Destination weddings have become super popular as the world has opened up again. Couples invite guests to join them in some of the most exotic and adventurous places on their bucket list. As a destination wedding photographer, I have loved the hype around these events and being able to travel to capture love. While finding the right person can be challenging, finding the right destination can be even harder! Luckily, I’ve narrowed my list of the best places to elope to make your life easier. Happy travels!

Best State-Side Destination Wedding Locations

Savannah, Georgia

First on my list of top places to elope is for the couples that want to stay stateside but still have the destination experience. Savannah, Georgia! Welcome to the oldest city in Georgia. Savannah is rich in history and has dreamy moss-draped oak trees, palm trees, and a charming downtown. While you may be worried about certain seasons in other locations, Savannah has year-round weather. If you’re considering a Savannah wedding, contact me, and I’ll give you some of my top recommendations.

New York City

Looking for an upscale feel for your destination wedding? Consider New York City for your event. With a little bit of something for everyone, it’s the perfect place for an elegant wedding with a city flare twist. From the incredible offerings from all-inclusive venues, a destination wedding has never been easier. In New York City, you can find over 800 languages spoken and some of the best pizzas! New York City is also incredibly special for the LGBTQIA+ community as it is the birthplace of LGBTQIA+ rights.

Nashville, Tennessee

If you’re a country music fan looking for a good time, Nashville is the spot for your destination wedding! My husband and I call Nashville home, have found some of the greatest spots, and have truly fallen in love with the area. You’ll find good food, people, and views throughout Nashville. Look at my Top Places to Elope in Nashville blog for more inspiration.

Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Next, Indian Harbour Beach in Florida. It’s the perfect ‘secret’ oasis in Florida, with access to blue waters, white sand beaches, and much more. Locally called Dragon Point, Indian Harbour is a great spot for your big day. It is a smaller populated town with some friendly people and tons of breathtaking wedding venues. If you’re considering a smaller-scale event, visit Gleason Park or Bicentennial Beach Park for beautiful views and access to the beach at Bicentennial!

Charleston, South Carolina

Are you dreaming of a Southern wedding? Charleston may be just the spot for you! Known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, and rich history as the port city founded in 1670, it’s beautiful. The downtown lights up at night, showing off the beautiful architecture and incredible nightlife. It’s a great spot for couples looking to experience a little Southern flair and a beach scene all in one spot.

Oregon Coast

One of my favorite spots on the West Coast would have to be the Oregon Coast. Known for its cool beaches and towering boulders, it’s become such a special spot to me. With some rugged terrain, the Oregon Coast welcomes the Pacific Ocean to its beaches, creating an incredible sight. Suppose you’re looking to experience the Oregon Coast at its peak. Try visiting from the end of spring to the beginning of fall. However, if you don’t mind a colder beach experience, visit during winter. It’s much quieter and can be a more private experience.

Big Island, Hawaii

The Big Island is another spot that will forever hold my heart. You’ll find the most beautiful beaches, the kindest people, and exotic forests here. The Big Island offers delicious food, incredible weather, and the best activities after your beachy wedding ceremony. As a destination wedding photographer, I couldn’t be happier here. Swim with dolphins, explore the night ocean with manta rays, or even zip-lining through the rainforest. It’s an absolute dream here! If you’re considering a Big Island destination wedding, check out my blog that breaks it down.

Colorado

Colorado is just the spot for your destination wedding if you’re looking for adventure. Featuring the often snow-covered Rocky Mountains, Colorado is absolutely beautiful. When you visit Colorado you’ll be able to experience a little bit of all their beautiful landscape, from mountains, forests and even desert land, it’s incredible.

Washington DC

Another spot filled with rich history and stunning architecture is Washington, DC. This is the perfect spot for all my National Treasure fans looking to celebrate America’s history while creating their history. Washington, DC, is so lovely with the cherry blossom trees in the spring. It’s the best time of year to get married here!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Planning a summer destination wedding and looking for the beach weddings of your dreams? Welcome to Myrtle Beach! Its 60-mile string of beaches, boardwalks, and luxurious golf courses makes it a great spot for a wedding and honeymoon combo! Welcome guests to relax at the beachside, enjoying the warm water and white sand beaches. It’s stunning.

Boston, Massachusetts

Another spot known for its rich history is Boston. Perhaps you or your partner are big Red Sox fans, and a destination wedding in Boston may be just the ticket for your big day. Because of their rich love of sports in the area, there are a plethora of microbreweries and pubs to enjoy after you say, “I do.” Boston is a great place for couples to enjoy a wedding and honeymoon and explore the history and popular attractions. There’s a lot to see from Fenway Park, Freedom Trail, and the Boston Tea Party Museum here!

Top Worldwide Destinations From Your Destination Wedding Photographer

Cancun, Mexico

A more recent addition to my list of top worldwide destinations Cancun! I just visited with one of my couples for their destination wedding, and it was breathtaking. Cancun offers incredible resorts backing up to the beach and delicious food, and it isn’t too far away, making it an easier location for friends and family to attend. It is full of epic adventure, making it a top spot on my list of destination wedding locations.

Iceland

Iceland is the perfect spot for the adventurous couple looking for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences. I have gained a stronger appreciation for the beauty found on this cold island; it’s truly like nothing I’ve seen before. From visiting volcanoes and lagoons to whale watching and hiking treacherous trails, Iceland is a great spot for your destination wedding. If Iceland is at the top of your list, check out my blog, where I give all my recommendations!

Italy

Who wouldn’t love to travel to Italy and have a romantic destination wedding there? As a destination wedding photographer, it’s on my bucket list! Italy offers tourists some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes on earth. This boot-shaped country holds the Alps, a peninsula into the Meditterian Sea, and some of the most delicious food ever. Explore the rich history of Rome and admire the ancient architecture and art found in museums after your wedding. It’s a great place for your dream wedding and adventurous honeymoon!

Paris

When I think of Paris, I think of some of the most romantic places on earth. Known for being the city of love, it only makes sense that Paris is on your mind for your destination wedding. Can you imagine getting married with a view of the Eiffel Tower behind you? It would be magical!

Morocco

Lastly on my list is Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean that looks like something from a storybook. Morocco offers tourists the warmest welcome and invites you to explore their vast landscape and cultural experiences. If Morocco wasn’t on your bucket list, from the vast deserts to the ancient cities and incredibly diverse culture, it should be!

Throughout your wedding planning, remember to enjoy yourself if you plan a destination wedding! Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it’ll be a blast with your forever person by your side and a little sense of adventure. If you’re considering a destination wedding and looking for your right-hand destination wedding photographer, reach out! I’m always down to help plan an epic adventure.