle out of planning so you can focus on love, laughter, and celebrating.
Step 1: Choose Your Dream Destination
The first thing you need to decide is location. Where are you tying the knot? Picking the perfect spot is the cornerstone of how to plan a destination wedding. You’ll want to think about a few key factors to narrow it down:
- Scenery: Are you dreaming of a beachy scenery, a beautiful vineyard, or a historic castle?
- Accessibility: Can your guests get there without breaking the bank or enduring a 20-hour flight?
- Weather: Check the destination’s climate for your dates (e.g., avoid Caribbean hurricane season from June to November).
- Language: Will it be easy to communicate with local vendors?
- Marriage Laws: Some countries have tricky legal requirements (we’ll dive deeper into this later).
Here are a few crowd-favorite destinations to spark some inspiration:
- Mexico: Tulum’s boho-chic beaches or Cabo San Lucas’s luxe resorts are perfect for laid-back or upscale vibes.
- Italy: The Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs or Tuscany’s rolling vineyards scream romance.
- Greece: Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and blue domes are basically made for wedding photos.
- Bali: Tropical jungles meets cultural charm for an exotic escape.
- Caribbean Islands: Think Jamaica or the Bahamas for all-inclusive ease.
Pro Tip: If you can, try to visit your destination ahead of time. Checking out the venue, meeting the vendors, and getting a feel for the vibe can really help you feel good about your choice. Can’t make the trip? Lots of couples plan from afar with the help of an awesome wedding planner!
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
Let’s talk destination wedding budgets—because money matters, and no one wants unnecessary stress! Whether you’re planning a small, all-inclusive celebration for $10,000 or a more extravagant event for 100 guests that crosses $50,000, it’s all about knowing where your money’s going.
Here’s what’s usually covered:
- Venue and catering (often bundled at resorts)
- Travel and accommodations (for you and maybe some guests)
- Vendor costs (think photographer, florist, officiant)
- Legal stuff (marriage license, document translations)
- Guest experiences (welcome dinners, fun group tours)
Knowing your numbers upfront helps you stay on track and actually enjoy the planning process. After all, this is about celebrating your love in an amazing way!
Money-Saving Tips
- Thinking about saving on your wedding? Try booking on a weekday or during the off-season (like April in Mexico instead of the busy winter months).
- Check out destination wedding packages at all-inclusive resorts—they usually bundle venue, catering, and coordination for an amazing deal.
- Got a travel advisor? They’re awesome at finding group rates on flights and hotels (seriously, they’re like deal-finding wizards).
Set your budget early, and you’ll skip the surprises and actually enjoy planning your big day!
Step 3: Finalize Your Guest List
Destination weddings usually mean smaller, more intimate guest lists—think 20–70 people instead of the usual 200. Since not everyone can travel, you can expect about 50–70% of your invitees to show up. Here’s how to manage your list:
- Be Realistic: Focus on inviting the people most likely to come—like close family and your best friends.
- Send Save-the-Dates Early: Give your guests plenty of time to budget and plan by sending these out 8–12 months ahead.
- Plan for RSVPs and Room Blocks: Set up hotel blocks for group discounts and use a wedding website to keep track of RSVPs.
Pro Tip: Create a wedding website with all the travel info—flights, hotel options, and local tips—so your guests stay in the loop and feel prepared!
Step 4: Understand Legal Requirements
Here’s where things can get a little tricky: every country has its own rules when it comes to destination weddings, so you’ll need to do some research to make sure your marriage is legit. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Residency Rules: Some countries, like France, require you to stay there for a certain number of days before the wedding.
- Paperwork: You’ll probably need passports, birth certificates, and maybe divorce or death certificates if you’ve been married before. Some countries also ask for translations or notarized documents.
- Ceremony Type: Do you want a legal, religious, or symbolic ceremony? A lot of couples choose a symbolic wedding abroad (hello, dreamy beach vows!) and handle the legal stuff back home to keep it simple.
For example, Mexico requires a blood test for a legal wedding, while in Italy, you’ll need translated and notarized documents. A local planner or officiant can help you navigate all the details.
Pro Tip: If all the legalities feel like too much, go for a symbolic ceremony abroad and do a quick courthouse wedding at home. Plenty of couples do it—and it’s way less stressful!
Step 5: Hire the Right Support
You don’t have to tackle this all on your own—promise! The right team makes a huge difference. Here’s who you’ll want by your side:
- Destination Wedding Planner: Your go-to expert for coordinating vendors, handling local logistics, and keeping everything on track.
- Travel Advisor: They’ll sort out guest travel, snag those group rates, and even plan fun extras like excursions.
- Local Vendors: Find photographers, florists, caterers, and officiants who know the area inside-out. Check reviews and portfolios to make sure their style matches your vision.
Pro Tip: Many all-inclusive resorts offer wedding packages with built-in coordinators, which can save you time (and stress). Some even throw in free decor or a cake—don’t forget to ask what’s included!
Step 6: Create a Destination Wedding Timeline
Planning a destination wedding? A solid timeline is your best friend to stay organized and stress-free. Here’s how to break it down:
- 12+ Months Before: Start researching destinations, visit if you can, lock in your venue, and hire a planner to help.
- 9–12 Months Before: Time to send out save-the-dates, book your key vendors (think photographer, caterer, and DJ), and arrange travel for you and your VIPs.
- 6–9 Months Before: Find your dream wedding outfit, tackle the legal paperwork, and reserve blocks of rooms for your guests.
- 3–6 Months Before: Finalize your menu, plan some fun guest activities (like snorkeling or wine tasting), and start putting together welcome bags.
- 1 Month Before: Confirm all the details with vendors, pack your bags, and send out a final itinerary to your guests.
Stick to this plan, and you’ll feel totally in control of your big day!
Step 7: Plan Guest Travel & Experiences
Your guests are coming from far and wide to celebrate with you, so let’s make their experience unforgettable! Here’s how:
- Group Travel: Team up with a travel advisor to lock in group flights or hotel blocks. Discounts? Yes, please!
- Welcome Events: Kick things off with a casual dinner or a fun local activity—how about a wine tour in Tuscany or a catamaran cruise in the Caribbean?
- Stay Organized: Set up a wedding website with all the details—FAQs, dress codes (like “flowy dresses for beach vibes”), and a clear itinerary.
Pro Tip: Surprise your guests with welcome bags! Toss in sunscreen, local snacks, or even a sweet handwritten note. Little touches go a long way!
Step 8: Pack & Prepare for the Trip
Packing for a destination wedding? Let’s make it easy! Here’s your travel checklist:
- Carry-On Must-Haves: Keep your wedding dress, rings, legal documents, and vows with you—don’t risk lost luggage drama.
- Decor & Gifts: Pack lightweight things like candles or small signs. Got bigger items? Ship them to the venue ahead of time.
- Outfits: Don’t forget looks for pre-wedding events (rehearsal dinner, welcome party) and your honeymoon if you’re staying after!
Pro Tip: Start a packing list a few weeks in advance and double-check it before you leave. Forgetting the rings mid-flight? Not worth the stress!
Bonus Tips for Destination Wedding Success
Planning a destination wedding? Here are some tips to keep things stress-free:
- Have a backup for the weather—think an indoor venue or a chic tent in case it rains.
- Get travel insurance! It’ll cover cancellations, delays, or emergencies, and give you peace of mind.
- Keep the decor easy. Go for local flowers or minimal touches so you don’t have to haul a ton of stuff.
- Let guests know the dress code—“beachy casual” or “black-tie tropical”? Clear it up early!
- Why not turn it into a honeymoon too? Stay a few extra days—it’s romantic and budget-friendly.
Planning a destination wedding might sound like a big undertaking, but with a clear destination wedding checklist, a solid destination wedding timeline, and the right team, it’s totally doable—and so worth it. You’ll create memories that you and your guests will talk about for years. So, take a deep breath, start early, and get ready to say “I do” in the most magical setting imaginable.
Ready to make your destination wedding dreams a reality? Our travel advisors specialize in weddings abroad—head to x.ai/grok to get started!
FAQs
How much does a destination wedding cost?
It depends on the location and guest count, but expect $10,000–$50,000. All-inclusive packages can start as low as $5,000 for smaller weddings.
Do I need a wedding planner for a destination wedding?
Not mandatory, but a planner saves you time and stress by handling local vendors and logistics.
When should I send invitations for a destination wedding?
Send save-the-dates 8–12 months out and formal invites 3–4 months before.
Is it legal to get married in another country?
Yes, but rules vary. Some couples do a symbolic ceremony abroad and legalize it at home for simplicity.
