So you’re planning a destination wedding? First of all, yes!! I’m already picturing you sipping champagne on the beach, dancing under the stars in Italy, or saying “I do” with the ocean crashing behind you. Destination weddings aren’t just a wedding day; they’re celebrations about connection, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime.

And here’s the best part: planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to feel stressful or overwhelming. With the right mindset (and the right team of vendors), it can actually feel fun and exciting from start to finish. As a destination wedding photographer (and someone planning my own destination wedding!) I'm here to walk you through it all. This is your ultimate guide to planning a destination wedding, with real tips, genuine advice, and a whole lot of inspiration.

Rows of white chairs are set up on a grassy area beside palm trees, overlooking the water, indicating a beachside event or wedding setup.

A couple stands before an officiant during an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests, with palm trees and ocean in the background.

A tropical beach scene with green shrubs in the foreground, gentle waves, a few people on the sand, and a partly cloudy sky.

A long, white-clothed dining table with white chairs is set up outdoors on grass, surrounded by palm trees and string lights at sunset for a destination wedding

A bride and groom stand holding hands outside against a white wall, with large palm tree shadows cast behind them and greenery nearby.

Why Planning a Destination Wedding is So Worth It

It’s an experience, not just a day. Instead of one rushed night, you get multiple days of celebration. Example: a couple in Cabo planned a sunset welcome party on the beach, their wedding day the next, and a catamaran cruise with their guests before everyone flew home.
Quality time with your people. Traditional weddings often mean you barely get to talk to your guests. Destination weddings give you real time to connect. Think: cooking classes in Tuscany, wine tasting in Napa, or snorkeling trips in Hawaii.
Built-in honeymoon vibes. Many couples roll right into their honeymoon after the wedding. Example: couples who marry in Tulum often extend their stay for a few days at a boutique resort to relax once the guests leave.
Intentional guest lists. Smaller numbers mean you’re surrounded by your closest people. It makes every moment more meaningful.

A bride and groom stand on grass, holding hands and smiling, with desert plants and cacti in the background under a clear sky for a destination wedding

A bride in a white gown and veil holds a bouquet of white flowers, standing outdoors near greenery, facing two people in the foreground.

A bride and groom sit together among empty rows of chairs on a lawn, with buildings and trees in the background.

Choosing the Perfect Location When Planning a Destination Wedding

Your location sets the vibe. Here are examples of popular destination wedding locations (and the type of couple they’re perfect for):

Caribbean (St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, Bahamas): Gorgeous beaches, crystal waters, and easy access from the U.S. Perfect for couples who want a tropical luxury feel.
Mexico (Cabo, Tulum, Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta): Vibrant culture, luxury resorts, and endless options for wedding weekends. Cabo is chic and desert-meets-ocean, while Tulum is boho and lush.
Europe (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal): Romance at its finest. Picture vineyards in Tuscany, châteaux in the French countryside, or seaside celebrations in Mallorca.
Adventure Destinations (Iceland, Faroe Islands, Dolomites, Patagonia): Perfect for couples who want dramatic landscapes and moody, cinematic vibes.
U.S. Destinations (Hawaii, Sedona, Napa Valley, Aspen, Charleston): Ideal if you want the feel of a destination without international travel logistics.

Pro tip: When you’re planning a destination wedding, think about your guests’ travel experience. Is there a major airport nearby? Are there enough accommodations (Airbnbs, resorts, boutique hotels) for your group?

A bride and groom stand on a cliffside near the ocean, wrapped in the bride’s veil, embracing and looking at each other for a destination wedding

Building a Realistic Budget While Planning a Destination Wedding

Talking money isn’t always fun, but it’s so important. Planning a destination wedding comes with different costs than a local one, but it can still be surprisingly affordable.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Venue/Resort Fees: $3,000–$15,000 depending on location. Many resorts (Mexico, Caribbean) offer all-inclusive packages. Villas in Europe may cost more but include multi-day rentals.
Travel & Flights: $500–$1,500 per guest for U.S. destinations; $1,500–$3,000+ for international.
Vendors: Photography $5,000–$12,000+, planning $4,000–$10,000+, florals $3,000–$8,000. Couples often fly in their core vendors.
Accommodations: $200–$600 per night for boutique hotels or villas. Resorts may bundle accommodations.
Activities/Extras: $500–$3,000 for things like boat days, cooking classes, or excursions.

Most couples spend $30,000–$60,000 when planning a destination wedding—still often less than a large hometown wedding, but with way more intention and magic. You can check out my in-depth blog on how much a destination wedding costs here!

A stone fountain with two statues pouring water, surrounded by arched water jets, stands in a landscaped garden under a partly cloudy sky.

A bride and groom stand close together outdoors, gazing at each other with smiles. The bride wears a white dress and veil, and the groom is in a black suit with a boutonniere.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a garden path next to a small fountain, surrounded by hedges and greenery.

Finding and Trusting Vendors for Your Destination Wedding

The biggest secret to a stress-free destination wedding? Your vendor team.

Hire experienced destination vendors. Example: a planner who has worked in Cabo knows which resorts are flexible with outside vendors. A photographer who’s traveled to Europe knows the best light and local rules.
Ask about logistics. Can they fly with gear? Are they insured for international travel? Do they know how to work with local vendors?
Mix local + travel vendors. Many couples bring their planner/photographer and hire local florists, caterers, or musicians for cultural flair.

When you’re planning a destination wedding, building a vendor team you fully trust means you can actually relax and enjoy the adventure.

A long outdoor dining table with wooden chairs is set under trees with string lights, featuring a white table runner decorated with greenery and glassware for a destination wedding

Guest Experience Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

Your guests are traveling for you, so make it unforgettable! Here are some ideas couples love. You can also check out more ideas on my blog, Multi-Day Destination Wedding Ideas for a Dreamy Wedding Weekend

Welcome Party: Margaritas + mariachi band in Mexico, rooftop cocktails in Paris, or a bonfire on the Oregon coast.
Group Excursion: Catamaran in the Caribbean, wine tasting in Portugal, hiking in Hawaii.
Farewell Brunch: Casual beach brunch, tapas picnic, or coffee + pastries in a European café.

Pro tip: When planning a destination wedding, give guests a travel guide with your favorite restaurants, local tips, and transportation options. It makes them feel more at home and adds to the excitement.

A bride and groom stand together on an ornate staircase in an elegant, historic building, posing for a wedding portrait.

Logistics & Legalities When Planning a Destination Wedding

This is the part most couples worry about but it’s not as scary as it seems!

Marriage Laws: Some countries (like France) require residency. Many couples do paperwork at home and have the symbolic ceremony abroad.
Permits: National parks like Yosemite require $150–$500 permits. Always apply early! Your wedding planner can assist you with this.
Timeline: Book your venue 12–18 months out. Send save-the-dates at least a year in advance so guests can plan.

Pro tip: One of the smartest moves when planning a destination wedding is hiring a planner or photographer who knows the local rules—they’ll handle the red tape so you can focus on the fun.

A couple dressed formally sits on a large rock outdoors, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, touching faces at sunset for a destination wedding

Travel & Guest Logistics When Planning a Destination Wedding

One of the biggest parts of planning a destination wedding is making sure your guests feel taken care of. They’re traveling (sometimes across the world!) to celebrate with you, so a little extra planning goes a long way.

Accommodations

Research options at different price points so your guests can choose what works best for them. Example: in Cabo, you could block rooms at a resort and provide nearby Airbnb suggestions.

Transportation

Think about how your guests will get from the airport to their hotel and then to your events. Shuttles, private buses, or even arranging car rentals can save everyone stress. In Tuscany, couples often rent a villa with enough rooms for family, and it doubles as both accommodations and a venue.

Travel Agents or Guest Concierge

Some couples hire a travel planner who specializes in group bookings. This can take a huge load off you and make sure your guests all have the same info for flights and stays.

Communication

Create a wedding website or PDF travel guide with everything: flight tips, hotel links, restaurant suggestions, and local customs. Guests will feel so much more at ease knowing exactly what to expect.

A bride in a white dress stands beside a vintage convertible as a groom in a tuxedo offers his hand to help her in for a destination wedding

A bride in an off-the-shoulder white gown and a groom in a black suit stand close together in an indoor stone archway, gazing at each other.

Packing & Travel Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

Packing for a wedding is stressful enough but when you’re hopping on a plane, you’ll want to be extra intentional. Here’s a little cheat sheet:

Important Documents – Passports, copies of your marriage license, travel insurance, and permits if your ceremony is in a national park or historic site.
Wedding Attire – Carry your dress and suit on the plane! Never check them. Pack a portable steamer for wrinkles. And think about shoes that work with your setting (sand for beach weddings, sturdy shoes for cobblestones in Europe).
Essentials Kit – Medications, sunscreen, bug spray, sewing kit, and touch-up beauty products.
Travel Gear – Don’t forget power adapters if you’re abroad, portable chargers, and extra memory cards for your camera.
Fun Extras – Champagne for getting ready, personalized welcome bags for guests, or polaroid cameras for candid memories.

A bride in a white gown stands beside a seated groom in black attire at an elegantly decorated outdoor wedding reception at sunset.

More Location Examples for Planning a Destination Wedding

There are so many incredible places for a destination wedding—it’s honestly hard to choose! Here are even more options beyond the classics we already talked about:

Bali (Indonesia)

Bali feels like magic. It’s tropical but so soulful you get these dreamy rice terraces and cliffside villas that make you feel tucked away from the rest of the world. I always imagine barefoot vows with the ocean in the background and a candlelit dinner under the stars. It’s the kind of place where time slows down in the best way!

Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete)

Greece is basically romance turned all the way up. Between the whitewashed buildings, sparkling seas, and sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence just to stare, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the place. And those narrow little streets? They’re a photographer’s dream! I always get goosebumps thinking about portraits there.

Amalfi Coast (Italy)

The Amalfi Coast is coastal glam at its absolute finest. Picture colorful towns clinging to the cliffs, limoncello spritzes in hand, and dinner that turns into dancing under twinkle lights. Every time I’m there, I catch myself gasping at the views right alongside the guests, it’s truly that breathtaking.

Banff & Lake Louise (Canada)

Banff just has fairytale energy. The turquoise lakes, the snowy peaks, the pine forests… it all feels larger than life. The photos practically take themselves here—it’s the kind of place where you look back at your gallery and think, “was that place actually real?”

Hawaii (Maui, Kauai, Big Island)

Hawaii has this laid-back energy that makes every wedding feel like one big vacation. The aloha spirit is real you can feel it everywhere you go. I love how couples can go from waterfalls to beaches to volcano views all in one trip! It’s adventure, romance, and relaxation rolled into one unforgettable wedding weekend.

Ireland (Cliffs of Moher, Connemara)

Ireland is moody romance at its best. Imagine vows on a windswept cliff, the ocean roaring behind you, and then heading to a cozy pub where everyone’s laughing, singing, and toasting by the fire. It’s rugged and wild, but also so full of warmth!

A white sign reads "Welcome to Abby's Wedding featuring Jordan, May 14, 2023," displayed on a gold frame at an outdoor beach wedding setup with white chairs and floral arrangements.

A white pergola decorated with flower arrangements stands on a sandy beach with rows of white chairs facing the ocean under a clear sky.

A floral arrangement features orange and cream roses, red ginger flowers, pale anthuriums, and assorted green tropical foliage against a blue sky background.

Why Photography Matters When Planning a Destination Wedding

Here’s the truth: your wedding weekend will feel like it goes by in a heartbeat. But your photos? They’re what bring it all back, the laughter during your welcome dinner, the tears during your vows, the wild dance moves at your reception, and even the quiet, in-between moments you didn’t realize were happening.

That’s why photography is one of the most important parts of planning a destination wedding. Unlike a traditional wedding day, destination weddings are often multi-day experiences. You’re not just celebrating for a few hours, you’re creating memories over an entire weekend (or longer!), and every piece of it tells your story.

Here’s what full coverage can look like

Day 1: Documentary-style photos at your welcome party—cocktails clinking, hugs hello, and the start of your adventure.
Day 2: Adventure portraits or an excursion—maybe a hike, a boat ride, or golden-hour portraits in a new city.
Day 3: Your wedding day—every detail from getting ready to fireworks at the end of the night.
Day 4: Farewell brunch candids, all the bittersweet goodbyes, and those last moments before everyone heads home.

When you’re planning a destination wedding, don’t think of photography as just the ceremony and reception. Think of it as storytelling, capturing the entire experience in a way that feels both candid and editorial.

And this is where I come in! As a destination wedding photographer, I’m not just there with a camera. I’m there to scout the best light, to find those hidden corners of your venue for portraits, to make sure we sneak away during golden hour for those magazine-worthy shots, and to capture the candid moments you’ll never want to forget. My goal? To give you photos that feel alive, photos that let you relive your wedding every time you look at them.

A couple in wedding attire stands embracing on a beach, with the ocean and seaweed in the background and a veil flowing in the foreground for a destination wedding

Timeline for a Destination Wedding

One of the biggest questions I get from couples is “When should we book our vendors?” Destination weddings often require a longer lead time since travel and international calendars are involved. Here’s a simple breakdown to keep you on track:

12–18 Months Before

Book your venue + planner. Popular resorts and villas (especially in places like Cabo, Tuscany, or Hawaii) fill up fast, so lock in your date early
Secure your photographer + videographer. Experienced destination vendors often only take a limited number of weddings each year.

9–12 Months Before

Book your florist + rentals. If you’re flying in a florist, they’ll need plenty of time to plan shipping/logistics. If you’re using local, the best ones book quickly.
Reserve your entertainment (band/DJ, strings, live performers).
Start talking with travel agents or guest accommodation coordinators if you’re providing group booking codes.

6–9 Months Before

Lock in hair + makeup artists. Especially in destination spots, talented local teams get scooped up quickly.
Confirm catering/bar if not included with your venue.
Book transportation (guest shuttles, private transfers).

3–6 Months Before

Finalize stationery (invitations, menus, day-of details).
Schedule your welcome party or group excursion (sunset boat cruise, wine tasting, or guided hike).
Confirm ceremony officiant (if you’re not bringing one).

1–3 Months Before

Send a detailed guest itinerary (include travel tips, maps, and schedules).
Double-check permits or marriage license requirements.
Have a final call with your planner + photographer to nail down the timeline.

A close-up of a floral arrangement with white roses and greenery set outdoors in natural light.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of chairs and a brick arch decorated with flowers, set on a terrace overlooking a vast, arid landscape with sparse vegetation.

A long dining table with wooden chairs is set for an event under a canopy with white drapes, overlooking a scenic mountain landscape.

Planning a Destination Wedding? Book me as your Destination Elopement Photographer!

Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to feel stressful. With the right location, budget, and vendor team, it can be one of the most meaningful, joyful experiences of your life! Whether you’re saying “I do” on a beach in Tulum, under cliffs in Yosemite, or in a Tuscan vineyard, your destination wedding can be both unforgettable and personal! And when it comes to capturing every moment? That’s where I come in! My job is to help you plan, guide you through the details, and document the experience so you can relive it all again and again! See more of my work on Pinterest and contact me h ere!

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding: Tips from a Destination Wedding Photographer