How To Pick A Destination Wedding Location (Without Losing Your Mind)

Planning a destination wedding sounds like a dream… until you realize there are hundreds of beaches, resorts, and countries to choose from.

Cue the Googling how to pick a destination wedding location and decision fatigue…

It’s not just about picking a pretty spot, it’s about choosing a location that works for your vision, your budget, and your guest list. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

We help couples like you zero in on the best destination wedding locations every single day. Whether you’re drawn to turquoise waters, lush jungle backdrops, or a resort that keeps the margaritas flowing 24/7, we’ll help you find the place that feels like you.

Here’s how to pick the perfect destination wedding location.

Step 1: Define Your Wedding Vibe

Before we talk about the where, let’s talk about the what.

What do you want your wedding to feel like? Think:

• Relaxed and beachy?
• Elegant and upscale?
• Lush and tropical?
• Remote and romantic?

Your dream wedding should reflect your vibe, not just your Pinterest board.

If you’re imagining barefoot vows at sunset followed by dancing under the stars, you’ll be looking at completely different destinations than if you’re dreaming of a luxe rooftop ceremony with champagne towers.

Make a short list of 3–5 adjectives that describe your ideal wedding. This helps us match you with the right destinations fast.

Step 2: Narrow Down The Region

Now that you know your vibe, let’s zoom out a bit.

Most couples prioritize:

• Direct flight availability (especially for guests)
• Travel time (under 5 hours is ideal for large groups)

We’ll help you assess which destinations fit your accessibility and budget needs while still feeling exciting and celebratory.

Step 3: Consider Your Guests (But Don’t Let Them Run The Show)

Yes, your wedding is about YOU.

But let’s be real, your people are a huge part of the experience.

As you think about where to go, ask yourself:

• How far are your guests willing to travel?
• Are they mostly couples, families, or older guests?
• Will they need kid-friendly accommodations or adults-only resorts?
• What kind of budget will they realistically have for flights and lodging?

Destination weddings naturally trim the guest list, but we’ll help you find a location that strikes the perfect balance between bucket list getaway and achievable for your favorite people.

Step 4: Think About The Entire Experience (Not Just One Day)

Here’s the best part of a destination wedding: it’s more than a day. It’s an experience.

Most couples plan a full weekend of events like:

• Welcome cocktails on the beach
• Group excursions (think catamaran cruises or cenote swims)
• Poolside brunches
• A farewell dinner

So, ask yourself:

• What will guests do when they’re not at the ceremony?
• Are there excursions, nightlife, or culture nearby?
• Does the resort offer flexibility for group gatherings?

We’ll help you choose a location that not only wows on your wedding day, but also makes the entire trip unforgettable.

Step 5: Choose A Wedding-Friendly Resort (Hint: Not All Are Created Equal)

Some resorts are incredible at handling weddings. Others? Not so much.

We’ve built relationships with top resorts that:

• Offer transparent wedding packages (no surprise fees!)
• Have responsive, experienced wedding teams
• Are flexible with group events and add-ons
• Offer perks like free nights, upgraded rooms, or honeymoon benefits

Instead of falling in love with a resort that makes you do all the work, we’ll match you with one that’s easy to work with, beautiful, and within budget.

You bring the love, and we’ll bring the logistics.

Step 6: Work With A Destination Wedding Travel Advisor (That’s Us!)

Now for the real secret to having the best destination wedding.

Most couples come to us after trying to DIY their destination wedding research and feeling completely overwhelmed.

We simplify it all by:

• Giving you a short list of perfect-fit destinations
• Recommending resorts that match your style and guest needs
• Handling ALL guest travel (so you’re not playing travel agent)
• Coordinating with the resort’s wedding team so nothing falls through the cracks

You get to enjoy the fun parts of wedding planning (like dress shopping and menu tasting) without getting buried in travel logistics or resort email threads.

Your Dream Location Is Out There, Let’s Find It Together

Choosing a destination wedding location doesn’t have to be stressful, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

Alpaca Your Bags Travel takes the guesswork (and the Google rabbit holes) out of the process so you can confidently pick a spot that checks all your boxes, and then some.

Ready to find your dream I do location? Let’s chat. You bring the vision, we’ll bring the expertise.