Destination wedding locations don’t necessarily mean long flights or beach resorts. A destination wedding venue can be any place that is special to you, brings your guests together, and offers a full weekend experience. In this article, you will find what to plan for in a destination wedding, from sandy beaches and mountains to wine country and historic cities. We’ll start with our number one pick. Can you guess? Yes, it’s Madison, Wisconsin, and Monona Terrace! What could be a better destination wedding than a lakefront venue in the heart of a vibrant city, with flexible spaces and helpful support for planning? Let’s get started!
What Counts as a Destination Wedding Location and why choose one?
Basically, a destination wedding is somewhere that isn’t currently where you live. Couples choose destination wedding locations for a variety of reasons. For many couples, destination weddings have a more focused guest list and a vacation vibe. And you get to spend more quality time with those who matter most. If you’re looking at the best places to have a destination wedding, the process of planning the wedding is slightly different than planning at a local venue. For instance, you have an entire weekend to plan for, you’re limited to what you can bring, and you’re at the mercy of your chosen destination in terms of weather, accommodations, things-to-do, and simply getting your guests there. Here’s a short list of considerations to get you started with planning the ultimate destination wedding experience.
How to Pick the Right Destination Wedding Location
“Right” is subjective, but there are certain elements of destination weddings that must be considered.
Travel ease
Don’t make your guests have to work too hard to get there. Otherwise, your first day or two will be recovering from travel. Think about the nearest airport, options for airlines and flights, and ground transportation.
Lodging
Often, couples will select a hotel that’s nice but affordable and book a block of rooms at a reduced rate. Or you can provide guests with a list of hotels that are near the wedding venue and let them choose. Your guests may want to select a place that suits their needs.
Guest experience
Most destination weddings are 3-4 days, which doesn’t force guests to take too much time off to come. Ideally, you have a few planned events and also allow your guests time to do their own thing. Popular events include a wedding welcome reception, the wedding/reception, and a farewell brunch. Do some research and provide guests with other options, such as tours, spas, and local places of interest.
Weather and season
From the desert to the beach to the mountains to a quaint village in New England, you must contend with the weather. Look at annual forecasts for the rainy season or if it’s too cold or hot. Plan around what will make you and your guests comfortable. Most destinations that cater to weddings have a high season and low season, with October being the most popular month for a destination wedding. This is for a reason, and the weather usually is involved. Be smart and have a backup plan. Nothing like a hurricane ruining your special day!
Venue “fit”
The most popular destination wedding locations are beaches with sun, sand, water, and lots of things to do. But this may not be your vibe. Just make sure wherever you go can support a wedding. Think about ceremony options, reception spaces, food/beverages, and vendor support, like tech, lighting, music and all that you want to include.
Lastly, get legally married in your home country to avoid potential complications. And in some countries, you must publicly announce your wedding prior to the actual ceremony. The point? Cover the legal bases.
The best destination wedding location? Why it’s Madison, Wisconsin!
Speaking of category options, there is one venue that has it all and can feel like a destination wedding – Monona Terrace in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. No other city in the Midwest is as easy to get to, boasts such a vibrant downtown, and has a true weekend-vacay energy. Literally extending over Lake Monona, Monona Terrace and all it has to offer feels like a getaway without leaving the city.
For your out-of-town guests, the area around Monona Terrace is brimming with nearby hotels, nightlife and fun things to do. We have incredible dining options for all tastes, and live music, dancing, theaters, museums – you name it. Plus, with simple transportation options, everything is easy to get to. And guess what is in the heart of it all? Monona Terrace. Even your guests who live here will enjoy a weekend “stay-cay” and a reminder of how wonderful downtown Madison can be.
Monona Terrace is truly a one-stop location for wedding events for an entire weekend: welcome events, rehearsal dinner, the ceremony and a reception of any scale. We host weddings from intimate gatherings of immediate family members and close friends to throngs of hundreds to celebrate your special day.
Our wedding staff is here to help plan your wedding every step of the way. Our facilities provide you with everything you need, including gourmet dining and a myriad of beverage options, full technology support, and flexible interior and exterior spaces. Explore weddings at Monona Terrace.
Looking for a different vibe? Check out our list of other wedding destinations.
Beach Getaways
We get it. It’s tough to compete with gorgeous sunsets and waves washing gently on a tropical beach. That’s why beaches are far and away the most popular destination wedding locations. But not all is perfect in paradise. What to plan for:
Heat: It might be nice on the beach, but temperatures can soar just a half mile inland.
Wind: Sea breeze is a thing and it can be quite windy, although mornings and evenings tend to be milder, along with the temperature. Plan ahead to make sure your guests can hear the ceremony over any potential wind impacting your audio equipment.
Weather: Have a back-up plan. Even if you plan months ahead, Mother Nature doesn’t care when you’re getting married.
People: Unless you’re getting married at a private resort, most beaches are public property. You never know who’ll come crashing besides the surf! And keep in mind that it’s not easy to walk in the sand. Your guests need to be prepared.
Tip: If you’re a beach wedding die-hard, we recommend keeping the ceremony short and have a shaded cocktail hour.
Mountain Views
If your preference is to head for the mountains, we totally agree. Wide open spaces, privacy, and amazing scenery are high on the list of wedding preferences, and mountain venues deliver. If you seek an outdoor wedding and want a more natural vibe, a mountain destination is perfect. What to plan for:
Altitude: Higher altitudes mean cooler temperatures, and the occasional altitude sickness in locations above 8,000 feet.
Travel time: Mountain locations will likely require more driving time and rental cars, which means more cost and logistics for your guests.
Weather: Weather at higher locations can be more unpredictable and change more quickly.
Lighting: People like the mountains because it’s more secluded. And it’s also dark. Recommend to your guests that they have a flashlight, just in case. Or it could be an on-theme arrival gift?
Tip: As with beaches, choose a venue that has a solid indoor option too.
Wine Country
Many more states now boast a “wine country” and they are always a popular destination. Vineyards often supply couples with full-service options including the wedding space, opulent dinners, and of course, lots of wines to choose from. Wine country weddings are best for couples who want great food, beautiful rustic-chic outdoor and indoor spaces, and a slower, out-in-the-country pace. What to plan for:
Seasonal pricing: More than other venues, the in-season prices skyrocket.
Guest transportation: Make sure you provide transportation options between lodging and the venue. Keep everything close so guests do not have long drives.
Crowds: You’ll have your own space, but everything surrounding your intimate gathering will likely be crowded with wine country enthusiasts.
Worth noting: couples who choose Monona Terrace as their wedding destination will find no shortage of nearby wineries to explore — a perfect way to extend the celebration.
Desert Style
The desert can be awe-inspiring and other worldly. Desert destinations are for more adventurous couples who seek a bold, pristine look, warm light, and peaceful ambiance. Desert locales offer many options for guest activities, such as golf, hiking, and adventure tours. What to plan for:
Sun, sun and more sun: Desert destinations typically don’t get much rain. Great for planning but not so great for any guests that are susceptible to heat and strong sun.
Temperatures: The fluctuation between day and night can be dramatic, to the point where you need to pack a jacket.
Timing: It will take longer to get to where you’re going. Again, it depends on the desert, but plan on more driving than a beach wedding.
Tip: There is arguably no better natural lighting than the desert, but schedule photos for late afternoon to avoid harsh midday light.
Historic Cities
Historic cities offer culture, sophistication, and warmth. They are perfect for couples seeking a blend of romance and tradition with a little bit of storytelling for added intrigue. Offering a more timeless experience, historic cities will be enjoyed by more sophisticated guests who prefer museums and outdoor markets over para-gliding. It’s your opportunity to give your guests a sense of who you are as a couple, as the location probably has a meaningful resonance for its selection, right? What to plan for:
Permits: You can’t just show up to the city park with your guests and expect to tie the knot. Find out what restrictions your venue might have.
Traffic: Like wine country, historic cities thrive on having as many visitors as possible.
Guest logistics in busy areas: Getting people from one place to another can be tricky in historic cities that might have limited public transportation and parking.
Tip: Choose a venue near hotels so guests can walk or take short rides.
Lakeside and Waterfront Towns
Lakeside locations are best for couples who want the water but not the hassle or crowds of a beach resort. Most lakeside locations have wedding-centric venues that provide everything you need. Plus, there’s more opportunity for watersports on a lake, rather than the ocean. Boat rentals for waterskiing, sailing, or just enjoying time on the water are easy and plentiful in most waterfront towns. These venues give a more rural vibe than the “let’s party” nuance at a beach location. What to plan for:
Weather: Lakes can make weather unpredictable, just like the ocean. Be mindful that things can turn nasty quickly on the lake – the bigger, the more sudden the weather can shift. Have an indoor option.
Seasonal dates: Again, there will be high and low seasons, so plan accordingly.
Insects: Lakeside locations are always “buzzing.” There’s a reason the residents of 15+ states say the state bird is the mosquito (Wisconsin included)!
Tip: Plan a welcome event on the water if possible.
An even bigger tip: Plan your wedding at Monona Terrace. The views of Lake Monona from our rooftop garden provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding. And our flexible wedding options, downtown location, and expert staff ensures your destination wedding lives up to the expectations of your guests.
National Parks and Nature Spots
If you truly love the outdoors and think your guests will too, then get married at a National Park. Almost all 63 national parks allow weddings but require permits (some locations within each park have strict limitations). Visit the National Park Service website for all you need to know. And our national parks run a gamut of possibilities, from the mountains of Yosemite and the Tetons to the deserts of Death Valley and Zion to the primordial landscapes of the Everglades and the Badlands. Want a beach? Try Biscayne National Park or one of the dozens of national seashores. Many larger national parks have amazing lodges inside the park that cater to weddings. What to plan for:
Permits: You are required to obtain one. Every park on the National Park website has a page devoted to wedding permits.
Vendor rules: Depending on the park, you may not be able to bring in any vendor for any service. Again, check out the website.
Limited services: Some parks will not have the kind of services you need for a wedding of a larger size.
Tip: Keep the guest list smaller and plan transportation early.