Best Destination Wedding Locations in 2024

Your wedding deserves a backdrop as beautiful as you and your partner’s love story. While the idea of a destination wedding is exciting, finding the perfect locale to make the celebration unforgettable for guests can be challenging.

Whether you opt for a cliffside resort or a winter wonderland, discover dreamy locales to inspire you into planning the most extraordinary trip of your life. 

What is a Destination Wedding?

A destination wedding happens when the ceremony is held outside the couple’s hometown, which requires everyone invited to the wedding to travel. It’s a fantastic opportunity for couples to celebrate their milestone in their dream destination.

The average cost of this celebration in 2023 is around $35,000, but keep in mind that your expenses will be tailored to fit your budget. There are no one-size-fits-all destination wedding costs and themes, so the final amount will depend on your unique needs and preferences.

Dreamy Destination Wedding Locations to Explore

Get ready to turn your wedding day into the most exciting adventure in these scenic locales.

Seychelles

Start your married life hand in hand and barefoot on the sands of Seychelles beach. This small, remote African country is the ideal setting for an unforgettable wedding. Walk down the sandy aisle with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop. Exchange vows before your loved ones or with just the two at a treetop villa. It’s the perfect destination for any couple seeking an off-the-beaten-track island as a location for their destination wedding.

Those searching for the perfect blend of tropical and modern touch may opt for Savoy Resort and Spa or Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.

Puerto Rico

Another tropical paradise is the country of Puerto Rico. It has all that other Caribbean islands offer — hospitable locals, luxurious resorts and pristine beaches. It’s also a US territory, so there’s less hassle when traveling abroad. The best time to tie the knot in this country is summer. Avoid making bookings during the hurricane season, from June to November.

Those looking for that luxurious appeal can check out El San Juan Hotel, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and Hotel El Convento. Beachfront locations include The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort.

Portugal

This European country is perfect for couples who want to immerse themselves and their guests in a rich culture and a unique environment. The charm of Portugal lies in its charming landscape and affordability while still offering world-class dining options. Even better, you can enjoy beautiful weather year-round, making it an ideal location for weddings and honeymoons.

Make your fairytale wedding dreams come true in the National Palace of Pena or Sintra, considered the first center of European Romantic architecture and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Italy

This country is home to great food and even greater wedding destinations. Beloved by romantic poets, musicians and celebrities, Italy has a gorgeous landscape that will make every couple’s dream come true. It’s as if you’re royalty when you tie the knot here.

If you’re looking for intimate destination wedding locations, the Amalfi Coast is home to many scenic yet private spots. You definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on checking out the lush gardens of Villa Astor in Sorrento and Villa Tre Ville in Positano.

If you want a blend of historical luxury and tradition, explore settings near Lake Como. Choose Instagram-worthy destinations such as Villa Balbiano or Villa Pizzo. 

Ireland

If you fancy a fairy tale wedding, you and your partner will love Ireland. Green rolling hills, seaside villages and grand castles await you. Get a taste of the lush Irish culture throughout a weekend celebration of your wedding. 

Check out the Ashford Castle, a serene area that can accommodate intimate and elaborate weddings. For more lavish weddings, Adare Manor and Ballyfin are excellent locations. If you’re looking for a site only a short distance from the vibrant city life, Luttrellstown Castle Resort, where David and Victoria Beckham tied the knot in 1999, is the place for you.

Spain

Home to art cities like Madrid and Barcelona, it’s no wonder Spain made this list of best destination wedding locations this year. The Iberian Peninsula has luxury resorts that can accommodate your dream beachfront wedding. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands offer wonderful nightlights to complement the beauty of your wedding.

If you plan a wedding in the winter, expect higher costs in the Canary Islands. Regarding city-based celebrations, you can enjoy pleasant weather year-round in lauded hotels, restaurants and museums. A summer beachfront wedding is best held in the Balearic Islands from May to October.

Turkey

Known for its teeming culture, scenery and history, Turkey offers more than pristine beach destinations. Expect guests to be filled with things to do and explore during your weekend wedding celebration, such as sightseeing, shopping and scarfing down delicious food.

Exotic wedding venues include Antalya, a seaside city where you have the Mediterranean Sea as your background and the Grand Yazici Bodrum in Bodrum. Opt to ring the wedding bells in Cappadocia, where you can share your wedding vows on a hot air balloon with the views of fairy chimneys.

Bali, Indonesia

A destination in the tropical city of Bali, Indonesia is worth every effort. The fantastic mix of luxurious resorts, tropical jungle, delicious food and friendly locals make it an ideal wedding destination. It’s best for couples looking for handmade, organic decor. You can also partner with local artisans to create hand-woven textiles for your wedding.

When it comes to venues, surround yourself, your partner and guests with lush greenery in Peppers Seminyak, The Ungasan or Wonderland Uluwatu. The city is teeming with luxurious venues ready to make your tropical wedding dreams come true.

Top wedding destinations boasting towering mountain ranges include the Oeschinensee, Engadin and Interlaken. If you want to combine relaxation and adventure, Grindelwald or Gstaad can be a wonderful place to tie the knot.

Plan Your Dream Destination Wedding Today

May this guide serve as your jumping-off point while planning your destination wedding. From tropical havens to enchanting castles straight out of a fairy tale, the options for dreamy destination wedding locations are abundant. Remember that you and your partner only deserve the best — go on and choose one that feels perfect for you both.