Destination weddings are now more popular than ever, and the trend of saying "I do" away from home shows no signs of slowing down.
The destination wedding industry brought in $7 million more in 2023 than it did in 2022, growing from $21 billion to $28 billion, with the industry forecasted to be worth more than $78 billion by 2027, according to the 2023 Destination Wedding Global Market Report.
Amidst the customary spike in marriage proposals during the holiday season, and with February designated as
"National Weddings Month," here's a curated list of remarkable destination wedding locations in the U.S. and beyond.
Destination: Dubai
Dubai, the city of superlatives, also invites couples to take their romance to new heights whether it is along the Arabian Gulf, tucked in its beautifully preserved desert lands or on top of the tallest building in the world, offering an experience and offering for every interest. Set on its own private island in the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab offers iconic seven-star service, Michelin-starred dining and all-suite accommodations in addition to its exquisite wedding venues, offering both guests and couples an unforgettable experience.
For a more rustic but equally romantic and luxurious celebration, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, features plenty of opportunity for taking in views of the sand dunes and desert wildlife as well as luxury wedding packages for a bespoke wedding day. Back in town, the Armani Hotel, located in the Burj Khalifa, incorporates the brand’s elegant persona into couples’ special day from its team of floral designers that adorn the hotel’s sophisticated ballroom and pavilion to its featured private gallery that offers guests an exclusive opportunity to own limited pieces of haute couture.
Destination: Monterey, California
Home to verdant vineyards and wineries, rolling hills, lush farmland, 99 miles of coastline, and dramatic landscapes from Big Sur to Pinnacles, Monterey offers the best of California all in one county that is as beautiful as it is diverse. Luxe wedding venues include the iconic Alila Ventana Big Sur with an expansive lawn overlooking the Pacific for movie-star-like affairs, Bernardus Lodge & Spa with a vineyard onsite, and historic Holman Ranch where bridal parties can take over the 14-room estate, host their own rodeo onsite and have their own wine cellar in the Charlie Chaplan suite.
More out-of-the-box options for ceremonies and bridal events include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, CRŪ Winery in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and the enchanting Holly Farm with a photogenic barn. Beyond picturesque backdrops, guests and bridal parties alike can make it a full vacation and indulge in more than 65 tasting rooms or innovative trails like Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Wine Walk, 28 golf courses including famed Pebble Beach, renowned spas like Refuge or The Spa at Post Ranch Inn, nature and wildlife adventures including year-round whale watching, and plenty of protected state beaches.
Destination: Panama City Beach, FL
From intimate beachfront ceremonies to charming waterfront venues, Panama City Beach has couples (and their entourage) covered, offering a true vacation experience with turquoise waters, sugar-white beaches and sun-sational pre- and post-wedding activities. Exchange vows aboard a private catamaran sailing charter, plan a beach ceremony at St. Andrews or Camp Helen state parks, or enjoy an unforgettable ceremony directly across from the sugar-white shores of the Gulf of Mexico at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach. The new property boasts unobstructed ocean views from each of the hotel’s five floors, a zero-entry swimming pool, two onsite restaurants, complimentary made-to-order breakfast and complimentary evening reception -- with over 15,500 square feet of event space for the big day.
For welcome parties and rehearsal dinners, gather guests for a night of elegance and unrivaled cuisine at Firefly or the iconic Capt. Anderson’s restaurant. When it comes to off-the-aisle activities for guests, Panama City Beach offers an array of exciting experiences including snorkeling, boating, fishing, golf and much more.
Destination: Garden of the Gods Resort & Spa | Colorado Springs, CO
Drawing inspiration from its ethereal surroundings of breathtaking mountain ranges and dramatic red rocks, Garden of the Gods Resort & Spa, fresh off a $40M renovation, offers picturesque venues and incredible amenities well suited for a destination wedding from 30 to 300. Spread across 22,000 sq. ft., al fresco ceremonies can opt for the terrace adorned by a historic reflection pool (the original from the club’s 50s origins) and framed by the park’s iconic “Kissing Camels;” or, indulge in the 250-person “Three Graces” ballroom equipped with an open-air terrace.
Bridal parties can shake wedding day nerves on the resort’s championship golf course or within the renowned med spa, Strata, with 40 MDs onsite and services ranging from IV therapy to mental health counseling to flotation therapy and ayurvedic massages. The 117 resort guest rooms and suites, and standalone cottages and casitas ranging from one- to three-bedrooms offer varying layouts ideal for groups. Grand View restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling glass overlooks the best vantage of the park and has fine dining menus fueled by the best regional ingredients. The resort can arrange private excursions into Garden of the Gods, in addition to adventure experiences from jeep tours to falconry – super fun for a bridal party photo moment.
Destination: Cheyenne, WY
With wide open prairies, a charming colorfully painted main street, venues with wild west flair, diverse lodging and dining, and plenty to do, Cheyenne is an unexpected and affordable bridal destination, surprisingly photogenic around every turn. Unique venues include the historic Wyoming Hereford Ranch, a working cattle ranch typified by lush meadows, mixed grass prairies and a year-round creek with ceremony and reception spaces for weddings up to 500. Bridal parties can rent out The Nagle Warren Mansion, a Bed and Breakfast time capsule set in 1900 Victorian for old-world service, afternoon teas, rare liquors, and world-class cuisine; and the popular Little America Hotel & Resort offers expansive rooms and amenities for guests.
For rehearsal dinners, receptions and catering, there’s newly designed RailSpur for day-to-night bites housed in industrial chic interiors with restored train track materials (a nod to Cheyenne's origins), tap the food truck scene like nationally acclaimed Double Dub’s, or one of the several charming craft breweries and distilleries like Black Tooth, Freedom's Edge or Blue Raven Brewery in the Corson House historical home. Bridal parties can burn jitters enjoying the plethora of trails and stunning landscapes at Curt Gowdy State Park, or even betting at the Horse Palace and nearby casinos.
Destination: Cliff House Maine – Ogunquit, ME
With destination weddings becoming all the rage, couples seeking a one-of-a-kind view will find heaven at Cliff House Maine’s coastal cliffside venue. The luxury resort sits perched atop Bald Head Cliff, featuring sweeping of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky coast at every angle. The property's North Point Lawn offers a beautiful outdoor setting just on the edge of the property, where celebrants can hear the ocean waves crash along the southern Maine coast as they get hitched on the cliff. Following the ceremony, the nearby Firepit Terrace patio and Cliffscape Terrace keep the party going with an outdoor cocktail hour. Inside, the chic Atlantic Ballroom is adorned with expansive panoramic windows, serving up unobstructed views of the ocean, for those looking for a climate-controlled environment. The venue exudes a classic ballroom feel with a stunning vaulted beamed ceiling finished in cedar planking. Cliff House Maine’s unrivaled location and backdrop ensure an unforgettable ceremony, and photo album at any time of year.
Destination: Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island, Everglades
Florida's Paradise Coast, spanning the enchanting locales of Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades, stands as the ultimate destination for an ethereal wedding experience. Picture a romantic celebration amid sun-kissed beaches and lush tropical landscapes, where unparalleled natural beauty serves as the canvas for love. Along the pristine shores of Naples and Marco Island, luxurious resorts such as The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offer a seamless fusion of opulence and charm. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, renowned for its luxurious ambiance, presents elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, including a beautiful lawn and a Mediterranean-style terrace. Meanwhile, LaPlaya, with its stunning beachfront location, provides a picturesque setting featuring various event spaces, from beachside venues to elegant ballrooms.
For couples with a penchant for nature, the Naples Botanical Garden unfolds as a vibrant haven, offering lush gardens and customizable outdoor spaces. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the curated natural beauty, a touch of untamed wilderness from the nearby Everglades adding a unique and unforgettable flair. As the sun sets against swaying palm trees, couples can revel in a celebration infused with the vibrant energy of Florida's culture. With its perfect blend of sophistication and nature's wonders, Florida's Paradise Coast promises an unparalleled and distinctive wedding celebration for couples seeking magic and memories.
Destination: Nassau and Paradise Island, The Bahamas
With crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Nassau and Paradise Island is the ideal spot for couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque destination. Whether couples are looking for an intimate affair with their closest friends and family, a lavish celebration at a luxury resort or a dreamy beachfront ceremony, Nassau and Paradise Island offer a variety of settings no matter what type of wedding couples are looking for. A variety of resorts throughout the island offer event coordinators and wedding packages, leaving the stress of wedding planning up to the professionals and allowing couples to relax and enjoy their big day. The new Goldwynn Resort and Residences sits on a beautiful stretch of Cable Beach, and experienced event coordinators work to create a bespoke and meaningful wedding experience from the altar to the dinner toast.
At Baha Mar, couples can tailor their wedding to their preferences from a small ceremony on the beach to a huge party among the resort’s beautiful grounds with a variety of dining options and activities for wedding guests to enjoy while they are on property. At The Ocean Club, a Four Season Resort, Bahamas, vows can be said amidst scenery set for romance. Stone pathways lead through the landscape of the elegant Versailles Gardens and the Beach Deck offers unobstructed views of gorgeous beaches. At The Ocean Club, couples can also create a curated package so everything from the drinks and hors d’oeuvres to the cake will be handled and personalized. No matter where couples choose to celebrate their life together, Nassau and Paradise Island are full of romantic options with views that are unparalleled.
Destination: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Hosting a wedding on MSC’s private island, Ocean MSC Marine Reserve, allows couples to enjoy a beautiful and stress-free vacation while also getting to celebrate a wedding with their closest loved ones. During the cruise, couples will receive special amenities onboard including a deluxe breakfast in bed and specialty dining for two. Upon arriving at the island, couples will get to say their vows in the Wedding Pavilion decorated with beautiful floral arrangements amidst a background of turquoise Bahamian waters and white sand. Couples will work with a pre-cruise wedding planner and onboard/onsite wedding coordinator, taking all the stress out of planning and allowing them to enjoy their time together. Throughout the cruise and on the wedding day, couples also receive a wedding cake, a champagne toast for the couple and guests, stateroom décor and a preserved bouquet & matching boutonniere. The beauty of the island and the outstanding service from MSC Cruises make Ocean Cay an ideal wedding destination for couples looking for a seamless, yet beautiful wedding destination.
Destination: Kentucky
Nestled among the rolling hills and picturesque horse farms of Versailles, KY, the Kentucky Castle has what it takes to make your special day the perfect day. Choose from a variety of event spaces on the beautifully landscaped grounds for your wedding and reception. The grand staircase, marble floors, and lofty ceilings create a gorgeous, yet rustic surrounding to give you the happily-ever-after feeling you’ve been searching for any time of year. This elegant boutique hotel accommodates small or large parties comfortably and efficiently, promising a truly over-the-top romantic experience offering stunning backdrops, unforgettable service and an air of romance like nowhere else.
Destination: Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives
On the Caribbean’s sunniest island, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives is the perfect place to host the ultimate destination wedding. With skilled on-site wedding experts from Aruba Weddings For You, exclusive discounts on rooms, and specially curated wedding packages for the bride and groom and their guests, the special day is promised to be perfect. Guests can choose from three stunning venues, ranging from breezy beach spots to the picturesque Link golf course at Divi Aruba. Discover romance and relish in an all-inclusive experience designed to match each wedding parties’ unique preferences and wedding desires.
Destination: Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe is among the world’s most romantic, picturesque, and festive wedding locations making it an exceptional choice for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. Nestled in the heart of the Southwest, Santa Fe boasts a rich cultural tapestry, with its adobe architecture, historic churches, and vibrant arts scene providing a picturesque backdrop for wedding celebrations. The city's distinctive Southwestern charm and stunning natural landscapes, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, create a romantic ambiance that is unparalleled. La Fonda on the Plaza is situated in the heart of Santa Fe's historic district, close to the Plaza and exudes Southwestern charm with its Pueblo-style architecture, vibrant interior décor, and variety of event spaces with mountain views.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is known for its luxurious accommodations and high-end amenities and offers a more secluded and intimate atmosphere, nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Inn and Spa at Loretto features adobe-style architecture and Pueblo-inspired design contribute to a unique and authentic Santa Fe experience. The hotel features indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a lovely garden patio and a ballroom with a Southwestern flair.
Destination: New Jersey
New Jersey stands out as an exceptional wedding destination, offering a delightful blend of urban sophistication and scenic beauty. With its diverse landscapes, the state provides couples with an array of enchanting settings for their special day. From the Victorian charm of Cape May to the rustic allure of the Delaware Water Gap, and the scenic and serene Jersey Shore, New Jersey caters to varied tastes and preferences. The Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, a historic mansion surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, exemplifies the state's commitment to timeless elegance. The Ashford Estate in Allentown offers a grand setting with its sprawling estate and picturesque grounds, providing a romantic atmosphere for couples. For those seeking a contemporary vibe with breathtaking waterfront views, the Maritime Parc in Jersey City stands as a modern and unique venue. New Jersey's accessibility, combined with its diverse range of venues, positions the state as an ideal choice for couples looking to create lasting memories on their wedding day.
Destination: Providence, RI
Providence, Rhode Island is known as a culinary and arts haven, making it a stunning place to tie the knot. For a stunning and unique venue, try The Providence Athenæum. Named one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the Providence Athenæum provides a spectacular and unique atmosphere for your celebration. Another elegant, academic option is the Providence Public Library. This historic venue offers an array of captivating spaces for your celebration, like the dramatic, light-filled Grand Hall or the breathtaking and multilevel city garden. With impressive ballrooms and event spaces for every kind of celebration, Graduate Providence is set to host weddings of all sizes and styles and The Providence G has a historic ballroom as well as a rooftop with city views to dazzle guests. For all of the wedding weekend activities, The Beatrice offers intimate gathering space for rehearsal dinners, cocktail hours, and weekend brunch.
