Even before you got engaged, your mind wandered to a faraway place. Why? Well, it’s not that you don’t love your hometown—or your partner’s. However, if you’re going to plan a party, you may as well do it right! And to you, “right” means a destination. Although that sounds like a dream come true, destination weddings aren’t for everyone. Here are some points to consider when you’re asking the question, “Is a destination wedding right for me?”

What is a Destination Wedding?

Before we delve into whether or not planning a wedding in a different city is right for you, I need to clear up a misconception. When people hear the term “destination wedding,” minds drift to Italian coastal towns or a Caribbean beach.

While these are lovely—and memorable—places for you to say “I do,” having a destination wedding doesn’t have to mean overseas. Honestly, it doesn’t even have to involve a plane ride! You could plan a wedding in coastal California or the mountains of Virginia. In essence, a destination occurs in a place other than your hometown or your partner’s. 

If a destination seems out of reach, think again! You could go somewhere that is just a few hours from home. Going to a nearby yet unique place can be as high impact as heading to a foreign country. So, dash any thoughts about a destination wedding meaning you have to go far, far away.

9 Considerations for Planning a Destination Wedding

Think about your budget. 

Quite often, people think that destination weddings cost a lot less. That’s both true and false. While you are saving money on food and rentals by culling your guest list, other expenses can surge. If you’re choosing to get married at an upscale resort or quaint island, the cost per person will increase. Although inviting fewer people means that you can splurge in other areas.

Must-have guests may not be able to come to the wedding.

Many things factor into this, and there are other considerations beyond the pocketbook. Ask yourself a few questions, such as whether or not your grandparents can travel far or if guests are willing to dedicate the time it takes to get to and from your location. If your favorite aunt has a deathly fear of flying, you may want to rethink where you have your event.

Conversely, having a wedding that involves travel may help you cull your guest list. This can be advantageous if there are specific family members you’d rather not have in attendance. A smaller guest list means that you’re surrounded by an intimate, curated group of people you adore. 

Your wedding destination may become your honeymoon spot.

Additionally, you need to factor in your travel expenses and how long you’ll spend at the destination. Can you also afford to honeymoon there? Since you are already paying to get to the location, you can divide that expense between your wedding and honeymoon budgets.

If you genuinely love the area, that’s a no brainer! The only caveat may be running into wedding guests while you are on your honeymoon. Chances are they’ll use the destination as a vacation spot, too. Family and friends hanging around may be a plus if you want that wedding feeling to linger for a while longer.

Hosting a weekend may be required. 

Some couples thrive on social activities, and if you’re having a destination wedding, chances are you’ll be playing host for a few days. This can be a big bonus as family and friends make memories together. You can utilize your wedding as a reunion of sorts, which can create quite an unforgettable experience. 

Enjoy your favorite season. 

July and August can be dreadful months for outdoor weddings if you live in the US. Temperatures soar, and subjecting your guests to the heat may not be ideal. However, if those are the best months for you to take time off, head somewhere that has the weather you crave. Find a destination that has snow or spring-like temperatures. The choice is yours if you’re willing to travel to find a more moderate climate. 

Turn over the planning to someone else. 

If you’re a control freak, you’ll have to let go a bit, although choosing a planner you trust will go a long way. An experienced destination wedding planner will know the right questions to ask. They’ll also be able to implement your dream day in a way that you most likely can’t do from afar yourself.

A quality destination wedding planner can also check on important information, such as any paperwork or fees you need to be aware of to ensure that your marriage is legal. If you need any help or resources, I’ve got you covered, of course!

Gifts may not be as much of a priority for your guests.

You may have guests that will have to choose between spending the money to go to your wedding or splurging on a gift. Decide which you’d rather have. Of course, most would say they’d rather have “presence over presents.” However, if you’re trying to set up a new household and are in dire need of your registry items, you may want to weigh the options.

Destination wedding packages are advantageous. 

Many resorts and locations offer anything from small destination wedding packages to large scale events. Everything from your accommodations, ceremony, reception, and post-wedding vacation plans can all be wrapped up into one tidy package. For couples concerned about finances, destinations can make recommendations so that you stay within your budget. 

Dreams of a unique day can come true!

I get it. You don’t want to get married in the same place that your cousins, BFFs, and parents did. Those who long to create a one-of-a-kind experience often plan destination weddings to separate their events from the rest. Getting married in a different locale allows you to immerse yourself in a diverse landscape, city, or culture—all of which you and your guests will love!

Is a Destination Wedding Right for Me? 

Do the points above thrill you or scare you? If you are excited about the prospect of getting married in a different location, yet doing so may exclude essential people, you and your partner will need to weigh those options. Possibly they can join in virtually, or you can choose a drivable location. 

Having a destination wedding can be one of the best decisions ever. After all, that’s what I chose, but only you and your significant other know what is best for you, your families, and your budget. Considering all of these things can help you decide what will make your wedding day memorable while having the day of your dreams—whether that means at home or far away.

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.