EEEKK, a destination wedding!! There’s something SO special about gathering your favorite people somewhere new and turning your wedding into a whole adventure. Destination weddings tend to be more intimate, more relaxed, and a lot more like a vacation with the people you love most. If you’re dreaming about one, whether it’s Italy, Mexico, or somewhere totally unexpected, here are the destination wedding planning tips I’d tell a friend before they start.

Bride and groom at Palazzo Murat in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, an Italy destination wedding

Why Couples Love Destination Weddings

A smaller guest list means more real time with each person. Your wedding becomes a full weekend instead of one busy day. And the backdrop – a beach, a mountain town, a European village – does a lot of the decorating for you.

7 Destination Wedding Planning Tips

  1. See the venue first. Visit in person if you can, or ask for a live video walkthrough. Photos online don’t always show you the light or the layout.
  2. Send save the dates early. Aim for 8 to 12 months out so guests have time to book flights and request time off.
  3. Hire a local planner or coordinator. Someone who knows the area, the vendors, and the weather is worth their weight in gold.
  4. Check the legal requirements. Some countries have residency rules or paperwork. Lots of couples sign the legal documents at home and have the celebration abroad.
  5. Think about the season. Research rainy seasons, hurricane season, and peak tourist months before you lock in a date.
  6. Plan the whole weekend. Welcome dinner, a beach day, a farewell brunch… these are often the moments guests remember most.
  7. Make it easy for your guests. A wedding website with travel info, hotel blocks, and a simple itinerary saves everyone a TON of questions.
Groom kissing his bride with the pastel hillside villas of the Amalfi Coast behind them during an Italy destination wedding

Dreaming of an Italy Destination Wedding?

Okay, can we talk about Italy for a second?? An Italy destination wedding is at the top of SO many couples’ dream lists, and for good reason. The food, the light, the history, the slower pace… it’s pure magic for wedding photos.

Where to Get Married in Italy

  • The Amalfi Coast – cliffside villages, lemon groves, and Mediterranean views in Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi.
  • Tuscany – rolling hills, cypress trees, and countryside villas and vineyards near Florence and Siena.
  • Lake Como – elegant lakeside villas, gardens, and boat rides between ceremony and dinner.
  • Puglia – whitewashed towns, olive groves, and masserias (historic farmhouse estates) in Italy’s south.
  • Rome – for couples who want city energy, ancient architecture, and a little Roman Holiday moment.

Italy Wedding Planning Tips

  1. Pick your season wisely. Late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) usually bring warm weather and softer crowds than peak summer.
  2. Decide on legal vs. symbolic. A legal ceremony in Italy means extra paperwork, translated documents, and appointments. Lots of couples sign the legal documents at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Italy instead.
  3. Work with an Italy wedding planner. Someone local knows the venues, the vendors, and the permits, and can help with everything in Italian.
  4. Plan for August. Many Italians vacation in August, so some vendors and venues may close or book up fast.
  5. Build in golden hour. Italian light at sunset is unreal, so plan your portraits (and maybe a Vespa ride or two) around it!

Should You Bring Your Own Destination Wedding Photographer?

Full transparency – I’m a little biased here lol. But bringing a photographer you already know and trust is one of the best decisions you can make. You’ve already connected with their style, you’re comfortable in front of their camera, and you don’t have to vet someone from thousands of miles away. Travel fees are usually more reasonable than couples expect, especially compared to everything else on the trip.

And for your photos? A new location means fresh scenery, golden light you’ve never seen before, and those candid, in-between moments with your people in a place that feels like a dream – whether that’s an Italian villa or a beach on the other side of the world.

The colorful cliffside village of Positano and its beach umbrellas on the Amalfi Coast, an Italy destination wedding location

Dreaming of a destination wedding in Italy or anywhere else in the world? I’d absolutely love to hear about it!! Reach out and let’s chat about bringing me along for the adventure.