Planning a wedding is no joke. Sometimes, keeping tabs on all the moving parts can feel overwhelming at best — and like an actual living nightmare at worst. Enter: the destination wedding.
In addition to offering an incredible backdrop for your vows and a more all-inclusive (read: easier to plan) experience, the travel component means you may wind up with a more intimate, personal gathering.
From a classic beachside resort in Mexico to a hip boutique hotel in Austin, TX, we've hand-picked five unique locations for the destination wedding of your dreams. Check out the list ahead, and then get ready to pack your bags.
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley, CA
Want to tie the knot in a serene forest setting that's just a stone’s throw from the iconic seaside town of Carmel? The palatial Carmel Valley Ranch has 500 acres upon which to host your romantic Northern California nuptials. Since it’s so huge, you really have your pick of ceremony locations that feel individualised and unique. Not only does the Ranch offer customised wedding packages, it also has fun features like a travelling pizza oven and bicycle cart to add some Pinterest-worthy details to your outdoor reception. Plus, with 181 suites, there's plenty of room for your whole crew to cozy up on the property.
Photo: Courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
If your guests are going to be getting on a plane for your nuptials anyway, why not make it the trip of a lifetime? You can, at Fiji's Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, a luxurious and unforgettable oasis, smack-dab in the gorgeous South Pacific. The eco-friendly hotel offers intimate Fijian-inspired ceremonies featuring conch shell sounds and traditional Lali drums. The hotel will host a dinner on the property as the sun sets on the beach. It's not cheap, but if you're looking to go all-out on your destination wedding, this is it.
Photo: Courtesy of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.
Zamas Resort, Tulum, Mexico
For a vibrant, beachside ceremony in the heart of Mexico, Zamas is a great option. Located about 90 minutes from Cancun, the resort is a one-stop-shop for everything you need for a classic destination wedding — from Mayan-inspired ceremonies to Mariachi bands to florals, photography, and food. All you need to do is book it, send your invites, and renew your passport. The two-acre property features a delightful mix of ocean view bungalows and peaceful garden retreats, and can accommodate more than 100 of your nearest and dearest. They'll also arrange group activities (like snorkelling, or excursions to the Mayan ruins), salon services, and whatever else you need during your stay. The best part is that when the wedding is over, you're already on your honeymoon.
Photo: Courtesy of Zamas Resort.
Kauai Beach Resort, Kauai, HI
It may sound a little cliché, but there's a reason why Hawaii is such a popular spot for destination weddings. Kauai is especially perfect, thanks to its tucked away, secluded feel, and lush scenery, secret lagoon pools, and stunning ocean views everywhere you look. The Kauai Beach Resort is spread out across 25 acres, and has a wide variety of wedding packages to choose from. The staff will work with you to produce your dream event, whether you have five or 50 people. They also offer a sweet honeymoon deal: Get a seven-night stay, massages, dinner, and other perks for an all-inclusive price. Win-win!
Photo: Courtesy of Kauai Beach Resort.
Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
This charming Austin retreat is a design lover’s dream. Hotel Saint Cecilia has 14 rooms (all inspired by '60s and '70s era poets and musicians), but can accommodate private events for up to 150 people. (A buyout is required for parties larger than 50, but filling 14 rooms won't be a problem if you're having that many guests, and you'll have the entire resort to yourselves.) The large, heated lap pool boasts a gorgeous ivy wall and plenty of lounge areas, while the immaculate grounds are dotted with 300-year-old oak trees. Saint Cecilia only hosts a small number of private events each year, so if you like this one, you’d better get on it, ASAP.
Photo: via @HotelSaintCecilia.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Airbnb Just Made A Major Announcement & It'll Change The Way We Travel In 2018