Destination Wedding vs Elopement: What’s Right For You?
What is a Destination Wedding or Elopement Today?
In the world of weddings today, the lines between destination weddings and elopements are beautifully blurred. While a destination wedding might involve 30 or 40 loved ones gathered on a sun-soaked terrace in Portugal, an elopement could mean a private vow exchange at the edge of a forest with just the two of you. What defines each isn’t just guest count – it’s intention and priority. Both destination weddings and destination elopements are rooted in the idea of travel and connection – to a place, to each other, and to a shared experience that reflects who you are. The real difference lies in scale, planning complexity, and how you want to spend your time. Neither alternative is better, but one might be more aligned with the wedding experience you’re dreaming of.
For your convenience, here’s a more formal definition of what a destination wedding actually is: a wedding celebration, (often comprised of a wedding ceremony and reception), that takes place in a location outside of the town or region where a couple resides, typically requiring travel from most, (if not all), attending guests.
If you’re looking for an in-depth and informational dive on elopements, check out this additional resource – What is an Elopement & How to Elope.
Hi there, I’m Ciana – A Documentary Destination Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Whether you’re brand new to this space or already deep in the planning process, I want to welcome you with open arms – and an invitation to dream big. Maybe you’re at the very beginning of this journey, unsure of what kind of celebration you want, or maybe you’re just wrapped up somewhere in between – I’ve created a network of resources to guide you with clarity, confidence, and a little magic as you design a wedding day that’s entirely your own.
3 Differences Between Destination Weddings & Elopements
Choosing between a destination wedding and an elopement often comes down to how you’re imagining your day – not just where, but with whom, and how much you’re managing in the process. Here are three key distinctions that can help guide your decision:
Guest Experience
Destination weddings often include a group of friends and family members – usually 25 people or more – creating a shared experience that spans across several days. Elopements, by contrast, typically consist of just the eloping couple and sometimes a few loved ones, (think 20 people or less). These guest counts aren’t hard rules or industry bylaws, they reflect common trends seen across real weddings and elopements, offering a helpful baseline rather than a hard boundary. I offer customized destination wedding packages that account for 21 people or more, and personalized elopement packages that account for 20 people or less. You can view my packages here!
Timeline & Pace
Weddings tend to follow a more structured timeline with built-in events such as rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, full ceremonies, group activities, receptions, etc. There’s a natural rhythm to the flow of these events that are commonly intertwined with a sense of tradition. Elopements usually move at an undefined pace that’s organic to each couple. They leave space for more spontaneity, (like a sunrise hike or a midday swim), allowing the day to evolve without the constraints of a fixed schedule.
Planning Scope
The planning process for destination weddings and elopements are incredibly different. However, both require strategic coordination for a truly seamless and high-quality experience. A destination wedding may involve multi-day itineraries that demand a network of communication among vendors and couples to unfold successfully. From booking room blocks and coordinating welcome events to managing transportation, seating charts, and timelines for a full wedding party – the scope is wide and often calls for a dedicated planner to manage moving parts across time zones and languages.
Elopement planning, while it can be more minimal in scale, demands its own kind of intentionality and unique attention to detail. The focus shifts to crafting an experience that feels deeply and intimately personal – whether that means planning an adventurous hike, securing permits for a national park, navigating self-solemnization laws, or simply building a timeline that honors both spontaneity and storytelling. Elopements often allow for more flexibility, but that freedom still benefits from thoughtful structure, especially when travel, weather, and location logistics are involved.
For a detailed breakdown of what to expect during destination wedding planning, skip ahead to How to Plan a Destination Wedding.
Photography for Destination Weddings vs. Elopements
Regardless of the size or scale of your wedding day, photography plays a vital role in shaping how you’ll remember it all. But what your coverage looks like, (and how your story is told), can vary greatly between a destination wedding and a destination elopement.
Different Coverage Needs
As previously mentioned, destination weddings generally span over the course of several days and involve intricate layers of storytelling. These kinds of events can include a variety of things that range from engaging welcome parties and the ceremony itself, to a post-wedding brunch or group excursion. Because of the combined number of important events and guests, multi-day photography coverage is quite common, and sometimes an even standard need. Furthermore, this type of wedding celebration is best suited for photographers that work with second or third shooters, (assistant photographers), that can work together to fluidly move between documentary-style candids, spontaneous portraits, and curated moments.
Contrarily, elopement photography coverage ranges drastically. It often falls somewhere between 6 to 18 hours, occasionally split across multiple days. This is entirely dependent upon the individual desires of every couple. The coverage options are more malleable, but also more immersive in nature. Because elopements aren’t typically structured around a set list of formalities, traditions, or guests, one skilled photographer can provide an exceptional elopement experience for all involved.
Why Storytelling Matters More When Traveling
By itself, travel is a powerful thing. But, when you travel to celebrate your marriage, (whether with guests or independently), the power of travel is amplified tenfold. You’re not just marrying each other – you’re immersing yourself in a place that becomes part of your story. In this context, photography becomes more than just a tool for documentation – it becomes a vessel for memory. Wedding and elopement photography shouldn’t just document what happened, but it should also preserve how it felt. This is especially true when your destination becomes a main character in your visual narrative. The landscapes, architecture, weather, culture, and light all add textured layers to your experience, and they work together to tell a story that’s bigger than the sum of its parts.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Just like elopements, there is no one-size-fits-all answer – and that’s a good thing! Your wedding celebration can be anything you want it to be, as long as it feels right. The decision between a destination wedding and an elopement comes down to a few key questions:
Give yourselves plenty of time to pause, reflect on, and explore your shared values. Are you drawn to a communal celebration that emphasizes connection? A destination wedding might be an incredible extension of that. Maybe you’re not, and you know what? That’s okay, too. There’s no wrong answer – only what’s most aligned with the two of you.
Investing in a Destination Wedding
There is a massive misconception about the cost of destination weddings vs the cost of elopements. Contrary to popular belief, elopements aren’t always cheaper – but they do allow you to allocate your money differently. Unlike an elopement, when you opt for a destination wedding, you aren’t just investing in yourselves – but you’re investing in the overall experience you’ll share with friends and loved ones. Sure, destination weddings usually account for a broader range of expenses, (like guest lodging, catering, transportation, venues, etc.), but they still possess just as much meaning as modern day elopements.
The phrase “destination wedding” might sound extravagant, (and it certainly can be), but it doesn’t have to be about excess. It’s about experience. When you invest in a destination wedding, you’re choosing to give yourselves and the people closest to you something irreplaceable; a shared memory that unfolds across landscapes, culture, and time.
Here’s what investing in a destination wedding can mean:
Valuing quality time over quantity: Maybe you’re hosting 30 guests in a countryside Tuscan villa instead of 150 in a ballroom – but with a multi-course farm-to-table dinner, wine pairings, and time to actually connect before, during, and after your celebration.
Assembling a team that helps you streamline, not sacrifice: With a skilled vendor team, there are fewer moving parts to worry about, but more intentional ones. From a planner who knows the region intimately, to a photographer, (like me!), whose work you’ll frame forever – it’s about amplifying the celebration, not overwhelming it.
Creating memories beyond the day itself: When guests travel for your wedding, they remember the full experience – the shared meals, the cultural discoveries, the laughter under unfamiliar skies. Your wedding becomes a living memory – something people talk about for years not just because it was beautiful, but because it was significant for them too.
Choosing the Right Vendors
Finding the right team to execute your vision is paramount, and even more so when you’re planning from afar. A solid vendor team will have the ability to not only elevate your experience, but ensure it unravels seamlessly, even thousands of miles from home).
Fly-In vs Local Vendors
This is often the first big decision couples face. Should you bring your own vendors or hire local? There’s no single answer because it depends on your preferences and priorities.
Tips for Vetting from Afar
Remember, the right vendors don’t just show up – they show up for you, with heart, professionalism, and a steady hand.
How to Plan a Destination Wedding
Hire a Planner
If you invest in nothing else – invest here. Planning a destination wedding is different from planning one at home, (and that’s the point). A destination wedding planner is your guide, advocate, and logistical magician. Juggling experience design with organizing all of the other moving parts of a wedding can be tough to do on your own, especially in a new place. Planners help you navigate local and non-local vendors, permits, time zones, cultural norms, and more all while ensuring your wedding still feels personal to you.
A great planner will:
– Physically or virtually scout venues that match your aesthetic and priorities.
– Coordinate travel and accommodations for both you and your guests.
– Create comprehensive timelines while consulting with your photo and/or video team.
– Build and manage your realistic budget.
– Handle day-of logistics so you’re not answering texts and calls instead of being present on your wedding day.
Choosing a Location
Ultimately, choosing a location will depend on how far you want to travel, what you’re looking for in a wedding venue, and how the location resonates with you. With a world as big as ours, narrowing down the options may feel like an impossible feat. However, here are some guiding questions you can ask yourselves to make selecting a location easier:
“What kind of atmosphere are we drawn to – coastal, urban, remote, exotic, romantic, historical, etc.?”
“Is this a place we already love, or somewhere new we want to explore together?”
“Will it be accessible for the people we care most about?”
“What time of year do we want to go?”
You should also consider regional laws and seasonality. Some places have distinct times of year where they experience dry and rainy seasons, or other specific regional climates. Furthermore, many places abroad have their own legal marriage requirements for non-residents, and require advanced planning or additional paperwork.
Curating Guest experiences
One of the most special parts of a destination wedding is the time spent around the wedding itself. You have a rare opportunity to gather your friends and family in one spot at the same time, and host an intentionally thoughtful experience for everyone. You will have the wedding of your dreams, and your guests will feel welcomed, seen, and an active part of something truly unforgettable.
Here are a few ways to include loved ones in your destination wedding:
– Plan a welcome dinner, party, or informal gathering the night before.
– Offer an itinerary of optional group activities like tastings, hikes, tours, etc.
– Leave handwritten notes or locally-inspired treats for each guest.
– Have a post-wedding meal or party to thank everyone for traveling, and relish in all of the shared excitement one last time.
– Plan to enjoy a performance or show that’s a cultural staple of your wedding destination with your guests.
It’s often these moments – the conversations over shared meals, the contagious laughter in candlelight ambiance, and the heightened sense of adventure – that become the foundation of once-in-a-lifetime celebrations such as these.
Incorporating Local Culture and Traditions
There are so many ways to honor the place you’ve chosen to get married, regardless if you’re traveling just a few states away or across an entire ocean. In fact, your wedding can be a testament of your relationship while reflecting the essence of the location you’ve decided will be a part of your story. You can incorporate local ingredients or regional dishes into your menu, or you can work with a florist who designs native blooms – every choice is an opportunity to ground your experience in a sense of place. You might hire musicians or dancers that are locally rooted, or include traditions, blessings, and symbolic acts that hold significant cultural/spiritual meaning. These added elements don’t need to be performative or overly stylized, but when woven with care, they become a rich and quiet nod to the destination.
Allocating Budget
Destination weddings encourage and inspire couples to reframe what really matters to them. With an opportunity to channel their budget into things that create intimacy, connection, and personalization, they manifest an utterly unique and lasting experience.
A few tips for allocating any budget size:
Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Weddings
How far in advance should we start planning?
The planning time frame looks different for every couple, but most destination weddings require at least 12 – 18 months to plan. This is especially true if you have your heart set on a specific date, season, or sought-after location. While it is entirely possible to pull off a destination wedding in a shorter period of time, giving yourselves a year, (or more), opens up greater flexibility when it comes to booking your ideal vendors, venues, and securing travel accommodations. Planning early also gives you ample time to curate your experience, instead of scrambling to organize it.
If you’re leaning toward a smaller or more spontaneous elopement-style celebration, you might not need quite as much time, but even then, 6-9 months ahead is a great window to ensure availability and allow for thoughtful planning.
Should we send Save-the-Dates out earlier for a destination wedding?
Yes, one of the kindest things you can do for your guests is give them plenty of time to plan. For destination weddings, sending Save-the-Dates 9 to 12 months in advance is ideal. You’re inviting guests to plan cross-country or international travel, which means they need time to request off work, arrange childcare if needed, make financial considerations, and book accommodations. Even if you don’t have every detail locked in yet, sharing the location and general timeline early on helps your loved ones start making arrangements. Your formal invitation can follow at a later date, perhaps 3 or 4 months before the wedding, complete with any remaining information.
Who pays for travel and accommodations at a destination wedding?
In most cases, guests pay for their own travel and accommodations. While the couple typically covers the cost of the wedding day itself, guests are usually responsible for their flights, lodging, and additional personal expenses. However, many couples opt to offset costs in thoughtful ways. You might consider reserving a block of hotel rooms at different price points, organize group transportation to and from the venue, or host additional events like a welcome dinner or farewell brunch to extend your hospitality and gratitude. Some couples offer to cover a night or two at the hotel for immediate family or wedding party members – it’s about what feels aligned with both your budget and priorities.
Can we legally get married at our destination?
Absolutely, but the answer depends entirely on where you’re going and how you want to handle the legal side of things. Every country (and even some regions within countries) has its own marriage laws, residency requirements, and paperwork. Some destinations require you to be in-country for a certain number of days before your ceremony. Others may ask for translated documents, blood tests, or a legal officiant licensed locally. Some places don’t legally recognize marriages for non-residents at all – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still exchange vows there.
This is why many couples choose a symbolic ceremony abroad and take care of the legal paperwork in their home state or country either before or after the trip. This option simplifies the logistics while still allowing you to celebrate meaningfully in the location of your dreams. No one attending your ceremony will know the difference unless you tell them – it still feels like your real wedding day because it is. If it’s important to you that your marriage is legally official at your destination, it may be doable with some advance research. Embassies or consulates are great sources for up-to-date information.
Do we need wedding insurance for a destination wedding?
While wedding insurance isn’t required, it’s highly recommended amongst wedding professionals, particularly for destination weddings. There’s more moving parts, (and miles), which means more potential for the unexpected. Travel delays, weather events, vendor cancellations, and international regulations can all introduce unforeseen circumstances or complications. Having the right insurance in place helps protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
There are typically two types to consider:
01. Liability insurance, which may be required by your venue, protects you in case of property damage or injury.
02. Cancellation or postponement insurance helps recoup costs if your event needs to be rescheduled due to covered reasons like illness, natural disasters, or vendor no-shows.
Some policies also offer coverage for lost luggage, damaged attire, or vendor bankruptcy – which can be especially helpful when you’re coordinating from afar.
If you’re working with a planner, they can guide you toward reputable providers. And if you’re traveling internationally, make sure your coverage extends to your destination. Think of insurance not as a “just in case” expense, but as a tool for confidence, clarity, and continuity – no matter where in the world your celebration unfolds.
Learn More About Wild Elements Destination Wedding Pricing & Packages
Whether you’re envisioning a multi-day gathering with your closest people or an intimate celebration abroad, planning a destination wedding invites you to dream big while being intentional with every detail. This is one of my specialties – helping couples turn faraway places into personal and unforgettable extensions of their stories. If this post resonated with you and you’re starting to imagine your day unfolding somewhere extraordinary, I’d love to help you explore my destination wedding photography packages, (which are fully customizable to your needs and desires)! Together, we can create something timeless, immersive, and completely your own.
Note: The wedding featured in this post took place at the Hacienda Siesta Alegre in Río Grande, Puerto Rico.
