How to plan a destination wedding

Destination wedding planning can feel overwhelming at first. You are not just planning a wedding. You are coordinating travel, accommodation, timelines, and logistics, often from another country and time zone.

What could help is breaking the process into clear phases. When you understand what decisions come first, what can wait, and where structure helps most, planning a destination wedding becomes far more manageable.

This guide walks you through how to plan a destination wedding step by step, while pointing you towards deeper planning tools should you want extra support.

What matters to you two?

Before you look at destinations or venues, take time to clarify your priorities as a couple. Are you drawn to a destination wedding because you want a smaller guest list? A multi-day celebration? A holiday-style experience where everyone stays together?

These answers shape everything that follows, from budget allocation to venue type. Taking time here sets the foundation for confident destination wedding planning.

Choose a destination that works

A beautiful location is important, but practicality matters just as much. When choosing a destination, consider:

• Whether the location has sentimental value or fits your travel style
• The best time of year for weather, pricing, and guest availability
• How far guests need to travel from Australia
• Whether the destination suits your preferred pace, from relaxed beach resorts to more active locations

Looking at curated options on the Easy Weddings Destination Weddings page can help you narrow options quickly without starting from scratch.

Factor guest travel into every major decision

Who you invite and how they will get there should influence your plans earlier than you might expect. Destination weddings are exciting, but they also ask more of guests than a local celebration.

Think about your guest list as a whole. Are most of them confident travellers, or do they prefer simpler journeys? Will they be comfortable navigating multiple flights or ferries, or will they appreciate destinations with direct routes and easy airport transfers?

Being realistic here can save a lot of back-and-forth later. Travel complexity can affect everything from venue choice to wedding date, especially when planning around peak seasons or school holidays.

Understand the types of venues available

Most destination weddings fall into a few broad venue categories:

• Boutique properties with smaller room counts and potential for exclusive use
• Mid-size resorts offering flexibility across budgets
• Large resorts with multiple venues, dining options, and bundled inclusions

Each option affects your destination wedding budget, guest experience, and planning workload. Knowing these trade-offs helps you choose confidently.

Build your destination wedding budget around priorities

There is no single “average” destination wedding budget. Costs depend on location, inclusions, and what you choose to prioritise.

Instead of starting with a fixed figure, make a list of what matters most. This might include:

• Hosting multiple events like welcome drinks or a farewell brunch
• Food and beverage upgrades
• Exclusive venue use
• Guest accommodation assistance
• Entertainment or styling elements

Destination weddings often work well as packages, which can reduce surprise costs. Exchange rates and optional upgrades often get overlooked, so clarity here is essential.

Learn the destination wedding legal requirements early on

Destination wedding legal requirements vary by country and can affect your timeline. Some locations require residency periods, specific documents, or advance notice. Understanding your options early allows you to plan confidently without last-minute changes.

Decide whether a site visit is necessary

A site visit can be helpful but is not essential. Visiting in person allows you to see the venue and confirm details, but many couples successfully plan remotely with clear packages and strong coordination.

If you do visit, focus on confirming key decisions rather than reopening every detail.

Create a realistic destination wedding timeline

A destination wedding timeline often starts earlier than a local wedding, particularly if guests need to book travel and accommodation.

Common phases include:

• Locking in destination and venue
• Confirming your guest approach and accommodation plan
• Finalising ceremony, reception, and additional events
• Locking menus, styling, and run sheets
• Sharing final travel details with guests

Many couples rely on a destination wedding checklist or planning guide to stay organised.

Plan the full guest experience, not just the ceremony

Destination weddings are as much about the overall experience as the wedding day itself. Guests appreciate clarity around:

• Arrival and check-in details
• What events are hosted versus optional
• Transport between venues (if needed)
• A simple weekend schedule
• Many couples rely on a destination wedding checklist or planning guide to stay organised.

Clear communication reduces questions and helps guests relax and enjoy the trip.

Choose the level of planning support that suits you

Planning a destination wedding on your own can involve slow replies, time zone delays, language barriers, and juggling multiple suppliers and payments. Some couples enjoy that control. Others prefer a more streamlined approach.

Working with a dedicated destination wedding team can simplify communication and consolidate payments in Australian dollars. You can explore supported options through Easy Weddings’ Destination Weddings directory.

Ready to plan with confidence?

Download the Destination Weddings Guide

Click here