Daydreaming of far-off places for your destination wedding is fun, but how practical are those places for your budget and your wedding day vision? Will the location give you everything you’ve been dreaming of? Choosing your destination wedding location can be tough—it’s a big, wide world out there and there are so many fabulous places to see and stay. Start by narrowing down the time of year, the type of weather you want, how far you want to travel and then focus on the destinations within that space. You might be surprised at some of the unexpectedly wonderful spots you find to wed at. But before signing a contract, check the boxes off this destination wedding location must-have list first.
1. Your guests can afford to get (and stay) there.
If having your nearest and dearest by your side on your wedding day is important to you, then consider how feasible it will be for them to get to your wedding. Can Grandma travel the distance? Can your friends afford the location? Are there enough rooms nearby (and ideally different room price points) to service everyone in your party? If getting check marks on those RSVP cards is important to you, then pick an affordable place people can get to easily (typically less than eight hours from home).
2. You (or your pros) speak the language, or they speak yours.
Wedding planning can be stressful enough as it is—but if you have to add in Google translator, it may just put you over the edge. Be sure the language barrier isn’t an issue during the planning process or you may show up to the location with an atmosphere completely different than you planned. Arm yourself with wedding pros who speak the language to ensure a seamless experience leading up to and on the day of.
3. You can legally wed in the destination, and if not, you’re okay with a spiritual ceremony.
Many countries have strict legal and residency requirements before you can tie the knot and make it official. Check in to how long you’ll need to be in the country before your wedding day, if the offices you’ll need to visit will be open while you’re there, what paperwork you’ll need to do ahead of time, and if you’re able to meet all the requirements to make it legal. If not, consider a spiritual ceremony and wed back home or brainstorm other location destinations.
4. You’ve been there.
Sounds simple enough, but it’s important. Some properties don’t look exactly like what you’d expect from photos on a website. Scout the location before booking and know exactly what you’re signing up for, even if it’s an additional cost (just think of it as a pre-honeymoon trip!). Even better if the location has special meaning to the two of you because you’ve been there before together and that’s why you’ve selected it.
5. You like the backup plan.
Destination wedding locations often come with unpredictable weather. If you’re in the tropics, you might find tropical showers or hurricanes come wedding day; in the mountains, late season snow or wind may happen during your rehearsal dinner. Make sure your venue has a backup location on property for worst-case scenarios—and that you like it. If you do have to get married indoors, ensure it’s a spot you can still smile about on the day of.
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Harmony Walton is the founder of The Bridal Bar, host of Bridal Bar Radio airing on iHeartRadio and editor of the destination wedding blog Jet Fete by Bridal Bar. With a vast celebrity clientele and over a dozen years of experience, she and her company have been recognized around the world and featured in media outlets such as The Associated Press, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Entertainment Tonight, People Magazine, The Los Angeles Times and many more.
