Image by Pedro Filipe Fotografia. See more of this real wedding here.

There’s something magical about tying the knot in a faraway place, surrounded by your loved ones. But when it comes to planning a destination wedding, that magical feeling can come with some additional stressors.. From marriage requirements to language barriers to the act of just getting there, there’s a lot that goes into it. Oh, and not to mention your guests’ availability, the weather, and your wedding budget. Sound overwhelming? We know. Don’t fret.

Before you jet-set off to your dream wedding destination, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you plan the perfect destination “I do’s.”

JB Tip: Not sure where to begin? Connect with a destination wedding specialist for free!

Why Have A Destination Wedding

Are you on the fence about having a destination wedding? While planning may seem like a difficult feat, there are a lot of advantages. Some of them include:

• They tend to be a bit more stress-free, thanks to wedding planners and coordinators
• These weddings are often cheaper than traditional weddings
• They double as a vacation with your loved ones
• They can help slim down your guest list 
• It’s a kickstart to your honeymoon which is a win

“Planning a wedding away from home is exciting, but it also comes with unique details that deserve extra attention,” says Ariadne Comulada of KAZ Events. “With thoughtful planning around vendors, legalities, and experiences, you can relax and fully enjoy every moment of your wedding in paradise.”

How To Pick Destination Wedding Location

Once you’re set on traveling for your special day, it’s time to pick a destination wedding location. The location influences the aesthetic of the day, your travel time, and will also impact your budget.

Is there a spot that is special to you and your partner? Maybe the place you got engaged. Or the first place you two ever took a trip together. No matter what the significance is, you want to understand the travel requirements and restrictions beforehand. For example, will your guests need a passport or visa? Are there any travel warnings, health concerns, or political problems? If there are concerns (think vaccinations or quarantines), you need to be clear with your guests as soon as possible.

Lastly, think about the oldest guest that you will be inviting. Will it be difficult for them to travel to the destination of your choice? Is it feasible to have your great-grandmother travel ten hours by plane? If not, be sure to plan ahead with a virtual ceremony for guests who can’t attend in-person.

Select A Destination Wedding Date

After picking a location, you’ll need to pick a date. While your availability is important, it’s best to research the weather conditions during your ideal season. In most places, the best weather will also mean an increase in travel time and crowds. This can lead to fewer hotel options and higher prices overall. 

If you decide to book your wedding date during peak season, book your venue and hotel room block as soon as possible. Check out shoulder seasons, or the times just outside peak season, so that you’ll still get ideal weather conditions for less money. 

JB Tip: The off-season is typically not popular for a reason. This usually means poor weather conditions and a lack of activities. Don’t accidentally cut costs by hosting your wedding during hurricane season!

“If you’re planning in a tropical or coastal location, always have a backup plan with your planner and vendors,” notes Ariadne of KAZ Events. “Weather can be unpredictable, so knowing the typical patterns of the season will help avoid stress.”

Once a date is picked, send your save-the-dates eight to twelve months out. From there, your official wedding invitations should go out five to six months before the wedding. Your wedding announcements will give guests time to get their travel in order and avoid too many changes in cost.

Since guests are paying for things like travel, accommodations, and activities, the costs can add up quickly. So be upfront with guests that you are understanding if  they can’t attend due to costs or other factors.

Image by Ladichosa. See more of this real wedding right here.

Navigating Local Marriage Requirements

While we wish getting married was as simple as hiring an officiant, it’s, unfortunately, a little more complicated than that. Some countries have residency requirements or need other certificates before you can legally wed. 

Read up on every requirement before traveling so that there aren’t any surprises. If it’s impossible to have your wedding legally recognized in the country you’ve chosen, consider tying the knot in a civil ceremony before you go. This way, you can say “I do” in front of your guests and rest assured that it’s the real deal. 

“Every destination has its own legal requirements for marriage licenses, and some are stricter than others,” says Ariadne. “If the process feels overwhelming, keep the paperwork at home and focus on a symbolic ceremony abroad.”

Why a ‘Planning Trip’ (or Planner) Matters

If possible, take at least one trip to your destination during the wedding planning process. This gives you time to scout out a venue, lodging, and rehearsal dinner spots while meeting with potential vendors. 

If you’re able, visit a second time for tastings, hair and makeup trials, meetings with florists, and any of your other vendors If this isn’t possible–we can’t stress this enough–hire a local wedding planner!

“Choosing the right vendors is key to a smooth day,” adds Ariadne. “As a planner, I connect couples with trusted local talent and make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Vet The Wedding Vendors

Speaking of wedding planners, we can’t recommend one enough. A local planner will know all of the best vendors around. And while you can find many options online, make sure that you’re comfortable with the planner you hire. They have firsthand experience with multiple different vendors in every category imaginable.

Whether or not you choose to hire a planner, conduct video calls with your vendors. This will help you get to know them, their working style, and help them understand who you are as a couple. It also gives you the chance to spot any red flags that may arise–like poor communication.

If your budget permits and you feel more comfortable, another option is to bring vendors from home. Just expect to cover their travel expenses and lodging costs. 

“I always recommend building extra buffer time into your timeline,” says Emily Cappelen of Evergreen Photo Co. “Travel delays and unpredictable weather are sometimes part of the adventure, so give yourself and your vendors wiggle room.”

Image by Louis Gabriel. See more of this real wedding here.

Find Lodging Recommendations For Guests

While it’s not expected that you’ll take care of guest accommodations, your guests will appreciate having a list of lodging options within a range of budgets. They’ll likely feel more comfortable staying somewhere that is hosting other guests from the wedding, too. Especially if your destination wedding is in a country they haven’t visited before.

To help with costs, consider offering hotel room blocks. This usually means you’ll be able to negotiate a lower discounted rate while keeping guests together. If this is something you plan on doing, make sure to call the hotel before you set a date. You don’t want to have a date picked and have no hotel options for guests.

“Sometimes hotels require a minimum number of rooms booked—sometimes as high as 80% of your guest count,” explains Aaron Huth of Center Of Attention Events. “It’s best to clarify this before signing contracts.”

And most importantly, take into consideration how far the lodging is from your venue and the airport. If it’s near your venue but far from the airport you should plan for shuttles, rideshare services, or other transportation options that will make getting from point A to point B a piece of cake. 

“Transportation is another big detail not to overlook,” reminds Rose Groves of Matlai Photography. “If you’re renting cars abroad, check local license requirements. In some places, an International Driver’s Permit is necessary.”

Events and Experiences Beyond the Wedding

Your guests are traveling to celebrate you, so consider expanding the celebration beyond the ceremony.

“Why stop at just the wedding day?” ask Katja & Walter Wenegger of Wenola Weddings. “Start your weekend with a catamaran trip, a cooking class, or a pre-wedding dinner under the stars. Turning your wedding into a full experience makes it unforgettable.”

Photographer Lynn Shapiro agrees: “Think beyond the wedding day and make it a weekend. A relaxed welcome party or a post-wedding poolside gathering gives your photographer the chance to capture your complete story.”

How To Save Money Planning A Destination Wedding

While getting married in an exotic destination can ultimately be cheaper than a local wedding, if you’re looking to save a little extra cash, consider these tips:

Get married on an off-day 

Getting married on a weekday will save you money on the venue and give you the chance to enjoy your destination a little longer. Flights and lodging will also likely be cheaper as well.

Consider all-inclusive resorts

While all-inclusive resorts may seem like a hefty price tag upfront, they’re actually a great way to save money down the line. If you purchase one of their packages, you’ll get flowers, cake, photographer, entertainment, food, drink, and more for a set price. All-inclusive wedding packages also take away some of your wedding planning stress.

Use nature as a backdrop

If you’re vowing forever to your partner at a destination wedding, there’s a good chance that the destination you choose is naturally beautiful in the first place. Use that to your advantage and have nature act as your backdrop rather than spending extra money on decor.

Choose local florals, ingredients, and beyond

Of course, your destination is much more than just a pretty backdrop. It’s also home to beautiful flowers, food, and more. Make use of these ingredients and decor (rather than importing items) to see your costs drop.

Be on the lookout for deals on flights and hotels

When booking travel, use sites like Skyscanner and KAYAK. Set up price alerts so you get notifications when prices drop. This way, you know you’re getting the best deal out there. 

JB Tip: While browsing for flights, use incognito mode on your browser so that the website can’t store your information–which tends to jack up prices.

Extend the Celebration Into Your Honeymoon

“Combining your wedding with your honeymoon is another way to stretch your budget and your memories,” suggest Katja & Walter Wenegger. “Spend a few extra days exploring hidden gems after the festivities.”

Nixing the wedding registry

Save your guests money by nixing the wedding registry. Your guests are already paying to celebrate with you–let that be their gift.

Now that you’re ready to hop on a plane for your perfect destination wedding be sure to check out these etiquette tips you need to know!

Image by Luigi Reccia. See more of this real wedding here.