When it is time for the most memorable day of your life, you rather live it out in style since it is going to be a once in lifetime affair (hopefully!). Well, we are not suggesting that you throw a grand party at that expensive hotel in your town, which most couples do. Have you ever considered having a destination wedding? If you have given it some thought then what’s stopping you from having one? So let’s get down to business with a list of the top 30 destination wedding locations in the world. But first, let’s start with some basics.
What Is A Destination Wedding?
Firstly, “destination wedding” and “wedding destination” are not the same. A lot of people tend to mix up the two.
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When we talk about a ‘destination wedding’ it is all about getting married in style at a place at least 100 miles away from where you reside. So even if you live in the heart of the gorgeous Venice, you have to make a trip to Rome to qualify your wedding as a ‘destination wedding.’
Why Should You Have A Destination Wedding?
Well, if the idea hasn’t sunk in yet then here are some five amazing reasons why you should opt for one.
1. You will remember it for all the fun
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Weddings, especially the Indian ones, have a standard set routine. You begin with wedding practice number one and by the the time you wrap it up you are through with half a dozen core wedding customs. Just imagine having all that at a place that would make each ritual memorable? A destination wedding brings its own charm to the wedding process driving even the most laid-back wedding guests into a festive mood frenzy. For more elaborate info on this, refer to the next reason.
2. Your guests can have a free vacation
Your guests can spend their spare time sight-seeing and you can play a diligent host by taking everyone around. While planning, you can look for group deals and packages that could include discounted air tickets, which will help in saving money.
3. You have the perfect backdrop for pre-wedding and wedding photography
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“Hurry sweetie, we are late for our wedding.”
Looking for some nifty locations that would really make your pre-wedding and wedding pics stand out from the sea of the ones shared on Instagram? A destination wedding it is then. Do a bit of research about the best scenic spots in the locale and get ready to pose once there.
4. You can save on decorations
Why spend money on that ornate wedding platform when you can say your vows barefoot right on the beach? A destination wedding can provide numerous such options, which can help make your wedding theme more groovy and remarkable.
5. You can kick-off your honeymoon immediately!
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Another advantage that saves bucks. After the wedding, you can shift to a room in the same hotel to spend some time together as a now-married-couple. It is a cost-effective option and you can also avail a really solid discount from the hotel this way.
Top 31 Destination Wedding Locations Across the Globe
Let’s begin the list with desi destination wedding havens.
*Bonus point for Indian destination wedding locations – Information about air connectivity provided.
1. Udaipur, Rajasthan
No list of global destination wedding locations is complete without the mention of Udaipur, the former capital of the Kingdom of Mewar. It has the romantic and alluring Pichola Lake that has the Jagandir Palace Hotel right at the centre with the lake itself surrounded by the imposingly beautiful Aravalli mountains. Udaipur is a calm place with many small lakes and high lying areas that by default offer some picturesque views.
Best Time To Get Hitched: Winters are amazing at Udaipur. And any time between October to March will be great.
Air Travel Connectivity: Yes
Best Venue: Jagmandir Palace Hotel. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Cost – Rs. 12,000 per guest
*Visit the official Rajasthan Tourism website here.
2. Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for the crystal clear blue water of the Bay of Bengal and cloistered beaches. This location has the privilege of being one of the leading honeymoon destinations in India and is a popular choice for destination weddings too. You have the little Andaman that is popular for its pristine beaches and you have the Havelock Islands, one of the best places to tie the knot right by the seaside.
Best Time To Get Hitched: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for having a moderate temperature throughout the year but the weather is best between October to May.
Air Travel Connectivity: Yes. Flights from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair.
Best Venue: The Munjoh Ocean Resort, Havelock Island. To visit the resort’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 8000 – 10,000 per guest
Visit the official website of Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourism here.
3. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
This place is an ultimate symbol of love in the country, and makes a remarkable destination wedding location. And yes, we know that tying the knot within the Taj Mahal complex would be a dream come true. Well, although that is not possible, you can have your pre-wedding photography done there in your full-fledged wedding attire. There are many hotels around here that offer a decent view of the Taj Mahal that can be your wedding backdrop.
Best Time To Get Hitched: August to December and February to April.
Air Travel Connectivity: Yes
Best Venue: The Oberoi Amarvilas just 1.3 KM away from Taj Mahal. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 15,000 per guest
*Visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh tourism here.
4. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Tie the knot with the scenic sand dunes of the Thar desert in the backdrop. Jaisalmer is a great place for a destination wedding, and provides numerous options to do so. Having been under the reign of several rulers, Jaisalmer has plenty of heritage hotels, which are basically royal palaces converted to full time hotels. In spare time, your guests can enjoy some sightseeing while riding a camel in the desert.
Best Time To Get Hitched: August to December. Great place for outdoor weddings since this place receives minimal rainfall.
Air Travel Connectivity: No. Nearest airport is at Jodhpur from where you can travel by road or by rail to Jaisalmer.
Best Venue: Suryagarh Palace Hotel. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 10,000 per guest
*Visit the official website of Rajasthan Tourism here.
5. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh is located at the foothills of the pine clad Himalayan mountains. It is a place known for its moderate temperature making it a great place for a wedding in summer. You are surely going to have a romantic experience by getting married in Shimla, which even provides several wonderful places for touring.
Best Time To Get Hitched: February to June
Air Travel Connectivity: Yes, but limited. You will need to plan well in advance.
Best Venue: Woodville Palace Hotel. By the way, the history of this hotel dates back to the late 19th century era of India’s British Raj. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 9,000 per guest
*Visit the official website of the Himachal Pradesh tourism here.
6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
If being traditional is at the core of your matrimonial values then this is the place to be for your wedding. It is a place that is the confluence of religious ardour and immaculate natural beauty. There are diverse tourist spots here that one can explore with the weather being one of the best reasons why people love spending time here.
Best Time To Get Hitched: February to June
Air Travel Connectivity: No. The nearest airport is at Dehradun, which is just 35 KM away.
Best Venue: The Hotel Ganga Kinare. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 7,000 – 9,000 per guest
*Visit the official website of Uttarakhand tourism here.
7. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Yet another royal jewel from the land of kings. If you seek a tinge of aristocratic feel in your wedding then here is a place that will let you taste some royal fervour. Jodhpur is popularly known for its majestic Mehrangarh fort, and has several other heritage sightseeing options as well. The best part is you can have your wedding right at this 500 year old fort. Awesome isn’t it?
Best Time To Get Hitched: August to December
Air Travel Connectivity: Yes
Best Venue: Mehrangarh Fort
Tentative Cost: Rs. 15,000 to 20,000 per guest. Can vary according to the section of the fort hired and the scale of decorations.
*Visit the official website of Rajasthan tourism here.
8. Alleppey, Kerala
If wedding is an eternal union of two souls then it better happen in God’s own country. Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, has one of the most captivating beaches in the country and lies at the heart of the illustrative backwaters of Kerala. That makes it a really great place to spend some extra time after the wedding with honeymoon on a houseboat as the excuse.
Best Time To Get Hitch: October to April
Air Travel Connectivity: No. Cochin airport is the closest and is located at a distance of 75 KM.
Best Venue: Lake Palace Resort. To visit the resort’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs.10,000 per guest
*Visit the official website of Kerala tourism here.
9. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
This is that place whose pics you find on most of the Indian postcards. It is a quaint town that is exactly how you would imagine it to be – lush green hills, pristine water streams cutting through the surreal mist, creating a pleasing gurgle that breaks through the forest’s tranquillity. This is a great place to tie the knot if your guest-list comprises of adventure seekers and jungle trekkers or if you intend to head straight for a jungle trail in the guise of honeymoon.
Best Time To Get Hitched: February to June. In other words, summer is the best season to visit Mussoorie
Air Travel Connectivity: No. The nearest airport is at Dehradun, which is just 34 KM away.
Best Venue: JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort. To visit the resort’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs.15,000 per guest
*Visit the official website of Uttarakhand here.
10. Goa
Sun, sand and beaches. Yes, that is what Goa is all about. It is a popular destination wedding location choice of numerous couples from all over the globe. It has that certain picturesque charm thanks to its Portuguese lineage, and the presence of the lush greenery along the Konkan coast. There’s so much to choose from and the options for making your wedding as grand as possible are also in plenty.
Best Time To Get Hitched: November to March. December is THE best.
Air Travel Connectivity: Yes
Best Venue: Park Hyatt Goa Resort. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 13,000 – 18,000 per guest. Rates surge during peak tourist season.
*Visit the official website of Goa tourism here.
List Of International Destinations
Here is the list of the best destination wedding locations from all over the world.
1. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
The western coast of Costa Rica is popular for its sweeping waves and lovely lodges. But there is one part of it that totally stands out and that is Osa Peninsula. It is a rainforest that lines the ocean with pristine beaches that makes it THE perfect place to say your vows.
Best Time To Get Hitched: November to April
Best Venue: The Blue Osa Resort. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 16,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
2. County Clare, Ireland
It is one of those places where you can have a lovely countryside wedding while your guests can take full advantage of the various things-to-do that the place has to offer.
Best Time To Get Hitched: January to May. Summer is best.
Best Venue: The Old Ground Hotel. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 22,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
3. La Tartaruga Sabina, Rome, Italy
Rome is a perfect place for weddings. To make it even more special and memorable, you ought to take a look at La Tartaruga Sabina, a quaint old place located 35 miles north of the city. It is a place full of charming villas and gardens, which are mostly family-owned estates that are leased out for weddings. It is surely the place to have that luxurious dream wedding of yours.
Best Time To Get Hitched: January to May and September to November
Best Venue: Villa La Tartaruga Sabina. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 28,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
4. Drakensberg, South Africa
Drakensberg in South Africa is known for its vast expanse of country side with vineyards here and there. Being a hilly region, you have various options for trekking as well as options to relax with a game of golf followed up with some time at the spa. It is one of those places that is affordable compared to the other destinations listed here.
Best Time To Get Hitched: January to May
Best Venue: Cathedral Peak Hotel. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 10,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*Visit the official website of South Africa tourism here.
5. San Ignacio, Belize
If you and your guests like exploring ancient archaeological sites then San Ignacio would be the perfect choice for a destination wedding. It is a place dotted with wonders that date back to the Mayan civilization. There is the Macal river that flows close to the tropical forest that is demarcated as a National Park making it a great getaway after the wedding for you and your guests alike.
Best Time To Get Hitched: October to January. Avoid the rainy season.
Best Venue: San Ignacio Resort. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs.17,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Belize tourism website, click here.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a place nestled on the coast between Slovenia and Bosnia, and has a strong influence of both Italian and Latin cultures while upholding its strong Croatian heritage. There are numerous villas here that specially cater to the wedding needs of the numerous couples that throng this place for their dream wedding. You can enjoy a ride later on a Vespa along the beautiful roads lined with stone walls.
Best Time To Get Hitched: February to August
Best Venue: Villa Agave. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 18,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official website of Croatia tourism, click here.
7. Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Santiago de Compostela is a historic site located at the North-west corner of Spain that faces the North Atlantic. This place is known for its medieval era buildings that blend well with the modernised face of the town. There are also significant number of vineyards to extend your celebration.
Best Time To Get Hitched: September to February
Best Venue: Parador Hotel. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 20,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Spain tourism website, click here.
8. Bodrum, Turkey
The moment you enter the city of Bodrum, you will be greeted with the appealing scent of the spice market. It is the wedding place of choice for those looking for a celebration on the eastern end of the Mediterranean sea. You can have the wedding to remember for a lifetime on a luxury yacht with the deck as the wedding altar and then retire back to a luxury hotel.
Best Time To Get Hitched: September to December & February to May
Best Venue: Maçakizi Hotel. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 28,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Turkey tourism website, click here.
9. Trondheim, Norway
Planning to see the Northern Lights with your partner? Then get hitched at Trondheim, Norway. It is a place that has a distinct European charm and has some classic picturesque restaurants that serve traditional Norwegian food. You can also have a personal chef for the entire duration of the wedding who can make a three-course meal to satiate your guests’ taste-buds. And yes, you can have a romantic end to the day by cuddling with your partner near the fireplace.
Best Time To Get Hitched: February to July. Summers are the best here. In case you really wish to check out Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, then visit between November to January.
Best Venue: Scandic Nidelven Hotel. To visit the hotel’s website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 31,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Norway tourism website, click here.
10. Boracay, Philippines
Philippines is a natural haven with rich flora and fauna making it one of those destination wedding locations that is close to nature. It is also quite affordable. Boracay is one of the 7000 islands in this archipelago. The primary highlight of this place is the half a mile beach that is mostly reserved for the guests of the swanky hotels and resorts that line the lovely stretch, thus making it a great place for wedding.
Best Time To Get Hitched: November to May
Best Venue: Baling Hai Resort. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 10,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Philippines tourism website, click here.
11. The Big Island, Hawaii, USA
As the name suggests, this one is the biggest island in the island group, and just like Philippines has a diverse topography. It is one of those places where you can have a beach-side wedding or one atop the hillock with a breathtaking view of the the majestic Pacific ocean. Hawaii is quite a faraway place to visit, so make sure that you plan your journey and finances well.
Best Time To Get Hitched: November to May. But the, Hawaii is great to visit all year round too.
Best Venue: Four Seasons. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 50,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Hawaii tourism website, click here.
12. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most scenic stretches of Italy that is lined by some nice towns overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This coast is known for its citrus farming, and also the ancient roads passing through old towns. The coast is for you to explore and you can select any of the lovely locations here with the best being Ravello that has some splendid villas with attached gardens that can be rented for weddings.
Best Time To Get Hitched: September to November
Best Venue: Villa Cimbrone. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 31,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Italy tourism website, click here.
13. Paris, France
Well, how can one forget the city commonly associated with matters of heart and romance? The capital of France has several great wedding venues in and outside the city that would make swell locations for a memorable wedding. While there are several options available at the countryside, the certain attraction of the city will definitely be the Eiffel tower. Saying your vows with the Eiffel tower in the backdrop is surely an ecstatic moment. But a hotel with a view of the Eiffel tower is not going to come cheap, so plan well.
Best Time To Get Hitched: September to November
Best Venue: Hôtel Plaza Athénée. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 41,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official France tourism website, click here.
14. Arizona, USA
Arizona is best known for the Colorado river and the Grand Canyon, and is popular for its rugged terrain and deep-orange sunsets. The wide expanse of flatland with the wild foliage in the backdrop makes it a nice place for saying your vows. You can hire a ranch or go for a conventional resort to have your wedding ceremonies.
Best Time To Get Hitched: September to December
Best Venue: Westin La Paloma Resort. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 12,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official US tourism website, click here.
15. Nassau, Bahamas
The Caribbean has no dearth of lovely locations where you can set a spot for your wedding altar. This place receives sunshine and pleasant breeze all year around, and has some lovely places of which Nassau, the capital of Bahamas, stands out. This place is known for its deserted pink-sand beaches and a lively night life that should be more than enough to keep your guests busy.
Best Time To Get Hitched: September to February. Winter is the best.
Best Venue: Melia Nassau Beach Resort. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 36,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Bahamas tourism website, click here.
16. The Islands Of Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in the French Polynesian group of islands, which is an archipelago located in South Pacific Ocean. It is best known for its black sand beaches. It is also a place with turquoise lagoons that can be explored in canoes. You can choose from any of the lovely beach resorts here and since most of them offer pretty much the same view, you can select according to the facilities offered. Most of the resorts are of the niche category, therefore the prices can get really steep, so make sure you have bolstered your finances well.
Best Time To Get Hitched: May to October
Best Venue: Inter Continental Bora Bora Resort. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 80,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Tahiti tourism website, click here.
17. Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Another jewel of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a 3500 square mile island that packs a lot in its humble area. From impressive forts to pristine beaches, this is the place to be if you intend to dance to beats of salsa for your wedding party. It is a US territory, therefore you can conveniently calculate your budget in US dollars. Winters are the best here, thanks to the stable pleasant temperatures.
Best Time To Get Hitched: April to June
Best Venue: El Conquistador Resort. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 21,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Puerto Rico tourism website, click here.
18. New Orleans, USA
Popularly referred as the Big Easy, New Orleans, a city in the state of Louisiana, is a glamorous and indulgent destination that has been a popular destination wedding choice since a long time. Thanks to its strong Spanish and French influence, the city boasts of a colourful architecture that makes a striking backdrop for the big-day celebrations. This is also a place where you can have a wedding parade with a brass band leading you, just like our desi weddings.
Best Time To Get Hitched: November to February
Best Venue: Bourbon Orleans Hotel. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 14,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official US tourism website, click here.
19. Las Vegas, USA
If some swank and style is what you want from your wedding then there is no place that matches the fabulous Las Vegas located in Nevada’s Mojave desert. It is surely going to provide you with some action-packed wedding adventure with tons of shopping opportunities. This is a great place to have epic pool parties with DJs playing out your favourite tracks. Your guests can even check out the iconic Hoover dam before packing up.
Best Time To Get Hitched: October to April. Vegas can get exceedingly hot during summer so you can give it a miss if you are planning a summer wedding.
Best Venue: Wynn Las Vegas Hotel. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 20,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official US tourism website, click here.
20. Santorini, Greece
Greece provides a wonderful and romantic backdrop for weddings filled with fresh Mediterranean cuisine, delectable wines and vibrant traditions. Head to Santorini, an island in the Aegean sea, which is best known for its white washed buildings and unique architecture. The coast of Santorini has some stunning bays that would make a great place to have your wedding photoshoot done.
Best Time To Get Hitched: June to October
Best Venue: Santorini Princess Hotel. To visit the website, click here.
Tentative Cost: Rs. 60,000 per guest (excluding the airfare and other related costs)
*To visit the official Greece tourism website, click here.
In case you plan to kick-off your wedding preparation right away with an objective of having a destination wedding, then remember to ask the right questions beforehand. This will help you have a better understanding of the scale of your preparation thus helping you avoid any last moment hassles. Overall, this helps in vetting how adept is the wedding planner to carry out destination wedding, especially the overseas one.
Points To Discuss With The Wedding Planner
Q1. What’s the typical budget of couples you’ve helped plan weddings for?
Ans: If you are not sure about the kind of money you will have to shell-out then you can take the help of the wedding planner. You can do some prior research to arrive on an approximate figure and then have an interaction with the planner to see how the figures tally. An interaction of this sort is also a nice way of learning about the monetary working range of the planner. If you find the planner to be a decent one but pricey then maybe you can only opt for select services.
Q2. Have you organised a destination wedding at my preferred destination before?
Ans: No matter how ace the planner is, he/she should preferably be experienced in organising weddings at the destination of your choice. Every location has its own local rules and laws, and weddings held within the jurisdiction need to abide by it. Having a planner by your side who understands these nuances can be of an added advantage. While it is not necessarily a deal-breaker and most professional wedding planners will do the homework for you, but having someone who ticks all the boxes is definitely a bonus.
Q3. Can I see photos from weddings you’ve done at the destination I have chosen?
Ans: This will help you best judge the skill of the wedding planner. What you see is what you get.
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You would definitely would not like any unruly drones.
Q4. Do you collaborate with local wedding planners?
Ans: This is a great way to gauge the local know-how of the planner. He/she might not divulge the specifics but if the reply is affirmative then it can be a decent indicator of the level of expertise the wedding planner has with a particular location. Make sure you do some prior research of your own to be able to ask some smarter questions.
Q5. Can I contact you for honeymoon arrangements?
Ans: If it is an outright professional