Saying ‘I do’ is a very special moment for a couple. Trends and preferences for where to get married have changed drastically – destination weddings have really become a thing for over the years. How millennials do it?
‘Think Splendid’, which specializes in weddings, highlights that 40% of millennials are children of divorce, but many still want to get married! They just want to have original ceremonies, such as beach wedding or a party on a cliff.
Social media, ecological awareness and unusual honeymoon destinations of young celebrities are some of the factors that are completely changing how millennials say ‘I do’.
The way I see it, our generation could be identified as ‘ME GENERATION’. While our parents and grandparents cared about their tradition, we care about the experience – in a sense of a lifetime event. Whether we want it or not, social media has a direct impact on it.
There is no denying – millennials are glued to their phones, and undoubtedly have a great desire to share their lives online. Did you know there are hotels, such as Barceló Montecastillo, that have a Wedding Social Manager who “reports” the wedding on social media?
The city hall or church at the bride’s hometown? It’s not the main choice anymore!
There are more and more couples who decide to have their BIG DAY in an idyllic destination their once visited or have always wanted to see.
There’s something magical about feet-in-the-sand vows.
Here are some of the most popular destinations of 2018.
All the prices given are approximate, based on my research and prices from May 2018.
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii has always been popular, but this year Maui made it to the top of destination weddings listings. Magnificent lush landscapes, bamboo forests, heavenly white beaches? Maui is said to be perfect for everyone. Unlike the majority of tropical destinations, the Hawaiian weather is perfect year-round. Even during the winter months, there isn’t much rain or bad weather. The only thing to avoid is the tourist season which can see a surge in prices – but this is applicable to every destination from today’s list. The resorts to have a look at are Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton or Fairmont.
Best time? Maui is a year-round destination, but try to avoid Christmas and V-day 🙂
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : Maui Hawaii Wedding Package 1 (basic package) $395 + 4% Tax + $170 over 17 guests
Maui Hawaii Wedding Lux Package $2,100* + 4% Tax
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) $500-600 per night per couple (excl tax)
Picture credits: Maui Wedding Photographer Caitlyn Cathey Photo
Guatemala,
Some experts claim Guatemala has been a well-kept secret for destination weddings. Two favourite locations in the Central American country are the astonishing UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Antigua as well as picture-perfect Lake Atitlan( said to be Lake Como of Guatemala). Authentic, colourful villages around the lake and views of a trio of volcanos make some really great photography opportunities for sure. As it was said by Mr Aceituno, who is a wedding expert specialising in destination weddings: ‘Guatemala is the place where magic was born. All the venues are the and special, perfect places to celebrate love, and the weather is like a friend we get along with, a perfect 75 degrees all year long. Our culture is one of taking care of our visitors—we love our guests and we show it.’
Best time? All year round!
Ischia, Italy
A wedding in Italy? It’s a YES from me! Tuscany, Positano, Portofino, Sicily, Lake Como, Venice, Puglia? Italy is full of picture-perfect and world-renowned wedding destinations for sure. But the big boot-shaped country still has some gems to be discovered. Ischia is the volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, located next to its rival Capri. The chic resorts and hotels on Ischia make a fabulous choice for a wedding ceremony. It will make an incredible reception with it WOW views and its Mediterranean cuisine and delicious vino. I am telling you – Ischia is a thing this year.
Best time? April to early June or September to mid October
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : Basic Wedding Package 5,900€
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) 190-250€ per night per couple
Picture credits: Gaetano Rossi Photography
Marrakech, Morocco
The weddings of Poppy Delevingne or Dianna Agron put Marrakech in front of the ‘wedding ideas’ in recent years, at least in Europe. Well – no wonder. ‘The red city has a magical spirit and bohemian vibe that makes it a distinctive choice for brides with a sense of adventure’ says Boutique Souk founder Rosena Charmoy, who planned Delevingne and Agron’s ceremonies. ‘The city’s architecture and gardens create wow-factor settings and its golden light makes for very romantic wedding photography’. Marrakech is simply filled with vivid colours, palm trees, mosaic corners and culinary delights. Morroco stands for an idyllic setting – imagine sleeping in an iconic riad for your wedding night!
The best time for a wedding? From March to May or from September to early November!
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : 14 Guests wedding reception + stay at Riad Star for 3 nights is around $5,000
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) $120-200 per night per couple
Traditional riad price : $50-70 per night
Picture credits: Green Wedding Shoes
Bora Bora,
The word(s) Bora Bora are automatically linked to a luxurious resort and heaven-like surroundings. There is no doubt the beaches on the South Pacific would make a PERFECT background for a wedding. Bora Bora makes it to the ‘top wedding locations’ list for ages, and 2018 is no exception. The easiest way to organise a wedding is to find a tour operator that specialises in overseas weddings or book direct with a hotel that has a good reputation – my pick would be Four Seasons Bora Bora. They really do offer an extraordinary experience!
Best time? Try to avoid the travel high season, which is from June – October!
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : from $4,599
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) $800-2,000
Four Seasons Bora Bora $2,000 per night incl breakfast
Picture credit: One Bora Bora – an informational website
The Republic of Fiji,
You can choose any of the 333 Islands and create a memory that will last forever. Fiji is a paradise on Earth (they say). The endless ocean views and sandy beaches will give your wedding guests an exotic experience they will never forget. Apart from that, the Fijians are known for their hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine. As for the ceremony – you can have a romantic sunset wedding, barefoot celebrations in the forest or more sophisticated gala dinner in a ballroom. What are you waiting for?
Best time? Try to avoid the peak season from July to October!
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : from $6,000-13,700 for 20 guests and from $11,700-23,000 for 50 guests
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) $300-1,500
Picture: wedding photographers in Fiji @zoomfiji
Philippines,
If cost is a concern, it might sound ridiculous but it’s worth considering going halfway around the world for the most romantic day of your lives. That’s because the country of Philippines offers a lot in terms of value, and is, of course, one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. You won’t see the natural beauty like this anywhere else, and you also won’t find magical traditional Philippino ceremonies. The Philippines also means the most beautiful beaches in the world. The White Beach Boracay has just temporarily been closed ( for six months), but the Philippines is so much more! The best wedding location? Just any beach!
Best time? Marrying months in the Philippines are said to be June and December.
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : from Php 100,000($1,000) for 70 guests (basic package) to Php 360,000 ($3,600) for the ‘Royal wedding package’ and 100 guests.
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) $120-150
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic,
If you are looking for an affordable beach destination wedding, the Dominican Republic might be the place for your taste. Punta Cana offers a number of beautiful resorts to choose from, or you can choose to stay in La Romana which is slightly more remote. It is said to be the best destination for the couples who love the beach, scuba diving and a laid-back lifestyle. With its crystal-clear waters and lovely beaches, Punta Cana is one of those millennial-fav destination! It is also easily accessible from both Europe and America. Many couples claim Bávaro Beach is a place where they would like to say ‘I do’. In Punta Cana, the tropical ceremony is followed by a celebration filled with music and joy.
Best period? August, September and October
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : basic package at drearesorts.com $999, exclusive package $2,799 in August, September and October and $3,199 all year round
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) $200-250 per night per couple
Picture: Asia Pimentel Photography
Costa Rica,
Costa Rica is a country filled with unique wedding destinations – it was voted one of the hottest wedding destinations of 2018 for a reason. From waterfalls in the jungle to white sandy beaches – Costa Rica has it all. Whether the couple is looking for a crystal-clear sea, lush forests around, or a more traditional setting immersed in the colonial architecture of iconic cities such as San José, it can all be found in this Southern American country. More than a ceremony, the nation opens the doors to an experience to be enjoyed with family, to having fun with friends, all in one space next to the Pacific.
The best time to get married here is between October and May.
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices : Ceremony & Reception Wedding Package average/
A complete Costa Rica wedding package price may be under $5,000 for 20 people, depending on the season.
Accomodation: 5 Star Hotel***** (off season) $80-120 per night per couple
Picture: professional wedding planners Intimate Weddings
Majorca,
Mallorca, a beloved destination of young Germans, meets all the requirements for both, the weddings and honeymoons. Try not to agree! The varied landscapes that allow you to walk barefoot on a sandy beach or say ‘I do’ in a chapel at the top of a mountain with the views of the Sierra de Tramuntana are some of the reasons why this Balearic island is the preferred wedding destination for European millennials. Majorca means 300 days of sunshine a year, famous Spanish hospitality, friendly culture and delicious Paellas. I especially loved the cliff wedding captured by Nordica Photography!
The best time? April-May and September-October. Avoid the peak season!
Cost :
Approximate Wedding Package Prices (all Prices plus IVA), 25 Guests around 8,725€
Accomodation : 5 Star Hotel ( off season prices) ***** 200-300€ per night per couple at Palma de Mallorca
Picture credit: Mallorca Wedding Photographer Nordica Photography
Header Picture: Exquisite Weddings Magazine
I hope this post will help you in making your decision 🙂 Make sure to also check my Destination Wedding posts from ISRAEL and DUBAI.
Happy planning and all the best!
Bora Bora has been on my list for years. I hope I’ll make it there one day…
Yes to all of these! Wow, what amazing places to get married! We had a budget wedding at home but if I could turn back the clock, I’d definitely do it abroad, maybe in the south of France 🙂
Nice list! The one of Costa Rica is my fave in your list!
This is perfect for brides to be (and grooms)! Great recommendations for wedding destinations. Bora Bora looks so dreamy.
I am an Xennial and I couldn’t agree more with this list of popular wedding destinations in 2018!
But, I would just add one more destination to the list: Croatia – my homeland!
I think a wedding in Ischia would be amazing! I haven’t been there but I did visit Procida which is right next to it. So beautiful!
These are definitely places where I would love to get married! Wow! Loved every single one of them!
Great suggestions! Too bad I got married last year 😉 I spent my honeymoon in Cuba and Mexico which was amazing but all these locations sound great as well!
Wow all those destinations sound dreamy !
https://thefrenchiestblog.wordpress.com
Oh wow! How pretty, i love the last one – it’s so so dreamy.
Much Love
Katrin
http://www.octobreinparis.de
Wow!The last one ist my fav!Wonderful post!
http://www.lostindaydreams.com/
Gorgeous choices you have here dear. You really can’t go wrong with Italy. Bora Bora and Philippines are such a beautiful choices too.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Ahhh take me to any of these places! They look like heaven on earth xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Beautiful places. xoxoxo
http://www.toksblog.com
Very beautiful places and I loved the photos!
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
<3
Fantastic destinations! I woudln’t know what to choose!
Tocados
same here!
these locations are outstanding!
THE LALA LOOKBOOK
http://www.thelalalookbook.com
Good article and knowledge for me! I found a lot of information here! This article is really good for all newbie here. Thank you for sharing with us!