Top 7 Dreamy Destination Wedding Destinations (With Planning Tips!)
Choosing your wedding destination isn’t just about picking a pretty spot on the map, it’s about choosing the place where your story will unfold, the place you’ll look back on decades from now and say, “That’s where it all began.” And if you’re searching for the best destination wedding destinations, you’re already dreaming a little bigger than the average couple… which I absolutely LOVE. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right location adds emotion, adventure, and magic to your day. So today, I’m sharing my top seven favorite places that make your photos breathtaking, your experience unforgettable, and your love story feel like a real-life movie. Let’s dive in!
1. The Best Destination Wedding Destinations
Here are seven of the best destination wedding destinations that bring all the emotion, adventure, and jaw-dropping beauty to your wedding day:
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Pastel towns, cliffside views, and that dreamy Italian glow. It’s perfect for couples who love romance and want their day to feel timeless and cinematic.
Maui, Hawaii
Warm breezes, turquoise water, and the prettiest, softest golden light. Such a beautiful spot for relaxed and intimate celebrations.
Banff, Canada
Towering mountains and crystal-blue lakes that look straight out of a movie. A total dream for adventurous couples.
Santorini, Greece
Whitewashed buildings and blue domes everywhere you turn. Chic, iconic, and soooo photogenic.
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
I might be biased… but the Smokies will always feel cozy, romantic, and full of heart. A perfect blend of nature and comfort with stunning fall colors and misty mornings.
Sedona, Arizona
Red rock magic and that golden desert glow, ideal for couples wanting earthy, boho-inspired wedding vibes.
Ireland
Castles, cliffs, rolling green hills, and moody skies. Pure romance for couples who love atmospheric, story-rich photos.
2. How to Decide Which Destination Fits You
Choosing from the best destination wedding locations is exciting… but also a lot. The good news is there are a few simple things to look at that make the decision way clearer and way less overwhelming. Here’s what I always tell my couples to consider:
Accessibility
How easy is it to get there? Think airports, travel time, transportation, and how comfortable your guests will feel making the trip.
Legal Requirements
Every country has different marriage laws. Some places require residency days, extra documents, or courthouse paperwork. It’s doable, just double-check so you’re not surprised later.
Climate + Season
Your dream location looks totally different depending on the time of year. Look up rainy seasons, hurricane months, extreme heat, and peak tourist times.
Photography Lighting
This is HUGE. Some destinations have softer light (Italy, Ireland, the Smokies), while others have bold, bright light (Sedona, Greece, Hawaii). Knowing the lighting helps you choose a spot that matches the photos you love.
Guest Count
Your location impacts how many people can realistically travel. Smaller weddings = more destination flexibility. Bigger weddings = choose somewhere easier to reach.
When your destination matches your vision and your logistics, everything else falls perfectly into place.
3. Bonus Tips from a Destination Wedding Photographer
A few quick insider tips that make destination weddings so much smoother:
Hire vendors who already travel
Traveling for weddings takes experience, like knowing how to scout, adjust for weather, and work in totally new places. Bringing a destination wedding photographer who’s done it before saves you so much stress.
Build in buffer time
Arrive at least a day early. Delays happen, and extra time keeps everything calm and flexible.
Ask your photographer for location guidance
We’re always finding the best spots for light, views, and storytelling moments. Use that to your advantage!
Ready to Explore the Best Destination Wedding Destinations for Your Love Story?
If one of these destination wedding destinations is calling your name, I would love to help capture your story! From dramatic coastlines to mountain overlooks to the sweetest hidden gems abroad, I’m here to make your day feel intentional, effortless, and completely YOU!
Here at Clark Photo and Film, when you’re in front of our cameras, we want you to feel completely at ease, like you’re hanging out with old friends. We focus on connection over posing, presence over perfection, and letting your story unfold naturally. Because we’re not just recreating inspiration photos. We’re documenting your story exactly as it felt, wherever it takes you.
Learn more about us here. If you’re ready to start planning or want help turning your vision into something real, reach out here and let’s dream up the perfect destination wedding together.
