12 Ideas for Destination Weddings in the US

Destination Weddings in the US: Where to Go & What to Consider

A destination wedding doesn’t mean it has to be somewhere halfway around the world. There are plenty of options for a destination wedding in the United States that can give you the best of both worlds: traveling to a unique location while keeping the event more manageable and affordable.

Because, while white sand beaches in the Caribbean and historic estates in Europe are appealing, they can be very pricey. Plus, it can be difficult getting the entire wedding party, including all your family and friends, to travel internationally for your big day.

Instead, a destination wedding in the US can offer everything that international destination weddings do, including beautiful backdrops, luxurious accommodations, and comprehensive wedding packages.

What Qualifies As a Destination Wedding in America?

Think of a destination wedding as any event that requires you to travel away from your hometown and far enough that you and your out-of-town guests will need to stay overnigh t. In some cases, there’s no need to get on a plane or even head to a different state.

When you look at wedding destinations that way, you can see how the options really start to open up. In fact, some of the best destination wedding locations in the US might very well be in your own backyard!

To help you decide where to go for US destination weddings, we’ve organized some of the top wedding destinations in the United States, categorized by region.

Best Destination Weddings in the US: The Northeast

New England charm, the Atlantic Ocean, big cities, and big mountains — there’s a little bit of everything when you look at some of the best destination wedding locations in the Northeast.

• If you want a big city wedding, consider museums and libraries in cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Options like the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Gardner Museum in Boston all make good picks and allow private rentals.
• For an idyllic setting in a mountain locale, consider the bounty of upstate New York or Vermont. The wild beauty of the Adirondacks, in particular, makes for a great outdoor wedding, and you can find plenty of elegant resorts that have a stunning backdrop at their doorstep.
• For a waterfront wedding, look no further than Rhode Island, where gorgeous properties such as Castle Hill Inn and the Glen Manor House await.

Best US Wedding Destinations: The Southeast

Whether your dream wedding includes beautiful beaches, an abundance of rustic charm, or stunning scenery in a picturesque setting, the Southeast delivers it all.

• For a rustic vacation vibe, look to the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas, with scenic options like Chestnut Ridge and Sky Retreat nestled in the North Carolina landscape.
• Dreaming of European flair and big, dramatic spaces? Look to the Biltmore in Asheville or Castle Ladyhawke in Tuckasegee, North Carolina.
• For a beachy backdrop, try one of the many luxurious resorts in the Florida Keys, Hilton Head in South Carolina, or really anywhere along the Atlantic Coast.

Best Destination Weddings in the United States: The Midwest

From European-style wedding venues to outdoor spaces that stun, the Midwest’s best destination wedding venues have plenty of environments to suit your big day.

• This region of the country has no shortage of lakefront and forest within many accessible and affordable state parks. For an option with plenty of natural beauty, try Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Missouri’s Pictured Rocks, or Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands.
• For elegance and sophistication, try the Greencrest Manor estate in Michigan, Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Ohio, or the lush Castle Farms, also in Michigan.
• Seeking urban flair? Try reclaimed industrial settings in cities like Pittsburgh or Chicago, such as Kinsey Events Warehouse or The Arbory. Historic buildings like Tribune Tower and Navy Pier are also available for rental in the Second City.

Top Wedding Destinations in the US: The West

The West is a huge swatch of land, so we’d be shocked if you can’t find your dream location here. From a national park to a beach on the Pacific Ocean to a winery or vineyard in Napa Valley, there’s plenty to choose from for a beautiful celebration.

• If a national park sounds perfect for your wedding day, try Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Yosemite National Park in California, or North Cascades National Park in Washington.
• For an authentic western vibe, try a luxury ranch like Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana or Sage Lodge in Pray, Montana.
• To create memories your guests won’t soon forget, head into a city and go for a resort wedding in a destination like Las Vegas, Honolulu, or along the California coast.

What to Ask Before You Book a Destination Wedding US Package

Before you book any destination wedding location, here are a few questions to always ask in the planning process.

If you have more questions, check out our complete guide on what to ask a wedding venue before you book.

Top Destination Weddings in the US FAQs

Where Can You Host the Best Destination Wedding in the US?

Destination wedding venues in the US are only limited by your imagination. Whether it’s a boutique hotel, beach, national park, resort, museum, library, garden, farm, or any other unique wedding venue, if it’s a place where you can exchange vows and the location is not within a short driving distance of home, it’s a destination wedding venue.

How Much Do Destination Weddings Cost?

According to The Knot, the average destination wedding in 2024 cost just under $40,000.

How Many People Come to a Destination Wedding?

Destination weddings are generally smaller than hometown weddings, as not all guests can travel for a destination wedding. Most are 50 people or less.

Do You Need to Hire a Planner for a Destination Wedding?

If your venue does not provide planning services, it can be beneficial to hire a wedding planner to help you plan your destination event, particularly if they have extra knowledge of the area.

How Can You Save Money on a Destination Wedding?

You can save money on a destination wedding by traveling to less in-demand destinations or booking during the locale’s shoulder season.

Whatever Type of Wedding You Plan, Make Sure It’s Protected with Wedding Insurance

Whether you book a destination wedding in US states or plan your big day in your hometown, you’ll likely need wedding insurance.

Oftentimes, it’s required by wedding venues for liability purposes. Plus, wedding insurance can protect your investment in the event of property damage or injury, and in the event your wedding is canceled.

Learn more and get your wedding insurance quote now.

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