Your wedding should be a day you remember for the rest of your life. You’ve dreamed about it almost every day leading up to it and always imagined it being perfect, so of course you want it to live up to those lofty expectations.
One way to make your wedding especially memorable is to make it a destination wedding. Everyone loves an excuse to travel to a relaxing, picturesque locale, right? Well, then bring the family and friends out to one of these beautiful destination wedding spots to watch you walk down the aisle all dressed in white.
Hawaii
It’s no surprise that this one makes this list. Hawaii is a bit of a trip for most people (read: basically all people) but it’s well worth it. Maui has some surprisingly affordable options for weddings; the Big Island features a diverse 11 of the world’s 13 climatic zones; and Kauai is so beautiful you’ll wonder why you’re leaving it to go home once it’s all over.
The Caymans
Looking for world-famous beaches and other gorgeous scenery but want to avoid traveling halfway to Japan? Then you’re probably looking for the British Cayman Islands. The Caymans are the go-to Caribbean location for wedding planners, and with good reason. These remote islands are packed full of scenery that looks like it belongs inside a frame on your wall. Consider the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort Spa, Rum Point or the Grand Old House for you nuptials.
The Florida Keys
Home to more than just delicious key lime pie, the Florida Keys are a fantastic wedding destination at the southernmost tip of the United States. The Keys have tons of shopping, nightlife and historic “Old Florida” locales in Key West. Key Largo and other destinations along the Keys, meanwhile, are filled with wildlife and laidback spots for nature lovers – as well as clear blue waters and white-sand beaches all around you.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Want to get away from the States? Think about heading down to Mexico to experience something a bit different while also enjoying an all-inclusive wedding package. Experience Puerto Vallarta’s breathtaking coastlines and take a tour of the local foodie scene. Consider scheduling your wedding between December and May if you want to catch a glimpse of the amazing humpback whales that migrate to its shores each year. It’s not uncommon for the massive creatures to show up unannounced for seaside nuptials.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ancient Mayan ruins, verdant jungle scenery, gorgeous beaches, the world’s second-largest ocean reef and an array of exotic wildlife are just some of the best reasons to get hitched in Belize. To get the most of the experience, you’ll want to choose a waterfront setting (trust us) like the Victoria House, El Secreto or the Grand Caribe. You really can’t go wrong with getting married at any of Ambergris Caye’s spectacular beach venues.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Thinking about something different than the always-popular exotic locations? Try heading up to New England and getting wed at Maine’s scenic Bar Harbor. The rocky coasts and dark-blue ocean waters lapping up onto golden-sand beaches offer a beach scene that rivals any tropical location, but with a little New England flavor. Visit the iconic lighthouses and Acadia National Park and make some time for whale watching, bike riding or watersports. Here’s a quick tip, though: go in September to avoid the huge summertime crowds and still enjoy lovely (if a bit crisp at times) weather.
Park City, Utah
Want to avoid the beach altogether? Try Utah during ski season (early December through mid-April). Park City, aka “Ski Town USA,” boasts peaks so spectacular that you might mistake them for the Alps. Throw in the local feeling of European sophistication and you’ll feel like you’ve hopped across the pond without ever flashing a passport. Three excellent ski resorts and a location that’s just 40 minutes from the Salt Lake airport make Park City a great choice for anyone looking for a winter-themed wedding.
Napa Valley, California
Wine Country, USA is also Wedding Country, USA. The opulent landscapes full of rolling hills and deep valleys that are home to countless acres of vineyards that make for a fantastic romantic backdrop for any wedding. And don’t forget about the world-class restaurant dishes and wines available in abundance. There are so many inns, resorts, spas and vineyards that the hardest part isn’t deciding whether or not to get wed in Napa Valley – it’s deciding where in Napa to do it!
Oh, and About That Ring
You can’t have the perfect wedding without first having the perfect wedding engagement, of course. Birkat Elyon helps make getting engaged affordable with our high-quality cubic zirconia engagement rings. Our stones are so authentic t that even experienced gemologists can have trouble discerning between them and the real thing. Give them a look for yourself to see how well they pass the eye test.