When you hear someone say “destination wedding,” you automatically picture palm trees, white sand, barefoot bride, etc., etc. The entire concept of a destination wedding has become synonymous with Caribbean islands and big resorts.

But why? The best destination weddings can take place in almost any setting: rural homesteads, mountain lodges, or bustling cities. Here are a few increasingly popular destination wedding locations — and here are our best tips on how to vet them.

Trending destination wedding locations in the U.S.

Sedona, Arizona: Imagine the bride and groom radiant in the desert sun, towering rock formations rising behind them, sweeping vistas in every direction… The town of Sedona, famous for its red rocks, offers a mix of New Age vibes, luxury accommodations and Southwest hospitality. Because it’s surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land with hiking, biking and off-road trails, Sedona’s the perfect destination wedding location for outdoorsy couples.¹

Park City, Utah: Don’t have the budget for a destination wedding in Switzerland? “Park City offers the European sophistication and majestic peaks that the Alps are known for—sans the passport requirements,” The Knot says.² You can even get married in a hot air balloon or ski hut!³ This resort town is beautiful year-round. If you get married in the winter, you can enjoy sleigh rides, skiing and roaring fires. Summertime means horseback riding, zip lining and high-speed slides at the Olympic Park.

Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston stands out as one of the best destination wedding locations for couples who appreciate history, cuisine and Southern charm. Known as “the Holy City” for its historic commitment to religious freedom, Charleston has an abundance of beautiful churches and synagogues.⁴ Some favorite venues include Magnolia Plantation, the Gibbes Museum of Art and the Hyde Park Polo Club.

New York City: If you and your spouse-to-be just aren’t into bucolic weddings, why not get married in the big city instead? There are so many beautiful venues, too, from the lovely Conservatory Garden in Central Park to the Bronx Zoo (peacocks included) to a 1920s-style yacht sailing in the harbor.^{5, 6} The major downside is the cost: Manhattan is home to the most expensive weddings in the United States, costing $630 per guest (on average) or a terrifying total of $88,176.⁷

Trending destination wedding locations overseas

Iceland: Iceland is less than six hours by plane from New York City, but it feels like another world. This island nation’s waterfalls, geysers and volcanic landscapes will delight your guests and make for memorable wedding photos. Unique venues abound: “There's the striking black church at Hótel Búðir on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (conveniently located next to a luxury hotel so guests don't have to travel far), the futuristic looking church in the colorful town of Stykkisholmur, or the much-photographed red-roofed white church set on a hill above the seaside town of Vik along Iceland's south coast,” Brides magazine suggests.⁸ (Read our destination guide for Reykjavik.)

Québec City, Canada: Dreaming of a fantasy wedding in a French chateau, but transatlantic tickets aren’t in your budget? Québec is one of the best affordable destination wedding locations with an Old World feeling. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is perfect for grand events. Or, for a chilly but magical ceremony, get married in the chapel of the Hôtel de Glace, Québec’s ice hotel, which is open from January through March.

Italy: From the canals of Venice to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Italy is one of the most sublime destination wedding locations you can imagine. Just know, however, that getting legally married in Italy requires some very careful planning and a pile of official documents. Here are the details on how to get married in Italy.

New Zealand: The rugged and lovely landscapes of New Zealand stir the soul — and make perfect backdrops for wedding photos. A few popular wedding destinations include the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo, a pioneer church surrounded by mountains, or the top of the Tasman Glacier (helicopters required).⁹ Traveling this far is a major commitment, of course, so do everything you can to make the experience magical for your guests.

Planning a destination wedding this year? Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! Compare plans from Allianz Global Assistance to find the best travel protection for you.

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• Vetting Locations for Destination Weddings
• Top 5 Southern Wedding Destinations