10 Things to Consider When Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding

Ever dreamed of exchanging vows with your beloved in a picturesque location with a breathtaking view everywhere you look? Imagine that perfect moment during your destination wedding with your loved ones. Destination weddings are on the rise, with almost 25% of all weddings now taking place outside of the couple’s hometowns. In fact, planning a destination wedding requires even more attention to detail than a traditional wedding! As a destination wedding photographer, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to photograph weddings all over the world. Fun side note, my partner and I also planned a destination wedding for ourselves in 2016, when we got married in Austria, so I am familiar with the all the details and things to consider when planning a dream destination wedding. Get your notepad ready as I share with you 10 things to consider when planning your dream destination wedding.

1. Know Your Budget and Set Priorities

It’s critical to take your budget into account when planning your dream destination wedding. In some cases, destination weddings might be more economical than regular nuptials, but they typically cost more because of extra services, such as flights, hotels, and transport you may need. Therefore, it is important to establish a realistic budget.

Begin by identifying the costs related to your destination wedding, such as travel costs, accommodations, and venue fees. Once you have a rough estimate of these costs, you can then allocate your budget to other aspects of your wedding such as catering, photography, and entertainment.

Also take note of any additional fees that may occur, such as local taxes, vendor tips, and exchange rates. Another tip is to consider choosing an off-peak season for your wedding or opting for an all-inclusive package that covers all the services you would need.

2. Choose a Location

Choosing the ideal location is one of the most important decisions you will make when organizing your dream destination wedding. The venue you choose will determine the overall atmosphere of the wedding and serve as the backdrop for your big day. 

Pick a location that not only captures your personality and style but also offers space for your guests and makes sure everyone is comfortable. Then make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers. Take into account factors like the weather, accessibility, and cultural differences.

Consider the type of wedding you want to have as well. For instance, you might want to think about locations close to the seaside if you’re planning a beach wedding.

3. Selecting the Perfect Venue

The venue is what really makes the location worthwhile, not necessarily the location itself.

When selecting the perfect venue, it’s important to take into account the setting, the style of wedding you want, and your budget. Your vision and guest list should also match the venue you choose. 

Once you’ve located the ideal spot, look into several venue possibilities that fit your requirements and aesthetic. Ask about the availability of your preferred date, the venue’s capacity, and any potential constraints before making a final choice. It’s crucial to get all the specifics straight upfront because certain locations could insist that you employ their vendors or have particular requirements for decor. All-inclusive hotels are notorious for pushing guests towards using only their preferred suppliers. But as always, there are ways around it.

4. Research and Understand Local Laws and Customs

Understanding the local laws and customs is also essential when planning a destination wedding. Different countries may have specific requirements for entry and for getting married. Be sure to research the laws and regulations in your chosen location and plan accordingly.

5. Arranging Travel and Accommodations for Your Guests

Once you have a good understanding of the legal requirements, it’s time to turn your attention to arranging travel and accommodations for your guests. From flights and transportation to hotels and activities, there are many details to consider to ensure you and your guests have a comfortable and memorable experience. 

You may want to provide your guests with information about the area and activities they can do while they’re there. Whether it’s a group outing to a nearby attraction or simply recommendations for dining and shopping, giving your guests options will help them feel more comfortable and excited about the trip.

6. Hiring Vendors and Suppliers

When hiring vendors, it is great to hire a local florist, catering, decorations, or musicians to ensure that you have the best resources at your disposal. You can take advantage of their knowledge of the local weather, landscape, and traditions, which can add a unique and personalized touch to your wedding.

However, you may also want to consider bringing vendors like an officiant, photographer, videographer, or wedding planner. These certain vendors are specialists in destination weddings even from abroad, which makes them very adept to it!

7. Get on with the Destination Wedding Details!

It’s time to focus on the details of your dream wedding! To truly make your dream destination wedding one-of-a-kind, designing the details is key. Whether you want a beachfront ceremony with a tropical twist or a mountain-top reception with rustic charm, getting creative with the decor, flowers, and overall ambiance can bring your vision to life.

Consider incorporating elements that reflect your personalities, interests, and love story. From signature cocktails that represent your favorite flavors to photo booths that showcase your shared adventures, every little detail can add to the magic of your special day.

Working closely with your vendors and suppliers can help you execute your vision flawlessly. Leverage their expertise and experience to create a cohesive and memorable design that truly captures the essence of your dream wedding.

8. Get Ready for an Alternative Plan

Don’t forget to plan for the unexpected! Weather can be unpredictable, and rain can put a damper on your outdoor wedding dreams. It’s important to have a contingency plan in place to ensure your big day goes smoothly, rain or shine. Consider locating a backup indoor location, renting tents or canopies, or even scheduling the ceremony and reception for different days to avoid the weather altogether. 

Whatever your backup plan may be, make sure to communicate it clearly with your vendors and guests to avoid any confusion on the day of. Once a solid backup plan is in place, you can relax and focus on celebrating your love.

9. Capturing Your Destination Wedding with a Professional Photographer

Your wedding day is a day you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You’ll want to be able to look back on your special day and see every beautiful moment that made it truly unforgettable. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional photographer to capture those moments for you!

Before hiring a photographer, do your research and look at their portfolio to make sure their style matches your vision. Schedule a consultation to discuss your ideas and make sure they understand exactly what you want.

If you would like to inquire and discuss how I may be able to assist you with your wedding photography vision, please contact me at any time to schedule a discovery call.

10. Ensuring Your Destination Wedding is Legal and Official

It’s important to make sure that your dream destination wedding is not only beautiful and memorable, but also legal and official. You would need to take some steps to ensure that your wedding is recognized as a legally binding ceremony.

Documentation wise, staple requirements in most destinations are your original birth certificate, passport, and proof of citizenship. It is also worth noting that in some destinations, certain amount of residency period is needed before getting married.

Another important consideration is the officiant who will perform your ceremony. You may need to find a local officiant or hire someone who is willing to travel with you to perform the ceremony.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that your wedding is registered with the appropriate authorities. This will ensure that your marriage is recognized as legally binding, and that you have all the necessary documentation to prove it. Always check the government websites as guidelines and requirements may change the process of your planning period.

Planning a dream destination wedding requires attention to detail and a lot of hard work, but it can also be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. By keeping these 10 things in mind, you can ensure that your wedding day perfectly reflects your vision. Remember to stay organized, be flexible, and enjoy each step of the planning process. Most importantly, don’t forget to take a moment to breathe and appreciate the love on your special day. I would absolutely love to learn more about you and help you in the planning and documenting of your wedding day. Happy planning!