So, you’re thinking about having a destination wedding, but you don’t know where to start well don’t panic because we’ve made things super simple for you! Here is our guide to How To Start Planning a Destination Wedding!!

What is a Destination Wedding?

Did you know that destination weddings are more common today than they have ever been before?

A destination wedding typically takes place in a location that is not in your hometown that many of your guest will have to travel to this could be abroad or even in the U.S. A destination wedding couple mean many different things to many different people as well! It doesn’t always mean leaving your home country. It could mean just hopping on a plane with your favorite people ready to celebrate your day!

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Location, Location, Location!

Now its time for the fun part! Picking a location to say, “I do”. Envision your day, what do you see? Somewhere tropical with your toes in the sand and a breathtaking sunset? Maybe on a terrace overlooking the ocean in Santorini? Or even you and your loved ones favorite place to visit. Whichever it may be here are some things to consider while looking; the weather, marriage requirements, visas and passports, health laws, and taking a visit.

Guests or No Guests

Let’s be honest……. Not everyone is going to be excited to have to travel for your big day.. BUT no worries. We’ll send them a card in the mail of you both laying on the beach in your wedding outfits. Either way someone is going to be upset with something you decide to do for your day so as long as you both know & are happy with the decisions you make for your day then WHO CARES. Your day your way baby!

But if that is a deal breaker for you.. Sometimes it is good to look at locations that are easy for your guests to either get to or a location that makes for easy travel plans for the ones who may not travel a ton! An all-inclusive resort in Cabo doesn’t sound too hard to get to nor will you have to worry about your drinks or food when your there because of it being all-inclusive. That could be a huge help for them!

MAYBE you don’t want anyone to come? That is totally cool too!! Picking a location that is remote, you may need a passport to get to, or picking somewhere you can only have a small guest count is a great way to cut back on the guests because well, “you have to!” Blaming it on the venue is super easy believe it or not.

Picking a date or picking a season

Sometimes you have to pick one or the other. If you have a date in mind that you really love you will have to pick a location that is best during that time! Again, LOTS of research goes into just picking where! For example though.. Say you want a tropical wedding but also want to get married in December? Awesome! South Asia or Australia going to be your best bets! Or you can head down south & you’ll find great weather along the coastline!

Just remember though.. This location may only be good in the winter time. Thinking the same location in summer? HELLLL NO. This could mean a completely opposite experience for you. Maybe humidity, lots of bugs, overcrowding of tourist?!!? Yeah we don’t want anyone in a beach chair ruining your day.

Hire a Planner!

When it comes to your special day, we would 100% recommend hiring a wedding planner if your budget allows you to! These planners are here to help keep the pressure off you and your loved one and to make your Pinterest dreams become a reality. When hiring a planner, you can choose someone who does destination weddings for a living, or you can hire a local wedding planner who knows the area and vendors around.

Accommodations

Once you’ve nailed down your location, venue and date its time to get into accommodations for your guest. Room blocks are a money saver! You can work out a discount rate and keep your guest all in the same location. If your hotel doesn’t have enough rooms to offer you can also send your guest a few options of hotels that vary with different price points.

Have you always had the dream of eloping or having a destination wedding?! Well we’re here to help!! We’ve had lots of experience with planning in multiple different locations from coast to coast. With over 100+ weddings planned for couples looking to have a destination wedding we are here to be your experts! The Ember & Stone event team is here to make it the best day ever!

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Planning, Styling & Design: Ember & Stone Events

1st Photo: Moab Elopement Photographer: Forever to The Moon

2nd Photo: Lake Las Vegas Photographer: Al Bunganich Photography

3rd Photo: Revere Country Club Photographer: Adam Trujillo Photography

4th, 5th & 6th Photo: Lake Powell Elopement: Photographer: Karla Grzankowski Photography

7th Photo: Joshua Tree, Rim Rock Ranch, Micro-Wedding: Feel & Focus Photography

8th Photo: Oregon, Loloma Lodge Micro-Wedding: Feel & Focus Photography

9th Photo: Death Valley Same Sex Elopement: Kirnos Photography

10th Photo: Lake Las Vegas: Photographer: Al Bunganich Photography

11th Photo: Smokey Mountains Micro-Wedding Photographer: Felicia Anderson Photography