41 Top Spots to Tie the Knot
Dreaming of a destination wedding? Browse our list of the most romantic places to say "I do" across the globe.
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Say "I Do" in Paradise
You've found the perfect partner, now it's time to find the perfect place to make it official. And what better way to start your journey together than on vacation in a romantic locale? From breathtaking winter landscapes to sexy beachfront venues, these unique locales are our top picks for destination "I do's."
PLAN LIKE A PRO: Expert Tips For Destination Weddings
Tulum, Mexico
Not only does Tulum have beaches with vibrant turquoise water but unlike other resort towns, there are so many beautiful backgrounds for photos, from the Mayan ruins to the dramatic cliffs. Bonus: It doesn’t have the party crowd like Cancun or Playa del Carmen. And if your wedding has a strict no-kids policy, head to the adults-only Be Tulum, a luxury beachfront resort with a champagne bar.
SEE MORE: 10 Best Beaches for a Beach Wedding Ceremony
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Nevada makes it insanely easy to tie the knot — there's no waiting period and marriage licenses are notoriously cheap and accessible. Las Vegas may be a great place to get hitched in a hurry, but if you're looking for something more down to earth, where Mother Nature finds her place alongside the happy couple, make tracks for the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe instead.
SEE MORE: Sexiest Places to Elope
Vermont
Cozying up to the idea of a fall or winter wedding? Consider the beautiful landscape of New England as a romantic choice for a destination wedding. Vermont's snow-covered mountains, charming lodges and roaring fireplaces will make your big moment memorable.
MORE IDEAS: Winter Destination Weddings
Costa Rica
This country has been dubbed the happiest place on Earth. So what better place to start your happily-ever-after? This Central American hot spot offers budget-friendly winter weddings in a tropical setting. And it's close to the U.S., so affordable direct flights will make your guests very happy, too.
Colorado
Have you always dreamed of your big day being under a blanket of snow? If you're a powderhound who can’t get enough of the slopes, it’s fitting to get married where you can ski off into the sunset. Whether it's tying the knot at one of the well-known ski resorts of Aspen, Breckenridge or Telluride, or exchanging vows in a small chapel tucked in the Rocky Mountains, there’s something for everyone here. Everyone that loves snow, that is. Photo: Kelsey Booth Photography, Breckenridge Photographer
Belize
With flight prices comparable to those to nearby destinations such as Mexico and Costa Rica, Belize offers visitors a more diverse spot for a wedding than your run-of-the-mill beach destination. Not only does it boast beautiful sandy beaches, but Belize is also home to lush rainforests, Mayan ruins and the second largest barrier reef in the world. And once you're here, it's easy enough to save some green (and go green, for that matter). Though there are some luxury boutiques in the country, Belize has very few expensive mega-resorts; instead, it’s dotted with eco-lodges and inns where room-and-board can be found cheap if you’re willing to give up some "luxuries" such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Another perk? With lobster being a local specialty, it comes much cheaper there than stateside, so you can impress wedding guests with a lobster dinner for a lot less.
SEE OUR HOTEL PICK: 4 Affordable Beach Weddings
Charleston, South Carolina
For the history buffs, there are plenty of gorgeous, storied wedding venues, like the William Aiken House (pictured), sprinkled throughout the Holy City. the 1810 National Historic Landmark in the heart of downtown Charleston blends Old World charm with modern sophistication. Complete with museum-caliber artwork and antiques, sweeping ballrooms, lush private grounds, open-air piazzas and a two-century-old magnolia tree as the courtyard centerpiece, the mansion makes for timeless (and picture-perfect) nuptials.
SEE MORE: The Most Beautiful Wedding Venues in Charleston
Ireland
Ireland was one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriages, and it still welcomes all couples. The Emerald Isle inspires visions of wind-battered coastline, endless seas of green, and a return to the "Old Country" where the pace of life is just a little slower and sweeter. Venues range from family B&Bs to historic estates featuring Victorian walled gardens. You’ll need to notify an Irish Registrar, in person, at least three months before you plan to marry, and you must make an appointment to do this. Learn more about getting married in Ireland.
The Island of Hawaii
There are so many beautiful beaches in Hawaii, each with its own unique personality, but if you're looking for a wedding venue with privacy and fewer tourists, head to the Island of Hawaii (the big island). Just outside of Kona, The Four Seasons at Hualalai has incredible lava rock shores to tie the knot. The resort features a serene adults-only pool and one of the most relaxing spas in the world with an outdoor tropical oasis. When you book, ask for a suite with an outdoor lava rock shower.
SEE MORE: 10 Best Beaches for a Beach Wedding Ceremony
Destin, Florida
One way to save on your beach wedding is to have it stateside, and Destin, Florida is a great option for budget-friendly nuptials. Less expensive than Florida hot spots such as Miami and Panama City Beach, Destin offers a quieter, quainter vibe, but equally pretty beaches for saying "I do." An affordable getaway no matter the season, Destin sees off-peak rates drop even lower, with prices in the double digits being an easy find. And if you have some free time pre- or post-wedding, catch a live blues performance or go fishing from a pier — both popular pastimes in this laid-back locale.
SEE OUR HOTEL PICK: 4 Affordable Beach Weddings
Arches National Park, Utah
The stunning rock formations create a natural canopy or "chuppah" for couples marrying in Arches. Though the park allows the assembled to celebrate with a cookout afterward, many couples head to a hotel or resort in Moab, Utah for their receptions. Photo courtesy of Moab photographer Angela Hayes.
SEE MORE: 10 Stunning National Park Wedding Venues
LGBT Pick: Provincetown, Massachusetts
Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage and Provincetown has been hosting LGBT weddings for decades. While popular Herring Cove Beach might be your first choice, you might have some nude photo bombers in the background so head to Race Point Lighthouse for an incredible backdrop and gorgeous sunset.
SEE MORE: Great LGBT Wedding Destinations
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The appropriately named Playa del Amor (Lovers' Beach) is a romantic seaside option in Cabo San Lucas where you can get hitched overlooking the Sea of Cortez on the Baja Peninsula. If you prefer to keep all of the wedding festivities contained in one spot, work with the wedding planners at Esperanza Resort for an unforgettable oceanfront wedding. Start your day at the spa with some pampering before exchanging vows by the sea. If you're hoping for an intimate affair with just your sweetheart, enjoy a customized dinner for 2 on the beach and splurge on a mariachi band or even fireworks to mark the occasion. For an affair with Hollywood glamour, plan a sunset ceremony at Las Ventanas (pictured) followed by a Mexican beachside BBQ and bonfire.
Florence, Italy
Dreaming of an Italian fairy-tale wedding that rivals George Clooney's and Kim Kardashian's? Tie the knot at Il Salviatino, an exquisitely restored 15th-century villa on the hillside of Fiesole, a town 15 minutes from Florence’s city center. Exchange your vows in the enchanting Italian-style gardens against the sparkling scenery of Florence’s city lights and a view of the iconic Il Duomo di Firenze.
Negril, Jamaica
Negril has the most beautiful sunsets in Jamaica, and some of the most affordable accommodations. It may not have an international airport, but Negril is nonetheless easy and relatively inexpensive to get to (visitors fly into the airport at Montego Bay and then take a shuttle), and boasts some of the cheapest digs in Jamaica. Famous for its Seven Mile Beach — one of the softest and longest beaches in Jamaica — Negril is a popular spot for destination weddings, and couples and guests can save cash here in many ways. Not only are the room rates low (the area is home to an eclectic jumble of beachfront motels, cliffside cottages and hippie bungalows), but public transportation is convenient, safe and cheap, and you can find excellent seafood at nearly all of the hole-in-the-wall spots along the beach.
SEE OUR HOTEL PICK: 4 Affordable Beach Weddings
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Plan a small ceremony away from popular visitor areas if you want to get married in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Overlooks with views into Kīlauea Caldera or Kīlauea Iki Crater are popular choices. The recently restored Volcano House Hotel is the only hotel within the park itself and it overlooks Halema‘uma‘u Crater at the summit of Kilauea, which is shown in this photo by James Rubio Photography.
SEE MORE: 10 Stunning National Park Wedding Venues
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos has a bit of a party reputation thanks to Paradise and Super Paradise Beach, but the glamorous Greek island isn't always that rowdy. Head to the north coast for less touristy beaches such as Kapari. The island is also great for LGBT families as it’s one of the most popular gay summer destinations in Europe.
SEE MORE: 10 Best Beaches for a Beach Wedding Ceremony
Sedona, Arizona
Despite what Alanis Moriesette says, rain on your wedding day isn’t ironic … it’s just plain gloomy. With an average of more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Sedona (almost) has perfect wedding weather year-round. Plan an outdoor wedding in this desert locale, complete with a stunning Red Rock backdrop, without the worry of bad weather ruining your big day.
Dominican Republic
The DR almost always makes the list of affordable beach destinations. Not only is it relatively easy to get to (with direct flights leaving from the U.S. and Europe daily), but it is filled with all-inclusive resorts, many of which offer affordable package deals. Plus, conveniently for couples on a tight budget, wedding peak season falls largely during the Dominican Republic’s off-season, which means cheaper flights, cheaper room rates and quieter hotels for your big day. But keep in mind, June through September can be very hot and humid and hurricanes are a possibility in the later months.
SEE OUR HOTEL PICK: 4 Affordable Beach Weddings
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park offers gorgeous mountain and lake vistas for a wedding, like this one at Sprague Lake. Note that most sites within the park only allow gatherings of 20 or fewer people. Couples hoping for a larger gathering or more traditional facilities often choose nearby Estes Park, Colorado instead, according to national parks wedding photographer Maddie Mae. Photo courtesy of Maddie Mae Photography.
SEE MORE: 10 Stunning National Park Wedding Venues
Napa Valley, California
Fall is the best time to visit Napa Valley — the summer crowds have thinned, and it’s "crush time," when grapes are harvested. Get married while surrounded by 27 acres of vineyards at the Carneros Inn, a resort that seamlessly mixes rustic barn charm and understated luxury. Say "I do" in the resort’s apple orchard, a grassy lawn that’s dotted with apple trees and has panoramic views of the rolling hillsides.
SEE MORE: 20 Fall Wedding Destinations
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Seemingly frozen in time, Mackinac Island is a quaint, beautiful spot located between the state's upper and lower peninsulas. And the best part? No cars are allowed on the island. That's right, you'll have to use a bike or horse and buggy to get from your Victorian-era church to your Colonial Revival-style waterfront reception venue. Tip: Because summer is crowded with tourists and winter weather can get treacherous, May and October are the best times to book.
Hotel de Glace, Quebec
Have a fantasy wedding on ice at Hotel de Glace, a hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Because the hotel is rebuilt annually with a unique design, no two weddings here will look alike. Exchange your wedding vows in the ice wedding chapel complete with an ice altar and ice pews (don’t worry, they’re covered with deer pelts) that can seat 100 guests. The bride and groom can even rent wedding furs to wear over their gown and tux to stay warm during the ceremony. For an unforgettable wedding night, adventurous couples can spend the night keeping each other warm in a wedding ice suite.
SEE MORE: Winter Destination Weddings
Gulf Shores, Alabama
If you’ve always dreamed of a beach wedding but have a tight budget, check out the Gulf Coast. Your money can go a lot farther in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama than popular Florida beach towns and you get the same sugar white-sand setting.
SEE MORE: 10 Best Beaches for a Beach Wedding Ceremony
New Orleans, Louisiana
Dance your way into marriage with the unique New Orleans wedding tradition of the second line parade. Stemming from African-American jazz funerals, it signifies the beginning of the life between the bride and groom. A second line jazz band leads the wedding party and guests from the church to their reception venue, making it an unforgettable kickoff to the wedding festivities.
Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Considered the most beautiful beach on St. John and often called the most pristine in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay's clear, warm waters and silky coral sands draw tourists in droves. It's also become a very popular spot for wedding parties since no passports are needed to visit St. Thomas or St. John. Trunk Bay is one of the most popular spots to tie the knot with couples booking a suite at the historic Caneel Bay Resort inside the national park.
SEE MORE: 10 Best Beaches for a Beach Wedding Ceremony
Lapland, Finland
Dreaming of a white wedding? A winter wedding in the stunning Lapland area of Finland is nothing short of magical. Travel through a snow-covered forest on a sled pulled by reindeer to your chapel made entirely of ice and snow. Then spend your wedding night cuddling in an igloo.
MORE IDEAS: Winter Destination Weddings
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a popular choice for destination weddings without passports but boy are they expensive! Just a hotel in Key West is enough to blow any budget. But there are so many incredible pockets to explore in the Keys that won’t break the bank. One of the best Key West alternatives is Islamorada, a village made of up six teeny, tiny keys. The Moorings Village at Morada Bay has a gorgeous beach with swaying coconut trees and Technicolor sunsets. The oceanfront private villas are perfect for wedding guests to share and cut down on lodging costs.
SEE MORE: 10 Best Beaches for a Beach Wedding Ceremony
Biltmore Estate
A charming town set in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville comes alive in the fall as the leaves change and the air turns crisp. Love the mountains, but not so fond of rustic barns? Biltmore Estate, a 250-room French Renaissance chateau on 8,000 acres — complete with an award-winning winery — blends refined elegance with sweeping mountain views for a picture-perfect wedding.
SEE MORE: 20 Fall Wedding Destinations
Bermuda
Bermuda attracts couples with its mild weather, great beaches and lovely resorts. It's also a great option for East Coasters as quick direct flights make for limited travel time. As for location, you may opt for a classic church wedding or an outside ceremony on the beach, cliffs or a vibrant stretch of lawn outside of one of the area's tony hotels. Popular wedding spots include the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, the beachfront park at Astwood Cove or the curved swath of pink sands ringed with limestone cliffs at Horseshoe Bay Beach. Celebrate the reception at Elbow Beach in a ballroom or on the private beach where your guests can dance under the stars and munch on tuna tataki and pork belly skewers while sipping rum swizzles and Dark' n' Stormys. Pose for a picture under the curved stone Moon Gate, a curved architectural structure said to bring good luck to newlyweds as they step through the gate.
New Zealand
Don’t let the size of New Zealand fool you. This small island packs a punch with an abundance of outdoor adventures that await every traveler. From world-class resorts to volcanic parks, there is truly something in New Zealand for every visitor. Auckland and Queenstown are equally vibrant cities to explore and tourists are just a short flight away from Australia if island hopping is in the plan. One of the most scenic spots for a New Zealand wedding is the Church of the Good Shepherd, at Lake Tekapo, about a three-hour drive from Christchurch and surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is another in-demand wedding location. You’ll need a helicopter to reach the top of Tasman Glacier or one of the other glaciers in the park, but the icy scenery makes a great backdrop for photos.
Hot Springs, Virginia
Say your "I dos" amid the dazzling natural landscape surrounding the Omni Homestead, a luxury resort nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. A National Historic Landmark, the Homestead has welcomed 22 American presidents as guests since the 18th century. Unwind after the big day at the Jefferson Pools, the legendary hot springs where Thomas Jefferson soaked in 1818.
South Africa
Looking for a more exotic wedding destination? A gem of the southern hemisphere, South Africa serves as a draw for adventure-loving couples seeking diverse opportunities. Ranschhoek, a village in the Cape Winelands, is home to the Allee Bleue estate, a popular spot for weddings. Its Cape Dutch buildings and grapevines are surrounded by lavender fields, and many couples choose to exchange their vows outdoors under the big trees or on the open lawn. Cape Town’s Clouds Estate, in Stellenbosch, is a boutique hotel atop Helshoogte Pass, also in the Cape Winelands. The Simonsberg Mountains are visible from its lawn, making a spectacular background, along with the estate’s gardens and vineyards, for wedding photos. Or opt for a safari theme at The Elephant Camp, a luxury lodge where visitors have spectacular views of Victoria Falls and the gorges between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Curacao
Curacao, a small Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, offers a variety of experiences for all couples and is LGBT-friendly. Want an entire island practically to yourself? Klein Curacao or Little Curacao is an uninhabited island a couple of hours boat ride from Curacao. You can book a cruise with Mermaid Boat Trips to visit the island during the day and use their private beach house. The island even has an abandoned, historic lighthouse that’s great for first look photos. Have a sunset ceremony overlooking crystal clear waters then cruise back to Curacao to party the night away.
SEE MORE: Great LGBT Wedding Destinations
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Isla de Vieques, or Vieques Island, is only seven miles off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, and its Mosquito Bay sparkles at night with bioluminescence. Plan your honeymoon in one of the island's luxurious resorts, villas or boutique inns. Discover what you'll need to wed in Puerto Rico here.
Marrakech
Exotic Marrakech is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich history and fascinating culture. This imperial city is a blend of old and new, with different neighborhoods, or regions, that offer everything from narrow alleyways and market stalls to elegant villas and modern restaurants. Marrakech (sometimes spelled "Marrakesh") is emerging as a stunningly romantic wedding destination.
SEE MORE: Get Married In Marrakech
Walt Disney World
Push the fairytale wedding dream to the extreme at Walt Disney World with a ceremony and reception fit for a princess. Brides may arrive at the festivities in Cinderella's glass pumpkin-shaped coach and married couples can make a splash with cannon blasts of confetti over guests, private fireworks or a visit from Mickey and Minnie. While you can stick with the classic beachfront or ballroom ceremony, the theme parks also offer quirky options. Enjoy an impromptu trip around the world at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or Epcot with a reception at a restaurant in far-flung destinations including France, China and Italy. Infuse the reception with rock-star charisma with a party outside of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, or channel your inner diva and work with a celebrity wedding planner for an elaborate affair with the Couture Collection. And if you want to take the whole thing out to sea, that's possible, too, with a wedding at sea aboard the Disney cruise ships. Guests can enjoy discounted rooms and admission to the theme parks.
SEE MORE: What to Pack for Your Destination Wedding
Omni Mount Washington
A favorite New England haven of presidents, writers and celebrities and a National Historic landmark, Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, offers a grand history and refined luxuries, such as an on-site spa, amid a serene mountainside setting. After the big day, adventurous newlyweds and guests can take an unforgettable three and a half-hour zip-line tour to see the landscape up close.
Sequoia National Park, California
Couples can exchange vows under a cathedral of thousand-year-old giant sequoia trees and then host a reception for 15-80 people in the banquet hall of Sequoia National Park’s Wuksachi Lodge. Photo courtesy of wedding photographer, Desi Mendoza.
SEE MORE: 10 Stunning National Park Wedding Venues
Salzburg, Austria
Sound of Music fans, rejoice! Not only did the real Trapp family once live in Salzburg, but much of the movie was filmed in and around the city. Book your big day at historic Mirabell Palace, known as the most beautiful wedding hall in Europe, to say "I do," then take a stroll through the front garden, where you can have your wedding photos taken in front of the famous Pegasus Fountain — where Maria and troupe sang "Do-Re-Mi."
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Dreaming of an outdoor lake wedding, but prefer something classier than glamping? Coeur d’Alene Resort embraces the breathtaking natural landscape, but still offers couples luxurious amenities to make their destination wedding special. The 30-mile pristine Lake Coeur d’Alene offers any water sport you can think of and a stunning blue backdrop for your dream wedding. The resort’s serene lakeside setting is instantly calming, too, an extra bonus for the brides and grooms with a bit of pre-wedding jitters. And if you or your guests want to get a few rounds of golf in before or after the ceremony, there’s an award-winning golf course with the world’s only floating green.
