Wing to wedding: why destination weddings are on the rise

Making your vows surrounded by green Tuscan hills; exchanging rings under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower; saying “I do” as the sun sets on a Balinese beach. The best way to achieve your dream wedding may be by embarking on the holiday of your dreams at the same time.

A destination wedding opens up a world of possibilities, allowing couples to buck tradition and curate their big day their way.

“Coming from Asian families, my husband and I were expected to have a big wedding,” says Eunice Lucero-Lee, a beauty and lifestyle editor. “Living in Manhattan limited us when it came to beautiful, spacious venues, but we also didn’t want to deal with the headache of culling a guest list.”

They chose Bali. “A destination wedding seemed like a happy compromise. It was also closer to the budget we had in mind for the scale of the party we wanted.”

With considerations like these, it’s no wonder the destination wedding market is growing: it’s expected to be worth more than US$78 billion (HK$600 billion) by 2027.

Destination weddings are particularly appealing for multicultural couples who prefer to wed in a “third place” that’s neither of their home countries.

“Our clientele is predominantly affluent and often cross-cultural,” says Diana Sorensen, owner and creative director of the Italy-based Sugokuii Events .

“These couples want to select destinations that hold significant meaning to them.”

The popularity of destination weddings also coincides with a growing preference for multi-day ceremonies with highly customised itineraries.

“Couples want to do more and, with destination weddings, they can make a weekend of it,” says Louise Perry, director of the British company Louise Perry Weddings , which specialises in luxury nuptials. “This allows couples to spend more time with their guests, too.”

This extended togetherness is the greatest upside, believes Sorensen. “Unlike traditional weddings that last only a few hours, destination events allow couples and guests to bond over several days, creating shared memories that they speak about long after.”

Planning your nuptials? Before sending out the save-the-dates, here are our tips for throwing the ultimate destination wedding:

Do: choose a place that's meaningful to you

Naturally, your biggest decision is the destination. Prioritise a place that speaks to you as a couple. At the same time, you’ll want to take into account the distance you’re asking people to travel: this could limit your guest list.

“My husband and I are both beach people,” says Lucero-Lee. “I also have a lot of family in Asia, so a beach wedding in the region checked all the boxes.” She married her fiancé Jason at luxe resort Soori Bali. "We got married in August in breezy, 80-degree (26 degrees Celsius) weather. It was dreamy!”

Do: work with a local wedding planner

Hiring experts who know your destination inside out is a worthwhile investment, says Lucy Jackson-Walsh, co-founder and director of Lightfoot Travel . “Their knowledge of local customs, legal requirements and seasonal weather will help you avoid unnecessary stress.”

Moreover, local wedding planners can find a unique venue that suits your vibe. Sorensen of Sugokuii Events specialises in finding unconventional, off-the-radar locations: “We've done welcome receptions on a mountain only reachable by cable car and used a cave in Sicily for a second-night party.”

Do: keep communication and budget clear

All weddings involve decision-making, but with a destination wedding, much of this must be done remotely. Sorensen stresses the importance of “carving out time to fully engage with the planning process”. Crucially, be up-front about your budget.

Lucero-Lee warns that destination weddings can entail hidden costs. “Getting married on an island meant some things had to be imported, which jacked up certain prices. I would have to pay a premium if I wanted a specific flower or a niche liquor brand that wasn’t available locally. Prioritise and be resourceful.”

Do: make it personal and enjoy the big day

Ditch the trending Instagram aesthetic in favour of personal touches that make your big day yours. For instance, Jackson-Walsh of Lightfoot Travel combed the beach on Lombok for beautiful shells to use as placeholders at her reception.

She adds it’s a good idea to arrive a few days before your guests. “Coming earlier gives you time to finalise arrangements and settle in, ensuring you can fully enjoy your wedding day. It goes by in a flash.”

Beautiful destination wedding venues

These one-of-a-kind venues are perfect for making wedding memories:

1. Villa d’Este Italy

Set against the backdrop of Lake Como, the aristocratic Villa d’Este promises a spectacular celebration.

2. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur India

The splendour of this hotel in Rajasthan state will have your guests talking about nothing else for months.

3. Amanpulo Philippines

A pristine private island in Palawan, Amanpulo has everything needed for an ultra-luxe yet laidback beach wedding.

4. Chateau de Tourreau France

Set amid sprawling grounds, this characteristic property in Provence radiates southern French charm.

5. Ayana Resort, Bali, Indonesia

The Island of the Gods isn’t short of idyllic settings, and you’ll find several to choose from at this world-class resort .