Why Luxury Destination Weddings Are Perfect for Modern Couples
Thoughtful couples want to host weddings that feel less like a performance and more like a meaningful shared experience. They want time with the people who matter most. They want design that reflects their values in a location that feels special. They want celebration with substance—and destination weddings offer exactly that.
Many destination wedding locations offer scenery, culture, and experiences that aren’t otherwise available to you “at home.” Whether you're drawn to ocean views in Los Cabos, desert sunsets in Scottsdale, or the breathtaking mountain vistas in places like Aspen, Jackson Hole, or Kalispell, a destination wedding invites you—and your guests—into something deeper: a weekend of connection, exploration, and meaning, surrounded by scenery and culture that feels like an extension of your story.
Photo By: Emily B. Photo
The Appeal of Luxury Destination Weddings
Experience Over Extravagance
Destination weddings have a unique pace. Couples are prioritizing time and connection with their guests and choosing wedding destinations that give them time to slow down and be present with their people.
Welcome parties, gourmet tastings, unique excursions, poolside lunches, and the quiet in-between moments all become part of the celebration’s narrative. By the time the ceremony begins, your guests will already feel like they’re part of something special curated exclusively for your guests.
Intimacy and Exclusivity
Trimming a guest list is never easy, but destination weddings often do the work for you.
Time away from work, travel logistics, and cost naturally limit attendance to your inner circle, resulting in a smaller, more intentional guest count and a deeply personal experience.
Luxury wedding destinations also offer a built-in sense of exclusivity. Whether you’re hosting at a private villa, a cliffside resort, or a boutique hacienda tucked into a historic town, the setting feels private and immersive, as if it were designed for you, your guests, and no one else.
Stress-Free Planning with Concierge Support
With the right team planning and designing, a destination wedding can feel more streamlined than planning at home. While you won’t be on site for every vendor meeting, that’s not always a downside.
With a trusted planner and creative team, the distance can actually become a benefit. Many couples feel relief when they realize they simply can’t oversee every decision—the distance can actually foster a healthy boundary and deeper presence through necessary delegation.
→ Learn more about our full-service luxury planning approach
Photo By: Mashaida Co.
Stunning Scenery & Unique Settings
Picture-Perfect Backdrops
One of the biggest advantages of a destination wedding is that the setting speaks for itself. Many of the most desirable destination wedding places come with built-in ambiance. That means less effort on transforming a blank canvas and more opportunity to lean into the intention, beauty, and style of your surroundings.
→ Peruse our recommended venues for destination weddings in Mexico
Cultural Fusion and Local Flair
Destination weddings also invite you to infuse your celebration with local culture and traditions. From cuisine to music to handcrafted décor, some of the most memorable moments come from leaning into the special setting and honoring its spirit.
Whether it's a mezcal tasting in San Miguel, a bespoke hat bar set against the backdrop of the Grand Tetons, or a ceremonial smudging along a Sedona riverbank to cleanse and ground before the vows, these thoughtful touches create a location-driven experience your guests will never forget.
Built-In Adventure & Guest Experience
By nature, destination weddings act as getaway vacations for all of your guests. Spa retreats, gourmet dining, and group excursions offer opportunities for unique experiences that differ from the typical wedding weekend, and help cultivate community and connection among your guests. By the time your wedding day arrives, the ice is broken, the energy is set, and everyone is ready to celebrate.
This multi-day structure also gives you space to host your events on your terms. Weekday weddings, welcome dinners, late-night afterparties, poolside farewell brunches—there are no rules, only opportunities.
Photo By: Emily B. Photo
Top Luxury Destination Wedding Locations
Looking for the perfect wedding destination? These standout locales combine scenery, style, and luxury hospitality:
Mexico
Riviera Maya – White sand, all-inclusive ease, and vibrant Mayan culture.
San Miguel de Allende – Colonial charm, rooftop views, and immersive color.
Los Cabos – Oceanfront luxury, desert-meets-sea landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets.
→ Exploring venues in Cabo? Don’t miss our expert guide to the top wedding locations in the region.
California
Big Sur – Clifftop drama and redwood-lined romance.
Santa Barbara – Coastal elegance with Mediterranean flair.
Palm Springs – Desert glam with modernist appeal.
Arizona
Sedona – Red rock backdrops and spiritual serenity.
Scottsdale – Spa-style luxury and elevated resort design.
Colorado
Aspen – Vibrant mountain town meets elevated alpine celebration.
Denver – Modern amenities, high-style venues, and natural beauty all in one.
Photo By: Mashaida Co.
Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?
Planning a destination wedding is an opportunity to do things differently—intentionally, effortlessly, and with a sense of adventure or relaxation (or both!) cohesively woven into the fabric of your weekend.
In some locations, you may find that your ideal team—florists, photographers, rental vendors—aren’t available locally. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise. Many couples choose to have their creative partners travel to their chosen destination, especially when they’ve already found professionals they trust and align with. Others choose to collaborate with local teams and adapt their vision to what’s regionally available. Both approaches can work beautifully—it just depends on your priorities.
Designing a destination weekend also means thinking beyond the wedding day. In the U.S., certain cities have strict noise ordinances or venue restrictions that might cut your celebration short. Abroad, you may find more flexibility: midweek weddings, extended hours, and the freedom to build a multi-day itinerary without the same limitations. It’s a chance to step outside the standard timeline—and create something more personal.?
If you’re excited by the idea of a wedding that feels like a multi-day experience, not just an event, a destination wedding might be a perfect fit. It’s about being flexible, intentional, and willing to design a celebration that reflects not just your aesthetic, but your story, too. For many of our couples, choosing a destination is about sharing a place that holds meaning with the people who matter most.
FAQs About Luxury Destination Weddings
What percentage of couples are choosing destination weddings?
Nearly one in five couples now host a destination celebration, and the share is even higher among luxury clientele who value privacy, immersive design, and multi-day experiences over traditional one-day formats.
When should we begin planning and booking?
For a seamless experience, start planning 12–18 months in advance—longer if your destination has limited luxury accommodations or you’re pursuing a full buyout.
How do we choose the right destination and venue?
Focus first on guest experience and logistics—ease of travel, direct flight access, and resort infrastructure. Then evaluate venues by buyout availability, exclusivity, design potential, and curfew flexibility.
Do smaller guest lists reduce overall costs?
Not necessarily. Many luxury couples choose to reinvest the savings from a smaller guest count into elevated design, fine dining, entertainment, and guest experiences.
What are the legal requirements for marrying abroad?
Regulations vary by country. Many of our couples marry legally at home to simplify logistics, then host a symbolic ceremony at their destination.
Why is hiring a planner essential for a destination wedding?
Destination weddings require elevated logistical coordination—across languages, currencies, vendor standards, and customs regulations. A full-service planning team ensures seamless execution, manages guest travel and event flow, and curates an experience that feels cohesive and effortless across multiple days.
How many staff should we plan for at a multi-day luxury destination wedding?
For a seamless guest experience, proper staffing is essential. At Mandy Marie Events, we recommend planning for one server per 8–12 guests and one bartender per 40–50 guests, increasing coverage for plated dinners, multiple bar locations, or extended after-parties. This ensures service remains attentive, efficient, and polished throughout every event of the weekend—from the welcome dinner to the farewell brunch. Investing in the right staffing levels is one of the simplest ways to maintain the luxury standard your guests will remember.
What logistical safeguards should we build into a luxury destination wedding?
Behind every effortless celebration is careful planning. A true luxury destination wedding should include layered logistical safeguards: backup power solutions, comprehensive vendor load-in schedules, reliable guest transportation plans, and a detailed weather contingency strategy. At Mandy Marie Events, we proactively negotiate these details during the planning phase to protect your investment and ensure that every moment—no matter what unfolds—feels seamless, secure, and stress-free.
How can we make sure our guests feel comfortable and cared for throughout the destination weekend?
Guest comfort defines the success of any destination celebration. We encourage couples to anticipate every touchpoint of their guests’ journey—from the moment they arrive until departure. Provide a clear itinerary outlining events and transportation, as well as thoughtful details like climate-appropriate comfort items, and attire guidance. At Mandy Marie Events, we design each experience through the lens of hospitality, ensuring that every guest feels seen, cared for, and part of something extraordinary.
Sources:
The Knot 2024 Real Weddings Study · Destination Weddings Travel Group 2024 Luxury Report · U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad Guidance (2024) · Mandy Marie Events internal data (2023–2024)
Image by: Emily B.
Luxury destination weddings are about presence, intention, and experience—crafted around who you are and how you want to celebrate … in a memorable, unique setting.
If you’re interested in working with Mandy Marie Events to plan your destination wedding, we suggest reaching out to our team 9-18 months in advance of your desired wedding date. Of course, we can work on tighter timelines, but when possible, we like to make sure we can reserve your date, venue, and creative partners around a year ahead.