In this article, I’m sharing 11 fun facts about destination weddings based on my own research for my own destination wedding. Read on for tips on a budget-friendly celebration, information on why it’s a good idea to legally marry at home and what options you have besides going to the beach with your wedding guests.
I got married this year but haven’t had the wedding reception yet. My partner and I are from different countries, so we’re looking at options for how and where to celebrate. With our families and friends spread around the world, a destination wedding seems like a possible choice.
Spoiler: In the end, I chose Bali for my destination wedding.
A destination wedding is a wedding ceremony held in a location away from the couple’s hometown, often requiring travel for both the couple and their guests. These weddings typically take place in scenic or unique settings, offering guests the chance to combine the event with a mini-vacation.
Destination wedding venues range from resorts and hotels to boats or mountains, allowing couples to create a personalized and memorable experience. By choosing a non-traditional approach, couples create memorable experiences for themselves and their guests.
Whether you’re just curious or actively planning a destination wedding, these 11 fun facts will inspire you.
| Category | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Average Destination Wedding Cost | The average destinationwedding costs $28,000. Destination weddings can cost more or less than a traditional wedding, depending on the location and time. |
| Average Number of Guests | Destination weddings usually have smaller guest lists as many guests may not be able to travel. The average destination wedding has 50 guests. |
| Popular Locations | Popular locations for weddings include beach resorts in Mexico, Hawaii, and tropical Caribbean islands like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. |
| Timing | Plan at least 9–12 months ahead. Guests will need time to arrange travel, get time off work and secure accommodations. |
| Legal Requirements | Each country has different marriage laws (residency, paperwork or waiting periods). To simplify the process, we recommend getting legally married in your home country and having the ceremony in the destination country. |
11 Helpful Fun Facts About Destination Weddings
- Destination weddings offer more budget-friendly options than traditional ones
- You can invite a smaller group of guests, making it more intimate
- Destination weddings can double as a honeymoon
- Destination wedding venues often come with stunning scenery
- You can personalize the experience with local culture and traditions
- Planning a destination wedding is easier with a local wedding planner
- Destination weddings allow you to combine vacation with your celebration
- You can save money by avoiding the typical wedding reception costs
- Traveling with loved ones creates lasting memories
- A destination wedding offers plenty of opportunities for unique photos
- Many destination weddings include special traditions like a cultural ceremony
1. The average destination wedding costs $28,000
The average cost of a destination wedding is $28,000, according to worldmetrics.org 2024 report. In comparison, the average domestic wedding costs $35,000.
These costs include essential expenses like the venue, catering, flowers and entertainment but costs can vary based on location, length of stay, guest count, exchange rates and time of year.
It’s possible to host a destination wedding on a wedding budget of $5,000 to $10,000. Many hotels offer all-inclusive destination wedding packages that cover everything from the venue and ceremony to the DJ and reception.
Quintin from our Rustic Pathways team icelebrating his wedding day with traditional Korean wedding practices.
In 2023, the average cost of a destination wedding package was around $5,550. There are even FREE packages available if you stay for a certain period or book enough rooms.
Destination wedding packages are a smart way to save time and money. For a more personal touch, I suggest working with a destination wedding planner. My partner and I are doing this to incorporate details and traditions from both of our cultures, making it a special experience for us and our guests.
6 Budget-Friendly Wedding Tips
Keep your guest list small (see fun fact #6).
Consider all-inclusive packages at wedding resorts for better value.
Choose a budget-friendly travel destination to help lower your overall expenses (see fun fact #3).
Plan your honeymoon at the same location as your wedding to save on travel costs (see fun fact #7).
Choose off-season dates to take advantage of lower prices.
Work with local vendors to help reduce expenses.
2. Destination weddings are more popular than ever
Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, with 19% of U.S. weddings held at locations away from the couple’s home. The global wedding industry is shifting, driving growth in the destination wedding market with revenue expected to jump from $36.22 billion in 2024 to $47.69 billion in 2025, a 32% annual growth rate according to a recent industry analysis.
The sunset over Venice set the perfect romantic backdrop as the couple exchanged vows. Photo by The Chaffins
This is influencing destination wedding trends:
- Cost: Destination weddings often cost less than traditional ones, even with travel expenses.
- Travel boom: As travel restrictions eased after COVID-19, couples and guests are eager to combine weddings with long-awaited vacations.
- Cultural changes: More couples are looking for unique experiences and destinations, prioritizing memorable moments over material possessions.
- All-in-one convenience: Many destination weddings come with all-inclusive packages. You can even transition straight into your honeymoon afterward.
- Bonus: Holding a wedding in a neutral ground can help minimize family drama.
3. Destination wedding locations around the world
Here are some top destination wedding locations, including Las Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico and Jamaica.
Top U.S. locations for destination weddings:
Hawaii🌴✈️💰🏞️🌟
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Description | Hawaii is a top pick for beach lovers, making it ideal for weddings and honeymoons. It’s easily accessible from near and far. |
| Best Time of Year | Any time of year is great for visiting Hawaii |
| Reasons to Choose | Hawaii is the ideal destination for a memorable beach wedding on your special day |
| Reasons Not to Choose |
|
Florida Keys 🌴🛫💵🤍🏞️
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Description | The Florida Keys offer couples and their guests a relaxed, laid-back wedding vibe. In addition to the ceremony, you can enjoy the coastal surroundings. |
| Best Time of Year | November to mid-April when the weather is mild and dry |
| Reasons to Choose |
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| Reasons Not to Choose |
|
Virgin Islands ✈️💵🌴🏞️
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Description | The U.S. Virgin Islands are another great beach wedding location. In St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, you can explore beach towns, catch sunsets and enjoy delicious local cuisine. |
| Best Time of Year | April to June, when the weather is mild |
| Reasons to Choose |
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| Reasons Not to Choose |
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Colorado 🏔️🛫❄️💰🏞️🌟
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $30,000 to $50,000 |
| Description | Perfect for winter, spring, fall, and summer weddings, Colorado is for mountain weddings. |
| Best Time of Year |
|
| Reasons to Choose |
Perfect for a wedding in the mountains and outdoors |
| Reasons Not to Choose |
Weather can be unpredictable |
Las Vegas 🛫💵🤍🌟
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $400 to $20,000 |
| Description | Las Vegas has endless venue options in every price range and flights from almost anywhere in the U.S. – in Las Vegas everything is possible. |
| Best Time of Year | Fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) |
| Reasons to Choose |
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| Reasons Not to Choose |
|
Top international locations for destination weddings:
Mexico 🌴💵🏞️✈️🌟
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Description | Mexico is the go-to destination for budget-friendly beach weddings outside the U.S. |
| Top Locations | Riviera Maya, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel |
| Best Time of Year | November to April, when the weather is dry and comfortable for outdoor events |
| Reasons to Choose |
|
| Reasons Not to Choose |
|
Jamaica 🌴✈️💵🏞️🤍🌟
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| Description | Jamaica, the third-largest island in the Caribbean, offers a mix of stunning scenery and culture for beach weddings. |
| Best Time of Year | December to April |
| Reasons to Choose |
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| Reasons Not to Choose |
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Dominican Republic 🌴✈️💵🏞️🤍🌟
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $2,000 to $7,000 |
| Description | The Dominican Republic is famous for its beautiful beaches and affordable all-inclusive resorts. |
| Best Time of Year | November and April |
| Reasons to Choose |
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| Reasons Not to Choose |
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Bali 🌴✈️💰🏞️
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Description | Bali, a dream destination in Asia, offers a relaxed vibe perfect for couples seeking a stress-free wedding. |
| Best Time of Year | May to August |
| Reasons to Choose |
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| Reasons Not to Choose |
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Greece ✈️💰🏞️🌟
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| Description | Santorini, Greece, offers stunning scenery and sunsets, blending luxury, culture and nature. |
| Best Time of Year | Late spring (May) and fall (September to Octobe) |
| Reasons to Choose |
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| Reasons Not to Choose |
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Emoji Key:
🌴 = Beach Wedding
❄️ = Winter Wedding
✈️ = Long Flight
🛫 = Short Flight
💰 = Pricy
💵 = Affordable
🏞️ = Nature
🌟 = Luxurious
🤍 = Simple
4. It doesn’t have to be a beach wedding
Destination weddings aren’t limited to beach weddings. Couples can choose from mountains, historic venues and more. While beach weddings are most popular, here are some other exciting venue ideas for destination weddings:
🌿Garden Weddings
- Perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy the outdoors
- An eco-friendly option that can incorporate sustainable elements
- Natural beauty enhances your décor, with blooming flowers in the spring and early summer, and red and gold leaves in the fall
My parents marked their 30th wedding anniversary at a charming garden venue. It’s a simple yet romantic choice for nature lovers.
🌇 Rooftop Weddings
- Stunning city or landscape views
- Perfect for a modern, stylish and intimate celebration
- Ideal for sunset or evening weddings with a magical city lights ambiance
Celebrate your wedding under the stars and enjoy the views of a new destination. During my trip to Bangkok, I visited amazing rooftop venues perfect for a special occasion.
⛪Chapel Weddings
- A traditional, sacred setting for a timeless ceremony
- Décor with historical influences
- Ideal for religious ceremonies or spiritual moments
There are countless beautiful chapels around the world. Have you been to Italy?
⛰️ Mountain Weddings
- Perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy the outdoors
- Offers a peaceful, secluded setting for a private ceremony
- Great for all-year-round weddings
The breathtaking views on top of the mountain will confirm that the journey was worth it.
🏝️Island Weddings
- Perfect for couples who love the beach and a laid-back vibe
- Offers privacy and seclusion for an intimate ceremony
- Easily customizable with beach-themed décor and local touches
When looking for a small and intimate wedding with your favorite people like me, this is a great choice. In case I haven’t mentioned before, Fiji is a great island destination.
⛵ Boat/Yacht Weddings
- Twist on beach weddings
- A unique and adventurous setting for couples who love the sea
- Celebrate with a moving backdrop, whether it’s the open ocean or a scenic coastline
- Combine your wedding with a fun, on-the-water reception or cruise for guests to enjoy
If only I had a friend who could lend me their boat…
>> LEARN MORE: Still dreaming of a beach getaway?
5. It’s not up to the bride and groom to pay for their guests
Guests attending destination weddings are responsible for covering their own travel expenses, including flights and accommodations.
Guests also pay for personal extras, like meals outside of wedding events and activities during their stay. This applies also to close family members and members of the wedding party, such as bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Make sure to inform your guests ahead of time so they can plan their finances accordingly—and don’t expect everyone to be able to attend. Many resorts have a destination wedding planner that can help with coordinating your family’s travel logistics.
Extra fact: Wedding guests spend between $700 and $1,400 to attend a destination wedding.
6. The average number of guests is 50
Create intimate moments with your guests at a destination wedding.
The average destination wedding in 2023 had 50 guests, compared to 115 guests at a typical U.S. wedding. Guest attendance usually depends on their ability to travel rather than the number invited. Factors like passport requirements and travel costs lower attendance, with only about 40% of invited guests typically attending.
Extra fact: Livestreaming the wedding on social media has become a popular option for all your guests who can’t make it in person.
7. A destination wedding combines your wedding and honeymoon
A destination wedding also combines your dream wedding and honeymoon. This gives you a 2-in-1 deal and lowers the overall cost of a wedding.
Many resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages that include honeymoon excursions, making planning easier for multi-day celebrations.
Honeymoon time at La Valise, Mexico.
8. You should get legally married in your home country to avoid complications
Most couples prefer to legally get married in their home country before having a symbolic wedding at a destination. This approach saves time, reduces stress and avoids complications.
Don’t forget your passport when traveling overseas! Photo by The Chaffins
When a legal marriage abroad is required or desired, research the specific requirements for your chosen destination wedding location in advance. Each country has its own legal regulations for obtaining a marriage license. Some require residency, while others may require specific documents, such as birth certificates or divorce decrees, to be translated and authenticated.
Having gone through the bureaucratic challenges of getting married in South Korea myself, I can say it’s not worth the hassle if you can avoid it. My partner is Korean, and I’m German, so we spent months sending documents back and forth for translation and approval. My advice for international couples: Consider getting legally married in Denmark. About 10,000 foreign couples do it each year and the process is much simpler.
>> LEARN MORE: How to Get a U.S. Passport in 2 Weeks or Less
9. In some countries, you must publicly announce your wedding before the legal ceremony
In Monaco, couples must post a notice of their wedding on the Town Hall door for 10 days. After arriving in Greece, couples should announce their marriage plans in the local newspaper. Scotland, Italy and several other countries have similar rules, allowing the community to raise objections.
In the UK, weddings must take place in a “fixed structure” with a roof, so outdoor ceremonies under the open sky are not permitted. In some regions of Mexico, couples need to complete a blood test a few days before their wedding.
These rules only apply to legal marriages, not symbolic ceremonies.
It’s important to understand the difference between a legal and symbolic wedding:
| Aspect | Legal Wedding | Symbolic Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition | Legally binding, recognized by the government | Not legally binding, ceremonial in nature |
| Documentation Required | Requires official documents (marriage license, IDs) | No legal documents required |
| Officiant | Conducted by a legally authorized officiant (judge, priest, etc.) | Can be conducted by anyone (family, friend, celebrant) |
| Legal Process | Involves paperwork and government registration | No government involvement |
| Ceremony Flexibility | Must follow legal procedures, may have some restrictions based on location or religion | Completely flexible, can be personalized to any preference |
| International Validity | Recognized internationally (with proper documentation) | Not recognized internationally |
10. Some religions prohibit destination weddings
Certain religions do not allow destination weddings. The Catholic Church requires Christian marriages to take place in a church, where the couple’s faith journey began and in God’s presence. In Sikhism, the Akal Takht, the highest authority, has set rules that ban destination weddings at beaches and resorts in India.
11. October is the most popular month for weddings
October is the most popular month for a a wedding in the northern hemisphere. The most popular wedding day in 2024 was September 21, 2024.
Autumn is a popular wedding season, with the leaves transforming into shades of gold and red.