Sandy beaches, dramatic mountains, moody cliff sides. We’re all about destination weddings and the epic locations they can take you to on your wedding day. So, we’ve compiled some of the absolute best destination wedding ideas to help you plan the ultimate travel ceremony!
Destination weddings are about so much more than the ceremony. They’re the chance to experience new places, learn about different cultures, and embark on new adventures with your loved ones (in addition to your biggest adventure yet: saying “I do”!).
So buckle up, get your passports ready, and let’s take a journey through the most drool-worthy destination wedding locations for your big day!
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1. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Unbeatable Views: The Dolomites, Italy
photo: Maya Lora Photo as seen in this Dolomites destination wedding lakeside location
The Italian Dolomites are quite possibly some of the most unreal mountains imaginable. To say they look like they’ve come straight out of a film would be the understatement of the century.
If you love the look of jagged, dramatic mountain peaks, the Dolomites are the best destination wedding location for you. Plan your ceremony in the fall for stunning yellow and gold foliage, or make it a summer getaway to experience gorgeous wildflowers.
And after your ceremony, take a canoe out on Lago de Braies, where you can relish your newly married status under the towering mountain peaks. Swoon! You can also stay at the dreamy Hotel Lago di Braies for unbeatable lakeside views.
2. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Extreme Landscapes: Iceland
photo: ISKRA Photography as seen in this adventurous destination wedding location in Iceland
Iceland is called the land of fire and ice for a reason! It’s quite literally a destination of geological extremes, which naturally makes for the MOST ICONIC wedding location.
The best destination wedding ideas while in Iceland include taking a dip in a local hot spring, driving the Ring Road (that loops around the island), and exploring the black sand and epic ice at Diamond Beach.
Just imagine having your first look with this jaw-dropping waterfall in the background. Utter perfection. (Pro tip: Pair your gown with some hiking boots to get the best photo ops!)
3. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Hopeless Romantics: Paris, France
photo: Daria Lorman as seen in this dreamy Paris elopement
Is there a more romantic location for a destination wedding than the City of Love? We think not! Everything about Paris oozes romance: enjoying a baguette and wine by the Seine, sampling scents at a local perfumery, walking hand-in-hand down cobblestone streets….we could go on!
If you’re looking for a destination wedding location that’s equal parts romantic, fashionable, and iconic, Paris is your gal. Plus, it’s the perfect starting point for an unforgettable European honeymoon!
Rent a vintage getaway car on your wedding day and spend some time after your ceremony driving past the sights. Then spend your wedding night basking in unobstructed Eiffel Tower views at the Hôtel San Régis. You may never want to leave!
4. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Winter Wonderland: The Austrian Alps
photo: Farbklang Fotographie as seen in this Austrian Alps destination wedding location inspo
One word: WOW. If you’re looking for the best location for a winter destination wedding, it doesn’t get better than the Austrian Alps. You’ll feel like you’re in your own personal snow globe!
Plan an itinerary of snowy activities to keep the winter wonderland vibes going all weekend long. If you love skiing and snowboarding, this one’s for you! You can even invite your guests along for a group adventure before they jet back home.
And the best part about a snowy destination wedding location? Cuddling up with your new spouse in a cozy mountain chalet at the end of the day!
5. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Tropical Getaway: Riviera Maya, Mexico
photo: Luxart Wedding Studio as seen in this Riviera Maya destination wedding location
How cool is this destination wedding idea?! We cannot get over how fun it would be to tie the knot on a yacht sailing through Carribean ocean in Mexico. Bring some champagne to celebrate, and pack your swimsuits so you can take a dip in the water after saying “I do.”
It’s such an adventurous and elevated take on a classic beach destination wedding location — and so perfect for a sunset ceremony! Make it an intimate moment with just the two of you, or invite your nearest and dearest for a magical ride.
Pro Tip: “Some resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages that include options for a yacht wedding for up to 50 guests,” says Elizabeth Urraza, a destination wedding planner from Paradise Weddings.
6. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Fairytale Vibes: Cappadocia, Turkey
photo: LOTTY H. Photography as seen in this hot air balloon destination wedding location in Cappadocia
If you want to feel like your destination wedding is happening in the middle of a fairytale, look no further than Cappadocia, Turkey. It’s known for hot air balloons, fairy chimneys, mystic valleys, and unbeatable scenery. In other words: pure magic!
You can plan your ceremony as the hot air balloons rise above the epic cone-shaped rock formations dotting the landscape. Talk about the dreamiest destination wedding location!
And for an ultra romantic post-wedding activity, why not plan a ride in one of the hot air balloons for you and your partner?! You’ll feel like you’re on cloud 9 (literally) as you watch the sun rise from above.
7. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a One-of-a-Kind Experience: Thailand
photo: Hipster Wedding as seen in this Thailand destination wedding in an intimate greenhouse location
We love the elegant, intimate vibe of this Thailand greenhouse wedding and think this spot is hands-down one of the best whimsical destination wedding locations. It’s perfect for elopements or micro-weddings!
Plan to arrive in Thailand a few days early so you can spend some time tasting the local street food or renting a private boat to go island hopping.
We also love the idea of infusing your destination wedding with details that are unique to the location — like a traditional Thai dinner or native flower arrangements. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate the destination and give your guests a ~taste~ of the local culture!
8. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Outdoor Adventurers: Patagonia, Chile
photo: Anni Graham as seen in this adventurous Patagonia elopement
This one’s for the wild adventurers. If the idea of epic hikes, alpine lakes, and jagged mountain backdrops sounds amazing, Patagonia is the best destination wedding location for you. Pack your wedding boots, we’re going on an adventure!
To take your adventurous destination wedding to the next level, follow in this couple’s footsteps and plan a sunrise ceremony in your location. Sure, you may have to wake up at 4 am to hike to the perfect spot, but the views (and photos) will be totally worth it.
9. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Whimsical Views: Moab, Utah
photo: Hazel & Lace, as seen in this desert glamping wedding in Moab
If you live in the US, one of the best destination wedding locations is actually pretty close to home. Moab, Utah, can compete with any of the other locations on this list. Its scenery is out of this world, its overnight stays are world-class, and its vibe is unique enough to stand out!
Enjoy the first moments of marriage marveling at the views of Canyonland National Park. Then spend your wedding night sleeping under the desert stars at this Utah glamping resort. It’s such a whimsical and romantic wedding destination — no long haul flight required!
10. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Unique Ceremony: Prague, Czech Republic
photo: Couple of Prague as seen in this Prague destination wedding in an abandoned train station location
Fun fact: There’s an abandoned train station in Prague where you can have a rad, industrial wedding ceremony, and holy cow it’s amazing. This may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to destination wedding locations, but we thing it’s beyond cool!
After all, the best destination wedding ideas are the ones that encourage you to get creative and think beyond the bounds of what a traditional wedding might look like, and this epic location is the perfect example of that.
P.S. Complete your unique Prague experience with a stay at this luxury rental with unbeatable views of Old Town!
Complete your romantic getaway with a stay at one of these luxury vacation rentals! If there was ever a time to treat yourself, it’s on your wedding weekend.
11. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Wine Lovers: Tuscany, Italy
photo: Paula O’Hara as seen in this Tuscany destination wedding in a 13th century villa location
Calling all wine lovers! If you haven’t already been to Tuscany, you NEED to go. Or better yet, make this bucket list hotspot your destination wedding location!
Not only is the region of Tuscany one of the most beautiful destination wedding locations, but it’s also known for the some of the best wine in the world. What better place to have your Italian wedding than in the gorgeous wine country?!
Rent out a traditional Tuscan farmhouse and indulge in all the vino, limoncello, and pasta you can handle.
12. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Bucket List Adventure: Lofoten, Norway
photo: Wild Connections Photography as seen in this dreamy winter elopement in Lofoten
We’re ALL about the “Frozen” vibes Norway gives off. Epic beaches, snow-tipped mountains, and glacial waters make for an extreme and stunning destination wedding location. One of our favorite spots? The Lofoten Islands.
This area is known for charming villages, unreal scenery, and, the best part, the Northern Lights! If you want an extra special destination wedding idea, plan your Lofoten wedding around late August to mid-April, when you can check this romantic experience off your bucket list.
13. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Boho Couples: Joshua Tree, California
photo: Feel and Focus Photography as seen in this desert destination wedding location in Joshua Tree
If you want the wide open desert as the backdrop for your wedding, we HIGHLY recommend traveling out to Joshua Tree. If your group is small enough, you can even get married in Joshua Tree National Park!
We love the idea of renting out an adorable desert home to soak up the sun during your visit. This desert dwelling is to die for! It’s one of the best destination wedding locations for boho couples who want to go off the grid for their nature-fueled ceremony.
14. The Best Hidden Gem Destination Wedding Location: Beirut, Lebanon
photo: Firas Chehabeddine Photography as seen in this destination wedding in an abandoned silk factory location
Where do we even begin with this one?! This destination wedding location is definitely for the couples that forge their own path and do things their way.
The Middle East is home to some of the most incredible landscapes and ruins, and it’s also significantly less traveled than many of the typical destination wedding locations. So it’s basically like you’ll have a hidden gem completely to yourselves!
Consider a place like Beirut, Lebanon, where history, beautiful nature, and incredible food collide.
15. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Lavish Romance: Lake Como, Italy
photo: Lilly Red as seen in this lakeside destination wedding location inspo
Lake Como feels like a dreamland come to life. It’s elegant, with mountain backdrops and beautiful, colorful buildings dotting the shore in a classically Italian coastal way. Plus, there are so many incredible villas that make for the perfect destination wedding locations!
Treat your guests to a ceremony with a view of the water and cocktail hour on a patio in the open air. And don’t forget to take a private boat tour out on the lake and admire the gorgeous architecture from a different viewpoint!
16. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Tropical Resort Experience: Todos Santos Baja California Sur, Mexico
photo: Lexi Hatch Photography as seen in this lantern-filled Mexico destination wedding location
This one’s for the coolest of couples. The Hotel San Cristóbal is retro and fun and desert-y all in one. Not only does it make for the best beachside destination wedding location, but you can also kick off your honeymoon at this hotel — it’s just THAT GOOD.
You can have your ceremony down on the sandy beach or in a quaint chapel on the hotel grounds. And while you’re there, be sure take a dip in the pool that looks right out onto the ocean, and grab dinner and drinks at Benno, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant!
17. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Iconic City Views: New York City
photo: Nicole Miller as seen in this intimate NYC elopement
We love us a fun city destination wedding, and what better location than New York City? A total classic that will have you guests buzzing for the wedding weekend.
Looking for the best unique destination wedding ideas for NYC? We love the idea of having a “first slice” instead of a first bite of cake. NYC is known for their pizza, so if there ever was a place to do it, it’d be here!
You can also have your first look on a busy sidewalk as people rush by, or share your vows on a rooftop patio, looking out onto the NYC skyline. Glamorous, exciting, and totally iconic!
18. The Best Location for an Epic Mountain Escape: Squamish, British Columbia
photo: Shari + Mike as seen in this epic mountaintop wedding
When it comes to epic mountains in North America, Canada has some of the absolute best. And if you love the idea of having your destination wedding with lush evergreen trees as your backdrop, Squamish BC is the ultimate location.
This area is known as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, so if outdoorsy adventures are a must for you and your partner, then prepare to fall in love!
Schedule your destination wedding over the course of a couple weeks, so you can spend some time exploring the mountains and going on epic adventures together. Pack an inflatable canoe and explore some alpine lakes, or grab a cute picnic blanket and enjoy a meal at the top of a mountain!
19. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Boho Beach Ceremony: Tulum, Mexico
photo: Chris and Ruth as seen in this Boho Meets Glam Tulum Wedding
Tulum is one of our all-time favorite places — both for destination weddings and beyond! The weather, the beaches, the boho vibes, the food, the ruins…there are just so many reasons to love Tulum.
Whether you’re looking for intimate beach wedding destination or a tropical jungle location for your ceremony, Tulum has allll the magical wedding vibes. Plus, it’s known for its rad hotels, like the Azulik tree house beach resort!
Pro tip: If you’re planning a beachside destination wedding, opt to have your dinner reception on the sand, so you can look out at the water, rather than sitting in an indoor reception space. We love the idea of having floor pillows and a long communal table — such a cozy and fun way to share a meal!
20. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Music Lovers: New Orleans
photo: Ruby Olivia Photography, as seen in this fun historic New Orleans wedding
When you want your wedding weekend to double as the party of the year, New Orleans is by far the best destination wedding location for the job! It’s a historic city known for its vibrant music scene, amazing Creole food, and bustling nightlife. There’s truly nothing like it!
Make your New Orleans destination wedding stand out by planning a march from your ceremony location to your reception — complete with a live marching band! Give your guests these vintage-inspired parasols to complete the look (and beat the heat). Party = started.
21. The Best Location for Affordable + Breathtaking Views: Georgia
photo: ISKRA Photography as seen in this moody mountain wedding in an ancient church in Georgia
If you’re looking for a destination wedding location that’ll stand out from the rest, we recommend looking into some of the lesser-known epic getaways, like the country of Georgia.
The mountains in Eastern Europe are absolutely breathtaking and would make for the best destination wedding backdrop. And as a bonus, this region is much more affordable than the mountainous hotspots of Western Europe and North America!
Our favorite destination wedding ideas for Georgia include taking a pre-wedding walk with your partner through the streets of Tbilisi, getting married in the ancient Gergeti Trinity Church, and enjoying a Georgian wine-tasting for two.
22. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Dramatic Landscapes: New Zealand
photo: Pablo Laguia as seen in this epic Punjabi New Zealand elopement
Who wouldn’t want Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, as the backdrop to their epic destination wedding?! New Zealand looks like it’s straight out of a movie, prooooobably because it literally has been the filming location for so many iconic films.
Plan your New Zealand wedding on a grassy hill overlooking the water or in the middle of the mountains. There are no wrong answers here!
Need some destination wedding ideas for this location? While you’re there, don’t forget to take a stroll through some gorgeous lavender fields, which New Zealand has plenty of. The perfect “just married” photo-op!
23. The Best Location for a Laid-Back Desert Ceremony: Morocco
photo: Nicola Dixon as seen in this desert Morocco elopement
When it comes to desert destination wedding locations, Morocco quite possibly beats them all. I mean, just look at the sweeping views of the Sahara Desert, where you can get married amongst the epic sand dunes. Perfect for an off-the-grid destination micro wedding!
The other must-see side of Morocco? The bustling city of Marrakech! Wander through the bazaars (aka the markets) and admire the handmade goods, spices, and local goodies. We love the idea of picking up some of you wedding decor from these markets to fully immerse your guests in the destination.
24. The Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Location: Calderona National Park, Spain
photo: Adrian Vilanova as seen in this cozy elopement in Calderona Natural Park
We love when couples choose to have their destination weddings in lesser-known places, and Calderona Natural Park is the perfect example! It’s a gorgeous spot with lovely mountain views, but we’d be willing to bet you (and your guests) probably haven’t heard of it.
And that’s exactly why we think this destination wedding location would be perfect for an intimate, outdoor ceremony. Cozy, private, and beautiful. Can’t go wrong with that combo!
Pro tip: Get your guests excited for this off-the-beaten-path destination with mountain-themed wedding invites that feature little details about the location.
25. The Best Location for Ancient Cliffside Hotspots: The Amalfi Coast, Italy
photo: Lilly Red at the Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi
In Amalfi (one of the most beautiful places on Earth!), there is a place where you can get married surrounded by what is left from an ancient convent.
From Lilly Red: “It is so quiet and silent that you feel the neutral colors of this ceremony totally embracing the harmony of this timeless place. Super epic and part of the beauty of getting married in Italy.” Yep, we agree, this destination wedding location is STUNNING!
And since it’s right off the Amalfi Coast, you won’t need to travel far for your post-wedding romantic escape! Stay in one of the gorgeous cliffside hotels in Positano for the trip of a lifetime.
26. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Taste of Royalty: England
photo: Sam Sparks Photo, as seen in this moody English wedding
Want to plan your very own royal wedding? Enter: England, the best wedding destination for elevated, regal vibes! With plenty of manors and estates dotting the countryside, England is a no-brainer for couples who want to live like royals for a week.
Our favorite destination wedding locations across the pond? The Cliveden House, where Kate Middleton stayed on the night before her wedding, or the Luton Hoo Hotel, which was actually one of the wedding locations from “Four Weddings and a Funeral”!
27. The Best Destination Wedding Location for a Traveler’s Paradise: Costa Rica
photo: Chris & Ruth Photography, as seen in this eclipse-themed Costa Rica wedding
When planning their wedding, this couple wanted to incorporate their love of travel into the ceremony. And what better way to do that than with a destination wedding at an epic travel location like Costa Rica?!
A traveler’s paradise, Costa Rica has everything from wild outdoor adventure to relaxing beachside escapes. Tie the knot on the rocky shores, then take your guests on a post-wedding waterfall tour or zipline experience.
Nothing will get your heart racing quite like a destination wedding in this tropical location — it’s the perfect start to married life, if you ask us!
28. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Bridgerton Vibes: Lisbon, Portugal
photo: atmosphere, as seen in this Bridgerton-inspired Portugal elopement
Does your wedding Pinterest board look a lot like an episode of Bridgerton? Then let us introduce you to the best destination wedding location for whimsical palaces, elegant architecture, and fairytale vibes: Lisbon, Portugal!
Lisbon is home to gorgeous locations that will have you feeling like the diamond of the season — from royal palaces where you can tie the knot (and spend your wedding night), to a sparkling ocean where you can marvel at the views from a sunset cruise.
Plus, Portugal is one of the most affordable destination wedding locations in Europe. So you can achieve royal vibes on a budget!
29. The Best Location for a Rich Cultural Experience: Kyoto, Japan
photo: Henry Tieu Photography, as seen in this destination elopement in Japan
Unlike the buzzing city of Tokyo, Kyoto is a charming, rural retreat. It’s also one of the best destination wedding locations for couples who want to spotlight a unique and refined culture!
Immerse yourself in all the rich history Kyoto has to offer with trips to Buddhist temples, traditional gardens, and nearby beaches. When done right, a destination wedding is one of the best ways to learn about (and fall in love with) a new location.
You can even add a local experience to your itinerary, like a ramen cooking class or a traditional tea ceremony!
30. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Honeymooners: Hawaii
photo: Carol Oliva Photography, as seen in this boho O’ahu destination wedding location inspo
Is there anything more iconic than a beachside destination wedding in Hawaii? It’s one of the most stunning places on earth, with turquoise waters, tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and fresh cuisine.
Plus, each island has its own unique vibe! Choose from Maui’s pristine beaches (dotted with sea turtles), O’ahu’s cityscapes and mountains, or the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes. No matter what you go with, don’t miss a sunset dip in the ocean!
And if you’re also dreaming of a Hawaii honeymoon, why not choose an all-inclusive resort for your festivities? The Four Seasons in Maui is one of the best destination wedding locations for this!
Calling all honeymooners: are you looking for an epic destination for your romantic getaway? Here are the best locations in the US — no passport necessary!
31. The Best Location for Enchanting Landscapes: Isle of Skye, Scotland
photo: The Kitcheners as seen in this foggy Isle of Skye destination wedding location inspo
Mossy mountains, foggy hillsides, and moody weather make Isle of Skye one of the best destination wedding locations out there. Perfect for couples with Scottish heritage, or anyone who loves a mystical, enchanting vibe!
Looking for unforgettable destination wedding ideas to incorporate into your Isle of Skye trip? Visit the magical Fairy Pools or take a trip back in time at the ancient Eilean Donan castle. Scotland has some amazing castles — some of which you can actually spend the night in (and get married in)!
32. The Best Location for Incredible Architecture: Florence, Italy
photo: Blancorazon Wedding, as seen in this epic Florence elopement
Italy has no shortage of amazing destination wedding locations, and Florence is another one of the best. It stands out, with its distinct gothic architecture — which make for some truly iconic photo ops!
Say “I do” overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the city, then enjoy your newly married status by wandering hand-in-hand past the gothic cathedrals (don’t forget your bridal sneakers!). Pop into a quaint cafe for a celebratory spritz, or swap your wedding cake for a bite of gelato at an outdoor table.
Proof that the best destination weddings are the ones that break the rules and embrace the uniqueness of the location!
33. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Festival Vibes: South Africa
photo: Charlene Schreuder Photography as seen in this glamping elopement in the South African wine country
In case you didn’t already know, South Africa is gorgeousssss, and getting hitched in South Africa’s wine region is one of the best scenic destination wedding ideas!
Make the drive out to wine country and tie the knot at this Cherry Glamping farm stay. You and your guests can stay in boho bell tents surrounded by rolling hills and cozy forests, sipping on local wine and spotting Zebras in the distance. Kind of like your own festival of love!
P.S. If you plan on visiting Cape Town while you’re there, you’ll definitely want to take the gondola up to the top of Table Mountain, where you can look down on the city and the ocean off in the distance. It’s the perfect location to add to your destination wedding to-visit list!
34. The Best Destination Wedding Location for Scenic Sunsets: Malibu, California
photo: Sanaz Photography as seen in this mountainside Malibu destination wedding location inspo
If we’re being honest, Malibu kind of has it all. Gorgeous rolling hills and cliffsides, paired with some of the best west coast beaches. If you want a destination wedding location that has a huge variety of landscapes and things to do, Malibu is perfect.
The best destination wedding ideas for Malibu include planning a sunset picnic at El Matador State Beach and enjoying sushi with a view at the iconic Nobu. Oh, and don’t forget to live like a celebrity for a night at this stunning cliffside mansion!
35. The Best Location for Unbeatable Fall Vibes: Colorado
photo: Hannah Wilson Photography, as seen in this ’70s-inspired Colorado mountain wedding
Colorado is known for many things: the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, the world-class skiing, and the immaculate fall vibes. That’s why it’s one of the best destination wedding locations if you’re tying the knot in autumn!
Plan your Colorado destination wedding between September and October for postcard-worthy fall foliage that makes for the ultimate backdrop to your mountaintop ceremony. And for the most photogenic fall ceremony spot, check out the famous Dunton Hot Springs resort!
36. The Best Location for Adventurous Elopements: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
photo: Terry Photo Co. as seen in this magical alpine lake destination wedding location inspo
If icy, aqua-color lakes and tall mountains dotted in evergreens make you swoon, Moraine Lake is going to blow you away. Perfect for adventurous elopements, this lake is one of the best breathtaking locations you can choose for your destination wedding!
Did you know you can even rent out the little canoes that sit lakeside and explore the icy waters for yourselves?! Seriously the most romantic post-vows idea.
Plan the Dreamiest Destination Wedding With Our Best Guides
Now that you’ve settled on the best location, it’s time to make the rest of your destination wedding dreams come true!
To start, check out our ultimate wedding gown guide and wedding shoes guide to match your epic destination. We’ve also rounded up the best places to buy bridesmaid gowns to complete the look!
And don’t forget the most important accessory for the big day: your rings. Here are the prettiest wedding bands for women, as well as the most stylish wedding bands for men.
Looking for more travel inspo? Check out these romantic Airbnbs for some pre-wedding R&R or a post-wedding getaway!
Which of these destination wedding locations are you adding to your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
