Sorting through destination wedding locations in order to pick the perfect one doesn’t have to be a mind-boggling ordeal.

Instead, it can be a fun experience wherein you get to decide where you and your beloved will say “I do.” Whether you’re planning a micro wedding or a big bash, you can find a destination that speaks to you as a couple, fits into your budget, and accommodates your other requirements. The world presents so many options. However, the process just might take some strategy and thoughtful digging.

When planning your dream destination wedding, factors to consider include:

• The time of year/season your destination will be in during your festivities

• The number of guests that you’ll have attending

• How far you want to travel away from home

• How far the wedding venue is from the accommodations and closest airport (especially if you’re hosting guests)

• And how welcoming locals may be — particularly concerning cultural and religious differences that may come up during your wedding planning and nuptials

What Are The World’s Best Destination Wedding Locations?

The roundup below shares 10 of the best destination wedding locations in the world, offering a snapshot of options depending on your budget, party size, vibe, and ideal setting for your special day. Since the beach is a common location request for destination weddings, many of the options below also provide local recommendations for that as well.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a picturesque destination on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It’s an ideal location for couples from the United States looking for a destination outside the country that doesn’t require long flights. The Mexican city offers plenty of laid-back luxury, scenic views, and golf courses.

There are many places to stay in Puerto Vallarta, so choose wisely. May is the best time to visit if you’re planning a spring wedding. Properties worth considering include Casa Velas – a great pick for stunning villas – and Grand Miramar Resort & Spa – perfect for an elevated wedding location overlooking Banderas Bay. Also look into the Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa if you need various on-site ceremony and reception options, or Casa Cupula, which is in Zona Romantica and LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Aruba

If you want to have an impressive, memorable, yet low-key destination wedding, Aruba is a perfect location. It’s a scenic, easily drivable, small paradise that’s a top pick for nature lovers. Arikok National Park is a unique destination wedding location, surrounded by dramatic, breathtaking landscapes. There are also historical heritage sites in the park, as well as Aruba’s charming flora and roaming fauna.

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is a beachfront property in Noord, directly on Palm Beach. It’s a smart choice for those who want a special, detail-oriented wedding. Also, it’s within walking distance to some of the country’s best nightlife and restaurants. Regardless of whether your ceremony and reception will be big or small, an on-site wedding specialist can help plan which venues, decorations, and food will be served. Additionally, the specialist can help arrange packages, spa services, and experiences for you and your guests.

Phuket, Thailand

Flights to Southeast Asia from the U.S. can be expensive, so that’s something to consider (especially if it’ll be a concern for your guests). However, if you’re set on saying “I do” in the region, Phuket is one of the best destination wedding locations that you could choose. Resort wedding packages can be quite affordable, such as at Sunsuri Phuket, where prices start under $3,000 for a party of up to 30 people.

The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is a luxury beachfront option on Bang Tao Beach. Its wedding packages include a designated specialist to support your planning, welcome drinks for your guests, a flower canopy for your ceremony, and a champagne bottle to toast to your love. Among the many other promises are your wedding cake, a night in a Deluxe Ocean View for the happy couple, and a romantic breakfast in bed. The property itself includes an 18-hole golf course, five dining options, a spa, and more.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular, Instagrammed destination wedding locations for good reason. Located in Southern Italy, the collection of show-stopping towns isn’t just good for proposals, but also for all engagement and wedding events. Need another reason? The Michelin Guide just named the Amalfi Coast as one of the top food destinations to visit in 2026.

Characteristic places along the coast are Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, among others. Strategic and dedicated planners have found ways to lower costs for their weddings in the region. However, many expect (and want) to splurge on their Amalfi Coast nuptials. The top properties worth considering depend on which town you choose. For options in Ravello, research Villa Eva, Villa Cimbrone, and Caruso, A Belmond Hotel. In Positano, consider Villa Treville.

Iceland

Iceland is a unique option particularly noteworthy for couples who want eye-catching wedding photos. It’s another top destination wedding location in this roundup for couples who love natural beauty and want to embrace the outdoors. Moreover, it’s a stunning place to elope.

Hire a photographer. Places to snap wedding photos include many of the country’s scenic landscapes. Choose a black-sand beach, glaciers, or sites with a waterfall or mountain as the backdrop. For wedding venues, consider hotels such as Skálakot Manor, the Frost & Fire Boutique, or the Búðir, to name a few. If you’re looking for a chapel, Budakirkja and Ingjaldshóll in the western part of the country are beautiful options.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has some of the most sought-after features couples desire when considering destination wedding locations. The country provides natural beauty, romance, stunning venues, and an ease that only comes on islands – aka that “Pura Vida.” Locations in the country to start your venue search should include places in Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Papagayo Peninsula, Liberia, etc.), Manuel Antonio, and Santa Teresa.

Two hotels on the Gulf of Papagayo to look into are Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica and the El Mangroove, Autograph Collection. In Santa Teresa, consider Hotel Fermata. There’s also the option of renting a villa on Airbnb. For example, there’s one in Punta Leona that accommodates up to 16, which can double as your wedding venue.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a coastal city with beaches, views of Table Mountain, and the nearby Cape Winelands. It’s a beautiful place for a destination wedding if you want the experience to be a grand affair filled with family, friends, fun, and local culture. For sun and sand, have your nuptials at Camps Bay Beach.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond, Cape Town, is one of the most gorgeous locations on this list. For those tying the knot, the hotel offers 10 on-site venues, a variety of cuisines, and attention to detail regarding your ceremony and reception. Decor-wise, the property boasts a Mediterranean-like mix of chicness, colorfulness, and timeless beauty.

St. Lucia

This Caribbean wedding destination is known for having natural beauty in every direction. It’s a small island, so you and your guests will be able to freely roam during your time there. Additionally, it’s widely considered a romantic destination for couples, so having a wedding there makes sense.

The iconic Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is where to consider if you want to go all out. The beach is considered one of, if not the country’s most picturesque. Additionally, the property itself provides all the island luxury and elevated hospitality you could ask for.

If you’re looking for all-inclusive wedding packages under $5,000, look into the Royalton St. Lucia. It offers two packages under that price ceiling, or the option to customize your own on-site wedding stay, ceremony, and reception.

Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco is another fantastic option for couples who want themselves and their wedding party to be enveloped in culture. During your marital festivities, plan to experience the best of Marrakech, from its food to its vibrancy and local artisans.

You have several options that could serve as both your wedding party’s accommodation and the primary site of your events. You could rent out a site, like the Villa Taj, admired for its opulence. Another is the Beldi Country Club, thoughtfully built like a Moroccan village but with all the hospitality you could hope for. For an option with stunning interiors that perfectly blends the old with the new, try the El Fenn Hotel. The latter has two restaurants, two bars (including one on a rooftop), a spa, and more.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is one of those perfect destination wedding locations for couples eloping or seeking a luxury experience. It’s so beautiful that after your wedding, it’d make sense just to also stay for your honeymoon. Located in the South Pacific, the overseas collectivity of France includes the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Mo’orea, and many more. It’s where to go to tie the knot surrounded by luxury resorts, overwater bungalows, turquoise waters, and stunning island and volcanic landscapes.

Consider the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa if you want an overwater chapel wedding venue. At the Conrad Bora Bora Nui you can receive a traditional Polynesian blessing during your ceremony. The Hotel Reva Tahiti is another prime choice, noteworthy for its location and affordability.

Bora Bora’s Matira Beach offers a perfect, classic beachy feel. Contrastingly, Tahiti has black-sand beaches, such as Taharuu Beach, that could be just as striking in photos.

*Note that all pricing in this story is listed as of the initial publishing date.

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