Planning a destination wedding is super exciting, but we know it can also feel a bit overwhelming. With so many stunning places to choose from, how do you find the perfect spot that truly reflects your love story? Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside ceremony, a cozy countryside gathering, or a grand castle affair, the right venue can make your big day unforgettable. In this fun and laid-back guide, I’ll help you navigate the world of destination wedding venues. Get ready for some insider tips and practical advice to make picking the perfect “I do” spot a breeze!
Questions you need to ask yourself before beginning the hunt?
- What kind of venue are you looking for — beach, palace fort, barns, hotel banquet hall, cruise, etc?👀
- Do you want an outdoor or indoor venue?🗻🏠
- Do you want it to be summer or winter wedding?🌦🍁
- If it is monsoon — indoor is your best option trust me!! 🌦️🌨️
- Make a tentative guest list and get a count of the number of rooms you might require? How many people can the venue accommodate?👥
- Would you want the property to provide catering or you would like to get an external caterer on board?🤤
- Also note down 2–3 possible dates you can married on? The date will be decided based on venue availability 😅
- Decide on a budget range you are okay to spend on the wedding?
Once you have all the answers ready, you my friend are good to go!!!
Next thing of course is how to even find the venue????
Finding the perfect destination wedding venue can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a fun and exciting process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the ideal venue for your big day:
1.Budget Filter
This helps you narrow down your options and ensure you don’t fall in love with a place that’s out of reach.
2. Choose Your Destination
Decide on a general location first. Consider places that are meaningful to you as a couple, as well as practical aspects like travel accessibility for majority of your guests.
3. Research Online
Use wedding websites, blogs, and forums to find popular destination wedding venues. Websites like The Knot, WedMeGood, and WeddingSutra have comprehensive listings and reviews for Indian weddings.
4. Consult a Wedding Planner
If it fits your budget, hiring a wedding planner who specialises in destination weddings can be a game-changer. They have insider knowledge and can recommend venues that match your vision.
For example — I mentioned my budget to the planner and the kind of venue I was looking for and he could churn out few options immediately.
5. Social Media
Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are treasure troves of wedding inspiration. Search for hashtags related to destination weddings and look for tagged venues in the locations you’re considering.
I personally used wedding pages on Instagram and whenever I liked the vibe of certain wedding reel, I used the tags and made a list of few locations.
6. Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to friends, family, or online communities for recommendations. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights that you won’t find anywhere else.Basically you can ditch your research and use someone else’s hard work haha.
7. Visit in Person
Please please please, plan a trip to visit your shortlisted venues. The list should have only 4–5 options.More than that will just make you confused.Seeing them in person can give you a better sense of the atmosphere and logistics.
There was literally a property I love and thought, this will be the one.
But honestly didn’t like it when I visited there.
8. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Look for reviews and testimonials from other couples who have had their weddings at the venues you’re considering. Their experiences can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
9. Contact Venues Directly
Reach out to venues directly to ask about availability, packages, and any special offers they might have. This is also a good time to inquire about on-site coordinators and their services.
10. Consider Logistics
Think about the practicalities, such as accommodation for guests, transportation to that location.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding a destination wedding venue that perfectly suits your style, budget, and needs. Happy venue hunting!
If you want to know the venue list I shortlisted and which one I finalised on, Comment below!!
