Destination weddings… dreamy, magical, straight-up Pinterest board come to life. But let’s be real, Destination Wedding Planning can also feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle if you don’t know what you’re doing! I’ve seen couples totally crush it and others get stuck in the weeds of logistics. So consider this your no-nonsense, hype-girl-approved guide to making sure your destination wedding feels like a vacation with vows instead of a stress-fest!

The Do’s of Destination Wedding Planning

#1 Start Early & Inform Guests

If your wedding requires people to hop on a plane, save up cash, and maybe even dust off their passport, they need time. Sending out save-the-dates 8–12 months ahead is a game-changer. It gives guests the chance to book flights while they’re cheaper, snag hotel deals, and plan their vacation days around your big moment. Plus, it sets the tone that this isn’t just another wedding invite, it’s an adventure they get to join you on!

#2 Create a Guest-Friendly Website

Think of your wedding website as your command center. Instead of answering a million questions about what to wear or where to stay, you can direct everyone to one spot that has all the details! From hotel blocks to shuttle times, attire inspo, and even your favorite local restaurants, your website will save you stress and keep your people feeling prepared. Bonus: guests will actually be excited when they can visualize the experience before they even arrive.

#3 Visit the Venue in Advance

Let’s be honest, those glossy online photos don’t always show the full picture. Visiting your venue and accommodations ahead of time gives you peace of mind. You’ll know how the light hits at ceremony time, whether the “private beach” is actually private, and how the rooms feel for your guests. If you can’t visit in person, hire a trusted planner or vendor to do a walkthrough for you. Having eyes on the ground makes all the difference in avoiding unexpected hiccups!

#4 Hire Local Expertise

A local destination wedding planner is basically your superhero in disguise. They know the ins and outs of working in that specific country or city, like which vendor is reliable, which venue rule is a big deal, and how to avoid cultural faux pas. On wedding day, they’ll make sure things run smooth so you’re sipping champagne, not stressing over late flowers. Even if you’re super Type A, having someone with local expertise is the best gift you can give yourself.

#5 Understand Legal & Travel Requirements

This one isn’t glamorous, but it’s so important. Every country has different marriage laws, and some require paperwork weeks or even months in advance. You might need special visas, translations of documents, or an additional civil ceremony back home to make things official. Do your research early so there aren’t surprises. The last thing you want is to throw the most beautiful wedding ever, only to find out it’s not technically legal.

#6 Prioritize Guest Comfort

Your guests are taking time, money, and energy to be there for you, so little touches that make them feel cared for go a long way. Welcome bags with water bottles, snacks, or local goodies? A total win! Arranging group transportation from the airport or hotel? Even better. If you’re getting married somewhere hot, think shade, fans, and hydration. Those thoughtful details show your people how much you value them, and they’ll remember how easy and fun the whole experience felt.

The Don’ts of Destination Wedding Planning

#1 Keep Guests in the Dark

Uncertainty breeds stress! Your guests don’t know the area like you do, so the more you communicate, the smoother things will go. Share flight tips, travel guides, and a clear schedule of events so no one feels lost. Over-communicate if you have to seriously, it’s better than fielding panicked texts the day before your ceremony.

#2 Book Blind

That “dreamy seaside villa” could be next to a construction site, or that “intimate courtyard” might only fit half your guest list. Booking sight unseen is risky, and relying only on marketing photos can leave you disappointed. Always verify what you’re signing, check reviews, ask for updated photos, or better yet, get a planner to vet it for you. Protect your vision by making sure you know exactly what you’re walking into!

#3 Rely on Resort-Included Photographers

Listen, resort photographers are often part of the package, but here’s the thing: they don’t know you. Your love story deserves to be captured in a way that actually feels like you, not a copy-paste version of every other couple that week. Bringing your own photographer means your personalities, your style, and your vibe are what shine through in the photos, not just the resort backdrop!

#4 Ignore Weather or Time of Day

Mother Nature has a mind of her own, and she doesn’t care that it’s your wedding day. Planning a beach ceremony? Avoid peak midday heat when guests will be sweating through their outfits and squinting in every photo. Tropical destination? Keep an eye on hurricane or rainy seasons. A little forethought with timing can save you from uncomfortable conditions and make sure your photos are absolutely stunning.

#5 Overplan Your Guests’ Itinerary

Yes, this is your wedding, but it’s also a mini-vacation for your friends and family. As tempting as it is to plan a packed schedule of activities, don’t overdo it. Build in space for people to relax, explore on their own, or just lounge by the pool. The perfect destination wedding strikes a balance, memorable events with enough freedom for everyone to actually enjoy the destination!

#6 Underestimate Costs

Here’s the truth: destination weddings often cost more than people think. Between vendor travel fees, international shipping, extra decor, and guest extras, things can add up fast. And while you might save in some areas, there will be surprise expenses along the way. Having a realistic budget, and a cushion for the “just in case” moments keeps you from spiraling when the unexpected happens.

Ready For Me To Capture Your Destination Wedding? Let’s Chat!

Kailah Page | Destination Wedding Photographer

Destination Wedding Planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming ,it can actually be a freaking blast if you go into it with the right mindset. Focus on the pieces that matter most to you and let the rest be flexible. Your guests will feed off your energy, so if you’re relaxed and ready to celebrate, they will be too. At the end of the day, it’s not about the logistics or the location, it’s about saying yes to forever with your person, in a place that feels like pure magic. Ready for me to capture it? Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!