Want to do something different? Tired of hearing about destination weddings in France, Greece, Hawaii? Welcome to the top 5 under-rated destination wedding locations! Where you can find paradise wedding venues, that are a little more unique. Picture exchanging “I dos” with the sound of waves crashing in the background and palm trees swaying gently in the tropical breeze. Or do you picture it in the mountains with nature all around you. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony on a secluded island or a lavish celebration at a mountain top resort, this guide has got you covered.
With years of experience in capturing unforgettable weddings, and travel, we understand that planning a destination wedding can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. That’s why we are here to guide you for the best picture perfect locations, for your dream Destination Wedding. From choosing the perfect destination to assuring the right time of year, we will help you navigate through the intricate details, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – celebrating and capturing your love.
Get ready to embark on a journey filled with breathtaking destinations, dreamy wedding inspirations, and practical tips that will make your destination wedding a seamless and magical experience. Let us transform your dreams into reality and create memories that will last a lifetime. Say “I do” to paradise and let the adventure begin.
- Newport, Rhode Island
Lets start in the USA! Newport, Rhode Island. If your budget doesn’t allow for international travel, Newport is the closet you will get to English manor house or French château in the United States. Full of Mansions, and stunning water views of Narraganset Bay. However, you may not have the same price tag of asking your guests traveling internationally, you will STILL be shelling out a pretty penny to be married at this stunning summer location.
Best time to plan your “I do’s?” Late spring to early fall! May to September will be your best timeframe to keep it from being too chilly, or too scared of a weather miss-hap (however, it still is New England. Anything can happen!) Keeping in mind, holiday season in Newport Mansions are absolutely STUNNING! Christmas Wedding???
Being perfectly situated between 3 major cities, Providence, Boston, and New York City. You have all type of fly in opportunities, and plenty to do if your guests plan to make a vacation of your nuptials.
Breakdown:
Closet airport: TF Green (PVD)
Best Time of Year: Late Spring Early Fall. Holiday wedding opportunity
Price Point: $$$
Country: USA
2. The Hamilton Princess and The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda
Lets keep to the beach theme, but lets head to paradise! Bermuda! Close your eyes and imagine, white sand beaches, blue sands, picturesque water color painted sunsets! The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club (The Beach Club) is situated in South West of the island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As well as the Hamilton Princess (The Princess) is located in the city of Hamilton, overlooking Hamilton Harbour. From the moment you step onto the property you are instantly hit with the feeling of luxury. With their new renovations, The Princess has at least 3 main ceremony locations, as well as indoor reception locations that are so elegant, that it truly doesn’t matter if the weather doesn’t cooperate, because it will be STUNNING no matter what the case!
Bermuda entirely consists of 181 islands, and is 20.54 square miles. So no matter where you chose on the island(s) for your destination wedding, you will pretty much have the same weather everywhere. That being said, summer is the go to time of year! Bermuda doesn’t have a rainy season specifically, but you do want to keep in mind Hurricane season. June to September is the time to go!
With such a small island you will be able to explore so much, have photos everywhere if you are looking to be there for more of an elopement destination as well! Photos here will be a photographers inspiration dream!
Breakdown:
Closest Airport: L.F Wade International Airport (BDA)
Best Time of Year: Summer, June to September
Price Point: $$$$$
Country: Bermuda
3. Morocco
Not what you thought I’d say, hu? Morocco is a Stunning African nation! So versatile of different opportunities for all types of ideas, from city, to beach, to desert! And once you get to the country, price point, super affordable! Looking for somewhere more city-centric, but stunning architect? Try Marrakech! About 150 miles from Marrakech you will find white sand beaches that you would make you think you were on an island in Paradise! Closer cities to the beach, Casablanca (yes! like the movie from the 40’s!) and Tangier! In fact, unknown to most, Morocco has some of the worlds most beautiful beaches! Want more of an adventure dessert experience? You’re in luck! You have the the Sahara Desert within Morocco. 350 miles from Marrakech.
If you were thinking that Morocco gets hot? You would be correct. Best times of the year would be during the fall or early spring to have the warm days, and cool nights. The most inexpensive month to fly to Morocco, January! You will find that flights will probably be the most expensive part of your travel to this stunning location!
Breakdown:
Closest Airport:
- Marrakech: Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
- Casablanca: Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
- Tangier: Tangier-Ibn Battouta Intl. Airport (TNG)
Best Time of Year: Fall or Early Spring (September- November) (March-April)
Price Point: $$$
Country: Morocco
4. Izmir, Turkey
Are you thinking of having a Greece vibe, but financially… Not happening. Lets compare! Average price for a luxury Hotel in Greece- $198/night, Izmir $73/night. Same Mediterranean vibes, fraction of the price! How similar? From Athens to Izmir, as the crow flies, is only 187 miles, with the same body of water, The Aegean Sea in between. Have I convinced you yet?
Under rated, YES! Famous for being one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean world, price isn’t the only thing it has going for it! Beach, Yep! Mountains, GOT THEM! Incredible food, you know it!
Best time of year? Think warm summer vibes! May to September is it! With the warmest month being July.
Breakdown:
Closest Airport: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Best Time of Year: Summer, May to September
Price Point: $$$
Country: Turkey
5. The Redwood Forest, California
National Park wedding? Yes, PLEASE! A stunning outdoor woodsy ceremony. There is 131,983 acres of forest in this park, located in northern California, so you will have no problem finding a beautiful spot for your adventure destination nuptials. It costs $100-$150 for the park permit to get married at this park.
The best time of year to use this space for your big day is spring (April- June.) Yes it may be a bit chilly, but the spring is when you will get the lush and green look! And at this time, the parks will also not be as crowded.
I wouldn’t recommend this spot for a big ceremony, but think more elopement destination. Max 20 people. Option for a bigger wedding, find a resort in the area that still gives you the forest vibes, and accommodate everyone!
Breakdown:
Closest Airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Best Time of Year: Spring (April- June)
Price Point: $$
Country: United States
