Destination weddings are on the rise as many couples look to take their nuptials on the road. It's a fantastic way to make incredible memories, build honeymoon into to your wedding budget, and keep the guest list as intimate as you prefer. If you're looking for a little inspiration, let these ideas transport you.
Destination Weddings by Land and By Sea
By Sea
There's nothing quite like the romance of the sea. It's no surprise that when it comes to being whisked away on your wedding day, many couples opt for a cruise. Luxury can be found on many levels, and there is certainly accesibility for most budgets to experience a destination wedding of a lifetime.
Photo provided by Goolets
Champagne Taste
Private Yacht Charter
Charter the yacht Cristal for a week-long wedding adventure your guests won't ever forget in Croatia. Share your special day with up to 30 guests as you can set sail or up to 100 guests when the the boat is docked. Starting at $150,000 for a full yacht charter for the week, the Yacht Cristal staff will cater to your every whim and work with all wedding and event staff to create iconic wedding memories you will never forget. Enjoy a wedding on board or take your ceremony to an intimate Croatian chapel off the Adriatic Coast. Your wish is their command.
Photo provided by Goolets
Weddings make for special reunions with family, and friends. Share a week of delicious fare, exciting water sports, and daily stops at some of Croatia's most delightful islands with those closest to you as you kick off the next chapter of your life together.
Book your destination wedding with Goolets.
Beer Budget
Small Ships/Yachts
For a more intimate option couples can take advantage of Windstar 7 day cruises starting at $2,099 per person.
Windstar's basic package, Starstruck Romance Package, (for couples who are doing things very simply or on their own) includes a welcome onboard with flowers, chocolate delights, and a bottle of Rose Champagne. You'll also enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars, a Champagne breakfast in bed, plus a romance-inspired turn-down service each night. They also offer help with photography/a photoshoot. Top that off with a $100 credit to World Spa by Windstar. This package is a $499 add on per couple when you book your cruise. *Ceremony not included.
Photo provided by Windstar
The Starstruck Plus Romance Package includes all of the above (with $200 World Spa by Windstar credit) plus the all-important Exchange of Vows ceremony. The ceremony includes a bridal flower bouquet, cake with topper, flower arrangement and setup, Champagne toast with canapés for 10 guests, and a vow exchange ceremony officiated by the Captain with a Renewal of Vows Certificate (non-binding!). It’s $999. Some couples do this for their wedding ceremony, and others do it for a vow renewal or major anniversary milestone.
Windstar can arrange add-ons like long-stem roses, afternoon tea, or their most popular: a stay in a romantic overwater bungalow in Tahiti. This includes an incredible private dinner on a beach, breakfast brought to your bungalow via canoe, and a chance to snorkel right outside your honeymoon suite. Divine.
Destinations include Italy, Greece, Croatia, Tahiti, the Caribbean, and beyond! Rates vary by destination and don't forget to budget in your airfare and transport to and from the airport.
Expert Tip: With all internatounal destinations, be sure to look into the legalities of official ceremonies. Some may require you to be legally married on-shore, or in your own state. Many destination weddings are for ceremony only.
By Land
Champagne Taste
Formerly a state-run historic site. This lovingly preserved barn and it's surrounding grounds give you the rustic aesthetic in the heart of downtown Monterey.
Want a historic, rustic, and impressive wedding? The Barns at Cooper Molera has it all. A range of indoor and outdoor spaces, and abundant photo opportunities, all in the heart of downtown Monterey, California. The rustic elements blended with the stately design create an elegant setting for your wedding. Packages range from 21,000 - 28,000 and include rooms for the weddng party to get ready in as well as catering, tables, chairs, and service staff ensuring a charming, and grand affair.
Beer Budget
Photo by Stephanie Keeler
Congaree and Penn is full of rustic Southern Charm from it's Mahaw Orchards to it's Farm to Table restuarant. Weddings at Congaree enjoy exclusive access to the farm to set up the backround of your choice. Farm rentals start at $4,000 for weekends or $350 during the week. And for couples with elopement in mind, Congaree provides packages starting at $2,500 that includes site rental as well as food and bevarge for up to 45 guests.
Wherever you decide to tie the knot, it's sure to be a day to remember.
Until then...
Enjoy the journey!
xo- Amy West
