5 Expert Tips on Planning a Destination Wedding — No Passport Required

"Almost every destination-wedding-worthy city will have venue options," said Sojourner, cofounder of Erganic Design. "But when planning a destination wedding, make sure you select a venue that truly works not only with your vision, but also that logically makes sense based on how much time you can devote to planning."

Sojourner makes a great point by using a villa with a view or estate mansion as examples both amazing in concept but laborious in terms of execution. Such large venues require a ton of time to vet, coordinate, and manage vendors. If this sounds like more work than you're willing to put in, she suggests selecting a place with catering options so that food service and staffing are already taken care of. Hotels are particularly convenient because all your guests can stay in one place, and they typically provide a list of suggested vendors, which can serve as your starting point when figuring out photography, florals, etc.

Additionally, some venues charge a fee if you choose to work with vendors that aren't on their preferred list. Before committing to location, find out how negotiable they are to remove those specifics from any contracts and what other restrictions the venue has. Not all venues will negotiate this part, regardless of whether the vendor has the necessary insurance and credibility.

A simple way to weed out good and bad venue options is to see how they communicate. "However the process is in the beginning is how it will be throughout the wedding-planning process," said Sojourner. "If the venue's main point of contact is not easy to deal with on the front end, it will only get worse."

Highlight your wedding location with elements unique to the area. Find your decorations and details from where the locals shop to give it extra authenticity.

"We love designing a destination wedding based on a native plant color, textile pattern, or artisan craft!" said Sarah Tivel, CEO of Gather Events. "Your guests will be delighted by details they don’t get to see every day."

Where you choose to throw your wedding can be locally based, too! Consider neighboring towns or a fun state rather than a foreign country. It'll be easier for your guests while still adding some adventure to your wedding. Antonia of Antonia Christianson Events said that one of their favorite destination locations is Paso Robles, CA, wine country, a rising vacation spot.

"There are so many gorgeous wineries to choose from and truly a little something for everyone," she said. "From coastal views to rolling hills, you truly can not go wrong!"

On top of having over 600 wineries in its region, Paso Robles is the epitome of farm-to-table dining if food is high on your criteria. It's also known for its olive oil as much as it is for its wine.

Picturesque locations like this are also a great opportunity for day activities with guests.

Some additional general tips from Antonia include making sure you read your contracts completely and to look into large homes to rent for your guests rather than having them stay in a hotel. "This allows all of your guests to really savor quality time with the couple and family as a group!" she said.

Be safe and check for all major events happening at your destination location around your planned date. Sara, owner of Fete Nashville, is an expert on destination weddings in Nashville and said the key to planning is to choose your dates first. Hotel accommodations could be entirely unavailable during certain weekends.

"There are some weekends, like Vanderbilt’s homecoming or the CMA Music Festival, that are just off limits," Sara said. "The hotels are booked months in advance — and prices are jacked up — and a lot of the rental and catering companies are already booked as well."

Sara also urges couples to book the photographer, videographer, and entertainment once securing a venue and wedding planner, as they often get booked months in advance and can only take one wedding per day.

For a Nashville wedding, for example, Sarah encourages her clients to incorporate live country or bluegrass during cocktail hour and to serve local favorites as appetizers, like fried green tomatoes or mini BBQ sliders. Get creative with your bar options and see if there are any local breweries or distilleries to sample from also.

Really give your guests a feel of your destination location by making your wedding favors align or by providing welcome bags.

"We always include a note from the bride and groom welcoming them to Nashville with a list of fun activities for them to do on their downtime, as well as the wedding weekend festivities, including time, place, attire, and any parking instructions or transportation information that will make their weekend more enjoyable," she said.

Your guests did make the trip to be a part of your special day, so show your appreciation by making it an experience worthwhile!