A destination wedding gives couples the chance to celebrate somewhere that guests can also enjoy beyond the ceremony itself. Across the US, there are plenty of settings to choose from, whether you want a vineyard surrounded by countryside, a dramatic stretch of coastline or a mountain town with views of the peaks. The destination can also turn the wedding into a longer trip, giving guests time to explore local sights, restaurants and activities between celebrations.
The five destinations below offer very different settings for a wedding, from California’s wine country and coastline to the mountains of Colorado. Each has its own scenery, places to stay and things to do, giving couples plenty to think about when choosing where to celebrate and what their guests can enjoy during the trip.
Wandering Cobblestone Streets Along Savannah’s Riverfront
Savannah combines a historic city setting with the Savannah River waterfront, giving couples plenty of ways to build a wedding weekend around the ceremony. The historic district is known for its leafy squares, live oaks and Spanish moss, while River Street runs alongside the former cotton warehouses and remains a busy working waterfront. Guests can explore the squares and historic streets during the day, then head to the riverfront for restaurants, bars and views across the water.
For couples touring Savannah, Georgia wedding venues , it’s worth thinking about how easily guests can get between the ceremony, accommodation and the places they will want to visit during the trip. Many venues are close to the historic district and riverfront, making it possible to explore Savannah without relying on a car. Public squares and outdoor venues may have their own permit or guest requirements, while summer heat and humidity can make an outdoor ceremony less comfortable. Spring and autumn generally provide better conditions for spending time outside and exploring the city on foot.
Saying I Do Beneath Snow-Capped Peaks in Aspen
Aspen gives couples a mountain setting with evergreen forests, aspen groves and the peaks of the Elk Mountains. surrounding the town. Maroon Bells is one of the area’s best-known views, with two reddish peaks rising above Maroon Lake and an open meadow. Snow can remain on the higher slopes into summer, while wildflowers appear in warmer months and the aspen trees turn golden in autumn. Back in town, red brick Victorian buildings reflect Aspen’s mining history, with mountain views visible between the streets.
Maroon Bells Amphitheatre is designed for small gatherings and has a maximum capacity of 50 people, but receptions are not permitted at the site. The town itself can also provide a range of options for the wedding and the days around it, from mountain lodges and hotels to restaurants and outdoor spaces. Guests can spend their time hiking and sightseeing in summer, skiing and snowboarding in winter, or exploring the town’s shops, galleries and restaurants. Aspen also works well for a longer wedding trip, giving couples the chance to combine the ceremony with time in the mountains rather than having guests travel elsewhere once the celebrations are over.
Making the Most of Orlando’s Florida Sunshine
Orlando’s warm, sunny climate makes it well suited to outdoor weddings, with couples able to choose gardens, poolside spaces and other open-air settings for the ceremony and celebrations. It also offers many of the experiences associated with an all-American trip, from world-famous theme parks and golf courses to large villas with private pools, shopping and plenty of places to eat. For guests travelling from outside the US, the wedding can become an opportunity to experience some of the most recognisable parts of American travel in one trip.
For couples booking Orlando vacation rentals, larger villas can make it easier to keep family and friends together, with properties in resort communities around Kissimmee and Davenport offering private pools, shared facilities and space for larger groups. Some resorts also have wedding venues and catering options on site, while concierge services can help arrange private chefs, transport and other parts of the celebration. This can make planning easier while giving guests plenty of space to relax together between the wedding and their days out in Orlando.f
Overlooking Dramatic Pacific Cliffs in Big Sur
Big Sur’s coastline combines the Santa Lucia Mountains with dramatic views across the Pacific, with Highway 1 winding past beaches, cliffs, canyons and redwood forest. Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the area’s best-known landmarks, while further south, trails lead into coastal redwood groves that offer a completely different landscape from the exposed headlands. The combination of ocean views, forest and mountains gives couples plenty of distinctive backdrops for wedding photographs.
Big Sur also gives guests plenty to explore beyond the wedding, from scenic drives and coastal walks to beaches, redwood forests and viewpoints along Highway 1. Small weddings and elopements are possible at approved locations within California State Parks, although requirements vary between sites. Coastal weather can change quickly and Highway 1 can be affected by road closures, so checking current conditions before travelling is sensible.
Toasting Golden Vineyards in Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s vineyards stretch across the valley floor and climb the lower slopes between the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges. The landscape changes with the seasons, from mustard flowers between dormant vines in late winter to fresh green growth in spring and golden and red leaves around harvest. Along the Silverado Trail, oak trees, historic stone buildings and views across the vineyards add to the scenery, creating a distinctive setting for wedding photographs.
A vineyard setting also brings Napa’s wine culture into the wedding itself, with local wines providing a natural choice for the reception and dinner. Guests can continue the experience with tastings and vineyard visits, while Napa’s restaurants and local food producers give the celebrations a strong food and wine focus. When choosing a vineyard venue, make sure to check the licensing of the venue.
Which US backdrop fits your vows?
Think about the setting you want to remember when you look back on the ceremony. Savannah offers oak-shaded squares and historic streets, Aspen brings high mountain scenery, and Orlando combines sunshine with the experiences associated with an American holiday. Big Sur puts the Pacific and dramatic cliffs at the centre of the celebration, while Napa Valley brings vineyards, local wine and a strong food and drink scene. Each destination offers something different for the wedding itself and for guests spending more time in the area.
Once you have chosen the setting, consider the time of year, how guests will spend their days and what you want the destination to add to the celebration. The right backdrop can make the wedding feel like part of a much bigger trip, giving everyone a reason to enjoy the destination before and after the ceremony.