A wedding is easily one of the most important events in a person’s life. It’s a day that people spend months, even years, planning, as they want everything to be perfect. This is reflected in the sheer size of the wedding industry, which is valued at approximately US$178 billion and is predicted to keep growing dramatically over the next decade. Part of this growth can be attributed to the destination wedding market.
While most couples used to just get married in their town or city, many now are realizing that a destination wedding could be a better option. These styles of weddings are often more cost-effective, can be much less stressful to plan, offer a built-in honeymoon, and can be a lot more exciting for guests to attend.
If you’re in the early stages of planning a destination wedding and are trying to narrow down the potential locations, here are some of the best ones to consider.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
When it comes to destination weddings, the Caribbean is often at the top of the list for couples. Many of the most popular islands have made a name for themselves in the wedding industry by catering to all types of wedding styles, requests, and needs.
What Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, offers is a stress-free experience. Many of the big resort chains have on-site wedding coordinators who will work with you to plan all the details of your big day. You’ll be able to work with them in advance and once you arrive at the resort.
Speaking of resort chains, Punta Cana features some of the largest and most popular chains out there. This means plenty of space to accommodate large wedding parties and groups, endless on-site activities, and entertainment.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Another popular option in the Caribbean is Jamaica, specifically Montego Bay. It too has many large hotel chains, and you’ll find wedding coordinators whose mission it is to make your wedding dreams come true. The temperatures are lovely and warm all year round in Jamaica, but you may want to avoid the wet season from June to November. They can put a damper on your plans for an outdoor ceremony and beachside wedding photos.
Some of the extra amenities you may want to look for include spa services, adults-only areas of the resort, on-site specialty restaurants, evening entertainment, and multiple pools to cool off in.
Hawaii
For those who don’t want to deal with traveling internationally but want an exotic and stunning destination for their wedding, Hawaii is a natural choice. Hawaii features several beautiful islands, each with its own personality and unique backdrops.
While the island of Maui tends to be the first one people think of, you may want to consider Kauai instead. Kauai is well known for how lush it is. It’s also ideal for couples who want a more quiet and remote vibe as there tend to be fewer tourists and no hustle and bustle.
Mykonos, Greece
If the Caribbean and Hawaii aren’t exotic enough for you, then perhaps a wedding in Mykonos, Greece, will grab your attention. Here, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, history, and architecture. It’s the perfect location for couples who are adventure seekers and want the destination to be the star of the wedding. One thing people may not know about Mykonos is that it offers a lot in terms of nightlife, entertainment, and even a city-like environment.
When planning your wedding, be sure to factor in the rather lengthy rainy season in Mykonos. It tends to last from September until May. The height of the rainy season is December, whereas the driest period is May until late September.
European-based destination weddings tend to be more expensive than the Caribbean, so saving up for the big day can therefore take a little longer. If you’re looking for ways to win prizes that could help you pay for your wedding day, here’s a list of sweepstakes you can try out.
The French Riviera, France
There’s something wonderfully alluring and romantic about the French Riviera, which is why this destination also makes the list. Some of the most noteworthy reasons couples choose the French Riviera include the fabulous seaside views (ideal for wedding pictures), the lush greenery, the history, the food, and of course the villages make for a more intimate environment.
A wedding in the French Riviera is bound to be classy, elegant, and romantic. Be warned you won’t find the large sprawling resorts of the Caribbean, so this may not be the best destination for large guest lists.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Now to swerve directions entirely, there is also the Riviera Maya in Mexico. The area features massive beachfront resorts that cater to all types of visitors. To make your wedding extra special, you may want to set your sights on adults-only properties. These tend to offer elevated experiences and on-site amenities that make them ideal for a wedding and honeymoon all in one.
Mexico is always a popular choice with tourists, but what Riviera Maya is known for are the beaches. Many would argue that the best beaches in the entire country are found in Riviera Maya. If you dreamt of getting married on a white-sand beach with turquoise waters framing the background, Riviera Maya will deliver.
Just like with Caribbean resorts, many of the all-inclusive properties have on-site wedding coordinators who will take all the stress out of planning. You may have options when it comes to the exact location of the ceremony, where you want the photos to be taken, flowers for the big day, where you will have your wedding reception, and so forth.
Choosing the Right Destination Guarantees a Memorable Wedding
The destination plays a huge part in how enjoyable your wedding will be. You want to be sure you research each location, the types of accommodations offered, whether there is on-site staff to help you plan the wedding, the amenities, and the surrounding area. Take your time, don’t rush the process, and remember this is your big day. There is nothing wrong with having specific wants and expectations.