wedding couple at the beach at sunset
All photos: Jonathan Borba

Planning a destination wedding that's as unique as your love story? It can be hard to know exactly where to start and what steps to follow for the best and most romantic experience. So, where to begin? How to balance budget, logistics, and romance? This 10-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from finding the ideal destination to managing guest expectations.

  • 1. Choose the Perfect Destination

The first and most exciting step is choosing where to say "I do." Whether it's a tropical beach, a charming European town, or an Island in Spain, the location sets the tone for your entire wedding.

When choosing your destination, consider the travel logistics for guests, the legal requirements for getting married abroad, and, of course, the weather during your chosen season. Do some research and make sure the destination aligns with your wedding vision.

  • 2. Set a Realistic Budget

Destination weddings can range from affordable to extravagant. Thus, it’s important to figure out your budget early on. This means including the costs of travel, accommodations, venue, food, and any additional expenses like decor and photography.

Remember, depending on the location, you might also need to consider exchange rates and local taxes. Once you have a budget, stick to it as closely as possible to avoid any financial surprises down the line.

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  • 3. Pick the Right Time of the Year

The season you choose will greatly impact your wedding experience, not just in terms of weather but also the cost and availability of venues and vendors. For example, hosting a wedding in the Caribbean during hurricane season could lead to an unexpected change of plans!

Try to choose a time when the weather is most favorable, but also consider the peak tourist seasons, which may affect accommodation prices for you and your guests.

  • 4. Hire a Local Wedding Planner

A local wedding planner can be your best friend when it comes to organizing a destination wedding. For instance, if you’re planning your wedding on the Mallorca Island of Spain, getting in touch with a wedding planner Mallorca can be of utmost help.
They know the ins and outs of the area, have connections with local vendors, and can handle all the logistical details that would be difficult to manage from afar. A wedding planner will also help ease any communication barriers you might encounter if you’re marrying in a country where you don’t speak the language.

  • 5. Send Save-the-Dates Early

Since destination weddings require guests to plan time off and book travel, it’s important to give them plenty of notice. Aim to send out save-the-dates at least six to eight months in advance.

This gives your guests enough time to make arrangements, and it also gives you a rough estimate of how many people will be attending your big day.

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  • 6. Research Legal Requirements

This is probably one of the most important rules to follow, before embarking on a journey. Every country has a different, unique set of rules when it comes to wedding ceremonies and marriage. The more exotic is your destination, the more exotic this set of rules might be! Some places may require you to be in the country for a certain number of days before the ceremony, while others might need documentation such as translated birth certificates or proof of residence.

Timely research and preparation of all required paperwork are essential to prevent unforeseen delays, so make sure to go through everything ahead.

  • 7. Plan a Visit (If Possible)

If it is possible (budget and time-wise) try to visit the destination wedding before the actual ceremony. Bring your partner, your wedding planner, and anyone, who would like to share their feedback. This will allow you to see venues in person, meet with local vendors, and get a feel for the atmosphere.

Even if you can't visit, try to do virtual tours or get as much detailed information as possible to ensure the location is everything you’ve dreamed of.

  • 8. Keep Guests in Mind

Keep in mind that a destination wedding requires significant effort and expense from your guests. Consider their budgets when choosing a location and accommodation options. Offering several choices at different price points will make it easier for guests to attend.

You might also want to provide information on local attractions or organize group activities for guests who have traveled a long way to celebrate with you.

bride in a boho wedding dress holding bouquet of white flowers indoor

  • 9. Plan for Extra Events

Destination weddings often turn into multi-day celebrations, so why not take advantage of the location and plan some extra activities?

You could host a welcome dinner, a beach party, or a sightseeing tour. These additional events give you more time to spend with your loved ones and make the trip even more memorable for everyone.

  • 10. Don’t Forget About Your Honeymoon

The main perk of holding your wedding away from your hometown is that you’re already in a beautiful location for your honeymoon. Basically, a destination wedding equals a destination honeymoon!

After the festivities, you can simply switch gears and start your honeymoon right away. If you prefer, you can also move to a different part of the region to explore even more during your first days as newlyweds.

In the End…

Planning a destination wedding can be an exciting as well as an overwhelming task. From choosing the perfect location for the ceremony and wedding photography to ensuring legal requirements are met, there are many details to consider. However, with careful planning, the experience can be stress-free and result in the wedding of your dreams.

By following this 10-step guide, you’re well on your way to hosting a magical destination wedding that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.