7 of the Best Destination Wedding Locations

My Post-Covid Travel Bucket List

So you and your partner have been together for a while and you’ve suspected they were “the one.” But then Covid entered our lives, and along with it—quarantine. If anything has put your relationship (and mine!) to the test, it’s quarantine. 

But the silver lining of quarantine was discovering (or affirming) what you knew all along—that your partner is the one. And while you may not be going anywhere together just yet, you’re in the most exciting stage of planning your destination wedding—choosing the destination! Because once countries open up, who is going to refuse your invitation to a wedding in St. Barts??

If you’re looking for that perfect destination wedding location, or you’re just another human begging for a change of scenery, this post is for YOU. I’m sharing my list of seven of the best destination wedding locations. And believe me, I’ve been around…

A Destination I’ll Never Forget

I’ll never forget my first destination wedding in the Maldives. We traveled for days. As in—literal days. We left on a Monday and arrived at the small, remote island on Thursday. Between the massive time change, several international flights, a water plane and a speed boat—we arrived. 

There is nothing like being transported so far from home and so unknown, that you feel a bit nervous at first. Over the years, this excitement and the rush of a new culture is one of my main sources of inspiration. After nearly two decades in this business, a new country and a new cuisine are all the fuel I need to board plane after plane, and log mile after mile, in the skies.

What Makes a Great Destination Wedding Location

But what makes a destination so perfect for a wedding? Not all destinations are suited to hosting multiple events or are conducive to the wedding images you’re after. It’s imperative to think about how a location will translate into an experience for you, your guests and the photos when choosing your location. Some factors to consider as you browse this list:

Travel distance

How remote to do you want to be? How long will it take guests to get there? How many planes, trains, buses or cars will they need to take?

Amenities

What kind of amenities are important to you? Do you want guided activities for your guests? Or are you happy with an open coastline? How far is the nearest town? Restaurant? Spa?

The Heart Connection

Perhaps most important of all, what does it mean to you? Do you love it there? Will you want to go back? Certainly the most touching celebrations I’ve been a part of have a connection to the location, in one way or another. Even if you’ve just always dreamed of going.

When To Start Planning Your Destination Wedding

Almost everywhere is ‘off limits’ right now. So when should you start planning your destination wedding? 

2020 wedding planning was certainly different. (Insert your emoji of choice. I prefer the one with the exploding head.)

No international travel. No logging those miles. No elite status. No destination weddings. 

That’s a lot of no. But you, me and the entire wedding industry, are hopeful that 2021 will be the year that we welcome stamps back into our passports once again. While we’ll have to take it month by month, there is no harm in getting your vision board, your plans, and eyes set on what destination you’ll be headed to when the world allows. 

Begin setting your sites on locations now so that you’re prepared when the world opens back up!

“And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.”
— Pico Iyer

The Best Destination Wedding Locations

So, in no particular order, these places are on the tippity-top of my list for the best destination wedding locations, for celebrations big, little and extra small. 

Bon Voyage!

1. Lake Como + Venice

Ok, I know, that’s two locations. But this combination made the list due to the FOMO we experienced having to cancel our plans here in 2020 due to COVID-19. One pre-wedding shoot that we had slated for last year, was a mix of the best of Italy. An Italian villa on Lake Como (Villa Pizzo and Villa Sola Cabiati, being two of my favorites) and then the Aman Venice to capture the magic that is Venice in one of the most regal hotels of the city.

Pre-wedding shoots are some of our favorites to shoot. I mean, who doesn’t want to jet to the most beautiful corners of the world with incredible gowns and document a couple on an adventure, all in the name of love? Yes please! Here is a recent Lake Como wedding full of Italian elegance to inspire what’s possible.

Peak season: Summer is beautiful, but anytime is a good time to be in Italy.

2. Marrakech

Another on the list, is Amanjena. Yes, there is no denying you can’t go wrong with any Aman property, however Amanjena, in Marrakech, Morocco,  is worth the journey when you consider how amazing it photographs. It’s the perfect destination for a pre-wedding session or an adventurous destination wedding. From the color, to the nearby expanse of the open dessert, it’s simply unforgettable. 

Peak season: March through May, September through November

3. St. Barts

This year, more than most, escaping to a tropical island, far from the city crowds, seems especially appealing. I can’t think of anywhere with a more coastal-chic vibe than St. Barts. If you really want to avoid the crowds, opt for a private villa like Le Toiny. Or, for a luxury hotel experience, opt for one of the island’s top stays like Le Sereno or Cheval Blanc. 

Peak season: December
Rainy season: September through November (note that many businesses close)

4. Mexico

While I’m all for jetting across the world, there are so many breathtaking destinations just south, in beautiful Mexico. You can’t deny that the beaches and the cuisine are pretty much perfect after a year at home.

Some of my favorites for a special trip or a destination wedding: One & Only Pamilla and Las Ventanas in Cabo; Be Tulum in Tulum; and Rosewood Mayakoba, up the road in Playa del Carmen. One of my favorite shoots-to-date hopped around the picturesque streets of Mérida and the chic Coqui Coqui Hotel & Perfumery.

Peak season: November through April

5. Croatia

Croatia is full of locations that look like they came straight out of a fairytale book, and Dubrovnik is no exception. (It’s no wonder that the fantastical Games of Thrones was filmed there.) Perched on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and known for the charm of its ‘Old Town,’ the ancient city is a breathtaking backdrop to capture any special occasion.

My friend and incredible honeymoon expert, Katie Jacobson of Ever After Honeymoons, says, “This is an amazing country to charter a boat, with over 1200 islands and a beautiful coastline.  There are also many incredible hotels like Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, Little green bay Hotel, San Canzian Village & Hotel, Villa Dubrovnik, and many more.” Yes, please.

6. Africa

Africa is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. I have spent most of my trips exploring Kenya and Tanzania through my passion project Render Loyalty. I photograph the wildlife of our conservation partners: The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. I can’t wait to get back and hope to return in early 2022.

I’m a big fan of Kenya as a country and the Bushtops Luxury Safari Camps. However, I would really love to visit Lamu Island. Wow, it would be perfect for a pre-wedding shoot! Also on my list is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and visiting some new properties like, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest or exploring Zambia or Namibia. So much to explore! Get inspired by this safari anniversary in the Serengeti and this personal getaway in Madagascar. And once you’re booked, check out my packing tips here.

Peak/dry season: late June to October

7. Scotland and Ireland

Lastly, I can never venture far from the rugged, wet landscapes of Scotland and Ireland. Castles abound in this green paradise that calls for a timeless destination wedding. With horseback riding, clay shooting or sipping whiskey by the fire when you fancy, the historic stays in these countries harken back to the simple, but very good life. Though they’re the last on this list, they are absolutely top of my mind for the best destination wedding locations.

Be sure to look up Dunnottar Castle and prepare to be amazed. And don’t miss my love letter to Ballyfin, a perfect choice for a wedding in Ireland.

Peak season: mid-June through mid-September

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There are so many places on my bucket list that I would really need a few more vision boards to cover them all. Aside from the best destination wedding locations that really accommodate to wedding celebrations, elopements and honeymoons, I’m always chasing the natural beauty of Mother Nature. And while they might not have made this list, some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world are certainly worth an honorable mention:

> Disko Bugt Bay Greenland (Google it! Sadly, witnessing glaciers may not be possible for the next generation)
> Laguna Colorada, Bolivia (red algae and flamingos in the wild!)
> Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Canada
> and the rugged landscapes of New Zealand—just to mention a few!

Bottom line, I could go on and on (and plan to in future posts!). 

The world is a beautiful and magical place and exploring it is the ultimate privilege. I think we can all agree that it’s a privilege we are more eager and more grateful for, than ever before. I look forward to seeing you soon, someplace far, far away! 

Check out some of my favorite destination engagement sessions here: