Destination weddings have been on the rise & it’s easy to understand why. There’s something magical about saying “I do” on a beach, in the mountains, or even in an igloo. A destination wedding can be as close as 1 state away to as far as across the entire country. Though planning can be stressful, we hope this guide can help you prepare, plan & execute your fairytale destination wedding.
Top 3 Wedding Destination Spots in the United States
1. Maui, Hawaii (Best Beach)
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and known for its luxurious beaches, radiating sunsets & gorgeous views. Throughout Maui there are many resorts that can fully accommodate all your destination wedding needs. No need to stress about planning your wedding when the destination is a plane ride away. Here are some resources for wedding planners to make your life even easier: Happily Maui’d, Taryn Stark Wyant Wedding Planning.
2. Sedona, Arizona (Best Mountain/Desert scene)
Sedona’s views alone would convince you to have your wedding here. Whether you want mountains as your background, to get married in a vineyard or at a beautiful chapel, Sedona has it all. Another advantage of getting hitched in Sedona is that it offers 278 days of sunshine, with the most pleasant months being between March and May. Researching weather when planning your destination wedding is a key factor in choosing your wedding date. Some of the most beautiful & highly recommended venues in the Sedona area include the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, L’auberge de Sedona, & the Red Agave Resort.
3. Alaska (Best Arctic/Winter scene)
Alaska might not be on the top of your list, but after you do a little research your mind might change. The top areas in Alaska to wed are Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park, Girdwood, Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Sitka.
A local to Fort Wayne (Kendra Moreau) recently got married in Girdwood, Alaska. When asked how Alaska even came up as an idea for her elopement she said it was on both her and her significant others bucket lists to go to Alaska someday. With the help of wedding/elopement planner, Alaska Wild Hearts Events, their planning was stress free. Finding a trusted and reliable event planner in the destination of your choosing is a key factor in having a stress-free planning process. Kendra’s elopement with her now husband was intimate, gorgeous & truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Below is a photo of Kendra where she got married on a glacier.
Tips & Tricks for Planning a Destination Wedding/Elopement
- Try taking at least one trip to your destination during the planning process. In doing this, you can tour venues, meet photographers, stay where you & your guests might lodge and get recommendations.
- Research local marriage requirements
- Research the weather of your destination & the time of year you plan on getting married
- Secure wedding insurance
- Be thorough with communication prior to your guests arriving (plan out flights, lodging, etc.)
- Be on the lookout for hotel & flight deals
- Don’t forget to savor the moment
Why Have a Destination Wedding/Elopement?
- Wedding & honeymoon in one
- Vacation with your loved ones
- Save money
- More intimate
- Less stressful with the right planner
So, what do you think. Will you be getting hitched somewhere other than your hometown?
