Are you dreaming of a picture-perfect destination wedding in the United States? Look no further, as we unveil the best places to tie the knot across the country. Whether you envision an intimate beachfront ceremony, a glamorous city affair, or a rustic countryside celebration, the US offers a plethora of stunning locations to make your special day unforgettable.
From the breathtaking coastlines of California to the idyllic charm of New England, each region boasts its own unique appeal. With this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top destinations for your dream wedding in the US, highlighting the picturesque settings, local attractions, and amenities that make each location stand out.
Magical Maui, Hawaii
Immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Maui, where lush landscapes, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters set the stage for a truly magical wedding. From the moment you arrive on this enchanting island, you will be captivated by its natural beauty and warm aloha spirit. Whether you choose a beachfront resort or a private estate, Maui offers an array of stunning venues for your ceremony and reception.
1. Beachfront Bliss
Exchange your vows with the sound of crashing waves as your backdrop. Maui is renowned for its pristine beaches, providing the perfect setting for a romantic beachfront wedding. Imagine walking down the sandy aisle, surrounded by swaying palm trees and the scent of tropical flowers. From popular spots like Ka’anapali Beach to hidden gems like Makena Cove, you can find a beach that suits your preference and create an unforgettable ceremony.
2. Luxurious Resorts
Maui is home to a plethora of luxurious resorts that offer world-class amenities and breathtaking wedding venues. From the famous Wailea coastline to the secluded Kapalua Bay, you can choose from a range of stunning resorts that will cater to your every need. Whether you desire an intimate garden ceremony or a grand ballroom reception, these resorts provide the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.
3. Adventurous Excursions
While in Maui, take advantage of the island’s adventurous offerings and create unforgettable experiences for you and your guests. Arrange a sunrise hike up Haleakala volcano for a breathtaking view or embark on a snorkeling excursion to explore the vibrant marine life. Maui also offers opportunities for zip-lining, helicopter tours, and even traditional Hawaiian canoe rides. Incorporate these thrilling activities into your wedding itinerary to make it an unforgettable celebration.
With its stunning landscapes, luxurious resorts, and adventurous excursions, Maui is a dream destination for couples seeking a magical and unforgettable wedding experience.
Enchanting Charleston, South Carolina
Discover the romantic charm of Charleston, a city steeped in history and Southern hospitality. Known for its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and vibrant culture, Charleston provides a captivating backdrop for a truly enchanting wedding. Whether you desire a sophisticated plantation affair or an intimate garden celebration, Charleston offers a wealth of venues and attractions to make your special day one to remember.
1. Historic Plantations
Charleston is famous for its historic plantations that exude Southern charm and elegance. Choose from iconic venues such as Boone Hall Plantation or Magnolia Plantation, where centuries-old oak trees and blooming gardens create an enchanting setting for your wedding. These plantations offer a glimpse into Charleston’s rich history and provide a backdrop that will transport you and your guests to another time.
2. Historic Downtown Charms
Charleston’s historic downtown area is a treasure trove of picturesque streets, colorful houses, and charming courtyards. Exchange your vows in one of the city’s historic churches, such as St. Michael’s Episcopal Church or the French Huguenot Church, both known for their stunning architecture and rich history. After your ceremony, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, and capture timeless photos against the backdrop of pastel-colored houses and blooming flower boxes.
3. Southern Cuisine and Hospitality
No visit to Charleston is complete without indulging in the city’s renowned Southern cuisine. Treat your guests to a mouthwatering Lowcountry feast, featuring dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes. Charleston is also home to numerous award-winning restaurants, ensuring that your wedding reception will be a gastronomic delight. The city’s warm hospitality and friendly locals will make your wedding experience even more memorable.
With its historic charm, picturesque venues, and delectable cuisine, Charleston offers couples a truly enchanting destination for their dream wedding.
Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Escape to the picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its fairytale-like scenery and artistic atmosphere. Nestled along the rugged California coastline, Carmel offers a romantic and idyllic setting for your destination wedding. With its stunning beachfront venues, European-style architecture, and world-class dining options, Carmel is an ideal choice for couples seeking a unique and unforgettable wedding experience.
1. Stunning Beachfront Venues
Carmel boasts some of the most breathtaking beachfront wedding venues in California. Picture exchanging vows on a golden sandy beach with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. Venues like Carmel Beach or Monastery Beach offer the perfect setting for a romantic seaside ceremony. You and your guests can enjoy the sound of crashing waves and the sight of a stunning sunset as you celebrate your special day.
2. Quaint European-Style Architecture
One of the unique features of Carmel is its charming European-style architecture, with storybook cottages, cobblestone streets, and whimsical fairy tale-like houses. The town’s fairy tale ambiance creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for your wedding photos. Take a stroll through the streets of Carmel, hand in hand with your beloved, and capture magical moments against the backdrop of this picturesque town.
3. Culinary Delights
Carmel is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, offering a wide array of dining options to suit every palate. From farm-to-table restaurants to award-winning seafood establishments, the town is a haven for food enthusiasts. Treat your guests to a gastronomic experience they won’t forget by incorporating a gourmet feast into your wedding celebration. The culinary delights of Carmel will add a touch of sophistication to your special day.
With its fairytale-like scenery, charming architecture, and culinary delights, Carmel-by-the-Sea provides a captivating destination for couples seeking a unique and unforgettable wedding experience.
Romantic Savannah, Georgia
Step into the timeless beauty of Savannah, Georgia, where moss-draped oak trees, historic squares, and antebellum architecture create a romantic ambiance. Known for its Southern hospitality and rich history, Savannah offers a truly enchanting destination for your wedding. Whether you choose a historic mansion, a charming garden, or a waterfront venue, Savannah provides a wealth of options to create a romantic and memorable celebration.
1. Historic Mansions and Venues
Savannah is home to a variety of stunning historic mansions and venues that exude Southern charm and elegance. Choose from iconic locations such as the Mercer House or the Olde Pink House, where grand architecture and beautifully manicured gardens provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding. These venues offer a glimpse into Savannah’s rich history and provide a sense of old-world charm for your special day.
2. Enchanting Garden Settings
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Savannah’s enchanting gardens, which offer a serene and romantic setting for your wedding ceremony. Venues such as the Forsyth Park Fragrant Garden or the Savannah Botanical Gardens are adorned with blooming flowers, tranquil fountains, and lush greenery. Exchange your vows surrounded by nature’s beauty, creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
3. Riverfront Views and Southern Cuisine
Take advantage of Savannah’s stunning riverfront views and incorporate them into your wedding celebration. Choose a venue along the Savannah River, such as the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, and enjoy breathtaking views of the water as you dance the night away. Pair your riverfront wedding with Savannah’s renowned Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and pecan pie. Your guests will be treated to a true taste of the South.
With its romantic ambiance, historic venues, and Southern hospitality, Savannah offers couples a truly memorable destination for their dream wedding.
Vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana
Experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant music scene, delectable cuisine, and lively festivals. With its unique blend of French, African, and American cultures, New Orleans provides an unforgettable backdrop for a vibrant and lively wedding celebration. Choose from historic mansions, jazz clubs, or picturesque parks to create a wedding experience like no other.
1. Historic Mansions and Courtyards
New Orleans is famous for its stunning historic mansions and lush courtyards, providing a romantic and elegant setting for your wedding. Venues like the Hermann-Grima House or the Beauregard-Keyes House offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and providean intimate and charming backdrop for your special day. Imagine exchanging vows in a courtyard filled with blooming flowers and surrounded by historic architecture, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for your ceremony.
2. Jazz Clubs and Music Venues
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and incorporating this vibrant music into your wedding celebration is a must. Choose a jazz club or music venue for your reception, where you and your guests can dance the night away to the lively tunes of a jazz band. The energetic and soulful rhythms of New Orleans will create an unforgettable atmosphere and ensure that your wedding is a true celebration of love and music.
3. Festive Traditions and Second Line Parades
No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing its lively festivals and traditions. Incorporate the city’s festive spirit into your wedding by including a second line parade as part of your celebration. A second line parade is a traditional New Orleans procession where guests dance and celebrate with the newlyweds, accompanied by a brass band. This joyful and exuberant tradition will add a unique and unforgettable element to your wedding day.
With its vibrant music scene, delectable cuisine, and lively traditions, New Orleans offers couples a truly vibrant and unforgettable destination for their dream wedding.
Breathtaking Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Embrace the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where pristine blue waters and snow-capped peaks provide a stunning backdrop for your special day. Whether you choose a lakeside venue or a mountain retreat, Lake Tahoe offers a serene and breathtaking setting for your destination wedding. With its year-round appeal and outdoor activities, Lake Tahoe is an ideal choice for couples seeking a picturesque and adventurous wedding experience.
1. Lakeside Venues and Scenic Views
Lake Tahoe is renowned for its breathtaking lakeside venues, where you can exchange your vows against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters and majestic mountains. Choose from venues like The Chateau at Incline Village or Edgewood Tahoe, where you and your guests can enjoy panoramic views and stunning sunsets. The serene and picturesque setting of Lake Tahoe will create a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
2. Outdoor Activities and Adventurous Excursions
Take advantage of Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty and incorporate outdoor activities and adventurous excursions into your wedding itinerary. From hiking and biking to water sports and skiing, there are endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Arrange a group hike to admire the stunning vistas, or plan a kayaking excursion to experience the lake up close. Lake Tahoe’s natural wonders will provide a memorable backdrop for your wedding and create unforgettable experiences for you and your guests.
3. Year-Round Appeal and Seasonal Celebrations
One of the unique aspects of Lake Tahoe is its year-round appeal, offering different experiences depending on the season. Whether you choose a winter wonderland wedding with snow-covered landscapes or a summer celebration with sunny days on the beach, Lake Tahoe can accommodate your vision. Consider incorporating seasonal celebrations, such as a lakeside bonfire in the summer or a cozy lodge reception in the winter, to enhance the atmosphere and create a truly memorable wedding experience.
With its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and year-round appeal, Lake Tahoe provides couples with an idyllic destination for a breathtaking and adventurous wedding.
Serene Aspen, Colorado
Escape to the majestic mountain town of Aspen, where snow-covered slopes, charming lodges, and a serene atmosphere create the perfect setting for a winter wonderland wedding. Known for its world-class skiing, luxurious resorts, and stunning natural beauty, Aspen offers couples a romantic and picturesque destination for their dream wedding. Whether you choose a cozy lodge or a mountaintop venue, Aspen provides a serene and breathtaking backdrop for your special day.
1. Alpine-Inspired Venues and Lodges
Aspen is home to a variety of alpine-inspired venues and lodges that exude rustic charm and elegance. Choose from venues like The Little Nell or the T-Lazy-7 Ranch, where sweeping mountain views and cozy fireplaces create a warm and intimate atmosphere. These venues often feature stunning architecture, exposed wooden beams, and large windows that allow you to take in the beauty of the surrounding nature.
2. Winter Wonderland Activities
Embrace the winter wonderland setting of Aspen and incorporate winter activities into your wedding celebration. Arrange a group ski trip or a snowshoeing excursion for your guests to explore the snowy landscapes. Consider hosting a post-wedding brunch at the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views while sipping hot cocoa. The snowy slopes and crisp mountain air will create a magical and unforgettable experience for your wedding.
3. Après-Ski Celebrations
After a day on the slopes, indulge in Aspen’s renowned après-ski scene and incorporate it into your wedding celebration. Arrange a festive cocktail hour with mulled wine and gourmet snacks, or host a lively reception at a local lodge or restaurant. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere of Aspen’s après-ski culture will add a touch of warmth and conviviality to your special day.
With its majestic mountains, charming lodges, and winter wonderland activities, Aspen provides couples with a serene and breathtaking destination for a memorable alpine wedding.
Idyllic Napa Valley, California
Indulge in the enchanting vineyards and rolling hills of Napa Valley, where world-renowned wineries, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious resorts set the stage for a sophisticated and romantic wedding celebration. Known as one of the premier wine regions in the world, Napa Valley offers couples a picturesque and idyllic destination for their dream wedding. Whether you choose a vineyard estate or a winery, Napa Valley provides a luxurious and unforgettable backdrop for your special day.
1. Vineyard Estates and Wineries
Napa Valley is home to a wealth of stunning vineyard estates and wineries that offer breathtaking settings for your wedding. From iconic venues like the Beringer Vineyards to hidden gems like the Calistoga Ranch, you can choose from a range of picturesque locations. Exchange your vows surrounded by rows of grapevines, and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills as you celebrate your love.
2. Wine Tasting Experiences
No visit to Napa Valley is complete without indulging in its world-class wines. Incorporate wine tasting experiences into your wedding celebration, allowing your guests to sample the region’s finest vintages. Arrange a private tasting at a renowned winery or host a wine pairing dinner, where each course is expertly paired with a different varietal. The rich flavors and aromas of Napa Valley’s wines will add a touch of sophistication to your special day.
3. Culinary Delights
Napa Valley is not only known for its exceptional wines but also for its gourmet cuisine. Treat your guests to a culinary experience they won’t forget by incorporating the region’s farm-to-table fare into your wedding menu. From locally sourced ingredients to innovative culinary techniques, Napa Valley’s gastronomic offerings will delight the taste buds and create a memorable dining experience for your wedding celebration.
With its enchanting vineyards, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious resorts, Napa Valley provides couples with an idyllic and sophisticated destination for their dream wine country wedding.
Charming Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Experience the quintessential New England charm of Cape Cod, with its picturesque lighthouses, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. Known for its idyllic coastal scenery and rich maritime history, Cape Cod offers couples a romantic and charming destination for their dream wedding. Whether you choose a beachfront venue or a historic inn, Cape Cod provides a serene and enchanting backdrop for your special day.
1. Elegant Beachfront Venues
Cape Cod boasts a variety of elegant beachfront venues that offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and sandy shores. Choose from venues such as the Chatham Bars Inn or the Wequassett Resort, where you and your guests can enjoy the beauty of the coastline as you say your vows. The sound of crashing waves and the salty sea breeze will create a truly romantic and memorable atmosphere for your beachfront wedding.
2. Nautical Ambiance and Coastal Towns
Immerse yourself in Cape Cod’s nautical ambiance and explore its charming seaside towns. Take a walk along the quaint streets of towns like Provincetown or Chatham, where you can admire the historic lighthouses, browse local boutiques, and indulge in fresh seafood. Incorporate nautical touches into your wedding decor, such as seashells, sailboats, or anchor motifs, to enhance the coastal charm of your special day.
3. Fresh Seafood and Culinary Delights
No visit to Cape Cod is complete without savoring its fresh seafood. Incorporate the region’s culinary delights into your wedding menu, treating your guests to a seafood feast featuring local favorites like lobster, clams, and oysters. Cape Cod is also home to numerous farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning chefs, ensuring that your wedding reception will be a gastronomic delight.
With its charming coastal towns, elegant beachfront venues, and fresh seafood, Cape Cod provides couples with a quintessential New England destination for their dream seaside wedding.
Exquisite Santa Fe, New Mexico
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and unique architecture of Santa Fe, where adobe buildings, vibrant art galleries, and breathtaking desert landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding. Known as the “City Different,” Santa Fe offers couples a distinctive and memorable destination for their dream wedding. Whether you choose a historic adobe venue or a scenic outdoor location, Santa Fe provides a blend of Southwestern charm and natural beauty for a truly enchanting celebration.
1. Enchanting Adobe Venues
Embrace the unique architectural style of Santa Fe with its adobe buildings and charming courtyards. Choose from venues like La Fonda on the Plaza or the Inn and Spa at Loretto, where the traditional adobe architecture and vibrant colors create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These venues often feature Southwestern decor and offer a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to celebrate your wedding against the backdrop of Santa Fe’s distinctive charm.
2. Southwestern Cuisine and Local Traditions
Treat your guests to the flavors of the Southwest by incorporating Santa Fe’s renowned cuisine into your wedding celebration. From green chili-infused dishes to traditional New Mexican fare, the city offers a variety of culinary delights. Consider hosting a traditional New Mexican feast with dishes like enchiladas, tamales, and posole, accompanied by vibrant margaritas and local craft beers. You can also incorporate local traditions such as a piñata or a traditional Native American blessing to add a touch of authenticity to your wedding.
3. Artistic Atmosphere and Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Santa Fe’s vibrant art scene and cultural experiences to enhance your wedding celebration. Explore the city’s numerous art galleries and museums, hosting pre-wedding events like art tours or private viewings. Consider incorporating local artisans into your wedding, whether through handmade wedding favors or live art performances during the reception. Santa Fe’s artistic atmosphere and cultural experiences will add a unique and memorable element to your special day.
With its rich cultural heritage, unique architecture, and artistic atmosphere, Santa Fe provides couples with an exquisite and distinctive destination for their dream Southwestern wedding.
Conclusion
From the tropical paradise of Maui to the charming coastal towns of Cape Cod, the United States offers a wealth of stunning destinations for couples planning a destination wedding. Each location boasts its own unique charm, from breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural heritage, ensuring that your wedding will be an unforgettable experience.
Whether you prefer a beachfront paradise, a historic mansion, or a mountain retreat, there is a perfect destination waiting for you. Explore the stunning venues, indulge in local cuisine and traditions, and immerse yourself in the beauty of each location to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Start envisioning your perfect day and let the beauty of these top destinations in the US inspire you to create a wedding that reflects your love story. Whether you choose the enchanting charm of Charleston or the vibrant energy of New Orleans, your dream wedding in the US is within reach.
Embark on this journey of love and celebration, and let these best places for destination weddings in the US be the backdrop for your unforgettable day.
