Destination Wedding Ideas For Couples Who Want an Experience and an Adventure

When it comes to planning a destination wedding, it’s not just about choosing a beautiful location; it’s about choosing a whole experience. It’s about the memories you’ll create, the landscapes that will surround you, and the stories your photos will tell.

We’ve photographed couples on mountaintops in Italy, in the lush rainforests of Hawaii, and beneath a glowing sunset at an alpine lake in Canada. Some couples wanted an easy, all-inclusive experience, while others wanted something more wild and remote. No matter the vision though, when it comes to choosing your destination wedding location, our advice is always the same: choose a destination that feels like you!

So, if you’re looking for ideas that offer both a beautiful backdrop and opportunities for experiences, here are the best destination wedding locations around the world to start dreaming about.

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The Best Destination Wedding Locations in North America

Mexico

Why Mexico is One of the Top Destination Wedding Locations:

Mexico is one of the top destination wedding locations in the world, and with stunning coastlines and so many incredible all-inclusive resorts, it’s easy to see why. From the Yucatan Peninsula to Baja California, Mexico is one of the most accessible, budget-friendly wedding destinations that truly offers something for everyone.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A relaxing, tropical getaway at an all-inclusive resort and lots of opportunities to relax, explore, party, and unwind with their loved ones. Click here to see how Allie and Sierra threw out tradition and completely rewrote their rules for wedding day

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Mexico:

The best months to plan a destination wedding in Mexico are November through April. These months are considered the dry season in Mexico, which means less humidity and plenty of sunshine.

Costa Rica

Why Costa Rica is a Great Destination Wedding Location:

With lush rainforests, black sand beaches, and epic waterfalls, Costa Rica is one of those destination wedding locations that brings out the “adventure” in adventure elopement. It’s the kind of place where you can zipline through the forest in the morning and say your vows barefoot at sunset.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A tropical elopement or micro wedding filled with wildlife, waterfalls, and a true adventure.

Best Time to Plan Your Costa Rica Destination Wedding:

December through April in Costa Rica will give you more sunshine days and less rain. However, if you want to experience the country’s rich, green landscape, consider going during May-June or November. 

Want to see what a destination wedding in Costa Rica looks like? Click to read all about Cass and Anna’s tropical wedding. 

Hawaii, USA

Why Hawaii is One of the Best Places for a Destination Wedding:

When you plan a destination wedding in Hawaii, you get to choose your own adventure! Each island has its own vibe, from the Big Island’s black sand beaches to Kauai’s red rock canyons and rugged coastline. We’ve photographed couples on four of these magical islands, and every time we go back, it feels like magic.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A chill destination wedding at a tropical destination, mixed with Hawaii’s signature Aloha spirit.

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Hawaii:

Each island of Hawaii has its own microclimates and weather patterns. In general, though, the best times to visit are April to October for sunshine, or winter if you aren’t afraid of a little potential rain.

Ready to start planning your dream Hawaii wedding? Check out our full planning guide below! 

California, USA

Why California is One of the Best Locations for a Destination Wedding:

California has it all: coastlines, deserts, mountains, forests, and everything in between. Whether you’re imagining a mountaintop elopement in Yosemite or a Big Sur ceremony on the cliffs, California’s diversity makes it one of the most flexible and best destination wedding locations.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A choose-your-own-adventure wedding with epic views and a relaxed vibe.

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in California:

The best time of year for a California destination wedding will truly depend on the location you choose. However, most areas in California are best in spring or fall, as you still get amazing weather without the heat or crowds. 

Think a California destination wedding might be right for you? Explore our planning guide below and start dreaming about what your day could look like.

Washington, USA

Why Washington is One of the Top Destination Wedding Locations:

When you plan a destination wedding in Washington State, you get three beautiful national parks in one state: Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades. Whether you’re hiking to an alpine lake, exploring moody beaches, or saying vows in a mossy forest, there is so much variety in this beautiful state.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A cozy, adventurous PNW elopement with incredible scenery. 

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Washington:

There is nothing like the summer months in Washington! July through October tend to have more sunny days, less rain, and more access to beautiful trails. 

Convinced that a Washington destination wedding is right for you? Visit the link below to start planning your adventure! 

Banff, Canada

Why Banff is a Great Destination Wedding Location:

There’s a reason Banff is on so many bucket lists. The turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and glacier views here are unreal. We’ve photographed couples on top of mountains and in canoes on alpine lakes, and both make for a truly beautiful experience. 

Perfect for Couples Who Want: An epic mountain wedding, surrounded by beautiful views and easy access to local amenities and attractions.

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Banff, Canada:

June through September tend to be the best months in Banff, though fall and winter can be magical as well, depending on the type of experience you want to have. 

Click here to see Samantha and Jake’s two-day wedding at Lake Louise

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The Best Destination Wedding Locations in Europe

Greece

Why Greece is One of the Best Places for a Destination Wedding:

Ocean views, whitewashed buildings, and Mediterranean sunsets are just a few of the things that Greece is known for. And, after visiting this iconic destination ourselves, we have to say that somehow it is even better in person. We especially love this destination wedding location for couples who want to turn their elopement into a vacation with friends and family and experience lots of beauty, culture, and relaxation all in one.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A wedding celebration filled with history, views, and incredible food. (Bonus points if you’re planning to island hop. No two islands are alike!).

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Greece:

May to October are some of the best months to visit Greece, though keep in mind that the summer months can get quite crowded. 

Portugal

Why Portugal is One of the Best Locations for a Destination Wedding:

Portugal is one of the most underrated (and affordable) destination wedding locations in Europe. From the vibrant, charming city of Lisbon to the Algarve coast with some of the best ocean views in Europe (fun fact – this beach was named the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2024), Portugal has something for everyone. 

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A European destination wedding packed with charm and beauty.

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Portugal:

March through May and September to October are all great months to plan a Portugal destination wedding. The summer months are also beautiful; however, they tend to have more crowds as well.

Lake Como, Italy

Why Lake Como is One of the Top Destination Wedding Locations:

Picture this – a lakeside ceremony on a balcony with ivy-covered walls, a sunset boat ride on the water, and an evening reception at a villa surrounded by your loved ones. Lake Como offers all this and more, so it’s no wonder this place is one of the top destination wedding locations in the world. Getting married here truly feels like a dream, and we have to say, it’s one of the most beautiful destinations we’ve ever witnessed.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A luxury destination wedding that still feels intimate and timeless.

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Lake Como:

April through October are the best months to visit Lake Como, but because this area is a popular tourist destination, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season to avoid the crowds. 

The Dolomites, Italy

Why The Dolomites are a Great Destination Wedding Location:

There is so much to love about the Dolomites, and having photographed couples in these beautiful mountains many times, we know this area like the back of our hand. Whether you want to say your vows next to a beautiful lake or take a cable car up the mountain, the Dolomites truly are breathtaking in every season.

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A multi-day adventure filled with dramatic views and cozy mountain vibes.

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in The Dolomites:

We’ve photographed elopements in this area as early in the year as late May, all the way up until mid-October. But if you’re looking for the best weather, we recommend June through mid-October.

Ready to say ‘I Do’ in the Dolomites? Click on the link below for the complete guide on how to plan your destination wedding in these magical mountains. 

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Best Destination Wedding Locations in Asia

Vietnam

Why Vietnam is One of the Best Places for a Destination Wedding:

With incredible beaches, amazing food, and a rich culture, we’re not just biased (Henry was born here), Vietnam really is one of the best places for a destination wedding! It’s beautiful, affordable, and filled with destination wedding venues that offer all-inclusive options for an easy planning experience. Plus, when you plan a destination wedding in Vietnam and book us as your photographer, you’ll also get someone who speaks the language and can be your tour guide around the city. 

Perfect for Couples Who Want: An immersive experience with gorgeous scenery, amazing food, and a photographer who speaks the language. 

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Vietnam:

March and April or September to November are the best months to visit Vietnam, as you will get beautiful weather, less rainfall, and avoid the tourist season.

Thailand

Why Thailand is One of the Best Locations for a Destination Wedding:

Whether you’re getting married in the mountains or on the beach, Thailand is always stunning. This country offers a mix of vibrant city energy with calm island getaways, so there truly is something for everyone. 

Perfect for Couples Who Want: A destination wedding with tons of natural beauty, all-inclusive resorts, and luxury experiences.

Best Time to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Thailand:

November through April tend to be the best months to visit Thailand; however, keep in mind that the different regions throughout the country experience different weather patterns. 

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Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding at an alpine lake in Washington, a beachside ceremony at sunset in Hawaii, or a multi-day celebration anywhere else in the world, there’s no one “right” way to plan a destination wedding. The best destination wedding locations aren’t just the most beautiful ones, but the ones that feel true to the type of experience you want to have.

We’ve helped couples plan destination weddings everywhere from Iceland to Costa Rica to Japan, so wherever your heart is dreaming of, we are here to help you bring it to life.

Want More Resources and Tips on How to Plan Your Destination Wedding? Check out Some of our Resources Below: