Destination weddings are back in full force — and they’re more personal, creative, and meaningful than ever. After years of travel restrictions and postponed celebrations, couples are now eager to combine their big day with an unforgettable getaway for their loved ones.

Whether you dream of a beachfront ceremony, a private villa celebration, or a small luxury affair abroad, the modern destination wedding is all about authenticity, experience, and connection.

Here are the top trends shaping destination weddings in 2025 and beyond.

Micro Weddings

Bigger isn’t always better. More couples are choosing micro weddings, inviting only their closest family and friends to keep the celebration intimate and meaningful.

With a smaller guest list, couples can focus on quality time, more personalized details, and often — a more elevated experience. The best part? A smaller group also makes it easier to splurge on premium venues, unique dining, and unforgettable experiences without breaking the budget.

Natural Elements

Décor trends are moving away from grand chandeliers and heavy floral installations. Instead, couples are embracing natural, organic elements that enhance the beauty of their surroundings.

Think soft lighting, wood textures, local greenery, and neutral color palettes that let the destination shine. This minimal yet elegant approach creates a relaxed, timeless aesthetic — and often comes with a lower price tag compared to elaborate décor setups.

Experiences Over Trinkets

Gone are the days of monogrammed favors and baskets of flip-flops. Today’s couples are prioritizing shared experiences over souvenirs.

Instead of wedding favors, they’re planning activities that bring guests together — like a sunset catamaran cruise, group cooking class, snorkeling excursion, or yoga on the beach. These experiences create lasting memories for everyone involved and reflect the spirit of travel that destination weddings are all about.

Private Venues

While all-inclusive resorts remain popular, more couples are choosing private villas, boutique hotels, or exclusive resort buyouts to make their wedding truly their own.

A private venue offers exclusivity, privacy, and the ability to fully customize the celebration. With no outside guests, the attention and service are focused entirely on the couple and their loved ones — creating a deeply personal and luxurious experience.

Elopements

The simplicity of elopements continues to captivate couples who prefer an intimate, stress-free way to say “I do.”

These small, heartfelt ceremonies focus on the couple and the destination itself — whether it’s a quiet beach in the Caribbean, a vineyard in Provence, or a scenic overlook in Santorini. The emphasis is on connection, not production, and that’s what makes elopements timeless.

Small but Spectacular

Some couples are combining several trends — smaller weddings, luxury touches, and immersive travel experiences — into one extraordinary event.

Picture 30 guests in Tuscany, 40 in the Maldives, or 25 in Mykonos. These weddings blend intimacy with indulgence, offering an unforgettable experience for both the couple and their guests. The focus isn’t on size, but on the impact and quality of every moment.

Why Destination Weddings Are Here to Stay

Destination weddings let couples celebrate love in unforgettable ways — surrounded by breathtaking scenery, meaningful experiences, and the people who matter most.

They offer the best of both worlds: a dream vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Whether intimate or extravagant, destination weddings are evolving to reflect what matters most — connection, adventure, and authenticity.

Plan Your Destination Wedding

If you’re dreaming of getting married abroad but aren’t sure where to begin, I can help. As a certified travel advisor, I specialize in destination weddings, honeymoons, and group travel.

Together, we’ll find the perfect destination, resort, or private venue to match your vision and budget — and handle all the travel details for you and your guests.

Visit voyagebyluna.com to learn more and get started.