The Most Beautiful Destination Wedding Locations in the U.S.
As a destination wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of traveling to some of the most beautiful locations in the United States! For me, there is nothing more exciting than combining my love of photography with my passion for travel. Each new location sparks my creativity and inspires me to create unique images that capture the essence of the couple and their special day. In this post, I’ll share some of my absolute favorite destination wedding locations in the U.S., as well as some of the most exceptional venues in each location that I’ve gotten to experience!
Top 7 Destination Wedding Locations in the U.S.
HAWAII
Hawaii is a tropical paradise that is synonymous with romance, making it the perfect destination for a dreamy wedding! The natural beauty of the islands provides a stunning backdrop for absolutely any ceremony or reception. From the black sand beaches of Maui to the lush rainforests of Kauai, there are endless possibilities for a truly unique wedding experience. Here are two wedding venues in Hawaii that are absolutely top-notch:
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: This luxurious venue is located on the southwest coast of Maui and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort includes a beautiful beachfront lawn and a stunning ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. An idyllic location in every way!
Haiku Mill: Located on the North shore of Maui, this absolutely stunning destination wedding venue is a beautifully restored sugar mill. The property features a romantic courtyard, a lush garden, and a stunning indoor space with soaring ceilings and antique chandeliers. I cannot say enough about this breathtaking space!
CALIFORNIA
From SoCal Malibu to the gorgeous hi-desert, to the northern rocky coasts and the beautiful Napa Valley, California offers a variety of landscapes and moods, diversity, and glamor. This makes the Golden State an ideal destination for couples looking for a United States destination wedding experience that is both chic and unique! Some of my absolute favorite California destination wedding venues include:
The ACE Hotel in Palm Springs: With its trendy design, stunning desert mountain views, and convenient location in downtown Palm Springs, the Ace Hotel is a top choice for couples looking for a unique wedding destination with all the right vibes. This modern and chic hotel is absolutely perfect for a laid-back, stylish, and intimate destination wedding.
The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this luxurious venue includes marvelous panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding wilderness. Where elegance meets element, The Ritz Lake Tahoe is pure magic!
Alila Ventana, Big Sur: The Alila Ventana in Big Sur is a breathtakingly beautiful wedding destination that is nestled in the heart of the California wilderness. The property features a beautiful ballroom and a stunning oceanfront terrace, with views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding redwood forests. The Alila is truly one of the most unforgettable California destination wedding venues you can find!
ARIZONA (my home state!)
I might be slightly biased, but AZ is forever one of the most stunning destination wedding locations in the U.S.! The beauty of the natural desert, with its large saguaro cactuses set against the mountains in the distance, creates the most beautiful backdrop for any wedding celebration. I have had the opportunity to photograph so many wonderful weddings at some unbelievable venues in Arizona – here are three of the best!
The Paseo: The Paseo is a spacious, elegant, light-filled venue in the stunning Sonoran Desert, located at the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. I have a few couples who chose not to visit any other wedding venues after seeing The Paseo - it’s just that ideal!
See more from this dreamy Arizona wedding venue here!
Blackstone Country Club: Also located in the Sonoran desert, Blackstone Country Club is a truly breathtaking wedding venue with an atmosphere of effortless elegance and romantic sophistication. The exquisite stone architecture and upscale event spaces blend gracefully with the golden hues of the desert and surrounding landscape! I could not dream up a more perfect setting.
Check out Allie and Taylor’s Effortlessly Elegant Black Stone Country Club Wedding here!
Omni Scottsdale Resort: This Spanish-style luxury Scottsdale wedding venue is all things beauty, with its white stucco exterior, intricately painted ceramic tiles, natural wood floors, and ornate Spanish chandeliers. This resort boasts a beautiful outdoor ceremony lawn set against the backdrop of desert palms and the picturesque Arizona mountains. It is absolutely impossible to not capture beauty here!
NEW YORK
New York City is always the place to be! With endless photo opportunities, delicious food, and tons of entertainment options for your guests, you're sure to have the destination wedding of your dreams in the city that never sleeps. From its beautifully lush parks to the city skyline views, New York truly has something for every taste and wedding style. Here is an extra-wonderful venue that I love!
Swan Club on the Harbor: This venue truly has everything you could want or need for an elegant city wedding! The Swan Club features grand chandeliers and large windows that allow natural light to flood the space, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. The lush gardens surrounding the property offer a perfect backdrop for outdoor ceremonies or post-wedding photos. What more could we ask for?
Check out Libby and Akil’s multicultural garden wedding at this beautiful New York wedding venue!
MAINE
Maine is an incredible United States destination wedding location that is totally worth the trek! With its picturesque coastal towns and stunning mountain vistas, Maine has it all. And of course, the seafood and lobster rolls are to die for! There's something so magical about the quaint charm of Maine that makes it the perfect place for a romantic and intimate wedding. Whether you're looking for a beachfront wedding or a woodland celebration, Maine has a variety of stunning venues and scenery to make your destination wedding unforgettable:
Spruce Point Inn Resort and Spa: Located in Boothbay Harbor, this elegant resort is directly on the beautiful Maine coast, and has the most incredible ocean views and manicured gardens! If you’re hoping for an iconic North Eastern wedding, this venue is truly everything you could dream of.
Hidden Pond Resort: This secluded destination venue is set among 60 acres of pristine woodlands and features a rustic yet luxurious atmosphere. The resort includes a gorgeous barn and garden and offers farm-to-table cuisine and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. It's an amazing choice for couples who want a more intimate and rustic wedding celebration surrounded by nature.
FLORIDA
The Sunshine State! Whether you want to tie the knot on a white-sand beach, in a lush garden, or at a sparkling theme park, Florida is one of the dreamiest and most desirable destination wedding locations in the U.S. The tropical climate is nothing less than idyllic for any outdoor celebration, and there are so many vibrant locations and wedding venues to choose from!
The Breakers Palm Beach: This is one of the most popular beachfront destination wedding venues in Florida. With its ocean views, elegant architecture, and luxurious amenities, this elegant venue has everything you need to create a truly unforgettable wedding experience!
The Don CeSar: The iconic "Pink Palace" on St. Pete Beach is one of Florida's most recognizable landmarks! The Don CeSar has been a beloved wedding venue for nearly a century and boasts stunning ballrooms, a private beach, and sweeping Gulf views – historic Florida at its most elegant!
The PACIFIC NORTHWEST: WASHINGTON STATE and OREGON
The Pacific Northwest is one of my absolute favorite destination wedding locations in the entire United States - it’s hard to even know where to begin! The scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful, with gorgeous forests, peaceful mountain stillness, and stunning coastlines as far as the eye can see. And let's not forget about the weather! It can definitely be a little unpredictable at times, but when the sun is shining in the PNW, there's nothing quite like it. The golden light filtering through the trees or dancing off the waves will make for some seriously stunning wedding photos that you'll treasure for years to come. If you’re looking for a more laid-back wedding vibe or an elegant celebration in natural beauty, Washington and Oregon are truly two of the best destinations! Here are two of the exceptional wedding locations these states have to offer:
Mount Rainier: if you're hoping for a destination wedding location that's equal parts epic and intimate, look no further than Mount Rainier National Park in Washington! Whether you're hiking up to a mountain lookout, saying your vows in a wildflower-filled meadow, or even getting married on snowshoes in the winter, there are endless opportunities for unique and unforgettable wedding experiences in this stunning space. And if you're wondering about logistics, there are some amazing vendors in the area that specialize in mountain weddings! I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful elopement beneath this mountain, and I still cannot get over the beauty of the moments I was able to capture.
Cannon Beach: This Oregon wedding location is a Pacific Northwest dream come true. The impressive backdrop of Haystack Rock, and the natural beauty of the surrounding coastline create an absolutely iconic setting for a memorable destination wedding in nature. It is a perfect place to relax, celebrate, and create unforgettable moments with the people you love most!
The United States is such a diverse country, rich with beautiful landscapes! I love how each state offers its own distinct scenery and ambiance and there is no shortage of amazing locations to choose from! If you’re planning your very own United States destination wedding, please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - I would love to help make your destination dreams a reality!
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