According to a report, 84% of people believe that destination weddings are more fun than traditional ceremonies. Among the couples who have booked a destination wedding, 76% claim that the process is much less stressful and easier to enjoy.
When planning an international destination wedding, you’ll want to consult the pros. An expert destination wedding planner can help choose the location, the venue, and navigate the ins and outs of working in a foreign country. Many will also source the best local teams to aid on the ground if they aren’t based in your chosen destination
The goal is to create an event that has a sense of place, and just as many personal touches as it would have if you were to wed in your hometown.
Regardless of where you have your sights set for your upcoming destination wedding, be sure to check for safety and travel before asking friends and family to travel across the world. Always work with your destination wedding planner to contact embassies in advance to check for various passport or health regulations, and make sure to incorporate local elements into your wedding planning, wedding design, and wedding décor to make the experience authentic for your guests.
To help you answer the question of where in the world you’ll wed, we bring the top 5 international destination wedding locations across the globe to consider for your upcoming celebration.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is a luxury destination, unlike other luxury destination. The decadence here is less but it’s a traditional, historical luxury, not with flashy cars and designer stores, but an authentic, old-style, aristocratic luxury. We would advise that couples take time to explore the area thoroughly. It is a unique place full of contrasts, which can create an exciting flow of events that, in turn, make for a truly phenomenal and authentic Italian experience.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is the only such city in the world. If you decide to get married there, you have a chance that your destination wedding will be pure magic remembered as a fairy tale from 1001 nights. Unique textures, patterns, and vibrant colors highlight this Moroccan city—gaining popularity as an adventurous destination wedding location.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is one of the most charming cities in the world and couples fly from all around the world to enjoy the perfect Istanbul Honeymoon, and it is the only city that connects the continents of Europe and Asia. Istanbul is also one of the only cities that has had many different names throughout the course of history based on its occupiers.
Famous for its rich history, culture, and incredible scenery, Istanbul can be so much more exciting for an active group than a beach destination. There is a plethora of things to do for guests that have traveled far, and there are so many artisans to work with when it comes to creating a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an extraordinary location for a wedding. A destination wedding in Bali is well worth it as it’s a lush and verdant location, and well off the beaten path. Bali’s rainy season is from October to April, so you must make sure to have weather backups in place. When it comes to the look and feel of your event, our best design advice for couples is to partner with local artisans. Balinese artisans can provide handmade décor, such as Capiz-shell chargers, and create many different hand-woven textiles—from chandeliers to placemats. In addition, hand-strung jasmine is readily available, and makes for a dramatic ceremony structure. We often hang strung jasmine on the backs of the bride and groom’s dinner reception chairs for an extra-special touch.
Mexico
Mexico has so many vacation-like experiences for you to consider when planning your destination wedding. Be mindful of the weather and give your guests some ideas on dress code—trust us, no one wants to wear black tie on a hot day on the beach. Think cocktail chic, loose and linen wedding wardrobe. Although everyone loves unique and clever welcome items, consider providing practical items for your guests upon arrival. Items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and stain removers will all come in handy to help your guests enjoy their experience on location in Mexico. It should feel authentic and local. There’s no reason to take your guests on the road and design a space that could be in New York or Los Angeles. And lastly, don’t forget to give your guests time to explore and lounge by the pool.
These were some of the best international wedding destinations for your larger-than-life destination wedding, because sometimes all you need is a serene environment and just your favorite people around to celebrate the big day of your life. From some real bonding with the loved ones to a pleasant change of the location, destination weddings bring many joyful and memorable moments in one’s wedding journey.