Destination Weddings: Are They Really Worth It? What to Know Before You Say “I Do” Abroad
You’ve pictured it a thousand times.
That intimate ceremony with the ocean breeze sweeping your veil, a dinner under the stars, or a rooftop overlooking ancient city lights. Whether it's Lake Como, Tulum, or Paris at golden hour, destination weddings just hit different. But as dreamy as they look on Instagram, you may be wondering: Is it actually worth it?
Let’s unpack the real cost, magic, and logistics behind a destination wedding — so you can make the best decision for your love story.
First, What Is a Destination Wedding?
Any wedding that takes place away from your hometown (or where most of your guests live) is technically a destination wedding. That might mean flying across the world or simply booking a weekend at a scenic resort a few hours away. Either way, it combines travel and celebration into one unforgettable experience.
Let’s Talk Budget: Is It More Expensive?
Not always, but it’s different.
You might spend less on certain things (like a smaller guest list or minimal décor because the setting is already stunning), but you’ll need to budget for:
Travel & accommodations
Welcome events or group excursions
Legal paperwork or marriage license requirements
Shipping or sourcing decor and attire abroad
Hiring a local planner vs. flying your dream team out
But How Much Do Destination Weddings Actually Cost?
Here’s the honest truth: it depends. Where you’re going, when you're getting married, how many people you're inviting, and the level of luxury you’re envisioning all play major roles.
However, to give you a ballpark:
Couples typically spend anywhere between $35,000 to $90,000+ for destination weddings.
Luxury destination weddings (think: Europe, curated multi-day events, private villas, or historic estates) often start around $75,000 and go well into six figures.
More intimate destination weddings, like elopements or small-group affairs in tropical destinations, can be done more affordably, depending on how much you invest in experience and personalization.
Photo by: CompleteWeddings
Logistics Can Be a Lot — But Also Worth It
This is where hiring an experienced destination planner (hi, it’s me!) can make or break your experience. Planning across time zones, languages, and legal systems is not for the faint of heart, but with the right team, it becomes seamless.
What a planner helps with:
Communicating with international vendors
Managing travel timelines and guest coordination
Navigating foreign marriage laws and local customs
Creating an itinerary that feels like a curated vacation for you and your guests
Why People Love Destination Weddings
It’s not just about the photos (though yes, they’re fire). Here’s what couples love most:
It becomes a full experience, not just a single day.
You get quality time with your people — not just a quick “hi” at the reception.
The setting elevates everything.
It’s more intimate, intentional, and often feels more like you.
What to Consider Before Booking That Flight
Can your VIP guests (parents, besties, siblings) realistically attend?
Are you okay with a smaller guest count?
Are you open to investing in experiences over things?
Will weather, language barriers, or travel restrictions stress you out?
If you answered “yes” to most of these, a destination wedding might be your perfect fit.
So... Is It Worth It?
If you’re dreaming about it constantly — it probably is.
Destination weddings aren’t just weddings. They’re memory-makers, adventure-starters, and vibe-setters for your entire relationship. And if you value connection, culture, and celebration that feels like you, they might just be more than worth it.
Ready to plan your wedding abroad?
Let’s chat about where your story could take place. From the Amalfi Coast to Cabo, I’m here to make your vision make sense, without the stress.
