Destination weddings are such a fun way for entire families and groups of friends to experience a wedding. It's practically a vacation surrounding your ceremony! But, not everyone wants to head to Mexico or the Caribbean because of both the travel time or the cost. That's why we're seeing more and more couples travel within the continental United States for their destination wedding. Check out these ideas for destination weddings within the United States.
Arizona
Within Arizona you have your choice of awesome cities depending on what you're looking for. Sedona offers a laid back vibe with stunning red rocks as the backdrop to your wedding. In Phoenix, brides-to-be can choose the Desert Botanical Garden as a place to say your vows. With succulents and cacti galore, you'll be able to save on your flower and decor budget. If you head about 20 minutes east, you'll get to Scottsdale, an area known for its golf, spas and good food. While many of your options here won't be the most economical, they will be gorgeous. One bride favorite, Sanctuary, boasts expansive views of Paradise Valley as the resort is set against Camelback Mountain.
Photo by Alyssa Campbell Photography
New England
The North East offers so many amazing places to get married and celebrate with your friends and family. For charm, history and water views, you can't beat Cape Cod. And with an abundance of both places to say "I do" and places to stay, you'll be able to customize you wedding to what works for you. Whether you want a country club, an intimate inn or even a barn - Vermont has the country feel you may be after. Relaxed, but romantic is how brides have described their Vermont weddings. If you're looking for a casual, coastal wedding spot, Delaware offers 5 beach towns that all have public beaches to be used for a ceremony spot.
Photo via Your Vermont Wedding
Florida
We couldn't do a destination wedding wrap-up without including the sunshine state. There's a reason brides flock to Florida for their nuptials. The panhandle offers white sand beaches and gorgeous ocean views, plus lots of cute beach towns along highway 30A to choose from. The Pearl in Rosemary Beach offers a gorgeous all-in-one spot for both your ceremony and reception. St. Augustine is a city rich in history and full of charm, plus it's on the water and has plenty of venues to choose from. Further south, Naples is a lovely choice for a water-front wedding. While the city is known for being on the pricier side, opt for a morning ceremony and reception brunch to save some cash.
Photo by Life and Love Studio
Mid-West
While it may not be the first place that comes to mind for your wedding, there are plenty of places for a gorgeous destination wedding in the Mid-West. Chicago and Milwaukee both offer fantastic city vibes, plus the waterfront of Lake Michigan. And they have major airports for your guests coming in to celebrate with you. If you want to stay away from the city prices, try out some small town charm for your nuptials at the Goldmoor Inn in Galena, IL or a wine country wedding at Hermann Hill in Herman, Missouri.
You have so many choices when it comes to destination weddings within the continental United States, but one of the most important factors in your decision is making sure it feels special to you and your fiance. Choose a location that means something to you two, because it will be a place that will forever be in your hearts.
