Top 8 Destination Wedding Venues

Choosing a destination wedding venue is about more than a pretty backdrop—it’s about creating a place where your family and friends can settle in, celebrate, and make memories over several days. Below are seven standout destinations that pair stunning settings with guest‑friendly logistics and strong on‑site wedding teams.

1. Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you want warm weather, all‑inclusive ease, and tons of venue options, it’s hard to beat Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Resorts along this stretch—from Cancun down to Tulum—offer beachfront gazebos, sky terraces, garden chapels, and modern ballrooms, all handled by in‑house wedding coordinators.

Why couples love it:

• All‑inclusive packages make budgeting simpler.

• Nonstop flights from many U.S. cities mean easier travel for guests.

• You can host everyone at one property but still customize events (welcome party, rehearsal dinner, beach day, farewell brunch).

2. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is the classic choice for couples dreaming of villas, vineyards, and golden‑hour light over rolling hills. Many estates can be taken over for several nights, turning your wedding into a private house party with wine tastings, cooking classes, and pool days built in.

Why couples love it:

• Romantic, storybook backdrops for photos everywhere you look.

• Incredible food and wine that doubles as your reception “wow” factor.

• Easy pre‑ or post‑wedding add‑ons in Florence, Rome, or the Amalfi Coast.

3. French Riviera, France

For a glamorous coastal feel, the French Riviera offers historic villas, cliffside hotels, and sea‑view gardens from Nice to Saint‑Tropez. Here, you trade “beach town” for “Mediterranean chic,” with yacht charters, Michelin‑starred dinners, and late‑night dancing under string lights.

Why couples love it:

• Classic European elegance with a resort‑style climate.

• Fantastic options for welcome cruises, wine‑country day trips, and spa time.

• Easy access via Nice airport for international guest lists.

4. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is ideal for couples who want a smaller guest list and maximum drama: whitewashed buildings, volcanic cliffs, and sunsets that feel made for wedding photos. Many venues are boutique hotels with caldera‑view terraces, allowing you to host ceremony, dinner, and dancing in one unforgettable setting.

Why couples love it:

• Iconic views that need almost no added décor.

• Great for intimate groups where everyone can stay within walking distance.

• Island‑hopping to Mykonos, Naxos, or Crete turns the wedding into a longer vacation.

5. Sandals Resorts: All‑Inclusive Caribbean Destination Weddings

Sandals resorts are a strong option if you want a beach destination wedding where almost everything is bundled and adults‑only is a plus. With properties across Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, the Bahamas, Curaçao, and Grenada, you can match the vibe you want—lively and social or more secluded and romantic—without reinventing the planning process each time.

Why couples love Sandals for weddings:

• Complimentary basic wedding packages when you stay a minimum number of nights, with the option to layer on décor, photography, and private events as your budget allows.

• On‑site wedding teams that handle details like legal requirements, ceremony setup, flowers, cake, and reception logistics, which is especially helpful if most guests are flying in from the U.S. or Canada.

• True all‑inclusive pricing—gourmet dining, premium drinks, water sports, and many activities are included—so guests know their costs up front and you avoid surprise add‑ons once everyone arrives.

Sandals can work particularly well for couples who want a straightforward, beach‑focused celebration and like the idea of their guests enjoying a resort vacation before and after the wedding day itself.

6. Bali, Indonesia

For couples willing to travel farther for something truly different, Bali combines tropical scenery with deep cultural texture. Think clifftop ceremonies in Uluwatu, jungle villas near Ubud, and beachfront resorts that can host multi‑day celebrations with fire dancers, private feasts, and spa days.

Why couples love it:

• Excellent value for luxury once you arrive.

• Unique ceremony elements, from local music to flower offerings.

• Endless honeymoon options on the same island—no extra flight needed.

7. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is perfect if you want your wedding to feel like a laid‑back nature retreat. Venues range from boutique eco‑lodges in the rainforest to upscale Pacific coast resorts with infinity pools and sunset decks. Between events, guests can zip‑line, hike, surf, or soak in hot springs.

Why couples love it:

• Strong focus on sustainability and outdoor experiences.

• Great mix of adventure and relaxation for different types of guests.

• Ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel like a shared trip, not just a single day.

8. The Islands of Hawaii

Hawaii offers exotic scenery without leaving the United States, which simplifies passports and legal details for many couples. Each island has a distinct personality: Oahu for convenience and nightlife, Maui for resort luxury, Kauai for dramatic landscapes, and the Island of Hawaii for volcanic vistas and stargazing.

Why couples love it:

• Reliable wedding infrastructure and experienced planning teams.

• Easy layering of cultural touches such as lei exchanges and local music.

• Honeymoon built in—you simply change rooms or islands after the big day.

If you share roughly how many guests you’re expecting, your budget range, and whether you’re picturing “all‑inclusive beach,” “European villa,” or “tropical adventure,” I can help you narrow this list down to two or three ideal spots and suggest the right style of resort or venue in each.

Factors To Consider When Thinking About Destination Weddings

Before you pick a spot on the map, it helps to look at the practical side of a destination wedding. A beautiful venue only works if it fits your budget, timeline, and guests. Thinking through a few key factors early will save you stress (and money) later.

First, consider budget and overall cost for you and your guests. All‑inclusive resorts can make numbers more predictable, while European villas or private islands may require separate budgets for venue, catering, and lodging. Be realistic about what your guests can afford in terms of flights, room rates, and time away from work so they aren’t priced out of attending.

Next, think about travel logistics and accessibility. Look at how many flights go into the nearest airport, how often they run, and how long transfers take from airport to resort. Destinations with nonstop or one‑stop routes from major U.S. hubs are usually easier on guests than places that require long layovers, ferries, or tiny regional planes.

You’ll also want to factor in weather and seasonality. Hurricane seasons, rainy months, and peak‑tourism periods can all affect prices and availability—as well as the chances that your outdoor ceremony stays dry. Check typical weather patterns for your preferred month, and decide whether you’re comfortable trading a little rain risk for lower prices or quieter resorts.

Legal details matter, too, so don’t overlook marriage requirements and paperwork. Some countries make it simple to have a legally binding ceremony; others involve waiting periods, blood tests, or extensive documentation in advance. Many couples sidestep complications by doing the legal paperwork at home and treating the destination ceremony as the symbolic wedding.

Finally, consider guest experience and length of stay. Will this be a quick three‑night trip or a full week of events? Are there activities for different ages and interests—beach time, excursions, shopping, golf, spa, or nightlife? The more you match the destination and resort to your group’s style, the more your wedding will feel like a shared vacation rather than a one‑day event dropped into an unfamiliar place.

Final Thoughts

Wherever you choose to say “I do”—on a Caribbean beach, in a Tuscan vineyard, on a cliff in Santorini, or at a Sandals resort surrounded by turquoise water—the right destination wedding is the one that reflects your story and makes travel easy for the people you love. The biggest difference between a stressful experience and a seamless long weekend often comes down to smart planning: choosing the right resort, timing, room categories, and group perks so your guests feel taken care of from the moment they book.

If you’re ready to turn your destination wedding ideas into a real plan, our team can help you compare locations, resorts, and packages and walk you through every step—from picking dates to managing guest travel. Call our travel agency today to start planning the wedding you’ve always dreamed of and let us handle the details so you can focus on celebrating.