The 3 Best Destination Wedding Locations in the USA

How could we narrow this list down to 3? Well, if you are looking for an amazing destination wedding location in the USA, you certainly have quite a few to choose from. In fact, some might say a few too many. This is after all a gorgeous country with a lot to offer, both in terms of natural splendor as well as urban attractions. You could make the argument that there are dozens of “best” elopement or wedding locations in the United States and Canada alone, without even factoring in Mexico and the Caribbean.

So what is a couple to do? Searching on the web, you may quickly feel overwhelmed with the selection. It’s common to see pieces titled “the 50 best wedding destinations” or “35 destination elopement venues you’ll love.” Well, for a couple looking for inspiration and guidance, this could go both ways. While it’s nice to see pretty pictures of every single national park and five star hotel in the country, this doesn’t really help in any way if you’re actually trying to narrow down your selection.

That’s why we decided to put this short and sweet list together based on the most important qualities a couple is liable to want out of their wedding destination. By no means meant to be exhaustive, this guide is for couples who feel a bit smothered by all of the possibilities and want a clean cut list of the best possible and most popular choices that are already proven favorites.

1. New Orleans: The Destination Wedding Gem of the South

Might as well start off with a bang! New Orleans is without a doubt one of the finest locations in the country for a destination wedding or elopement. This beautiful city has a ton of points in its favor for couples who are looking for a fun, exciting, and romantic experience.

What’s not to love about this city? With a rich history and unique combination of cultural influences, you can see how the artistry of the city washes over every square in of real estate. From lavish hotels with world class restaurants, to a vibrant nightlife perfect for eloping couples who simply want a night on the town they will never forget, to expansive gardens and parks that make excellent “natural wedding” settings, this city has it all.

Perhaps more important than the sights is the mentality of the people and the general atmosphere of the city in general. New Orleans is a very open and culturally progressive location that embraces all genders and sexes, so you need not worry if you and your significant other will be welcome. New Orleans is a very LGBTQ friendly area that is fully accommodating to same-sex unions.

Years of hosting elopements and weddings has also created a city-wide infrastructure that is simply very accommodating to couples in general. Nowhere else around the country will you feel as if a city were meant for an elaborate elopement ceremony. Walk through aesthetic alleyways, partake in the quaint cafes, ride in a carriage, take romantic photographs under the boughs of a massive oak, and enjoy the year-round beautiful weather, all while immersing yourself in a busy and vibrant community and culture. There is always something going on in New Orleans, whether it’s a jazz festival, cultural parade, or other feature, if you decide to get married here you certainly won’t be bored.

Speak to an elopement specialist in new orleans here!

​2. Hawaii: Perfect Tropical Paradise

These islands have long been a tourist hotspot and for good reason. Hawaii is simply beautiful, with a wide variety of luxurious hotels and outdoor locations that would make for an idyllic ceremony.

What many couples love about Hawaii is that it’s almost as if you’re traveling to an exotic location without actually leaving the country. What’s more, its popularity as a wedding destination has produced an infrastructure not unlike that of New Orleans, with many different venues waiting to cater specifically to couples. It’s not difficult to get all-inclusive wedding packages there, for instance.

Hawaii is also an incredible place if you are looking for a rich cultural experience that’s different from the norm on the mainland. You may enjoy walking through the botanical gardens, fire spinning demonstrations, helicopter rides, and a litany of other exciting and adventurous options for couples looking or a truly enriching experience.

3. The Colorado Rockies: For Couples Who Like it Cozy

If urban delights and the idea of a tropical paradise doesn’t meet your needs, the last option we are mentioning may be just what you’re looking for out of a destination wedding ceremony. The mountains of Colorado are simply stunning, and the surrounding areas are perfect for couples looking for something a bit more rustic and nature-orientated than the previous two entries.

The main difference between a wedding in the Rocky Mountains as opposed to New Orleans or Hawaii, is that the temperature and setting will be altogether different. Depending on the exact location, altitude, or time of the year, having a full outdoor wedding may not be ideal. This is actually part of the appeal however, as you can tailor your experience depending on your specific needs. If you want a majestic outdoor wedding in the middle of a beautiful forest, one of the summer months will obviously be ideal, and you could still venture to higher altitudes to experience cooler weather as desired.

Alternatively, you might be interested in the full winter wonderland experience and would prefer skiing and a cozy log cabin to warm sand and sun. The other difference is that your hotel options and other elopement or wedding services may be somewhat more limited, so more planning and forethought may be necessary to make sure everything plays out the way you like.

The Best Destination Wedding Location For You

There are plenty of other venues around the country that make excellent wedding destination spots, but you can use these three as a template. For instance, you may not want to go all the way out West just to venture to the Rocky Mountains for your ceremony, but you will get a similar experience if you travel to the Poconos or Catskills.

The most important factor in your decision should be if the setting fits your needs and enables you to have a beautiful ceremony exactly how you envisioned it. If you want more destination wedding ideas, be sure to look at our blog, or follow us on Facebook!