Did you know that one in four couples is now choosing a destination wedding?
That number surprises many people. Yet it reflects a growing shift in how couples think about weddings. Today’s couples want meaning. They want experience. They want alignment.
As host of the Now You May Kiss TM Podcast, I recently sat down with luxury travel advisor Carolyn Kulb, founder of Windward Path, to discuss what destination weddings really require.
Not the Instagram version. The real version.
If you are considering a destination wedding, this guide will help you decide wisely — and beautifully.
What Is a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is any wedding held away from your home city.
It could mean:
- A beach ceremony in Mexico
- A villa in Italy
- A mountaintop elopement in the Pacific Northwest
- A wine estate in Portugal
- A city celebration in Paris
It does not have to be international.
For some couples, Seattle is the destination.
For others, it is Greece.
The defining factor is travel.
And that changes everything.
Who Should Consider a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings are not for everyone.
But they are ideal for more couples than you may think.
1. Couples With Geographically Spread Families
Today, families rarely live in the same town.
Parents may be in different states.
Siblings may live abroad.
Friends may be scattered across the country.
Choosing a neutral location eliminates the pressure of “whose hometown wins.”
Everyone travels. Everyone shares the experience. It levels the emotional playing field.
2. Couples Who Want an Intimate Celebration
Destination weddings naturally reduce guest count. Travel requires intention, so typically,
only your closest circle attends. This creates depth.
It allows for slower moments. More connection. It allows for more presence.
3. Couples Planning a Second Wedding
Second marriages often prioritize experience over scale.
Many couples already had the large traditional wedding once. Now they want something meaningful…
something reflective. They desire a wedding that feels like them.
Destination weddings often serve this beautifully.
4. Couples Who Want to Blend Wedding and Honeymoon
One major advantage is efficiency. You are already there. Instead of flying home and then traveling again, you extend your stay.
Wedding.
Exhale.
Honeymoon.
All in one location. Now, doesn’t that sound fantastic?!
The Truth About Destination Wedding Budgets
There is a common belief that destination weddings are cheaper. The reality is that sometimes they are and sometimes they are not.
If you live in a high-cost city like Seattle, your budget may stretch further in certain locations. However, keep in mind:
- Travel costs add up.
- Guest logistics require coordination.
- Luxury international venues can be expensive.
The key is clarity. Define what matters most to you as a couple.
Is it the view?
The intimacy?
The experience for guests?
When your priorities are clear, your budget follows.
Types of Destination Weddings Couples Are Choosing
Many people imagine only beach weddings, and beach weddings are gorgeous, but if the beach isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are so many more options available. Truly, destination weddings are not “one size fits all.”
European Romance
Think:
- A private villa in Italy
- A vineyard in Portugal
- An elopement near the Eiffel Tower
These weddings are elegant.
They are immersive.
They often feel cinematic.
Adventure Weddings
Some couples want drama.
Mountaintop ceremonies.
Clifftop vows.
Jungle settings.
Destinations like Costa Rica and New Zealand offer both adventure and comfort.
Guests can hike or relax in hot springs. It even works across generations.
Urban International Weddings
If the big city is more your style, go for it! The world is your oyster.
Instead of New York, consider Paris.
Instead of Chicago, consider Barcelona.
Destination weddings do not require sand (though sand is lovely, if that is what you seek). However, they do require intention.
The Two Professionals You Absolutely Need
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is trying to manage everything themselves. Please do not do this. Aside from the legal marriage piece (hint, you will need an officiant), you need two key professionals.
1. A Travel Advisor
A travel advisor handles:
- Group flights
- Room blocks
- Hotel contracts
- Guest questions
- Excursions
- Travel insurance
Without one, you become the help desk, and that is not how you want to spend your engagement.
Professionals like Carolyn Kulb exist for a reason. Let them carry the logistics.
2. An On-Site Wedding Planner
Most destination venues include an in-house planner.
They coordinate:
- Catering
- Florals
- Ceremony logistics
- Seating arrangements
- Vendor communication
You may not need a separate U.S.-based planner. In many cases, the venue team is sufficient.
Your job is to show up. Their job is to execute.
However, if you’re not getting married at a traditional venue, you’ll definitely want to hire a wedding planner. Whether you find a planner in the US that specializes in destination weddings or you find a local expert (perhaps with the help of your travel advisor), you’ll need someone.
For couples traveling to the US as your wedding destination, I will be happy to help you find an amazing wedding planner. Please feel free to reach out.
Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies: What You Must Understand
Photo courtesy of Svetlana Sauer Photography.
This is where many couples get surprised. Getting legally married abroad can be complicated. Some countries require:
- Residency periods
- Extensive documentation
- Multiple in-person appointments
- Translations and approvals
In some European Union countries, legal marriage for non-residents is extremely difficult. Because of this, many couples choose to:
- Legally marry in the United States.
- Host a symbolic ceremony at their destination.
This removes enormous stress. As a professional officiant, I care deeply about legal validity. You deserve both a meaningful ceremony and a legally recognized marriage. Separating the legal and symbolic events is not “less than.” It is strategic.
If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, please let me know. You have options.
When a Destination Wedding May Not Be the Right Choice
There are circumstances where destination weddings are not wise.
1. Essential Family Cannot Travel
If key loved ones cannot attend due to health, finances, or mobility, reconsider. Your wedding should not create unnecessary heartbreak.
2. It Will Cause Significant Family Conflict
If the location will ignite tension, weigh that carefully. Your marriage begins long before the ceremony and will continue long after.
3. The Budget Truly Is Not There
Destination weddings are not inherently affordable. If it creates debt or financial stress, pause. Beauty is not worth instability.
Practical Logistics Couples Often Overlook
Carolyn shared some really important insight during our interview: Dreaming is easy. Execution requires planning.
Communicate Early
Send save-the-dates early.
Provide a detailed travel page on your wedding website.
Answer common questions upfront.
Clear communication reduces stress for everyone.
Purchase Travel Insurance
As Carolyn shared, Travel Insurance is a non-negotiable for the couple and their family. The reality of 21st century travel is that:
- Flights get delayed.
- Luggage gets lost.
- Weather disrupts plans.
Travel insurance protects your investment and your peace of mind. It is not glamorous, but it is wise.
Consider Weather and Season
Off-season pricing can be appealing, but February beaches can be cold in most of the Northern Hemisphere. August in Spain or Lake Chelan can be scorching.
Make sure you have a Plan B, especially for outdoor ceremonies. …this is where your wedding planner’s knowledge and assistance can be invaluable.
Build in Extra Time
When going abroad for a destination wedding, arrive several days early.
Try to meet your vendors in person.
Allow yourselves time to adjust for jet lag.
Leave space for small hiccups.
Rushing defeats the purpose of a destination experience.
How to Keep the Focus on the Marriage
Here is what matters most:
A destination wedding is still a wedding and a wedding is still the doorway into marriage.
The view may be extraordinary.
The location may be breathtaking.
But the sacred work remains the same.
You are making a covenant. You are building a life together.
No passport stamp changes that.
The goal is alignment.
Your ceremony should reflect your story, your values and your shared vision.
Location enhances the experience, but it does not replace the foundation.
Final Thoughts: Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?
If your heart lights up when you imagine:
- Gathering your closest people somewhere beautiful
- Creating an immersive multi-day experience
- Blending travel, celebration, and intimacy
Then a destination wedding may be perfect for you.
If your priority is convenience, simplicity, or keeping every extended family member comfortable, it may not be.
Neither choice is better.
Only alignment is better.
Your wedding can happen in Paris or Chelan. It can happen in Leavenworth or your hometown courthouse. The question is not where.
The question is why.
If you are considering a destination wedding and want a ceremony that is legally sound, deeply personal, and aligned with your marriage vision, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Because your wedding is beautiful.
But your marriage is sacred.
And both deserve intention.
About Chanelle
Chanelle Carlin guides legacy-minded couples into marriage by transforming their Pacific Northwest elopement or wedding ceremony into the emotional and strategic foundation of a deeply connected, intention and enduring partnership.
Learn more: https://chanellecarlin.com
Instagram: @chanelle.carlin
Podcast: Now You May Kiss™