The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in 2026
For the adventurous couples looking for more than just a ceremony, but want a full wedding experience surrounded by everyone they love
Why 2026 is the Perfect Year for a Destination Wedding
As couples begin planning their weddings for 2026, many are drawn to the idea of a destination wedding—a celebration that combines adventure, intimacy, and unforgettable memories. With global travel in full swing and new venues opening worldwide, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year to say "I do" in a stunning location.
As an experienced destination wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing love stories across the globe. Having lived in seven different countries, I bring not just a lens to your wedding but also an international perspective on planning, culture, and logistics. Whether you dream of exchanging vows on a sun-drenched beach in Santorini, in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, or amidst the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, this guide will walk you through every step of planning your dream destination wedding from a professional’s perspective. While the choice to have a destination wedding may seem daunting, I promise the process isn’t as scary as it seems… and it’s SO worth it!
Choosing the Perfect Destination for Your Wedding
Selecting the right destination is the foundation of your wedding experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Accessibility and Travel Logistics
Consider the ease of travel for both you and your guests. Look for destinations with major airports and convenient transportation options.
Research visa requirements, passport rules, and vaccination guidelines for your chosen location. This is HUGE! Sometimes these kinds of requirements actually determine where you can get married (but we’ll get to legal stuff later in more detail).
Think about travel costs for guests; remote locations may be breathtaking but could limit attendance due to budget constraints.Maybe this is a good thing—for some, an intimate wedding is exactly what couples are hoping for and destination weddings allow that to happen. You can still invite 100 guests, but also remember: sometimes weddings offer people the perfect excuse to travel somewhere cool, so be prepared for more Yeses on your RSVP cards than you might think!
Consider the availability of transportation within the location. Will guests need rental cars? Is public transport reliable? If you’re hoping for something more remote, look into local transportation services (cars + vans for hire, ease of public transport, or even helicopter companies you can rely on for guests). Depending on where you want to go, there will be local ways to get to where you hold your ceremony (I’ve even experienced riding a donkey up the hills of a remote Greek Island!)
Look into airline routes and whether direct flights are available from major hubs. PRO TIP: you can open up a credit card specifically for your wedding and pay attention to certain perks like travel points! By doing this, you’ll be making back some of your spending throughout the wedding process that will literally pay for you to get there!
2. Climate and Seasonal Considerations
Research the best time of year for your chosen destination. Some tropical locations have rainy seasons, while European destinations can have peak tourist months. No one wants to get married in the centre of Rome in July—as glam as that might seem, it’s literally unbearable (TRUST me!), so make sure you have an understanding of your chosen spot. If you want to, you can work in reverse: if you know you want to get married in July, but want a cooler climate, take a look at Scandinavia, the UK, South Africa (it’s winter there), New Zealand/Australia, or other countries that are in their cooler season.
Spring and autumn often offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal seasons for weddings.
Be mindful of extreme weather conditions such as hurricane season in the Caribbean or monsoons in Asia. If you can, reach out to locals! No one knows the weather better than the people who live here year round.
Research historical weather trends and temperature averages to make an informed decision OR talk to your vendors.
3. Legal Requirements for Marriage
Okay, this is a huge one, and not something that should be left until the last minute. Sometimes the legal aspects of a destination wedding actually help determine where you can get married. Definitely look into this as your researching locations!
Some countries require couples to meet residency requirements before legally marrying. For example, France requires a 30-day residency period, while Italy and Mexico offer more flexible options.
If legal marriage is complicated, consider having a civil ceremony at home and a symbolic ceremony at your destination. This is way more common than you think, and doesn’t take away from the magic of the ceremony at all, I promise! Officially saying your vows is way more important to you, your friends, and your families.
Verify if the destination requires translated documents, notarized paperwork, or blood tests.
Work with a local planner or legal expert to ensure compliance with marriage laws.
Helpful Resource: U.S. Department of State: Marriage Abroad for official information on legal marriage requirements in different countries.
4. Venue Types: Resort, Private Villa, or Historic Landmark?
Resorts: Offer all-inclusive wedding packages and on-site coordination but may have restrictions on customisation. Resorts can also be pretty crowded and touristy!
Private Villas: Provide an intimate setting and flexibility in vendor choices but require more logistical planning.
Historic Landmarks: Castles, estates, and historic sites can add grandeur but may have very stringent regulations regarding decor, event setup, party size, and timing.
Beaches & Natural Reserves: If you envision a beachfront wedding or a ceremony in a national park, be aware of permit requirements and guest limitations.
Urban Rooftops & Luxury Hotels: Ideal for city lovers who want a cosmopolitan wedding with skyline views.
Airbnbs: These are really gaining in popularity, because they allow for privacy and offer a way to fully customise your wedding to be exactly what you want. Just make sure before booking that your Airbnb host is aware that you’ll be hosting a large event! This is crucial because of noise complaints, as well as liability issues.
Budgeting for Your Destination Wedding
1. Understanding the Costs
Destination weddings can range from budget-friendly to luxury affairs. Key expenses include:
Venue rental
Travel and accommodation for the couple (and possibly guests)
Vendor costs (photographer, florist, catering, etc.)
Guest experiences (welcome parties, excursions, farewell brunches)
Marriage license and legal fees
Decor and rentals if the venue is not all-inclusive
Travel insurance in case of unforeseen cancellations or emergencies
2. Saving Money on Your Destination Wedding
Opt for an off-season date to save on venue and accommodation costs.
Negotiate group rates for hotels and flights.
Choose a weekday wedding (Monday-Thursday) to lower vendor costs.
Hire local vendors to avoid hefty travel fees. This is one of my top recommendations, and we’ll get into why in just a sec.
Consider package deals offered by resorts that include catering, decor, and planning services.
Reduce guest count to prioritise quality over quantity and save on per-person costs.
Open up a wedding-specific credit card to rack up points, get cash back, and enjoy whatever perks that card can offer. I know I already said this, but it’s seriously one of the best budget hacks I’ve heard of and can end up saving you a TON!
Hiring the Right Vendors for a Stress-Free Experience
1. Choosing an Experienced Destination Wedding Photographer
Alright, I’m TOTALLY biased on this one so bear with me…
Your photographer should be comfortable shooting in different lighting conditions and be familiar with your location. This means that they should have either shot there before OR arrive early enough to do site visits, walk-throughs, and be able to plan ahead for the day/weekend beforehand.
Look for someone with international experience who understands different cultural traditions.
Pro tip: Hire a photographer who has traveled extensively (like myself!) to ensure they can navigate travel logistics smoothly and capture your wedding authentically. The last thing you want is a photographer getting stuck in customs at the airport because they didn’t know how to answer important business-travel questions. An experienced traveller will also be used to being in foreign countries where they may not speak the language, but can still navigate safely.
If you want to get in touch with me, send me a message! I’d LOVE to chat about working together :)
2. Finding the Perfect Planner
For domestic weddings, a planner isn’t always essential, but can be super helpful. For destination weddings, though, I’d say they’re pretty essential. Consider your planner your ‘boots on the ground’ ahead of time. You won’t be on location in the months leading up to your wedding, so having someone you trust is a GREAT idea!
A destination wedding planner is essential for handling local logistics, permits, and vendor coordination. They also will have loads of great vendor recommendations!
Look for a planner based in your wedding location or one who specializes in destination events.
Ask about their experience with international clients and their language proficiency if planning in a non-English-speaking country. Bilingual planners are.. chefs kiss!
Ensure your planner has strong relationships with local vendors for a smoother process.
Check out Brides Without Borders or other directories to search for a planner/coordinator by area. I also recommend powering up the ol’ Facebook to join some area-specific wedding groups!
3. Selecting Reliable Local Vendors
Work with vendors who have experience with destination weddings and understand the logistics involved.
Consider hiring a local floral designer who knows the region's seasonal blooms and a caterer who specialises in authentic cuisine from the area.
Have video calls with potential vendors before making commitments to ensure alignment on your vision.
Read reviews and request referrals from past clients. This is SOOOOO important!! You probably won’t taste your menu before it’s served on your wedding day, you probably won’t meet up with your DJ or band until they’re playing for your guests. So take your time reading as many reviews as you can! If a vendor doesn’t have any testimonials to share, my recommendation is to find someone who does!
Creating a Seamless Guest Experience
1. Communicating with Guests Early
Send out Save the Dates 12-18 months in advance. Yes, that sounds like a loooong time, but when it comes to serious international travel, folks like to know way ahead of time when they’ll be needing to take a week or two off from work.
Provide detailed travel guides, including recommended accommodations and transportation options. If you don’t feel comfortable enough to do this, ask for help! I promise these kinds of guides are crazy helpful in making your guests feel more comfortable.
Consider setting up a wedding website to keep guests informed about itinerary, dress codes, and FAQs.
Offer assistance with booking group activities to help guests feel engaged. Consider making some of these activities things that you really care about! Do a lot of yoga at home? Have a group class or find a local studio for everyone! Are you a major surfer? Reach out to local shops to see if they’d be willing to rent out boards at a group rate.
2. Planning Group Activities
Destination weddings offer a unique opportunity to spend extended time with loved ones. Plan welcome parties, excursions, and farewell brunches to enhance the experience.
Organise activities like wine tastings in Tuscany, snorkelling in the Maldives, or guided city tours to help guests make the most of their trip. As I said before, a lot of people are also using this trip as an excuse to take a vacation.
Provide optional excursions so guests can explore at their own pace.
3. Offering Guest Accommodation Options
Negotiate room blocks at hotels to provide guests with discounted rates.
Include a variety of options to accommodate different budgets, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and Airbnbs. Give suggestions for folks interested in extending their trip, including certain neighbourhoods that are trendy, and more importantly, certain areas that are potentially unsafe.
Share transportation details so guests can navigate the destination with ease, and/or can organise carpools and shared rental cars.
Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Week
1. Packing Essentials for a Destination Wedding
Wedding attire: Carry your wedding dress and suit as carry-on items to avoid lost luggage nightmares. Opt for garment-specific bags so that your clothes don’t get irreparably wrinkled or folded.
Photography gear & backups: If you’re bringing your own photographer, ensure they pack backup equipment.
Marriage documents: Keep a digital and physical copy of all legal paperwork.
Emergency kit: Include first-aid supplies, travel-size toiletries, and touch-up products. For my clients, I actually pack this for them and keep it on hand the whole wedding day. You never know what could arise, so it’s best to be prepared for anything.
2. Arriving Early for a Smooth Experience
Arrive at least 3-5 days in advance to adjust to the time zone, check the venue, and finalize details with vendors.
Schedule a trial for hair and makeup to ensure your vision is executed perfectly.
Plan a venue walkthrough with your photographer to identify the best photo locations.
Final Thoughts: Making Your 2026 Destination Wedding Unforgettable
A destination wedding is more than just a ceremony; it's an immersive experience filled with adventure, culture, and lifelong memories. Planning ahead, choosing the right vendors, and embracing the journey will ensure a seamless and breathtaking event. Beyond the logistics, take time to immerse yourself in the experience. Whether it’s enjoying local cuisine, exploring hidden gems, or soaking in the beauty of your surroundings, your wedding should be as much about the journey as the destination itself. Involve your guests in meaningful cultural experiences to create unforgettable memories for everyone attending.
Finally, prioritize flexibility. Even the best-laid plans can face unexpected challenges, from flight delays to weather changes. Trust your vendors, embrace the moment, and remember that at the heart of your wedding is the love story you are celebrating. When you focus on what truly matters, your destination wedding will be everything you dreamed of and more. If you’re interested in hearing more about how I can help you plan and capture your wedding experience, feel free to reach out to me here! I can’t wait to hear from you!!