How to Plan a Destination Wedding

Guide Note

A destination wedding is a when you and your fiancee travel to a special location to have your wedding. If it is just the two of you, it is called eloping. However, destination weddings often involve family and friends. If you want to know how to plan a destination wedding, then you're at the right place.

Table of Contents

Destination Wedding Tips

  1. Nearly 30 percent of weddings are destination weddings.
  2. Give your guests plenty of advance notice.
  3. Hire a wedding planner either in your hometown or in the location of your wedding.
  4. Create a website to inform guests about wedding plans.
  5. You should arrange for transportation to and from activities for your guests.
  6. Consider having a second wedding reception when you return for guests that couldn't attend.

Introduction

Turn your wedding into a vacation for your family and friends, too. (Creative Commons photo by Kristin)
Turn your wedding into a vacation for your family and friends, too. (Creative Commons photo by Kristin)
  • If you dreamed of having a unique and creative wedding, but can't imagine how it would be possible in your hometown, then perhaps it is time to consider the possibility of having your wedding somewhere else. You may be surprised to find that your friends and family support your decision, especially since it often turns into a vacation for them as well.

Step 1: Decide if a Destination Wedding is Right for You

  • A destination wedding is not right for everyone. You should evaluate your situation to determine if a destination wedding is right for you and your fiancée. It can be a good idea if:
  1. You want a smaller, more intimate wedding.3
  2. You are okay with the idea that not everyone will be able to attend the wedding.4 Only about 60 percent of guests invited will attend a destination wedding.5
  3. You are not obsessed with details.4
  4. You are flexible and able to make changes as needed.4
  5. It is your second wedding and you want something different.6
  6. You are on a tight budget and can't afford a large wedding.2
  7. Most of your guests will have to travel to get the wedding even if you have it at home.5
  8. You want the freedom to be more creative with your wedding.5


Step 2: Choose the Right Location

  • Many people already have a location in mind when they start thinking about having a destination wedding. If you do not, start by asking yourself a few questions:
  1. Do you want to keep it in the United States? Popular U.S. destinations include Las Vegas and the Poconos.
  2. Do you want a tropical location such as Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii?
  3. Do you want a European destination such as England or Italy?
  4. Do you want to go down under to Australia or over to Africa or Asia?
  5. Would you like to go somewhere unique such as:
    1. A cruise ship such as Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line?7
    2. An all-inclusive resort such as Couples, Sandals or SuperClubs?8
    3. A Disney-themed wedding at either Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California?
    4. The Mall of America's Chapel of Love?
    5. An African game preserve?

Important Things to Consider

Don't plan your wedding during a time of year known for inclement weather. (Creative Commons photo by *saipal)
Don't plan your wedding during a time of year known for inclement weather. (Creative Commons photo by *saipal)
  • Once you have an location in mind, evaluate its suitability by asking yourself several additional questions:
  1. What will your budget for the wedding be? Typically, destination weddings are cheaper than traditional weddings, but this is not always true. 8
  2. Will your family and friends enjoy the location?4
  3. Are there activities for your guests to do at the location besides the wedding?
  4. What will the weather be like at the time? Is it hurricane season?8 Will you be able to plan for bad weather should it occur?
  5. Would it be difficult for people with physical limitations, such as your grandparents, to travel there?9
  6. How expensive will it be for people to travel to the location? Will people that you want to attend be able to afford it?4
  7. Does the location offer accommodations at both the high and low-end of the cost spectrum?4

Foreign Locations

  • Unless you plan to have a civil ceremony once you return, you will need to research the marriage requirements in any foreign country you are considering for your destination wedding. In general, the United States will recognize any marriage performed elsewhere provided it was a valid marriage. Although many countries have no residency requirements, here are a few that do:
Foreign Countries with Residency Requirements
  • Besides the residency requirements, some countries have a waiting period (either after a divorce or after the marriage license is issued) before a wedding can be performed. You will need to check this out as well. The best way to find out all the requirements necessary is to contact the U.S. Embassy in that country.18
    • Don't forget to check out Mahalo's travel section for more information about any location you are considering.

Step 3: Planning the Wedding

  1. Hire a wedding consultant.20 The wedding consultant can be one that lives where the wedding will be held or one that specializes in planning destination weddings.
  2. Have the wedding at a hotel or other location that specializes in weddings.
  3. Have the wedding at a wedding chapel. They usually offer wedding packages that include items such as flowers, licenses, music, photographers and similar items.19
  • If at all possible, consider visiting the location and meeting with anyone that you want to hire before the wedding.20 When you visit, you can also scout out locations and look into activities for your guests. If you can't visit the location, then you should thoroughly research your location and check references before you hire someone.21


Step 4: Dealing with Guests

  1. Notify your guests at least one year in advance by sending a save the date card.9
  2. Prepare a package for each guest that includes information about the location, maps, contact information, packing suggestions, phrase book and similar information.23
  3. Create a website for your guests. The site can contain information such as where to get a passport, information about the location and anything else you would like your guests to know.21
  4. Inform guests of what will be expected of them such as appropriate dress (formal or informal).23
  5. Plan transportation for your guests to and from the airport and any wedding events.23
  6. Consider planning some special events outside of the wedding for your guests such as a tour or an outdoor excursion.23
  7. However, don't over plan for your guests.19 Let them have some free time to explore the location on their own.
  8. Welcome your guests to the hotel by placing a gift basket in their room. It can include essential things they might have forgotten or a taste of the local flavor.20
  9. Check into getting a group discount on hotel rooms and travel reservations. Many major airlines, such as American Airlines, offer wedding travel packages.24
    Use photographs or broadcast video to share the experience with guests who couldn't make it. (Creative Commons photo by Alpha)
    Use photographs or broadcast video to share the experience with guests who couldn't make it. (Creative Commons photo by Alpha)

How to Handle Guests that Can't Be There

  • Chances are that many of your friends and relatives will not be able to make the trip to your destination wedding. So, you should have some idea on how to handle the issue.
  1. Send wedding announcements to anyone who did not make it to the wedding.25
  2. Have your wedding broadcast live online.26
  3. Have a traditional wedding reception back home.19
  4. Have an informal party to celebrate the wedding when you return that is themed to match your wedding.19

Step 5: Getting a Marriage License

  1. Certified copy of your birth certificate.
  2. Proof of citizenship, such as your passport.
  3. Certified copy of divorce papers or Proof of Absolute (if divorced).27
  4. Certified copy of death certificate of former spouse (if widowed).
  5. Parental consent if one of the parties is under the age of 18.27
  6. A deed pool (if your name has been changed).28
  7. An Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry.27
  • For more information about the license requirements for various countries, check out the any of the following websites:
  1. The Knot: Destination Weddings  WARNING: Pop-ups  Darcy: Has links with the requirements for most countries.
  2. About.com: Wedding Locales & Laws  WARNING: Pop-ups
  3. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons: Destination Wedding Requirements
  4. Tropical Vacations Travel: Destination Wedding Marriage Requirements
  5. Special Occasion Travel: Destination Weddings: Weddings in the Caribbean

Step 6: Dealing with Your Attire and Gifts

Pack as lightly as you can. (But don't forget the wedding dress.) (Creative Commons photo by Bethany King)
Pack as lightly as you can. (But don't forget the wedding dress.) (Creative Commons photo by Bethany King)
  • Hauling everything to and from your destination can be a big headache, so you need to plan in advance. Remember, anything that you bring with you, you will have to pack and carry back with you.
  1. Pack light and take only the essentials with you.21
  2. Allow ample room in your luggage for your wedding dress.31 A lightweight wedding dress will be easier to pack.21
  3. If you are shipping items, allow extra time to guarantee that they arrive (and don't forget to purchase insurance in case they don't).19
  4. Open a bank account in the same city as your wedding to deposit any cash that guests give you.31
  5. Request that guests not bring wedding presents to the destination.21 Wedding reception etiquette suggests that the parents of the bridal couple should inform guests where to send the gifts.22
  6. Ask a family or wedding party member to transport any wedding items, such as your dress or presents, home.21

Conclusion

  • Having your dream wedding won't turn into a nightmare if you consider all your options. Destination weddings can be a great way to turn your wedding into a vacation for both you and your guests. The trick is to relax, be willing to adjust your plans when necessary and above all have a good time.

Subscribe to Mahalo's Weekly How To Email Newsletter

  • Get our best How To tips and ideas in your inbox each week

References for How to Plan a Destination Wedding

  1. ↑ San Diego Magazine: Destination Weddings (March 2005)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Knot: Destination Wedding Basics: Why Marry Away?  WARNING: Pop-ups
  3. ↑ About.com: Is a Destination Wedding Right for You? - 8 Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Statesman.com: How to Plan a Destination Wedding
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Washingtonian.com: Destination Weddings at the Beach
  6. ↑ Lovetripper.com: Destination Weddings: Are They for You?  WARNING: Pop-ups
  7. ↑ MSNBC: Best Cruises for Weddings
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Budget Travel: Destination Weddings (April 29, 2005)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Brides.com: Destination Weddings: Getting Started
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 The Wedding Experience: Legal Requirements for Destination Weddings
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 A Bit of Travel: Destination Caribbean... Weddings
  12. ↑ The Knot: Marrying in Europe: An Overview  WARNING: Pop-ups
  13. ↑ Sedohr: Wedding Information
  14. ↑ The Knot: Asia, Australia, and Africa: Marriage License Requirements  WARNING: Pop-ups
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 The Knot: Marrying in the Caribbean: An Overview  WARNING: Pop-ups
  16. ↑ The Knot: Marrying in Mexico: An Overview  WARNING: Pop-ups
  17. ↑ LifeTips: Destination Weddings Europe Tips
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 U.S. Department of State: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Destination Weddings
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 The Knot: 13 Must-read Tips  WARNING: Pop-ups
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 Statesman.com: More Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 DestinationWeddings.com: Destination Wedding Tips & Advice
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 Brave New Traveler: The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Destination Wedding
  24. ↑ American Airlines: Wedding Travel Packages
  25. ↑ DestinationWeddings.com: Destination Wedding Tips & Advice
  26. ↑ Starwood Hotels & Resorts: Live Internet Weddings
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Special Occasion Travel: Destination Weddings: Weddings in the Caribbean
  29. ↑ The Knot: Marriage Requirements for Costa Rica  WARNING: Pop-ups
  30. ↑ The Knot: Marriage Requirements for Mexico WARNING: Pop-ups
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 The Knot: How to Stay Sane  WARNING: Pop-ups

Resources for How to Plan a Destination Wedding

How to Plan a Destination Wedding Books

How to Plan a Destination Wedding Videos



Didn't find what you were looking for?

Ask a question about How to Plan a Destination Wedding


110 characters left.