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The hottest destination wedding locations for 2026

There is a very specific moment in wedding planning when the conversation shifts from where should we get married to what if we didn’t get married here at all.
Suddenly, flights are being searched. Group chats are getting spicy. And the idea of turning your wedding into an actual holiday starts to feel extremely appealing.
For 2026, destination weddings are less about novelty and more about smart, beautiful choices. Couples want locations that feel transportive without being stressful, indulgent without being inaccessible, and supported by venues and suppliers who know exactly what they’re doing.
These are the destination wedding locations to watch for 2026. All realistic, all well-loved by Australian couples, and all very capable of delivering a wedding that feels special in the best possible way.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is not going anywhere, but it is evolving.
In 2026, Bali destination weddings are leaning into refined luxury rather than all-out extravagance. Couples are gravitating toward cliffside resorts, jungle backed venues and architecturally beautiful properties that feel calm, modern and design forward.
What keeps Bali firmly at the top of the list is the combination of value and expertise. There are experienced wedding teams, seamless packages, exceptional food and the ability to host multi-day celebrations with ease. Welcome dinners, poolside recovery days and farewell brunches are all part of the experience.
For couples who want a polished destination wedding with minimal logistical stress, Bali continues to deliver.
Fiji
If Bali is bold and buzzing, Fiji is soft, intimate and deeply relaxed.
Fiji destination weddings in 2026 are appealing to couples who want a true escape without the overwhelm. Resorts here are perfectly suited to smaller guest lists, barefoot ceremonies and celebrations that unfold gently over a few days.
The beauty of Fiji lies in its simplicity. Ceremonies on the sand, receptions under the stars, and a sense that everyone has genuinely slowed down. It is ideal for couples prioritising connection, meaningful time with guests and a wedding that feels like a shared experience rather than a production.
It is also incredibly appealing for guests, who can combine your wedding with an easy, restorative holiday.
Thailand
Thailand is stepping into its moment in a big way.
For 2026, Thailand destination weddings are being chosen for their versatility. Beachfront ceremonies, luxury resorts, vibrant city celebrations or lush inland settings all exist within the same destination. Couples are loving the ability to tailor the experience to suit their style, whether that’s relaxed coastal elegance or something more glamorous.
Thailand also offers exceptional hospitality and food, which is increasingly important to couples who want the guest experience to feel elevated. Wedding packages are well structured, vendors are highly experienced, and the value compared to Europe remains incredibly attractive.
It is a strong choice for couples who want a destination wedding that feels indulgent, energetic and well supported.
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the quieter standouts for destination weddings in 2026.
It appeals to couples who want something a little different without venturing into unknown territory. Coastal resorts, dramatic landscapes and a growing luxury hospitality scene are making Vietnam increasingly popular for intimate destination celebrations.
The overall aesthetic is a big draw. Think clean lines, natural textures and scenery that does a lot of the visual work for you. It is a beautiful option for couples who want a refined, modern wedding with a sense of discovery built in.
Vietnam also suits couples looking for excellent value while still delivering a high-end experience for guests.
Europe is calling
For couples dreaming big in 2026, Europe is firmly back on the destination wedding radar. Travel confidence is high, guests are more willing to make a longer trip, and European weddings are being planned with a more relaxed, experience-driven approach.
Rather than one tightly scheduled day, couples are stretching celebrations across several moments. Welcome aperitivos, long lunches, late nights and slow mornings. It feels less like a wedding and more like a shared chapter.T
wo destinations in particular are leading the charge.
Italy
Italy remains iconic for a reason.
In 2026, Italian destination weddings are about atmosphere rather than excess. Couples are choosing countryside villas, coastal towns and historic properties where the setting carries the romance without the need for heavy styling.
What makes Italy especially appealing is the way weddings naturally unfold. Long meals, incredible wine, effortless beauty and a sense that the celebration is meant to be enjoyed slowly. It suits couples who value food, connection and a sense of timelessness.
Italian weddings also lend themselves beautifully to multi-day celebrations, with guests often staying nearby and fully immersing themselves in the experience.
Spain
Spain is emerging as one of the most exciting destination wedding options for 2026.
It offers many of the same benefits as Italy but with a slightly more relaxed, vibrant edge. Think sun-drenched venues, incredible architecture, late nights and celebrations that feel joyful rather than formal.
Spanish weddings are particularly appealing for couples who want warmth, colour and energy woven into the day. From countryside estates to coastal locations, Spain offers flexibility without losing character.
It is also increasingly popular with couples looking for a European destination that feels social, celebratory and guest-friendly.
Fattoria La Loggia, Italy
Why destination weddings feel different in 2026
The biggest shift we are seeing is intention.
Couples are no longer choosing destinations simply because they look good in photos. They are choosing places that support the kind of wedding they actually want to have. Fewer moving parts. Better flow. More time with the people who matter.
Destination weddings in 2026 are thoughtful, immersive and designed to feel good for everyone involved. They turn a single day into a shared experience and create memories that last far beyond the final dance.
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