A Trending Guide to Destination Weddings in 2026
Booking a destination wedding isn’t just about swapping your local ballroom for a faraway beach. It’s about building a weekend—or longer—that feels like an adventure, equal parts wedding celebration and curated travel experience.
In 2026, couples are approaching destination weddings differently. They’re choosing venues that feel private, immersive, and stylish. They want packages that actually help instead of confusing them with fine print, and they want their guests to leave with more than memories of a single party. Today’s couples are giving their friends and family a mini-vacation. That’s where Ridgefield comes in.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The Best Destination Wedding Locations Right Now
- Destination Weddings by the Numbers
- Package ComparisoN | PLan Smarter
- How to Build a Wedding Weekend + Minimoon Itinerary
- Destination-Specific Essentials
- Minimoon Locations After Your Destination Wedding
- Explore the West Coast
- Galleries of Past Wedding Weekends
- 2026 Decor Trends and Personalizations
- Extra Destination Wedding Resources
Our redwood estate in Northern California was designed for couples who love nature, crave a retreat-style weekend, and refuse to compromise on luxury. This guide unpacks everything you need to know about planning a destination wedding in 2026, from what defines one in the first place to the hottest spots around the globe, complete with a look at pros and cons for each type of region and venue. We’ll also walk through a sample wedding weekend itinerary—with minimoon ideas built in—so you can see how Ridgefield makes it all possible. And because planning from out of town can feel overwhelming, we’ll break down what “all-inclusive” really means and why it matters, plus answer the FAQs you’re actually asking.
What Makes a Modern Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings used to mean hopping on a plane to a tropical island and saying “I do” with your toes in the sand. That’s still an option, but the definition has expanded. In 2026, a destination wedding is:
- Any wedding where most guests travel out of town –Traditionally, the rule of thumb is that if your guests are traveling at least 100 miles or more from home, you’re officially in destination wedding territory. For some couples, that means flying cross-country to meet in a bucket-list location. For others, it could be gathering in a cozy town just far enough away to feel like a getaway.
- A full weekend experience, not just a single ceremony and reception – The one-day model doesn’t cut it anymore when you’re asking guests to book flights, hotel rooms, and vacation days. Couples are extending their weddings into multi-day celebrations, often starting with a welcome party on Friday, the big day on Saturday, and a farewell brunch or group outing on Sunday.
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A celebration paired with travel-worthy perks – The magic of a destination wedding is that it feels like a vacation for everyone. Guests aren’t just attending your wedding — they’re exploring a new place. That could mean sampling regional cuisine, hiking through national parks, wine tasting in the countryside, or discovering charming downtowns.
“There’s a common misconception that destination nuptials have to take place in another country, but throwing a soirée a few states over also classifies as a destination wedding. Excluding your childhood home or your present-day zip code, you can choose virtually any location, whether it’s domestic or abroad, for your event.”
– By Yolanda Crous and Lilly Blomquist via Brides
The Best Destination Wedding Locations Right Now
From ancient redwoods in Northern California to cobblestone villages in Europe, venue choices can feel endless. Below, we’ll break down the regions dominating today, along with what makes them appealing, what challenges they bring, and why Ridgefield stands tall at the very top of the list.
Northern California Redwoods (The Leader of the Pack)
It’s no surprise that couples flock to the redwoods — they’re ancient, towering, and completely unlike anything most wedding guests have experienced before. A ceremony under these natural giants feels cinematic and intimate all at once, and couples are drawn to the sense of privacy they provide. Unlike public state parks where you’re competing with hikers or tourists, Ridgefield offers an exclusive-use retreat where the forest is truly yours for the weekend.
For couples who want the best of both worlds — an outdoorsy setting without sacrificing sophistication — the redwoods strike the balance perfectly. Plus, Northern California offers easy add-ons for travelers: wine country is a few hours away, the Pacific coastline is minutes from Arcata, and Redwood National Park is right up the highway.
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Pros: Privacy, natural beauty, weekend-long retreat packages, no passport needed for U.S. residents.
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Cons: Can be more remote than a city venue and often requires travel coordination — but that’s kind of the point.
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Example Venue: Ridgefield (Our exclusive estate with curated packages 🤗)
There’s nothing quite like Ridgefield in Humboldt County. Their estate offers a New England-style stately feeling. A touch of luxury and elegance in the heart of Arcata.
Tropical Escapes | Aruba & Mexico
The classic beach wedding isn’t going anywhere, but in 2026 it’s getting more refined. Couples are trading cookie-cutter all-inclusive resorts for boutique hotels and private villas that offer a more personalized vibe. Aruba stands out for its sunny weather year-round (and the fact that it lies outside the hurricane belt), while Mexican towns like Todos Santos and Tulum are edging out Cabo for their chic, laid-back energy.
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Pros: Warm weather, vacation appeal, easy resort amenities.
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Cons: Flights, passports, weather risks, occasional tourist crowds.
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Example Venues: Aruba Ritz-Carlton and Villa Santa Cruz
Las Vegas Elopements
Vegas is reinventing itself in the destination wedding scene. Sure, Elvis chapels are alive and well, but couples are increasingly choosing rooftop lounges, desert elopements just beyond the Strip, or sleek ballrooms in luxury hotels. Vegas appeals to those who want a wedding and a built-in party rolled into one. But for couples who want exclusivity or a deeply personal feel, Vegas can feel more “spectacle” than “soul.”
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Pros: Year-round availability, quick licenses, endless guest activities.
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Cons: Privacy is limited, not always ideal for family-focused weddings.
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Example Venues: Rooftop venues at The Cosmopolitan, desert sites in Red Rock Canyon.
Desert Destinations | Joshua Tree & Beyond
The desert has emerged as a favorite for couples who want a minimalist-meets-modern vibe. Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and even Utah’s national park areas offer surreal backdrops of boulders, cacti, and endless sky. Today, desert weddings are leaning into bold design — think disco balls hanging from Joshua trees, desert florals with pops of neon, and starlit receptions under the wide-open sky.
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Pros: Distinctive landscapes, design-forward, great weather in shoulder seasons.
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Cons: Harsh summer heat, limited vendor availability and guest capacities, tricky travel.
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Example Venues: Korakia in Palm Springs, venues near Joshua Tree National Park.
Europe (Italy, Ireland & Beyond)
For couples who want culture and history layered into their wedding weekend, Europe continues to reign. Tuscany offers vineyard villas and five-course meals in candlelit courtyards. Ireland brings windswept cliffs, castles, and cozy pubs. France’s Provence region delivers lavender fields, rosé, and chic countryside charm. These weddings tend to be smaller in guest count — partly because of the cost and travel commitment.
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Pros: Romance, architecture, cuisine, centuries-old settings.
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Cons: Long-haul flights, higher planning costs, tricky time zones.
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Example Venues: Tuscan vineyard villas, Irish castles, Provence countryside estates.
“One of things that no one tells you about having a wedding in Europe, there are tons of random fees. You may have heard me talk already about VAT – value added taxes.
Depending on where you’re getting married within Europe, you might also have the music tax and tourist taxes. They just pop up. Sometimes they tell you about them beforehand. Sometimes they tell you about them the week of the wedding. So I can’t stress this enough: make sure you proactively ask before you sign your contracts if there are any other fees that are coming up down the line to consider.”
Mountain & Ski Resorts
Mountains are rising in popularity for couples who want romance paired with adventure. In the U.S., Colorado ski resorts and Montana lodges double as wedding venues, offering sweeping alpine views in summer and cozy, snow-dusted backdrops in winter. Abroad, Switzerland and Austria attract couples who want luxe alpine lodges paired with European charm.
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Pros: Year-round versatility, built-in activities, dramatic views.
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Cons: Weather risks, altitude challenges, higher travel costs.
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Example Venues: Aspen ski resorts, Swiss alpine lodges.
Destination Weddings by the Numbers
| Region | Average Budget (USD) | Typical Guest Count | Best Season | Avg. Temps (°F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern California Redwoods | $35,000–$50,000 | 75–125 guests | Late Spring – Early Fall | Highs 65–75 / Lows 50–55 | Moderate climate, cool evenings, minimal rain. |
| Mexico / Caribbean | $25,000–$45,000 | 40–100 guests | Winter – Spring | Highs 75–85 / Lows 65–70 | Sunny, risk of hurricanes June–Nov. |
| Las Vegas | $20,000–$35,000 | 20–80 guests | Year-round | Highs 60s in winter / 100+ in summer | Quick licenses, endless hotels, desert heat. |
| Europe (Italy, Ireland, France, etc.) | $40,000–$70,000 | 30–80 guests | Summer – Early Fall | Highs 70–85 / Lows 55–65 | Longer stays, higher travel costs, seasonal charm. |
| Deserts (Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Utah) | $30,000–$45,000 | 50–100 guests | Fall – Spring | Highs 70–85 / Lows 45–55 | Stunning sunsets, avoid peak summer heat. |
| Mountains / Ski Resorts | $35,000–$60,000 | 50–120 guests | Summer + Winter | Highs 70s summer / 30s–40s winter | Versatile, dramatic views, weather-dependent. |
Package ComparisoN | PLan Smarter
Not all venues are created equal when it comes to destination weddings. Some are designed to handle every detail seamlessly, while others simply rent you a space and leave you juggling logistics from afar. When you’re comparing options, it’s not just about the setting — it’s about what’s included and how easy it will be to coordinate.
For example, Ridgefield’s all-inclusive retreat packages bundle in coordination, curated vendors, ceremony and reception sites, and weekend-long access. That means you’re not scrambling to find a florist who knows how to work in the redwoods or a caterer familiar with the property. By contrast, some venues (especially traditional ballrooms or basic estates) offer little beyond the rental fee. You may get the view, but you’ll need to source every other detail yourself, which can quickly eat into both your time and your budget.
When weighing destination venues, couples should consider:
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Vendor partnerships: Does the venue connect you with local, vetted professionals, or are you on your own?
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On-site coordination: Will there be someone managing the logistics day-of, or will you have to hire externally?
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Guest accommodations/activities: Are there things for guests to do nearby, or will they be stranded?
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Flexibility: Does the venue give you access for the whole weekend, or are you racing against a 10-hour rental window?
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Transparency: Is “all-inclusive” really all-inclusive, or will you find yourself hit with hidden fees?
This is why Ridgefield shines for destination couples: it’s built for the experience, not just the ceremony. For couples traveling across the country, having these inclusions ready to go makes the planning process not only manageable, but actually enjoyable.
Destination Wedding Package Checklist
| Feature | Ridgefield | Resorts | Stand-Alone Rentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Site Coordination | ✔️ | ✔️ (limited) | — |
| Curated Vendor List | ✔️ (flexible) | ✔️ (restricted) | — |
| Ceremony + Reception Spaces | ✔️ Multiple | ✔️ Limited | ✔️ (varies) |
| Weekend-Long Access | ✔️ | — | — |
| Guest Activities Nearby | ✔️ Redwoods + Coast | ✔️ Resort amenities | — |
| Transparent Pricing | ✔️ | — (hidden fees common) | — (venue only) |
How to Build a Wedding Weekend + Minimoon Itinerary
One of the biggest shifts in destination weddings is that they’re no longer just a single-day event. Couples are designing entire weekends — sometimes spilling into weeklong adventures — so that guests can experience the place just as much as the party. A well-thought-out itinerary gives your guests something to look forward to at every stage, while giving you and your partner space to soak it all in. Here’s what a Ridgefield weekend could look like, with plenty of inspiration for other destinations too.
Friday | Arrival + Welcome
The first impression sets the tone. Guests arrive, shake off their travel, and immediately get to experience why they’ve come all this way. At Ridgefield, couples often host a welcome gathering on the stone patio — cocktails, live music, or even a casual taco truck setup under twinkle lights.
Some couples add a low-key activity earlier in the day, like a short hike among the redwoods, a group visit to a local brewery, or a cozy coffee meet-up in Arcata. This isn’t about going over the top; it’s about making sure guests feel relaxed, cared for, and excited about what’s coming.
Saturday | The Wedding Day
Saturday is the heartbeat of the weekend, but when you’re hosting a destination wedding, it doesn’t have to feel rushed. Morning can start with yoga in the meadow, brunch with your bridal party, or quiet time exploring the property. By afternoon, guests are gathering under the canopy of redwoods for the ceremony — a moment that feels both deeply personal and naturally grand.
The flow is designed for ease: a ceremony in The Grove, cocktail hour among the trees, and a reception that moves seamlessly into dinner and dancing. In 2026, more couples are choosing live bands over DJs, serving multi-course meals inspired by local ingredients, and adding interactive elements like photo lounges or content creators to capture behind-the-scenes moments. Ridgefield’s weekend access makes this kind of layered wedding possible without feeling like you’re cramming it all into one exhausting day.
Sunday | Farewell + Exploration
Post-wedding Sundays can go in two directions: a heartfelt goodbye or a launch into adventure. Many Ridgefield couples choose a farewell brunch — think mimosas, local pastries, and time to rehash all the weekend stories. From there, guests can branch off to explore Humboldt Redwoods State Park, wander the coastal bluffs, or take a scenic drive along the Avenue of the Giants. For couples, this is often the start of a minimoon road trip.
Destination-Specific Essentials
Couples who nail their destination weddings always think beyond the ceremony and reception. The extras — the things that make guests feel taken care of and keep the wedding party prepared — are what set the tone. Here are some essentials worth packing or ordering in advance:
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Printed Itineraries & Mini Guidebooks: Include the weekend schedule, directions, and local tips. Ridgefield couples often highlight Arcata cafés, redwood hikes, and coastal drives. These can be handed out at check-in or tucked into hotel welcome bags.
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Welcome Bags: Water bottles, snacks, handwritten notes, and small local goodies (like Humboldt chocolate or honey) add a thoughtful touch.
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Travel Emergency Kits (for the couple + bridal party): Mini sewing kits, Advil, band-aids, stain remover pens, safety pins, and backup bobby pins. You’d be shocked how often these save the day.
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Clothing Care: Portable steamers, wrinkle-release spray, and garment bags keep outfits photo-ready after long trips.
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Tech Support: Universal chargers, power banks, and international converters if you’re overseas. A dead phone on wedding day is not the vibe.
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Comfort Add-Ons: Breath mints, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray (especially for outdoor venues like Ridgefield), and foldable flats for all-night dancing.
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Personal Touches: Crossword puzzles or word searches themed to the couple, “meet the wedding party” cards, or small souvenirs tied to the location. These elevate the experience and give guests keepsakes to take home.
Minimoon Locations After Your Destination Wedding
Explore the West Coast
One of the biggest perks of hosting a destination wedding? You’re already in travel mode — so why not tack on a minimoon right after? Here’s how that looks for Ridgefield couples and for each of the other trending destinations.
From Ridgefield (Northern California Redwoods):
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Mendocino Coast – 3 hours by car, rugged coastline, cliffside inns, and wineries.
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Napa Valley – 4.5 hours by car, wine tastings, Michelin-star dining, spa retreats.
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San Francisco – 5.5 hours by car, Golden Gate views, food scene, city energy.
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Muir Redwood National Park – 1.5 hours by car, perfect for couples who want more forest hikes and coastal trails.
“You need a minimum of 7 days to do the entire stretch of coast from San Francisco to the redwoods near the Oregon border. With 3-5 days, we’d recommend staying in and around San Francisco and exploring the city, doing a couple of day trips from San Francisco to places like Point Reyes, the Marin Headlands, and Muir Woods.”
From Mexico/Caribbean:
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Quick flights to Belize, Costa Rica, or even Miami if you want to blend city nightlife with tropical vibes.
From Las Vegas:
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Road trips to the Grand Canyon (4 hours) or Zion National Park (2.5 hours).
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Short flights to Los Angeles, San Diego, or even Hawaii if you want to go big.
From Europe (Italy, Ireland, France, etc.):
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A Tuscan wedding? Hop to the Amalfi Coast or Santorini.
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An Irish castle wedding? Add on Scotland’s Highlands or a long weekend in Paris.
From Desert Destinations (Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Utah):
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Drive to LA (2–3 hours) for a culture fix.
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Short flights to Cabo or Hawaii for a mix of desert + beach.
From Mountain & Ski Resorts (Colorado, Switzerland, etc.):
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From Aspen, it’s an easy road trip to hot springs in Glenwood Springs or wine country in Palisade.
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From Switzerland, train to Lake Como or hop a flight to Barcelona for city-meets-sea.
Real Weddings at Ridgefield 🥂
Galleries of Past Wedding Weekends
There’s nothing like seeing real celebrations to understand the magic of a forest wedding. Each wedding featured here shows off a different side of what makes these venues unforgettable — and Ridgefield, naturally, takes center stage 😉.
Dressing up Your Destination
2026 Decor Trends and Personalizations
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Bold Color Palettes: Couples are swapping muted tones for fearless combos like citron + sky blue or lilac + rusty reds. Ridgefield’s redwood greens make jewel tones pop even more.
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Serpentine Table Layouts: Winding, curved setups are replacing linear rows, creating a softer, more interactive flow. Perfect for outdoor receptions under the trees.
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Experiential Guest Moments: Beyond dinner and dancing — think yoga in the meadow, live painting during cocktail hour, or stargazing in the desert. Ridgefield weekends make space for it all.
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Statement Florals & Fruit: Lush, wild arrangements mixed with fruit accents (lemons, peaches, berries) are trending across every destination style.
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Fashion Flexibility: Multiple outfit changes are in — from elegant gowns to playful minis and after-party jumpsuits. Weekend-long weddings make room for every look.
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Eco-Minded Touches: Local sourcing, sustainable favors, and menus inspired by regional farms are helping couples plan with style and conscience.
