Forget simple beach ceremonies with a small group of guests and a sunset backdrop. The modern destination wedding is a multibillion-dollar industry that spans continents and settings, from Italian villas and Irish castles to mountain lodges and working ranches. What began as a low-key alternative to traditional weddings is now a global trend where couples turn their celebrations into immersive travel experiences for family and friends.
A shift from ceremony to celebration
The global destination wedding market reached $39.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $171.1 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.3%. Destination weddings used to mean a short ceremony followed by a quiet dinner. Now, they serve as cultural experiences as much as celebrations that bring families together in meaningful settings where the location itself becomes part of the story.
As Gina Méndez, cluster director of sales at Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and UNICO 20°N 105°W Riviera Nayarit, explains, “Couples now want multi-day experiences for their guests, complete with welcome events, local cuisine, activities, upscale decor and professional audio-visual setups.”
Travel and wedding planners agree that the focus has shifted from the event itself to the overall experience, which often lasts an entire weekend or a full week. The event frequently incorporates activities such as sunset catamaran sails, cooking lessons and more to keep guests occupied throughout the trip.
“It’s not okay to have your guests travel across the world and only invite them to one main party, for example, the experience needs to be thought of holistically. Welcome gifting, weekend itineraries, welcome parties, a daytime activity — all hosted by the couple in some capacity,” explains Arielle Taylor, founder and creative director at Whip Productions.
Several forces are reshaping destination weddings. Social media, in particular, has created a generation of couples who treat weddings as storytelling opportunities. Méndez notes that social media inspiration and post-pandemic travel trends have played a major role.
Taylor agrees, “Social media is a huge driver in why this change has occurred. In a world where experience is currency, people want to show that they are traveling, and couples getting married want to give their guests a taste of that experience. Another rationale our clients have mentioned is that getting married in the States can often be super rigid — noise regulations, boring ballrooms, too many rules — and most of all, the cost of everything.
“In other, more remote destinations, you don’t have a lot of these limitations, which can be a huge draw. Additionally, in wedding markets that are not yet saturated, couples can get a lot more bang for their buck,” Taylor adds.
“Once couples realize the pricing can be friendlier when they leave the area, that absolutely tips the scales. Couples also want something different because they have seen everything, and that includes going to a dozen weddings a year at venues they’ve already been to. The best way to make your wedding unique is by picking a different location,” explains Danielle Rothweiler, owner and lead planner, Rothweiler Event Design.
Multiple trends caused this shift
As global travel reopened after the pandemic, couples saw a chance to merge their wedding and a vacation into one meaningful trip. Rising domestic wedding costs have also made international or resort options surprisingly competitive, especially when they include accommodations and meals.
As couples marry later in life or for a second time, they want a unique experience, especially for those who don’t have as strong a connection to church and religion as many previous generations. The average destination wedding package cost just $6,550 in 2024, making it far more affordable for couples than the $30,000 average price tag for a U.S.-based wedding.
“Couples are also now looking for less obvious options like Lake Como and Mexico, and instead opting for destinations like Rhode Island, Marco Island, South Carolina, California and Bermuda. This isn’t about the 20-person guest count at an all-inclusive anymore, it’s about an experience,” says Rothweiler.
Méndez recommends budgeting early, keeping guest lists manageable and selecting off-peak dates. However, the impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica serves as a reminder of the need to balance challenges like hurricane season in Caribbean and Mexican destinations with potential savings.
All-inclusive resorts can simplify costs by bundling rooms, meals and event spaces. Mandy Zytnik and Anna Crawford of DreamteamCLT Travel add that many resorts offer customizable packages and midweek rates, which can help couples save significantly. Choosing a weekday or low-season date can make a major difference in cost without sacrificing quality.
Innovations turn weddings into experiences
Resorts and venues have adapted with new creative options. “Resorts are becoming more flexible and creative, yet all depend on budget,” says Méndez. Today’s weddings may include drone shows, digital video booths, video mapping, customized dance floors and high-end tents. Menus now highlight local flavors, and decor draws from the destination’s natural beauty and culture.
Zytnik and Crawford have seen couples add boat charters, themed parties, fire dancers and farewell brunches. “Guests aren’t just attending a wedding, they’re part of a group experience filled with special moments and connections,” they explain.
“We’re also seeing more couples inquire about eco-conscious weddings, seeking ways to celebrate love while honoring the planet,” shares Marsha-Ann Donaldson, corporate director, Weddings + Romance at Sandals Resorts International. “At Sandals and Beaches Resorts, we’ve proudly introduced Nature’s Vow, our newest wedding inspiration designed to embrace eco-friendly practices. Our broader commitment to eco-conscious practices extends to community sourcing, waste reduction, wedding garment donations and nature-based tours.”
Choose the right destination and services
Planning a destination wedding requires careful consideration. Couples should weigh their budget, the guests’ travel abilities, the destination’s accessibility and the kind of support available on-site. Most resorts provide coordinators who begin assisting three to six months before the wedding, though couples increasingly hire their own wedding planners outside those employed by the resort.
Independent planners can manage logistics, negotiate contracts and ensure that every detail aligns with the couple’s vision. Méndez believes authenticity matters most. “Now, couples want their wedding to feel like an experience, not an event. The best celebrations highlight the natural beauty and culture of the destination,” she says.
As destination weddings become larger and more complex, independent planners are increasingly vital. While resorts handle on-site logistics, full-service planners work from start to finish, managing everything from vendor selection to guest communication.
“A professional planner will still understand the logistics of destination locations, even if they are based near the couple and not near the wedding,” shares Rothweiler. “Destination venues can often offer vendor recommendations, which is also a great tool to have, though I will caution couples that many of those lists are pay to play. Having a home base wedding planner who can filter through those options for the couple is just another reason to hire someone local to the couple.”
Zytnik and Crawford describe their role as “side by side with our couples from start to finish.” Planner Arielle Tayar adds that resort coordinators “work for the venue, not the couple,” which is why hiring an independent planner can ensure the wedding reflects personal style rather than a pre-set package.
Looking ahead
The next phase of destination weddings will focus on sustainability, personalization and cultural connection. Donaldson agrees, “Today’s couples want to create moments that feel intentional, and reflective of who they are as a couple.” When the wedding becomes a shared story rather than a single event, it creates memories that last far beyond the ceremony.
“Couples are reimagining their weddings as multi-day experiences rather than single events by bringing their entire wedding journey to the resort, hosting pre-wedding festivities like bachelor and bachelorette parties right on property. From spa days and sunset dinners to pickleball tournaments, private catamaran cruises and themed beach parties, these celebrations set the tone for an unforgettable week with loved ones. The focus is on creating a true vacation-like celebration for family and friends,” explains Donaldson.
Destination weddings continue to change
Destination weddings have evolved from simple beach ceremonies into elaborate, multi-day celebrations set in diverse locations across the world. What began as a relaxed alternative to traditional weddings is now a reflection of how couples value experience, travel and togetherness. With thoughtful planning and the right support, a destination wedding can be more than a beautiful backdrop; it can be the start of an unforgettable shared journey.
Michelle Price loves sharing her expertise and experiences at Honest and Truly Travels. She focuses on providing the inspiration and the confidence you need to hit the road with new flavors and experiences, whether that’s across town or across the world.
The post Destination weddings grow from simple escapes to a global industry appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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