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Destination weddings: Choosing a destination

Think about flight cost and time for key guests, weather seasons, marriage laws and local vendors.

The key points

  • Travel time and cost for guests
  • Hurricane, monsoon and heat seasons
  • Legal or symbolic ceremony?
  • Quality of local vendors

Read more about choosing a destination

Rows of white chairs on a lawn above the ocean for a ceremonyVenues & locationsDestination weddings: guests, legal requirements and a realistic timelineA lace wedding dress with deep V neckline hanging on a hanger from a pale blue wardrobeWedding dressesHow to Fly With a Wedding Dress: Carry-On, Garment Bag and Airport Tips

Quick answers

Who pays for a destination wedding?

Guests usually pay travel and accommodation; the couple pays for the wedding and often the welcome event.

Venues & locationsAll questions

When should you send destination wedding invitations?

About three months before, after save-the-dates 8–12 months ahead.

Venues & locationsAll questions

How many guests come to a destination wedding?

Usually a smaller share of those invited than for a local wedding, because of cost and time off. The guest count calculator uses lower attendance rates for destination weddings.

Venues & locationsAll questions

Do you need a planner for a destination wedding?

It helps enormously. A local planner knows the vendors, permits, weather and customs, and can be there when you can’t.

Venues & locationsAll questions

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