I’ve photographed destination weddings in Iceland, France, Finland, the Caribbean, and across the United States. Every time I land somewhere new for a wedding, I’m reminded of why couples choose to do this — the location becomes part of the day in a way that a local venue simply can’t replicate.
This guide covers the best destinations for a luxury wedding, what makes each one distinctive, and what you actually need to know to plan one. For more on hiring a photographer who’s already comfortable traveling far from home, my luxury destination wedding photographer post covers that specifically.
Why Choose a Luxury Destination Wedding?
The venues exist nowhere else. A private villa above the Mediterranean, a historic château in the French countryside, a clifftop terrace on the Amalfi Coast — these aren’t things you can replicate closer to home. The location becomes part of the wedding itself rather than just a backdrop.
Destination weddings also tend to be smaller. The guest list self-selects — the people who show up are the people who really wanted to be there. That changes the energy of the whole day.
And practically: you’re already somewhere extraordinary. Most couples extend the trip. The honeymoon starts the moment the reception ends.
The French Riviera
I’ve photographed on the French Riviera and the light alone justifies the trip. Late afternoon on the Mediterranean coast is softer and warmer than almost anything on the East Coast of the United States. The venues are extraordinary.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat sits on a peninsula with the Mediterranean on three sides and nine themed gardens cascading down to the water. I’ve shot there. It photographs like nowhere else. Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence offers olive groves, vineyards, and a Michelin-starred kitchen. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes is one of the most legendary properties in Europe — private terraces, direct Mediterranean access, the kind of venue that doesn’t need a description.
For more on what shooting on the Riviera actually looks like, my Cap Ferrat wedding photographer post and France destination wedding guide cover it in detail.
The Amalfi Coast
Dramatic cliffs, terraced gardens, towns built into the rock above the Mediterranean. The Amalfi Coast photographs with a scale and verticality that few places in the world match. For couples who want Italy with maximum visual impact, this is the region.
Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello is an 11th-century palace above the coast with an infinity pool and panoramic sea views. Villa Cimbrone, also in Ravello, has the Terrace of Infinity — one of the most photographed views in Italy, and for good reason. Le Sirenuse in Positano sits above the town with views of the colored buildings cascading to the water.
Santorini, Greece
White-washed buildings, blue domes, caldera views, sunsets that stop conversations. Santorini is one of the most recognizable wedding destinations in the world — which means the images are immediately legible as extraordinary, and also means you need a photographer who can make them feel specific to your day rather than generic.
Canaves Oia Hotel has cliffside terraces with direct caldera views and the kind of service that handles everything seamlessly. Le Ciel Santorini offers a contemporary space with panoramic views — better suited to couples who want modern design alongside the traditional landscape. Venetsanos Winery is a distinctive option — a historic winery with caldera views that gives the images a sense of place beyond just the famous skyline.
For more on destination weddings in Greece, my Santorini destination wedding guide covers the logistics in detail.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, Mount Otemanu rising behind everything. Bora Bora is as remote as luxury destination weddings get — and that remoteness is the point. Couples who choose it want genuine seclusion.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is the benchmark — overwater bungalows with private plunge pools and direct lagoon access, exceptional service, the works. St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers more spacious villas with Polynesian character and personalized butler service. Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits on a private islet with both overwater and beachfront options and an infinity pool that catches the lagoon view perfectly.
These are genuinely far to travel. Build in time on both ends.
Tuscany
Rolling hills, cypress trees, vineyards, stone farmhouses. Tuscany is the most classically beautiful of the Italian wedding regions and the one that reads most immediately as romantic in photographs. The light in late afternoon goes golden in a way that works with the landscape rather than fighting it.
Castello di Vincigliata is a medieval castle above Florence with historic architecture and panoramic views. Borgo Santo Pietro is a full luxury estate in the Sienese countryside — manicured gardens, Michelin-starred kitchen, complete privacy. Villa San Michele is a former monastery above Florence with Renaissance architecture and views of the city below.
Planning a Luxury Destination Wedding: What Actually Matters
Hire a local planner. Not optional. A planner with on-the-ground relationships in your destination handles the vendor coordination, the legal requirements, the logistics that are impossible to manage from across an ocean. This is the single most important decision you’ll make after choosing the location.
Visit in advance if you can. Seeing a venue in photographs and seeing it in person are completely different experiences. If the budget allows, a site visit before you commit to a contract is worth the trip.
Think about your guests. A destination wedding asks something significant of the people you invite. Ease the logistics — consolidated accommodation blocks, a welcome event when everyone arrives, clear information about transportation and activities. The couples who do this well turn the wedding into a genuine experience for everyone rather than just an inconvenience.
Have a weather plan. Every outdoor destination has a season and a reason. Know what the weather does in your specific location during your specific month. Build contingencies into your venue contract. A good planner will already have this covered, but make sure it’s explicit.
Book your photographer early. Destination wedding dates book far in advance. If you have a specific photographer in mind — especially one who has shot in your destination before — secure them before you finalize other vendors. My destination wedding portfolio covers the full range of where I travel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Luxury Destination Weddings
What is a luxury destination wedding?
A wedding held at an extraordinary location away from home — typically at a high-end venue that offers exclusive access, world-class service, and a setting that would be impossible to replicate locally. The defining features are the venue’s caliber, the exclusivity of the experience, and the sense that the location itself is part of what makes the day extraordinary.
What are the best destinations for a luxury wedding?
The French Riviera for Mediterranean glamour and extraordinary light. Tuscany for rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villas. The Amalfi Coast for dramatic vertical landscapes. Santorini for iconic caldera views. Bora Bora for genuine tropical seclusion. My France destination wedding guide and Italy destination wedding guide cover the European options in detail.
How much does a luxury destination wedding cost?
Significantly more than a local wedding — venue fees, travel and accommodation for vendors, guest logistics, and often a higher baseline cost for everything from flowers to catering in luxury resort destinations. A local wedding planner with destination expertise can give you realistic numbers for your specific location and vision.
Do you need a wedding planner for a luxury destination wedding?
Yes — a planner with on-the-ground relationships is genuinely necessary, not a luxury. They handle vendor coordination, legal requirements, and the logistics that are impossible to manage remotely. The planner is the most important hire after the venue.
What legal requirements do Americans need to get married abroad?
It varies by country. France, Italy, and Greece all have their own civil marriage requirements involving advance documentation and sometimes a mandatory waiting period. Many American couples complete legal paperwork in the US and have a symbolic ceremony abroad. A local planner who knows the specific country’s requirements is essential.
How far in advance should you book a luxury destination wedding?
At least 18 months for top-tier venues — many exclusive properties book two years out or more. Secure your photographer early as well, particularly if you want someone who has shot in your specific destination before.
What is the best time of year for a luxury destination wedding?
It depends on the destination. For the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast, late spring and early fall offer the best weather without peak summer crowds. Tuscany is beautiful in fall harvest season. Santorini peaks in late spring and September. Bora Bora is drier from May through October.
Do you travel for luxury destination weddings?
Yes — I’ve photographed in Iceland, France, Finland, the Caribbean, and across the United States. My destination wedding portfolio covers the full range. If you’re planning something specific, I’d love to hear about it.
The location is part of the wedding. Choose one that means something to you.
