You've got plenty of company! According to The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study, 17% of couples who married in 2025 chose a destination wedding. Whether it's a tropical beach, a mountain retreat, or a romantic getaway closer to home, traveling to say "I do" has become one of the hottest trends since the white wedding gown.
Topping the list of favorite destinations for weddings:
- Mexico
- Hawaii
- The Caribbean (Including Jamaica, The Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic)
- The Maldives
- Bali
- Las Vegas
Your destination wedding doesn't have to take you halfway around the world. It can take place across town in a gazebo at a public park or a short drive to a heart shaped hot tub in the Pocono Mountains. Feeling adventurous? Tie the knot on a baseball diamond, aboard a cruise ship, or even in a hot air balloon. Looking for exotic locations? Try a sandy beach in Hawaii, a mountain top on a Caribbean island or a castle in Europe.
A destination wedding can be perfect if you want to escape some of the stress of planning a traditional wedding with a long guest list and large reception. While traveling doesn't necessarily mean spending less, a smaller celebration can help you focus on what matters most.
Tying the knot for a second or third time or renewing your vows? Destination weddings are a wonderful option, they keep the attention focused more on the marriage and less on the endless details of a traditional wedding.
Plan Ahead
For popular destination wedding locations you'll want to book early, preferably a year (or even more) in advance.
Check with local authorities in the U.S. and the consulate and embassies abroad to find out if you need a simple reservation or a formal permit for the location where you will hold your destination wedding.
Verify the marriage requirements of your destination. They vary from state to state and country to country. Your checklist should include:
- Birth certificates
- Valid Passports
- Proof neither partner is married
- Divorce decrees or death certificates from previous marriages, if applicable
- Blood tests, where required
- Residency requirements, which may range from a few days to several weeks
- Documents translated into the local language
- Marriage license fees and other required documentation
Be sure to check these requirements well in advance. Some couples choose to complete the legal marriage paperwork at home and hold a symbolic ceremony at their destination to simplify the process.
Location, location, location
The location you select will ultimately determine if you have an itsy bitsy simple ceremony for two or an elaborate wedding with a long guest list.
Select a destination wedding closer to where you live and work and more guests will find the time and money to come. The further you travel, the shorter the wedding guest list is likely to get.
A luxury tropical resort in the South Pacific may sound like paradise but you must consider if everyone you love can afford to get there. Even if they afford the travel, can they physically make the trip? If having certain people in attendance is important to you, you'll want to make sure the location is accessible, whether that means walking across a sandy beach or climbing a grand staircase.
So stop to consider what is more important to you: where you tie the knot or who is there to witness your ceremony?
Looking to tie the knot in Vegas? You're not alone! Known as the Wedding Capital of the World, Las Vegas remains a popular choice for couples who want a simpler getaway wedding. Clark County recorded more than 69,000 marriages in 2025. With no blood tests or waiting period required, couples are drawn to Vegas for its convenience. Better yet, the Marriage License Bureau is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, including holidays!
Looking for privacy? You may not be happy at an unrestricted destination like a public beach, no matter how beautiful it is, if you can't control who will be nearby when you say "I do."
Tying the knot outdoors? You never know whether or not Mother Nature will cooperate. Don't count on the weather being perfect anywhere in the world. Smart planning means having a backup option, whether that's moving indoors or arranging for a tent or other suitable shelter.
Your Destination Wedding Dress
Allow plenty of time to select the right wedding gown or wedding dress for your unique destination. To avoid unnecessary stress, make sure you have your dress before leaving home rather than trying to find a last-minute wedding dress once you arrive!
Destination wedding dresses tend to be less formal than traditional wedding gowns. Many brides opt for simpler styles, shorter lengths, sweep trains, or no trains at all. Others choose soft colors, such as blue and lilac, instead of traditional white or ivory.
A long cathedral train is beautiful coming down the aisle of a church, but you'll struggle trying to drag across a sandy beach. Plus, it can be difficult to pack. Getting it professionally pressed or steamed once you reach your destination can also add to your wedding expenses.
Softer fabrics, such as chiffon and crepe, can work beautifully for destination wedding dresses. Consider lightweight construction, minimal crinoline, and styles that are easier to pack and steam. A versatile dress that takes you from the ceremony to the reception is another great option, especially when you're traveling.
When it comes to bridal accessories, consider whether the wind will blow a veil in your face. You might prefer a shorter veil, tiara, or wreath of flowers instead.
And if you're having bridesmaids in your ceremony, remember that they'll appreciate dresses that are comfortable to travel in and easy to care for, too.
Fashion Tip: Choose a wedding hairstyle that complements your dress and works with your destination's weather. Loose waves, decorative clips, or a simple updo can be beautiful options. If you won't have a professional hairstylist available, practice a look you can recreate yourself or with help from a bridesmaid or friend.
Make Your Destination Wedding Your Own
Whether you're exchanging vows on a tropical beach, celebrating in a mountain retreat, or keeping things simple with a romantic getaway, the best destination wedding is one that feels right for you.
Plan ahead, consider your guests, and choose a wedding dress that works with your surroundings so you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time enjoying your special day.
Still searching for the perfect dress? Explore our plus-size wedding dresses and find a style that fits your destination, your celebration, and you.