While a local wedding is always special, there’s a unique charm to exchanging vows in a far-off location. Whether you’re saying “I do” amid Tuscany’s vineyards or on Fiji’s pristine shores, a destination wedding elevates the experience with unforgettable views. Plus, traveling for your wedding gives you and your guests a chance to dive into a new culture and extend the celebration beyond the ceremony and reception.
If you’re planning a wedding abroad—or still daydreaming—keep in mind that the setting should inspire your celebration’s style. From customized invitations to décor inspired by your destination, these 30 dreamy ideas will help you highlight the locale in the most beautiful ways possible.
01. Establish a Sense of Place With Your Invitations
Your invitations can do more than announce your wedding—they can set the tone and showcase your destination. Illustrate your venue on envelope liners or include a scenic sketch on your itinerary. Add themed stamps that reflect your location, like this couple who incorporated coastal imagery for their wedding in Greece.
02. Include a Map in Your Stationery Suite
Maps are both practical and charming. Whether your event spans several locations or takes place in one expansive venue, a custom map gives guests a clear idea of the layout—and adds a stylish touch to your suite.
03. Buy Out a Hotel
If your guest list is large enough, consider reserving an entire hotel. It creates a central location for your loved ones to stay and celebrate, while eliminating the need for additional transportation. It also fosters a close-knit, celebratory atmosphere across the entire weekend.
04. Distribute Welcome Bags
Show appreciation to your guests with curated welcome bags. Fill them with regional snacks, local drinks, and helpful items like sunscreen or pain relievers. Not only are they thoughtful, but they also give everyone a taste of your destination from the moment they arrive.
05. Host a Pre-Wedding Event With an Iconic Backdrop
Start your festivities with a bang by choosing a venue that showcases a famous landmark. A welcome dinner near the Eiffel Tower or Tower Bridge sets the stage for a photo-worthy weekend and captures the essence of your destination right away.
06. Take a Hike
Make the most of your surroundings with an organized hike. Perfect for mountain or national park weddings, it’s a great way to bond with guests and enjoy scenic views. Bring your photographer to document the adventure for lasting memories.
07. Explore the Region on Horseback
Swap walking for riding and explore the area on horseback—especially fitting for farm or ranch weddings. It’s an intimate and serene way to connect with your surroundings and enjoy a quiet moment before the big day.
08. Create a Scenic First Look
Choose a stunning location for your first look, like a cliffside, vineyard, or coastline. The natural beauty will heighten the emotional impact and give you unforgettable photographs.
09. Capture the Landscape on Camera During Portraits
Scout out the best photo spots at your venue with your photographer. Whether it’s a dramatic beach or a high overlook, capturing these scenic locations will result in cinematic portraits that reflect your setting.
10. Choose a Local Place of Worship for Your Ceremony
Religious venues around the world are often architectural gems. Holding your ceremony in a historic church, mosque, or temple adds significance and beauty—with minimal need for additional décor.
11. Exchange Vows at a Historical Landmark
Tie the knot at an iconic location like an old palace, amphitheater, or museum. These backdrops bring grandeur and historical charm to your ceremony, offering a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
12. Spotlight the Views During Your Service
Let your ceremony location highlight the breathtaking landscape around you. Panoramic mountain, vineyard, or ocean views create a dreamy altar space and a serene environment for your vows.
13. Hire Local Vendors
Local vendors bring valuable insight and experience to your destination wedding. They understand the logistics and style of the area, making your planning smoother and your event more authentic.
14. Drive a Getaway Car Through Town
Celebrate just-married bliss with a drive through your destination. A convertible along the Amalfi Coast or a vintage car in Paris makes for a stylish and sentimental moment—plus, great photos.
15. Book a Boat Ride for Your Mode of Transportation
If your venue is by the water, arrive or depart by boat. It’s romantic, fun, and offers another private moment together—or even a mini photo shoot—with the sea as your backdrop.
16. Welcome Guests With the Native Liquor
Kick off cocktail hour with local spirits served as escort cards. Think tequila shots in Cabo or ouzo in Greece. It’s a fun way to blend culture and celebration while guiding guests to their seats.
17. Complete Your Escort Card Wall With an Illuminating Illustration
Design a unique escort card display featuring illustrations of your locale’s landmarks. It brings an artistic touch and gives guests a visual representation of why the destination is meaningful to you.
18. Assemble Your Lounge Area Overlooking the Scenery
Set up a lounge with a view. Position comfy seating near the venue’s best landscapes and choose decor that matches the natural elements—like rattan furniture or earthy-toned textiles.
19. Show Off Exquisite Architecture
Whether it’s Moorish ruins, colonial mansions, or Art Deco hotels, embrace your venue’s architecture. These settings reflect a locale’s cultural identity and create an unforgettable ambiance for your celebration.
20. Look to Your Location to Inspire Your Aesthetic
Incorporate regional elements into your design. For example, use lemons for a wedding in Sicily or lavender in Provence. Let the landscape and flora inspire your colors, textures, and table settings.
