Best destination wedding locations for 2026

By:
Liv Croagh
/
Updated on: August 15, 2025

2025 has been all about creating ‘experience-first’ weddings. A memory that guests can take away with them. But 2026 is shaping up to be the year couples take that global. We explore the best destination wedding locations where you’ll find us next year. 

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best destination wedding locations

A wedding in Thailand has all the perks, and then some!

Thailand

What’s not to love about Thailand? From the dense jungles of Chiang Mai to the pristine beaches in Phuket, Thailand is becoming a hotspot for lovers. Known for its rich culture, exceptional hospitality, and some of the most popular and delicious cuisine, Thailand is the perfect place to celebrate your love.

The country’s variety of luxury resorts and private villas makes it easy to host everything from an intimate elopement to a grand multi-day celebration. With its vibrant street markets, tropical islands, and warm, welcoming locals, Thailand offers not just a wedding, but a shared adventure for your entire guest list.

Browse our venues for Thailand weddings.

Best destination wedding locations

One of the best destination wedding locations for 2026 is Thailand. Source: Thavorn Beach Village.

Vietnam 

Bursting through the ranks of popularity, a lot more eyes are turning to Vietnam. Quickly becoming one of Asia’s most sought-after wedding destinations, the beautiful country offers a blend of tradition, scenery, and modern luxury.

When choosing a place to wed, your options will feel endless. From a private boat in Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An on the doorstep of Da Nang coast you’ll be spoiled for choice. The country’s emerging luxury hotel scene is complemented by modern takes on the incredible Vietnamese cuisine (did someone say Pho at a wedding reception? Um, yum!). For couples seeking a less predictable but equally romantic option, Vietnam is a hidden gem that’s starting to shine on the world stage.

Find your dream Vietnamese wedding venue.

Enjoy a beachside wedding in Vietnam as one of the best destination wedding locations. Source: Pullman Da Nang.

Bali

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Although Bali has been a favourite destination for Australian travellers for 30 plus years, there’s something about the Indonesian island that keeps on bringing us back.

Bali’s appeal lies in the ability to feel luxurious, deeply spiritual, and somehow remarkably laid back all at the same time. The island has a spectrum of settings, from the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu to the dense jungles of Ubud and the quiet beaches of Nusa Dua. Its talented wedding vendors, from florists to photographers, are well-versed in creating stylish, high-impact events that capture the island’s magic.

Whether you want a barefoot beach ceremony at sunset or an opulent garden reception, Bali’s combination of natural beauty, warm hospitality, and endless styling possibilities makes it a destination that never goes out of style.

Start planning your tropical paradise wedding.

cross bali breakers

One of the most beautiful destination wedding locations, Bali has an abundance of choice. Source: Cross Bali.

Fiji

Bula Bula! A Fiji wedding is the epitome of relaxed with a luxury edge. The crystal-clear lagoons offer a relaxed pace from private beaches and islands to overwater beach huts. Covering over 300 islands, you can achieve the intimate luxury you envision.

Fijian weddings often incorporate local traditions, adding a unique and heartfelt touch to the day. With warm, friendly hospitality, exceptional diving and snorkelling for pre- or post-wedding adventures, and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, romance feels effortless in Fiji.

Get a taste of Fiji hospitality, kick start your wedding planning.

Picture perfect weddings in Fiji.

Milos, Greece

We’ve heard about Santorini weddings, the popular Greek Island that is an epic holiday hot spot for people from all over. However, its neighbour, Milos, offers the same epic vantage points but without the crowds. With its pristine beaches, ancient culture, and churches dating back to the 17th century, Milos is ideal for couples who love food, culture, and rich history.

milos wedding

Greek paradise in Milos! Source: Lily Red.

Mexico

A picture-perfect postcard wedding as vibrant and varied as the culture it’s taking place in is just what you’ll get when you plan a Mexican wedding. Along the Caribbean coast, white-sand beaches in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen create a paradise for beach ceremonies and luxurious receptions.

Inland, the colourful colonial streets of San Miguel de Allende bring a blend of historic charm and artistic flair, perfect for couples wanting something beyond the shoreline. Mexico’s warm hospitality, bold flavours, and lively music make it easy to turn a wedding into a multi-day celebration of love and life.

At the top of many people’s bucketlist, Mexico is one of the best destination wedding locations. Source: Safeena Noah.

New Zealand

If you and your partner are nature lovers who also enjoy a bit of adventure, New Zealand is a destination like no other. From the mountain tops of the South Island, with the world-famous Milford Sound on offer and breathtaking Queenstown, the dramatic alpine backdrops are perfect for winter wonderland weddings.

If you’re a bit more interested in the divine food and wine on offer in New Zealand, a wedding on the North Island around Hawke’s Bay is ideal for foodies. Adventurous couples can arrive at their ceremony spot by helicopter, host receptions in rustic lodges, or incorporate wine tours and hiking into the wedding itinerary. With its cinematic beauty and relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, New Zealand is a dream for those seeking an unforgettable outdoor celebration.

Breathtaking beauty for New Zealand weddings. Source: NZ Venue.

It’s not about where you are, it’s about your journey

A destination wedding isn’t exclusively about where you say your vows, it’s about the journey you and your guests take together. Whether you’re looking for a beachside ceremony or one in the depths of the jungle, one with a splash of culture or on that is all about incredible food – there’s a destination that fits the criteria.

Explore our Easy Weddings destination wedding planners to connect with planners and venues who can turn your 2026 wedding vision into an extraordinary experience.

FAQs about the best destination wedding location for 2026

1. How far in advance should we start planning a destination wedding?

For most locations, it’s best to start planning 12–18 months in advance. This allows time to secure your dream venue, lock in preferred suppliers, and give guests plenty of notice for travel arrangements. Popular destinations like Bali, Fiji, and European hotspots can book out even earlier during peak wedding seasons.

2. How do we choose the right destination for our wedding?

Start by considering your wedding vision — do you want a beach, a vineyard, or a historic city backdrop? Factor in travel logistics for you and your guests, the season you plan to marry, and the type of experiences you want to include. A wedding planner who specialises in destination weddings can help match your style, budget, and guest needs to the perfect location.

3. Do we need to visit the destination before booking?

While it’s not essential, a pre-wedding visit can be invaluable. It allows you to tour venues, meet suppliers, and get a feel for the location. If travel isn’t possible, many venues and planners offer virtual tours, video consultations, and sample styling concepts to help you visualise your day

.4. What’s the best season to get married in these destinations?

Seasons vary greatly between destinations. For example, Thailand and Vietnam have dry seasons between November and April, while Fiji’s prime months are May to October. Europe’s summer (June–September) is popular but busy, while New Zealand offers stunning scenery year-round — just be mindful of winter conditions if you’re outdoors.

5. How can Easy Weddings help with planning a destination wedding?

Easy Weddings can take care of your whole wedding experience, from the venue to the flowers. We can handle the logistics, recommend trusted local vendors, and ensure your day runs smoothly so you can focus on enjoying every moment.