10 Benefits of Destination Weddings
Every year, more couples choose to t have a wedding out of state or even out of the country. That’s because there are so many benefits of destination weddings!
From affordability to simplicity, the advantages are endless. As a photographer, I’m a huge lover of being able to capture destination weddings, and not just because I love traveling.
Whether you and your partner love to travel or you want to potentially save money, a destination wedding could be the perfect way to go! So let’s dive into all the excellent pros of a destination wedding, some of which, might surprise you! Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of destination weddings!
What is a destination wedding?
Before I get into the advantages, it’s worth setting the record straight on the destination wedding meaning. Essentially, a destination wedding is a wedding that takes place out of the couple’s hometowns or states.
So, a destination wedding could be as simple as having the wedding in a state across the country (like if you live in Vermont but have your wedding in Colorado) or could be something more literal like being from the USA but having a wedding in Ireland.
(Psst… Ireland is one of my dream locations to shoot at, so if you want to have your wedding in Ireland, get in touch!)
The Benefits of Destination Weddings
Luckily, there are many advantages to a destination wedding. Of course, no wedding or location is the same, so not all may apply.
Doubles As A Vacation
One of the core benefits of destination weddings is that it doubles as a vacation. Not only can it feel like a vacation for the couple, but it can also feel like a vacation for all of the guests invited.
For guests traveling out of state anyways, now, they have the opportunity for a true vacation and wouldn’t pass up the chance to see the beloved couple get married in an epic location. Everyone will be even more excited and happy to be there. Not to mention that thanks to the traveling, you’ll have a couple of days of fun and celebrating with your guests instead of just one night!
Pro tip: if you happen to be having a destination wedding in another country (or truthfully even in another part of the United States), consider trying to incorporate the culture of the place in some way, even if it’s by doing an excursion together as a group. This will make everyone feel even more connected to the location and involved in your celebration!
Allows You To Get Creative
Don’t get me wrong, all weddings allow for creativity, whether it’s the venue chosen or the way the tables are set up, or the traditions you don’t follow. However, with a destination wedding, the possibilities for creativity are endless.
Seriously – want to have a wedding in a cute mountain village? You can do that. Would you rather live it up in Mykonos with blue and white details near the ocean? You can do that too. Or maybe go scuba diving before you say “I do” in Mexico.
No matter what type of wedding you can dream up, it’s all possible with just a bit of research. Let your creative mind run free!
Potentially Save Money
This may be one of the most shocking pros of destination weddings, but choosing to go abroad could potentially save you money, depending on where you go! Many destinations for weddings tend to be all-inclusive, which means less planning and lower costs.
Alternatively, some countries have a lower cost of living, and your USD will stretch further than for the same thing back home. Even though this isn’t always the case, it’s entirely possible, mainly depending on the location chosen.
This is even more likely if a place like a resort is chosen, which could offer housing, catering, and the wedding cake as well as discounted rates for your guest’s stay too in their all-inclusive packages.
If money is a big part of holding you back with the possibility of a destination wedding, just do a bit of research. There are definitely locations out there that can be budget-friendly and could save you money versus having a wedding closer to home. And as with any wedding, the easiest way to cut wedding costs is to keep your guest list intimate.
Feels Intimate
Because destination weddings are often in a location that neither of the couples’ families live in, there usually are (but not always) fewer guests invited. It can be expensive to book flights for people to get to the destination, so that’s normally taken into consideration when choosing who will be on the guest list.
With fewer guests invited, the wedding automatically feels a bit more intimate. Also, when a couple does have a destination wedding, people aren’t ordinarily upset if they’re not invited because people know these types of weddings tend to be smaller and include just close friends and family.
It could Include a Honeymoon (or Two!)
Sure, many couples will go on a honeymoon right after getting married if they want to, but with a destination wedding, the honeymoon starts the second the couple says “I do.”
Since you’re in a destination, it already feels like a vacation. You can bump your honeymoon right up to the wedding in the same location, saving you in travel costs and days off from work. Or, if you go on a true honeymoon elsewhere later, you’ll essentially get two honeymoons! Talk about a good time.
Photos Will Be Jaw-Dropping
Yes, all photos will be jaw-dropping, especially if you choose the right wedding photographer! However, many destination weddings tend to be at some of the most beautiful locations in the world, even within the United States.
These photos will truly stand out amongst the rest because of the incredible location and scenery. Plus, many photographers will also help location scout a bit at the destination to make the photos even more memorable and to save couples time once the day comes.
Brings Stress Levels Down
I know what you’re thinking – how can a wedding in another location be less stressful? Well, this is for a few reasons.
Going back to the intimacy of destination weddings, there’s less chance for any family drama due to the number of people invited to the ceremony. It also “levels the playing field” in a way because if both people in the couple have traditions, it allows them to create new ones of their own.
Secondly, connecting back to the cost-effective point, it can be a lot easier to book vendors in a different location. This is because you don’t have to drive to meet up with people to see if it would be a good fit. Instead, you can meet with people and companies online from the comfort of your own home.
Plus, as mentioned before, many different locations will be all-inclusive, making the planning much simpler.
It’s An Unforgettable Experience
Well, let’s be honest: all weddings are an unforgettable experience. However, having a wedding in a different location can make a wedding even more memorable for not only you but your guests too! Plus, if travel is really important to you two, a destination wedding can be a great way to share a part of your lives with your families and friends in a unique way.
A destination wedding is a great option for couples who want to ensure their wedding is truly unique and memorable. By choosing a location that is special and/or new and exciting to you both, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Start off your marriage by crossing off a bucket list location for the two of you? Sounds like a great thing to me!
Who can forget about the gorgeous sunsets, breathtaking mountains, or stunning beaches?
The Celebration Can Be Longer
With non-destination weddings, the celebration usually only lasts the day of the actual wedding. However, one of the benefits of destination weddings is that the celebration can be longer.
With the travel required, people often book their stay for longer, meaning everyone gets to hang out and celebrate for sometimes even up to an entire week! If a couple loves spending time with their loved ones, a destination wedding can be the perfect opportunity to do so.
Also, because most destination weddings are more intimate, it allows the married couple to say hi to everyone invited to the wedding without feeling rushed. There’s more quality time!
Can Be More Simple
Whether you have an intimate guest list and an all-inclusive package or not, a destination wedding in an awe-inspiring location can make everything simpler. The destination gets to be front and center and, in a way, serves as the main decoration of the event. With a striking backdrop and experience,
the rest of the wedding can be extremely beautiful in its simplicity.
So, are destination weddings worth it?
They 100% are! With so many benefits of destination weddings, go for it if you’re thinking about having one.
Also, if you can’t do a destination wedding or elopement for whatever reason, a good compromise can also be a destination or out-of-state/adventure engagement session!
Are you looking to have your own destination wedding? Click here to get in touch – I love to travel and would be honored to help capture your big day!
