A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Destination Wedding

You’re engaged! If you’ve decided on a destination wedding, you’re in for an exciting journey. But how can you possibly choose a location? Should you whisk off to the Italian Riviera, head down to Florida, or pick one of the many islands in the Caribbean? The possibilities are endless!

As a destination wedding expert who has walked many clients through this process from start to finish, I understand the importance of choosing the perfect location for your destination wedding. In this guide, I will walk you through some key considerations to keep in mind when narrowing down the places where you should have your special day.

1. Consider Travel Time: When deciding on a destination, consider the travel time required for you and your guests. You may want to opt for a location easily accessible from major airports and doesn’t involve excessively long flights. This will make it more convenient for everyone to attend and enjoy the celebration without the hassle of extensive travel. If your dream wedding destination is somewhere such as Bali, consider talking to your guests beforehand regarding the time to get there. You may find that your guests are up for the long hike, or that many of your guests can’t take time off or don’t want to travel that far.

2. Main Locations Guests Will Travel From and Guests’ Nationalities: Consider where your guests will be traveling from. If many are coming from different parts of the world, choose a central location that minimizes travel time for the majority. Consider the ease of obtaining visas and any travel restrictions that may affect your guests’ ability to attend. Consider a country that doesn’t need a visa for the nationality of most of your guests. Another thing to remember when choosing your wedding location is if you have many West Coast guests, going to the Caribbean may not be as convenient as Mexico or Central America. And for your east coasters in the US, Tahiti will be quite the hike for them.

3. Airfare Costs: Destination weddings often involve air travel, so keep an eye on airfare costs. Research airlines that operate in the chosen location and look for seasonal trends that may affect ticket prices. Consider selecting a destination with a competitive airfare market to make the journey more budget-friendly for your guests. For example, you can have a pretty affordable wedding in Southeast Asia, but a $1,500+ plane ticket may not be in your guests’ budget.

4. Consider the Setting and Season: If you want a warm wedding or a snowy mountain backdrop, that automatically narrows down your options! What do you envision for your perfect day? A gorgeous sunset on the beach? A garden? White sand, lush palm trees, or rugged terrain? Try creating a vision board and determining your dream setting to help you narrow down your location options. If you have to get married in the months of June-August, but don’t want humid temperatures, you may find that a mountain wedding is your best option. If you want a spring wedding but don’t want to deal with snow or temperatures below 70 degrees, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central American may be your best options.

5. Number of Flights: Choose a destination that offers a reasonable number of flights, ensuring flexibility for your guests. A location with multiple daily flights can accommodate different travel schedules and provide alternatives in case of unexpected delays or cancellations. While the island of Antigua if stunning, the limited flights can make it difficult for travelers to get there without extended layovers.

6. Proximity to a Major Airport: Consider the proximity of your chosen destination to a major airport. This can significantly reduce travel time for your guests, making the overall experience more enjoyable. A picturesque destination might be less appealing if it requires an extended journey from the airport. Choose a location that strikes a balance between beauty and convenience.

7. Location Costs: Every destination has a unique cost of living and wedding-related expenses. Research and compare the costs associated with venues, catering, and other wedding services in potential locations. Some destinations may offer more all-inclusive wedding packages to help you manage costs more effectively. Locations such as Italy, St. Barths, and Santorini will be tough if you’re working on a more moderate wedding budget!

Selecting the right destination for your wedding involves a thoughtful evaluation of various factors. By considering travel time, where guests are traveling from, airfare costs, location costs, the number of flights, proximity to a major airport, and your dream vision, you can ensure a memorable and stress-free celebration for both you and your loved ones.

Are you overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Specialists such as myself can be an invaluable resource when it comes to choosing the right destination for your wedding. Join my private Facebook group for common questions and inspiration, set up a consultation, or connect with me HERE.