Are you on the quest for destination wedding locations as extraordinary as the tale of your love?
Hold on tight for an exhilarating journey as we uncover the pinnacle of wedding destinations here.
Our accomplished destination weddings team, boasting over 12+ years of hands-on experience in enchanting locales like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and beyond, is ready to turn your dream day into a tangible, breathtaking reality.
Why settle for the mundane when your love story is nothing short of extraordinary?
Embark with us on the ultimate guide to the most remarkable destination wedding locations, infused with a sprinkle of fun and excitement!
The Best Destination Wedding Locations in the World
- Cancun
- Riviera Maya
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Isla Mujeres
- The Dominican Republic
- Puerto Vallarta
- Cabo San Lucas
- Jamaica
- Costa Rica
- Maldives
- Maui, Hawaii
- Bora Bora
- Santorini
- Tuscany, Italy
- Kyoto, Japan
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Barcelona, Spain
- St Barts
1. Cancun: Where Vibrancy Meets Romance
Picture this: stunning beaches, lush green landscapes, and nightlife that sets the stage for an unforgettable wedding.
Cancun is not just a destination; it’s a vibrant celebration waiting to happen. With perfect year-round temperatures and easy accessibility from the US and Canada, it’s a top pick for couples seeking a lively location with a touch of romance.
Dive into the electric atmosphere of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, a buzzing hub of restaurants, bars, and clubs. But that’s not all – adventurous souls can jet-ski, snorkel, parasail, or enjoy a romantic beachside dinner.
Interested? Check out our blog post for a sneak peek into the “Top 10 Cancun Wedding Packages.”
2. Riviera Maya: Nature’s Masterpiece Unveiled
The Riviera Maya, a natural wonderland boasting 5★ resorts and pristine white sand beaches, beckons couples seeking a touch of luxury in a breathtaking setting.
Immerse yourself in the ancient Mayan heritage with a visit to the World Heritage Site at Chichén Itzá or take a plunge into the mesmerizing cenotes for an exhilarating experience.
Unleash your adventurous side and swim in a cenote, an absolute must if you’re tying the knot in Riviera Maya. This paradise offers a wedding location and a journey through nature’s wonders.
3. Playa Del Carmen: Boho Vibes & Tropical Romance
Once a quaint fishing village, Playa Del Carmen has transformed into a sought-after destination for couples seeking a boho vibe and tropical Caribbean charm.
With its quirky liveliness, this lively town is perfect for those who want a Mexican wedding away from a larger city.
5th Avenue is a must-see highlight – a vibrant space alive with colourful shops, restaurants, and bars.
Explore our blog post on the “Top 10 Wedding Venues in Playa Del Carmen | Your Ultimate Guide 2024” for a wedding insider’s view into your options
4. Tulum: Where Eco-Friendly Meets Romance
Tulum’s allure lies in its stunning natural beauty – glistening white beaches, lush jungles, and crystal-clear cenotes.
Embrace an eco-friendly/boho-chic vibe, and celebrate your love while prioritizing the environment.
The Tulum Ruins, remnants of the ancient Mayan culture, add a touch of history to your special day.
Dive into adventures at the Gran Cenote, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and relax by the pool at a local luxury resort.
Tulum isn’t just a wedding destination; it’s a paradise for couples who crave both romance and adventure.
Read our blog “10 Out of This World Wedding Packages in Tulum” for more detailed insights into what kind of occasion you could host here.
5. Isla Mujeres: A Peaceful Paradise
If a peaceful paradise is your vision, Isla Mujeres is your dream destination.
Escape the chaos of the world and unwind in luxury resorts with a relaxed vibe.
The decision of how much or how little you do is entirely yours, making it a laid-back location with a landscape that steals your breath away.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach, indulging in a spa treatment, or trying watersports, Isla Mujeres promises a stress-free celebration.
No pressure, no fuss – just the perfect setting for your love story.
If you’ve got your heart set on island vibes, you will love our resource “15 Caribbean Island Wedding Destination with Packages” – you’re welcome!
6. The Dominican Republic: A Magical Melange of Landscapes
The Dominican Republic is a magical wedding destination with its soft sand beaches, lush mangrove lagoons, and spectacular waterfalls.
Dive into the charm of Altos de Chavón, a recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, or explore the Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia in Santo Domingo.
For the adventurous couple, the Jardin Botanico Nacional and the waterfalls of the Dominican Republic offer energizing activities like ziplining and horseback riding.
This destination isn’t just about admiring the scenery and living an exciting love story.
With so many resorts and packages to choose from here, our award-winning team is on hand to help you whittle down the options based on your vision and budget.
7. Puerto Vallarta: A Picturesque Bay of Luxury
Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta unfolds as one of the most picturesque destination wedding locations, featuring luxury five-star resorts against a mountainous backdrop.
With temperatures averaging around 86°F, it offers a fabulous climate for your dream wedding.
Explore the Malecon esplanade, witness live performances at the Los Arcos amphitheatre, and create lasting memories against the backdrop of breathtaking images.
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a destination; it’s a canvas for your love story.
8. Cabo San Lucas: Rugged Romance and Cultural Charms
Cabo San Lucas, or Cabo, stands as one of Mexico’s luxury destination wedding locations, boasting rugged and romantic scenery.
Capture the breathtaking Land End sunset with your partner and explore the colorful experiences of San Jose del Cabo.
Thursdays come alive with vendors filling the streets, offering artisan products and local delicacies.
The marina, with its eateries and shops, provides the perfect setting for pre-wedding adventures and post-wedding relaxation.
Get stuck into planning with our “Cabo Wedding Packages | 10 All-Inclusive Options Under 10k“.
9. Jamaica: Vibes and Stunning Backdrops
Jamaica, known for its relaxing vibes and romantic landscapes, is a haven for dream destination weddings.
Picture stunning beach weddings, lush gardens, gazebos, and naturally beautiful landscapes that require minimal additional decor.
Dive into the Reggae vibe by exploring the local music history, and embark on adventures like visiting Dunn’s River Falls, sailing, or scuba diving.
Jamaica isn’t just a wedding destination; it’s an immersive experience for you and your wedding party.
10. Costa Rica: An Eco-Friendly Paradise
Dreaming of an eco-friendly wedding in paradise? Look no further than Costa Rica, one of the most environmentally conscious destination wedding locations globally.
With stunning beach and jungle vistas, this well-managed tourism destination ensures pristine natural beauty for your wedding pics.
Experience the thrill of ziplining, embark on catamaran tours with dolphins, and exchange vows in Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park.
It’s not just a wedding but an eco-adventure that you and your guests will cherish forever.
11. Maldives: Overwater Elegance
The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is synonymous with overwater luxury.
For couples seeking an intimate and private celebration, the Maldives offers overwater bungalows surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs.
Exchange vows on a pristine beach, with the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack, and let the Maldives elevate your wedding to a level of elegance and tranquillity found nowhere else.
12. Maui, Hawaii: Aloha Spirit and Natural Grandeur
Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island, beckons with its diverse landscapes and laid-back vibes.
From barefoot beach ceremonies to sunrise weddings atop the dormant Haleakalā volcano, Maui offers a variety of settings for couples seeking a blend of tropical paradise and adventure.
Let the Aloha spirit infuse your celebration as you exchange vows surrounded by the natural grandeur of this Pacific gem.
13. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Where Dreams Meet the Pacific
Bora Bora, with its overwater bungalows and crystal-clear turquoise waters, is the epitome of tropical romance.
Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, this French Polynesian paradise offers a surreal setting for couples seeking an intimate and luxurious wedding experience.
From private lagoon ceremonies to sunset cruises, Bora Bora creates a fairy tale ambience where dreams become a reality.
14. Santorini: A Cycladic Dream
The sunsets over the caldera in Santorini, Greece, have long been a symbol of love’s eternal flame.
This Cycladic paradise is renowned for its white-washed buildings perched atop dramatic cliffs, creating a stunning and romantic backdrop.
Exchange vows against the canvas of the Aegean Sea, and let the charm of Santorini weave its magic into the tapestry of your love story.
15. Tuscany, Italy: Elegance Amid Vineyards
Picture rolling hills adorned with vineyards, historic villas, and charming cobblestone streets – welcome to Tuscany, Italy’s heart of romance.
Whether you choose a vineyard ceremony or a celebration in a historic castle, Tuscany’s timeless beauty and delectable cuisine provide an elegant and rustic backdrop for your special day.
Immerse yourselves in the rich culture of this region as you create memories that will last a lifetime.
16. Kyoto, Japan: Cherry Blossom Serenity
For couples seeking a blend of tradition and tranquillity, Kyoto, Japan, offers a wedding experience steeped in cultural richness.
Imagine exchanging vows under blooming cherry blossoms in a traditional Shinto shrine or a meticulously landscaped Japanese garden.
Kyoto’s serene ambience, ancient temples, and historic charm make it a captivating destination for couples desiring a wedding that embraces the beauty of the past.
17. Amalfi Coast, Italy: Cliffside Romance
The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating coastline stretch combining dramatic cliffs with colorful villages and panoramic sea views.
Couples can choose from cliffside venues, historic villas, or charming seaside towns for their wedding celebration.
With the scent of lemon groves in the air and the azure sea as a backdrop, the Amalfi Coast provides a romantic and unforgettable setting for exchanging vows.
18. Queenstown, New Zealand: Adventure and Romance
Nestled in the Southern Alps and framed by Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown in New Zealand is a haven for couples seeking an adventurous wedding experience.
From heli-weddings on mountaintops to lakeside ceremonies, Queenstown offers a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Say your vows surrounded by the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, combining natural beauty with the thrill of an adrenaline-pumping celebration.
19. Barcelona, Spain: Gothic Grandeur and Modern Charm
Barcelona, with its eclectic mix of Gothic architecture and modern charm, offers a vibrant and romantic setting for destination weddings.
Exchange vows in historic cathedrals, host a celebration in a rooftop venue overlooking the city or have an intimate ceremony in a hidden garden.
Barcelona’s cultural richness and artistic spirit create a lively and timeless atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for couples with a taste for the extraordinary.
20. St Barts: An Exclusive Destination
St. Barts is synonymous with exclusivity, offering an intimate and private atmosphere that is perfect for couples seeking a more secluded wedding experience.
The island is a haven for luxury travellers and celebrities, providing a sense of exclusiveness that adds an extra layer of intimacy to your celebration.
With its limited development and emphasis on preserving privacy, St. Barts allows you and your guests to escape into a world of tranquillity and seclusion, creating a unique and personalized wedding experience.
The natural beauty of St. Barts is unparalleled, featuring pristine white-sand beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The island’s topography, with hills and cliffs offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, provides luxurious and picturesque backdrops for your wedding ceremony and celebration.
Whether you choose a clifftop venue with breathtaking ocean vistas, a tranquil beach ceremony with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack, or an elegant celebration in a private villa surrounded by lush greenery, St. Barts ensures that your wedding is framed by the stunning beauty of the Caribbean, creating timeless memories against a backdrop of natural grandeur.
Why Choose a Destination Wedding?
If you’re still on the fence about choosing a destination wedding, let me share some insights that might sway your decision.
Here are compelling reasons why opting for a destination celebration just makes sense.
1. A Fun Vacation with Your Loved Ones
I’ve highlighted some spectacular global destination wedding locations for you to consider. Now, envision sharing those places and experiences with your friends and family. It’s a unique way to immerse everyone in the celebration of love.
Concerned about lacking alone time? No worries! Arrange romantic experiences like couples spa treatments or beachside dinners. Then, enjoy quality time with everyone else or carve out a few days to celebrate with your wedding party before adding a private honeymoon to the mix.
2. Saving Big on Wedding Costs
Weddings can be expensive, with the average cost of a traditional wedding in the US hitting $28,000. Contrast that with the average cost of a destination wedding in Mexico, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica (destinations where you’ll reap the biggest discounts without comprising quality), ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. The savings are substantial!
3. One Travel for Wedding and Honeymoon
Opt for a destination wedding, and you can seamlessly combine your wedding with your honeymoon. Everything can be conveniently arranged at one time. Plus, you might snag fantastic deals on your honeymoon by booking it at the same resort.
4. Prolonged Celebrations
Unlike most traditional weddings that unfold in a day, destination weddings extend the celebration over several days. Your guests get to partake in unforgettable experiences such as sightseeing catamarans and more. The entire event creates a tapestry of enduring memories.
5. Tailored for Intimate Experiences
Contemplating an intimate wedding with a select few loved ones or perhaps just you and your partner? Opting for a destination celebration allows you to trim your guest list. You can pair this with a later party for everyone back home. And remember, destination weddings can be grand too! Get inspired with my blog post on the “10 Best Wedding Resorts for 200+ Guests in Mexico (2024).“
Ready to Plan Your Destination Wedding?
Excited by the top destination wedding locations I’ve shared? Fantastic!
The PlayaDelCarmen.Com team is thrilled to assist couples in crafting their perfect destination wedding. We leverage our expertise and connections to ensure you get the best value for your budget. Give us a call at 888-537-9797 or fill out the contact form on our website to kickstart your planning.
Have thoughts or questions about destination wedding locations? Share them in the comments, and I’ll respond promptly!
