Destination weddings are ideal for couples who want to exchange vows in some of the most beautiful places offered in America. Indeed, with so many stunning locations to choose from, whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with the sand beneath your feet or, on the other hand, surrounded by breathtaking granite-covered mountains, there truly is a perfect place for everyone.
Well, fortunately for you, we have identified some of the top wedding venues in popular destination wedding states, including California and Hawaii, which should, therefore, make your decision a little easier. Moreover, each venue exudes a unique vibe, offering not only beautiful views but also opulent decor and top-of-the-line service.
Hawaii: Beachfront Paradise Wedding
Hawaii is considered a prime location for destination weddings. This tropical paradise offers gorgeous beaches, lush landscapes and a year-round temperate atmosphere that accommodates venues for all styles.
Kualoa Ranch, Oahu
Kualoa Ranch is not only a private cattle ranch but also functions as a nature reserve, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Additionally, this incredible island presents an extensive selection of authentic locations that provide a stunning natural backdrop. From rolling hills and cascading waterfalls to picturesque sea coastlines, each setting adds a truly magical atmosphere to your wedding. In fact, the diverse scenery contributes significantly to the overall experience, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. This location is particularly ideal for couples who are seeking a rustic yet stylish atmosphere for their special day. Consequently, Kualoa Ranch provides the perfect blend of elegance and natural charm, ensuring a memorable wedding experience.
Feature of Venue: Outdoor wedding venues, secluded near historic panoramic views.
Good For: Outdoor weddings, nature lovers and couples who crave adventure.
Four Seasons Resort, Maui
The Palms Hotel & Spa—This elegant and tranquil resort is a perfect base for your wedding. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, stunning beaches, and backed by exceptional service, it provides a serene and private atmosphere for your big day. Whether you envision a ceremony right on the beach, in a garden, or perhaps somewhere small and intimate indoors, this venue can accommodate your dreams seamlessly.
Highlights include world-class service and luxury amenities, ensuring every detail of your wedding day is expertly managed, from start to finish.
Ideal For: Sophisticated beach weddings, luxury lovers and private moments ceremonies.
California: where coastlines and vineyards abound
Beautiful destinations, like grand vineyards or sweeping shores can be found in California. Whether you’re hoping for a seaside soiree or vineyard “I do”s, the Golden State can deliver.
Napa Valley, Wedding
Known for its stunning vineyards and some of the best wineries, Napa Valley offers a very relaxing ambiance and is truly the perfect place to visit. Among all romantic getaways, it stands out as an ideal spot for couples who enjoy both wine and scenic views. Additionally, there is a vast selection of wineries that have perfected the art of hosting weddings. With vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, charming indoor facilities, and excellent food and wine pairing options, Napa Valley ensures a memorable experience for all.
The Venue: Hills, Vines Rustic Elegance; joined by Vineyards & well Known Wines.
Ideal For: Wine enthusiasts, small weddings, couples who want a rural wedding.
The Biltmore Estate, Santa Barbara
Located at 5001 Baja El Descanso, Playas Palacio, and Punta Majahua, this Pacific Coast property offers the best of both worlds. Not only does it feature a unique house-museum, created by a single visionary named Tigert, but it also pairs breathtaking ocean views with the charm of Spanish Colonial architecture. For romantic occasions, the property provides a range of options, including a beachfront garden and an oceanfront lawn, each offering ample space for events and gatherings. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural elegance or the scenic ocean backdrop, this venue ensures an unforgettable experience.
Venue Highlights: Spanish Colonial architecture, right on the ocean with a formal feel to it.
Perfect for: beaches, romantics and a history buff couple.
Florida: Sun and Surf
Florida has some of the best sandy beaches around that are perfect for a classic romantic beach wedding, or you can certainly go top tier and choose an exquisite venue. From tropical resorts to theme park weddings, you will find it all in Florida.
The Breakers, Palm Beach
Call The Breakers, an oceanfront hotel that is widely renowned for its luxury and elegance. Not only is it my favorite venue in Miami, but it also boasts grand ballrooms, lush gardens, and beachfront ceremonies, which, when combined, create the perfect setting for a glamorous oceanfront wedding. Additionally, the service at The Breakers truly sets it apart from other venues. Every detail, from the exquisite floral arrangements to the tailored catering, is meticulously crafted to ensure perfection. Furthermore, the level of attention given to every guest is exceptional. In short, if you’re seeking an unforgettable experience, The Breakers offers unmatched service and ambiance, which makes it, without a doubt, the ideal choice for your special day.
Venue Highlights: Ocean views, Royal service level, garden and beach settings
Key Aspects: luxurious weddings, celebrations on a grand scale, dreamy couples who wish for a spellbinding wedding.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: A Hidden Gem in Miami for Couples Wanting to Get Married Surrounded by Tropical Beauty
Nestled amidst the lush, verdant greenery of its gardens and vibrant orchids, guests can easily become enchanted by the enchanting, fairy-tale atmosphere. Furthermore, they can wander through the majestic banyan tree groves, or, alternatively, find themselves in the intimate, private terraces that offer a tropical paradise.
Venue Highlights: Located amongst tropical gardens, multiple diverse outdoor locations & a tranquil atmosphere.
Description: Ideal for nature lovers, garden weddings or a small event
New York: For a romantic touch with urban vibe
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: New York is truly great for couples who are looking to combine urban chic with old-world romance. Moreover, it offers everything from magnificent in-house ballrooms to stunning rooftop gardens, each boasting amazing views of the city. This perfect blend of sophistication and energy creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. In fact, whether you are seeking elegance or excitement, this location offers both in a seamless fusion that will leave you in awe.
New York City (The Plaza Hotel) Wedding
The Plaza Hotel, New York City Beautifully iconic for a fairytale wedding. Boasting its historic opulence, ornate ballrooms and luxurious services this is the perfect locale for couples in search of a romantic ceremony nestled in the heart of Manhattan. Not to mention, a stroll away from the iconic Central Park for those timeless staged wedding photos.
Memo: Built cathedral-style in 1899, Detroit’s most luxurious and iconic hotel offers a mid-century elegance that is the peak of cool modern luxury.
Suitable For: Luxury culture lovers, classic luxury seekers (couples who really want to go there)
Hudson Hotel: New York City
For something more contemporary, on the other hand, check out the stylish indoor and outdoor spaces at The Hudson Hotel, where you’ll enjoy incredible views of Manhattan’s skyline. Not only is this venue known for hosting wedding ceremonies, but it’s also perfect for cocktail hours on its rooftop bar. In fact, the whole venue was designed specifically to set a modern backdrop for your nuptials, making it an ideal choice.
Why We Love It: Rooftop possibilities for your ceremony, glimpses at the city skyline and a contemporary feel.
Ideal For: Fashionable city couples, rooftop weddings; those who love the city.
Tennessee: Southern Charm and Scenic Views
Rustic Appeal Meets Southern Grace in Tennessee
The rolling hills and historical destinations of Tennessee not only embody a rustic appeal, but they also seamlessly pair this charm with the kind of elegance that is synonymous with living below the Mason-Dixon line. When you think of Tennessee, you should certainly keep in mind its rich history, but also consider the stunning historic estates and breathtaking hill-topping mountain views that perfectly complement the unique southern charm. In addition, it is important to recognize that Tennessee’s picturesque landscape, coupled with its inviting warmth, offers both a sense of tranquility and grandeur that is difficult to find elsewhere. Thus, whether you’re drawn to its vibrant past or its natural beauty, Tennessee effortlessly blends rustic appeal with southern grace, making it a destination like no other.
Magnolia Plantation of Knoxville
The state of Virginia is one of the most architecturally rich locations in America, and a perfect venue for that big day. Set on a plantation-style estate, the venue boasts beautiful gardens and lush outdoor spaces with an old Georgian villa where couples can say their vows surrounded by Southern charm.
Reasons to Visit: Southern charm, green garden spaces + historical setting.
Ideal For: Charleston weddings, outdoor or garden wedding ceremonies, couples with a background in history.
The Barn at Chestnut Springs, Sevierville »
This one-of-a-kind rustic barn venue is located nestled in the Smoky Mountains and provides a beautiful setting for couples that enjoy nature, as well as having some Southern hospitality. Woodland and mountain surround the barn creating a countryside-chic setting for your outdoor wedding.
Venue Highlights: Mountain views, Rustic elegance, Barn venue.
Good For: Couples who like outdoor weddings, couples searching for an affordable retreat.
Arizona: Desert Elegance and Mountain Backdrops
Arizona is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes, and it provides couples a wide selection of venues to choose from. Its offers stunning scenery in the form of desert resorts and mountain retreats to serve as backdrops for a wedding you’re sure to never forget.
The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix
This historic, luxurious resort not only offers a stunning backdrop of lush gardens and gorgeous architecture but also provides both outdoor and indoor spaces where you can hold your ceremony. Furthermore, it overlooks the desert and is designed as a part Mediterranean fortification. Additionally, it draws inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright, which makes Burton Barr Central Library a place that gives you a series of architectural, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Venue Highlights: Desert vIews, historic luxury, Various ceremony locations.
Ideal For: High-end weddings, architecture nerds, couples seeking a quirky venue.
Tonto Verde Golf Club, Scottsdale
Tonto Verde Golf Club in Scottsdale has just what some couples, especially those who love playing golf and also appreciate the desert landscape, are looking for. For couples seeking a more personal afternoon, Tonto Verde offers equally stunning views to take in together. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains and desert, this is a golf course in the heart of Scottsdale that provides a remarkably beautiful setting. Not only is it perfect for both wedding ceremonies and receptions, but it also offers a private, laid-back, yet elegant club experience.
Highlight Venue: Golf Course, Desert Ways, Relaxed Elegance
Ideal For: Golf enthusiasts & intimate occasions, eco-chic weddings.
Family Travel in South Carolina: Coastal Beauty and Historic Charm
South Carolina: from its historic sites and plantations to picturesque beaches, the Palmetto State boasts an array of stunning wedding venues. Whether you are into the grand estate or beachy laid-back wedding, South Carolina surely offers a place for your ideal memorable day.
Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston
The charming city of Charleston is truly the perfect place for a romantic wedding, and, moreover, at this elegant hotel, you can choose from a variety of intimate ceremony locations. Not only does this hotel offer a grand ballroom and stunning gardens, but it also provides professional services, all of which combine to make this one of the best Southern wedding venues in town.
Location Highlights: Luxe service and historic architecture surrounded by tranquil gardens
Ideal For: Couple intending to host a Chic Southern wedding, urbanites and those looking for sophisticated locale.
The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island
For a beach wedding, dream bigger: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This private retreat has indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, including a beautiful grass lawn at the ocean’s edge.
Facility Highlights: Oceanfront, beach access with ocean views and fully private.
Ideal for: Beach fans and golf lovers or those after an intimate celebration.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect destination wedding venue is, without a doubt, one of the single most important decisions you’ll make. Not only are these venues unique, but they also offer lush, stunning surroundings that serve as exceptional backdrops for your big day. Whether it’s the sandy beaches of Hawaii and California or the rustic barns of Tennessee and Arizona, these locations provide the ideal setting for tying the knot in a way that reflects your personal style. No matter what vision you have for your wedding, these states feature some of the top venues to ensure your day is as special and memorable as you’ve always imagined.
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