Getting married close to home? That’s cute, but let’s be honest—it’s predictable. Your wedding isn’t the time to play it safe; it’s your moment to create something bold, extraordinary, and unforgettable. Why not grab your passport and take things up a notch? An international destination wedding isn’t just another celebration; it’s a whole adventure.

An international destination wedding isn’t just a ceremony—it’s an adventure. It’s you, your love, and your favorite people, gathered in a place as breathtaking as your love story. Ready to make a statement? Let’s dive into five reasons to trade “ordinary” for “over-the-top epic.

5 Reasons to Go International for Your Wedding

Having a destination wedding in your own country can be great (hey, every state has its charm and the USA has plenty to offer). But if you’re ready to take your big day from nice to next-level, it’s time to think global. Here’s why going international is the ultimate move:

Your Wedding Becomes an Adventure Worth Talking About

This isn’t just a day—it’s your chance to make unforgettable memories. Mountain lover? Canada’s peaks are calling. Obsessed with wine and pasta? Italy awaits. Dreaming of beaches? The Caribbean’s got you.

An international wedding lets you combine your celebration with a trip that’s as epic as your love story. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it’s 100% you.

Your Wedding Gets a Splash of Culture

Skip the same-old chicken dinners. Going abroad lets you infuse your wedding with the flavors, traditions, and energy of another culture. From dancing salsa in Colombia to a cherry blossom ceremony in Japan, your celebration becomes vibrant and deeply personal.

Your Guests Won’t Just Attend — They’ll Experience

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: some people think destination weddings are selfish. But they don’t have to be if you know how to make your guests feel like VIPs instead of background extras.

Want to blow your guests’ minds? Add in epic excursions, unforgettable food, and unique experiences. Let Aunt Susan live her best life tasting matcha in a Kyoto teahouse. Give Uncle Tom the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping in Australia. Your wedding becomes more than an event — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure your loved ones will rave about for years. Bonus: you’ll get all the cool points for planning the best family trip ever.

It’s Easier to Plan an Epic Honeymoon

Why plan two trips when one can do the job? Stay where you tied the knot or hop over to a nearby destination for double the fun. Bonus: it’s often cheaper and way less stressful than planning a separate honeymoon.

Incredible Scenery and Unique Venues Make Your Wedding One-of-a-Kind

Castles, beaches, vineyards—going international unlocks locations that are anything but basic. With scenery this stunning, your wedding will feel like it belongs in a movie, no Pinterest board required. 💅. 

5 Common Objections to Going International for Your Destination Wedding
(And How to Overcome Them)

Thinking about going international but feeling stuck on the “what ifs”? Here’s how to put those doubts to rest:

“Not all my guests can make it.”

Yeah, travel isn’t for everyone. But remember, this is your wedding, not a family reunion.

💡 How to Overcome It: Keep it intimate and celebrate with the VIPs who can make it. Then, throw a casual post-wedding bash back home for everyone else. Two parties = double the fun.

“It’s too expensive.”

Flights, hotels, outfits—oh my! But did you know destination weddings can actually cost less than local ones? Mind-blowing, right?

💡 How to Overcome It: Book during the off-season for big discounts. Group rates and all-inclusive packages are also lifesavers. Trust us, your dream wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. Also, check out our blog post on where to Save vs Splurge!

“Not all my guests can handle long flights.”

True, not everyone’s up for a 12-hour flight (looking at you, Grandpa Joe). But there are ways to keep it manageable.

💡 How to Overcome It: Choose a destination with direct flights and reasonable travel times. Help your guests with travel guides, accommodations, and easy transport options to keep things smooth.

“Flying with a wedding dress stresses me out.”

Your dress is the dress. We get it. But flying with it? Totally doable.

💡 How to Overcome It: We have a whole blog with the details here, but the TLDR is; Carry it as your personal item and ask the flight crew to hang it for you. Invest in a garment bag designed for travel, and you’re good to go. Pro tip: use the dress as an excuse to board early—it works!

“Planning from afar feels overwhelming.”

The logistics of an international wedding can sound like a lot. But that’s where the pros come in.

💡 How to Overcome It: Let TravelBash handle the stress. From finding top-notch vendors to managing every detail, we’ll make sure your big day is flawless. All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself.

Ready to Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality? 

Your wedding is more than just a day; it’s your chance to create something magical. Going international takes your celebration from beautiful to breathtaking, from standard to standout.

At TravelBash, we’re pros at turning dreams into destinations. Whether it’s finding the perfect venue, managing travel arrangements, or handling every little detail, we make planning your international wedding as stress-free as it is exciting. If you’re ready to take the leap but want a stress-free planning process, we’re here to help. Subscribe to our email list for expert tips, stunning destination ideas, and planning hacks. When you’re ready to make it happen, TravelBash is just a click 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.