How to Plan a Destination Wedding in 2026

For many couples, a destination wedding can feel like an impossible, stress-inducing fantasy. But this exciting experience, even with its unique challenges, is entirely within reach. This article demystifies the process, showing you exactly how to plan a destination wedding and have a great time doing it. You'll get expert advice on budgeting, choosing your perfect location, and finding affordable packages across the U.S.

By the way, I'm Kae, a Wedding Planner who loves planning destination weddings for couples. There is nothing like watching a couple exchange vows in their dream location, with the same ease as if it were held locally.

First things first: How do you actually plan a destination wedding? While there’s no universal rule, here are the most important steps to planning a destination wedding you'll love:

Set a Realistic Budget

Your destination wedding budget determines everything, from your venue choice to your guest list and overall experience.

A destination wedding doesn’t have to be in Lake Como or Santorini to be magical. In the wedding industry, any celebration outside your hometown counts as a destination wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach wedding in Mexico or a vineyard wedding in California, let your budget guide you. If your plans include international travel, flights, or multi-day festivities, remember to leave some extra room for logistics.

Create Your Guest List

Decide early whether your destination wedding will be a large celebration or an intimate gathering. Your guest list will impact your budget and wedding logistics. A larger wedding means higher costs, so be intentional about who you invite.

See also: 8 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Party

Most couples plan a 3–5 day destination wedding to give guests time to rest, explore, and experience the destination. It also allows you, as a couple, to enjoy the location and soak in all the wedding festivities.

Choose a Safe Location

This feels like a random piece of advice, but hear me out. When choosing your destination wedding location, consider these two key factors: safety and sentiment.

The perfect destination will make you smile every time you imagine saying “I do” there. Whether it’s a romantic resort, a countryside ranch, or a historical mansion, make sure to check that it’s safe, accessible, and feels right for your love story. 

Think of it like this: Will you and your guests feel comfortable walking around in areas outside of your venue? If the answer is no, keep searching.

Check for Travel Accessibility and Costs

One of the most important steps of planning a destination wedding is checking for accessibility. Before finalizing your venue, ask the following questions:

• Is the location somewhere my guests can easily find their way to?

• Are there travel restrictions or visa requirements?

• How much time and money will my guests need to get there?

  
  

Need help finding a destination wedding location? Contact Events by Kae now.

Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

As an experienced wedding planner, I can say this one without hesitation: Hiring a professional destination wedding planner is one of the best investments you can make.

Wedding Planners help with everything, from finding vendors and managing contracts to coordinating your big day. The time you’d spend trying to find a good makeup artist, florist, caterer, or even trying to figure out transporting your wedding dress to your destination wedding location could be spent making lasting memories.

If a wedding planner isn’t in your budget, consider a destination wedding venue with an on-site coordinator or day-of planner to help manage some of the logistics. Remember, you will not only be planning a wedding, but you'll be planning a wedding while living in a different location.

Kae’s attention to detail is impeccable. She matched us with the right vendors and managed everything with precision, from coordination and timeline creation to day-of execution. No task was too big or too small, and she handled every challenge with grace and resourcefulness. She kept us updated and was always available to answer our questions and ease our concerns. (Sarah)

 

How far in advance should you start planning a Destination Wedding?

The best time to start planning your destination wedding is 9–12 months in advance. This timeline allows you to secure your dream venue, plan travel, and finalize details without last-minute stress.

We also recommend sending out invitations 3–6 months before the wedding, especially if it’s an international destination. This gives your guests enough time to plan, budget, and book travel.

Top Destination Wedding Locations in the U.S.

Beyond knowing how to plan, choosing the right destination wedding location in the U.S. is essential. Below are some of our favourite destination wedding locations:

Carmel Valley Ranch (California)

Photo: Carmel Valley Ranch

Known as one of California’s best resorts, Carmel Valley Ranch sits on a 500-acre property with on-site accommodations and breathtaking outdoor spaces perfect for destination weddings. You will find up to 11 beautifully designed spaces to choose from, including a clubhouse, oak room, courtyard, and an organic garden. Here, guests can enjoy experiences such as goat grazing, ridge hikes, archery, and off-road excursions. Whatever the theme of your wedding is, Carmel Valley Ranch will work with you to make it happen.

The Breakers Palm Beach (Florida)

Photo: The Breakers Palm Beach

If your dream is to exchange vows, away from home, while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Breakers Palm Beach offers both a front lawn and an ocean lawn for your use. If a first dance under a Venetian crystal chandelier appeals better to you, there are six indoor spaces, including a Gold Room that can accommodate as many as 200 guests, available for your pick. This destination wedding place has spacious guestrooms/suites with jaw-dropping ocean and resort views for your use.

Bellagio Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas)

Photo: Bellagio Hotel and Casino

With destination wedding packages starting from $4,500-$16,000, this location is perfect for intimate weddings of up to 80 guests. The Bellagio offers several venue options, including the East Chapel, South Chapel, Terrazza di Sogno, and a Fountain Courtyard. Discounted lodging is available for you and your guests, and a minimum booking period of 30 days is required. 

Destination Wedding Packages

If you want to take it a step further, all-inclusive destination wedding packages are the way to go, as they don't require as much logistics planning on your end. You just need to find a package that’s within your budget, and a team will ensure you have the best wedding celebration ever.

Here are some destination wedding packages you don’t want to miss out on:

Zion Springs (Northern Virginia)

Zion Springs offers an all-inclusive weekend wedding package that covers everything from planning and entertainment, website creation, to photos, food, décor, and lodging for up to 44 guests. For $60,000-$80,000, the entire stress of planning an all-weekend destination wedding can be taken off your shoulders. For $20,000-$30,000, the team will give you an unforgettable mid-week wedding experience.

The White Magnolia (Louisiana)

Located in Kentwood, The White Magnolia has a wedding package that includes a day-of wedding coordinator, venue access, catering, reception space, staffing, a courtyard, and an open-air chapel. Pricing option for 100 guests ranges from $14,900 to $17,900, depending on the day of the week.

Sequoia National Park (California)

For couples who love nature, Sequoia National Park offers adventurous all-inclusive packages that come with two nights' lodging for six people at a private Airbnb. Here, a 30-person wedding package costs around $18,000, while a 100-guest package starts at $35,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Weddings

How much does a destination wedding cost in the U.S.?

Depending on the location, number of guests, and add-ons, an average domestic destination wedding in the U.S. can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000.

Do couples pay for guests’ travel costs in a destination wedding?

Traditionally, no, couples are not obligated to pay for their guests’ travel or accommodation. However, some couples may choose to cover part of the expenses for close family or the bridal parties. 

BONUS: Cost-Saving Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

• Choose all-inclusive wedding locations to save time and money.

• Keep your guest list small.

• Book during off-peak seasons for better rates.

• Hire a wedding planner who has experience planning destination weddings.

• If you’re planning your wedding without a planner, be sure to always look for vendors who offer special or timed pricing (for example, weekday vs. weekend pricing).

Conclusion: How to Plan a Destination Wedding in 2026

Knowing how to plan a destination wedding will help you make more informed decisions. Start planning as early as possible to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Whenever possible, choose all-inclusive wedding destination packages as they take a lot of the planning work off your plate. If you're looking to control your wedding experience more, we recommend hiring a wedding planner who has experience with destination weddings or your chosen destination. Finally, keep your guest list manageable. Venues like Rainbow Garden, Ocean House, and most destination wedding locations in the U.S charge per guest, so your guest list will impact your budget.

Need help planning your destination wedding? Contact Events by Kae today.