Dreaming of tying the knot on a coastal cliffside in Santorini, or saying “I do” on a tropical beach in Thailand? For travel lovers, there’s nothing more magical than planning a wedding in your bucket list destination….but destination wedding planning also comes with its own unique baggage. From language barriers with vendors to long-haul flights for your extended family, planning a destination wedding can quickly go from “dream come true” to “should we just elope?”
That’s why we created this complete guide for how to plan a destination wedding outside of the US, featuring tried-and-true advice from some of the top wedding experts in the industry. So grab your passport and my hand, and let’s get into it!
Everything You Need to Know About Destination Wedding Planning: Expert Tips and Advice
Ready to say “I do” to your dream destination wedding? Whether you’re searching for romantic destination inspo or wondering when to send out invites, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your perfect wedding from miles (or oceans) away.
“Destination weddings are about connection, adventure, and love — three things that should never be rushed. With the right support and a bit of strategy, planning a destination wedding can be just as joyful as the wedding itself,” says Michelle Durpetti of Durpetti Events. Keep scrolling for all our expert tips and advice!
1. Choose Your Destination Wedding Planner Wisely
If you’re planning a destination wedding in a far-flung place, you need someone who speaks the language, both literally and culturally. “Planning a wedding abroad requires more than just local know-how — it’s about bridging cultures,” says Durpetti.
To ensure nothing gets lost in translation, choose a wedding planner who’s fluent in the destination, from knowing the best local vendors to understanding the customs of the region. As the team behind Cortiella Photography explains, “A planner who specializes in destination weddings is worth their weight in gold.” After all, they’ll be the person talking you through travel itineraries, explaining local legalities, and planning with vendors, so you can focus on more important things like curating your destination wedding Pinterest board!
✨ Pro Tip: “Bringing a planner from your home country with experience in your dream location is the way to go,” says the destination wedding photo & video team at The Drakes.
What professionals do you need to hire for a destination wedding? We’re answering your most frequently asked questions here!
2. Trust The Locals
When it comes to planning all the nuanced details of a destination wedding, it’s best to leave it to the pros — aka, the locals. “Each destination comes with quirks: light changes fast in Iceland, humidity fogs lenses in Cuba, and European cities may require permits,” explains the team at The Drakes. When you work with a local team that knows these nuances, you can trust that they’ll come prepared and understand how to adapt to the location.
Another bonus of going local? “They’ll help you weave in authentic cultural elements for a celebration that feels truly special,” says Shermain Jeremy of Antigua & Barbuda.
3. Find a Destination That Reflects Your Love Story (And Wedding Style)
Your destination isn’t just the location of your wedding, it’s the inspiration. Think about why you’re choosing to tie the knot in this particular location instead of, say, your backyard or local ballroom. Does it hold meaning to your relationship? Is it a symbol of your culture? Does it reflect your adventurous personalities?
It’s also important to consider the style and logistics of a place when planning your destination wedding. “Think about travel ease, weather seasons, and what type of experience you want (beachy, cultural, adventurous, luxurious),” advises the team at Cortiella Photography.
✈️ Pro Tip: If possible, try to visit your destination before the wedding day to get a better sense of style and planning. “Use the trip to tour venues, meet vendors, plan tastings, and finalize logistics,” says the Cortiella Photography team. “If a visit isn’t doable, ask your planner to schedule virtual walkthroughs and meetings.”
4. Plan For The Entire Destination Experience, Not Just The Wedding Day
Planning a destination wedding means whisking all your loved ones away to a bucket list location. So why not make the most of the experience with a full wedding weekend itinerary?!
“Most destination weddings span several days — welcome parties, local excursions, wine tastings, farewell brunches,” says Durpetti. “These are more than events; they’re an opportunity to gift your guests with a meaningful experience of the place you’ve chosen.” Which brings us to our next tip…
5. Embrace The Local Culture
Another way to immerse your guests in your dream location? Incorporate unique details from your destination into every aspect of your wedding planning.
“From Caribbean-infused menus to locally sourced florals and handmade guest favors, incorporating the destination’s personality elevates the wedding and supports the local economy,” explains Jeremy. “It’s not just a wedding, it’s an immersive travel experience for everyone involved.”
🌍 Pro Tip: Think of unique ways to showcase your destination, whether that’s a local tradition, a cultural performance, or a signature cocktail made from regional ingredients. It’s the little details that make the biggest impact!
6. Keep Your Guests in Mind When Planning a Destination Wedding
Listen, we love any excuse to jet-set to a romantic international hotspot, but planning a destination wedding can be a big ask for guests. From the long-haul flights to the complicated travel itineraries, there’s a lot that goes into attending a wedding outside of the US — so try to make it as stress-free as possible for your loved ones.
“Help guests by reserving a block of hotel rooms, arranging group transportation, and providing clear travel information. A wedding website is especially helpful for keeping everyone in the loop,” suggests the Cortiella Photography team.
✉️ Pro Tip: Send your save-the-dates extra early when planning a destination wedding. “Because guests will need extra time to plan, book time off work, and budget for travel, it’s important to send save-the-dates at least 9-12 months in advance,” says the team at Cortiella Photography.
7. Over Planning Is Better Than Under Planning for a Destination Wedding
The golden rule when planning a destination wedding: always be over-prepared. There are more logistics to tying the knot overseas, from coordinating travel times to adjusting to the rhythm of a different culture.
“Getting married abroad means adding layers to your timeline: travel time, vendor coordination, even paperwork. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need — especially if you’re marrying in a place with siestas, slower-paced communication, or specific permit needs,” says Durpetti.
In other words, start planning now!
8. Research The Laws of Your Destination When Wedding Planning
Speaking of destination wedding planning logistics, don’t forget to read up on the legalities of saying “I do” in another country. “Research whether you’ll need special documentation like translated birth certificates, blood tests, or local officiants,” says the Cortiella Photography team.
This also applies to other aspects of your wedding planning, like hiring vendors in an international destination. “Every destination has its own laws. Some countries require work permits for foreign vendors, others restrict drone use, and some venues charge extra for outside creatives,” explains the team at The Drakes. “Before signing anything, ask your planner about restrictions — and share this information with your photo and video team.”
💒 Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with the marriage laws of another country, you can always split your wedding in two parts: the legal ceremony and the symbolic ceremony. “Some couples opt to legally marry at home first, then host a symbolic ceremony abroad to simplify the process,” says Cortiella Photography.
9. Time Your Date Thoughtfully
Any travel lover knows the power of a well-timed getaway, and that’s especially true when planning a destination wedding. “Choosing your destination wedding date is about more than just finding good weather,” says Alison Stevenson of Alison Mae Photography. “Peak season often brings clear skies but also bigger crowds, busier venues, and higher prices.”
For a stress-free and budget-friendly celebration, plan your destination wedding during the shoulder seasons, typically late spring or early fall. You’ll still get the great weather, but with fewer crowds, better travel prices, and the intimate feeling of having a destination all to yourselves.
10. Plan a Destination Wedding That Doubles As a Romantic Honeymoon
The best part about planning a destination wedding? You don’t have to wait for the honeymoon to begin! After the last dance ends, you can immediately transition into honeymoon mode in your dream destination, no long-haul flight necessary.
“Opt for a location that doubles as a romantic getaway,” suggests Jeremy. “Caribbean islands like Antigua and Barbuda offer not only stunning ceremony spots — think historic sugar mills, cliffside villas, and secluded beaches — but also unforgettable honeymoon vibes. This means fewer logistics and more meaningful memories.”
One last tip? “Focus on what matters: incredible food, meaningful design, and thoughtful guest experiences. You don’t need more, you just need intentional. It’s not about how much you pack into the day, it’s about how it all feels,” says Durpetti.
Planning a Destination Wedding? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re already booking vendors or still in daydreaming mode, we have all the guides you need to plan your dream destination wedding!
First things first, don’t miss our complete wedding planning checklist, which will help you stay on track for every aspect of the journey — from picking out your wedding dress to creating your wedding registry.
Plus, we’re also answering your top questions for planning a wedding overseas, so you can plan with confidence.
What’s next on your wedding planning to-do list? Let us know in the comments below!
