We’re calling it: destination weddings are back in a big way. There are so many pros to getting hitched on holidays, but a lot of couples worry about the logistics of it. We get it, it’s not easy to plan an event in a place that you don’t quite know that well. Luckily, there’s vendors out there that specialise in just that, and we’re about to let you in on the best of the best.
We don’t like to talk about those two years when travel was put on pause, but we will say that the itchy feet became very real. So what better way to celebrate freedom than gathering all your fam and mates for a vacay slash wedding? Kick off your shoes, go make a piña colada and let the wanderlust begin!
While you’ve got your Pinterest board at the ready, we’ve just so happened to have blogged some pretty sweet destination weddings lately that are full of inspo. Be sure to check out Bonnie & Jason’s stylish Kangaroo Island wedding, Kirstie & Olly’s laidback Byron Bay day, and Lucy & Jonno’s beachside Bali celebration. Our Best of 2022: Styling Ideas is also a must-see for getting into the swing of your wedding planning adventure!
QUEENSTOWN
When we talk about destination weddings, you’re probably thinking of barefoot in the sand. However, one of our top picks is a little different (you can still be barefoot, however your feet might get cold). Queenstown hosts a broad range of stunning venues – whether you’re wanting a Summer soiree in a vineyard or a wedding set against a backdrop of dramatic snowy mountains, this resort town has it all. Heck, thrill seekers can even elope straight out of a helicopter. You might be overwhelmed with so many choices, but thankfully our friends at the Queenstown Wedding Association are here to help. Have a look at their extensive directory to get started!
BALI
Bali, along with it’s gorgeous beaches and friendly locals, has long been a popular wedding destination with Aussie couples. With short and affordable flights from any of Australia’s capital cities, it’s easily accessible as far as a destination wedding goes and ensures the majority of your friends and families can make the trip. But where to even begin? Hitch’d Weddings needs to be every couple’s first port of call. They are literally your one stop shop for all of your wedding needs and know all of the best vendors. Wanna check out some of their handy work? Simply click here.
CENTRAL COAST
Sydneysiders, rejoice! When choosing a destination wedding location, usually the travel time it requires springs to mind. Thankfully, we have over 40 majestic beaches of the Central Coast on our doorstep (or a 90 minute drive from the CBD if we’re being specific). From Patonga up to Lake Macquarie, the area is bursting with both oceanside and bushside venues, including HM personal fave The Ridge Estate. What’s more is your loved ones can save on those pesky airfares while still being transported to that vacay feeling. Check out Mulynda & Jacob’s wedding for their local vendor rec’s, and click here for the ultimate Central Coast area guide.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding destinations here in Oz, but the NT always comes in towards the top of our list. From the viewing areas of the desert plains, to the balmy rainforests of Kakadu National Park and tropical coast of Darwin, there’s no shortage of epic backdrops to host romantic nuptials. Need some inspo to plan your own? You’re going to want to see Caroline & Christian’s beachside vows in Issue 36 (grab your copy here!) and Ash & Josh’s wedding at Uluru lookout.
BYRON BAY
Oh Byron, we love you so. This little beachside town may be only a two hour drive from Brissie and an hour flight from Sydney, but as soon as the iconic welcome sign tells you to “cheer up, slow down, and chill out,” you find yourself doing just that. Elope, owned by fourth-generation local Emily, has mastered the art of helping couples lean into Byron’s cruisy vibe with bespoke micro weddings. Whether you’re drawn to the lush hinterlands or stunning beaches, we can’t think of much that would be more romantic than running away to Byron to tie the knot.
FIJI
How could we sum up our fave destination wedding hot spots and not include Fiji? Fiji is practically Australia’s neighbour – that friendly neighbour who everybody loves, and always makes you feel welcome to have a cocktail by their gorgeous pool on a hot Summer day. At the Intercontinental Fiji you and your guests can do just that, before and after your ceremony on their glorious wedding pavilion overlooking Natadola Bay. Their dedicated planners and years of experience will ensure that you are in the best hands while you soak up the tropical vibes with your lover and pals.
JOSHUA TREE
Believe us when we say that Joshua Tree is worth the travel time from Oz. Located near Palm Springs, the National Park is chock full of rugged terrains that make for a wicked backdrop for nature loving couples. There are more than 10 locations in the Park itself to tie the knot that can host from 5-100 guests, however, our pick? An intimate elopement in the wilderness during the day, and camping under the stars at night. Ah, dreamy.
PHILLIP ISLAND
This one ain’t just for our dear Melbourne readers! We’re about to let outsiders in on the secret of how magical Phillip Island really is. It may be renowned for it’s penguins (we mean, who doesn’t love penguins?!) but the 101km² parcel off the southern coast in fact houses incred wedding locations including coastal lookouts, vineyards and farms. Phillip Island was well and truly put on our map by Anna & Ben’s beachside nuptials, which provides all the destination wedding ideas we could dream of. If you’re keen to plan an Island wedding then reach out here to the kind folks at Phillip Island Official Tourism who can point you in the right direction for local vendors!
HAWAII
If you’re looking for the quintessential tropical vacation to tie your wedding in with, then look no further! The islands of Hawaii are home to over 10,000 destination weddings every year, and it’s easy to understand why. Beyond the luxury resorts and foodie scene lies hidden white sand beaches, active volcanoes and lush rainforests that you’ve got to see to believe – and you can, with direct flights from Sydney to Honolulu. Loving the idea of a Hawaiian elopement? You’ve gotta check out Megan & Jonathan’s Waikiki vows, shot by lens legend Janneke Storm. The poolside photos, the hibiscus bouquet, the Taco Bell afterwards… We’re obsessed with all of it.
THAILAND
It’s all in the name – you just jump on that plane and let Take Us To Thailand do all of the hard yards for you. Anna and her team know that you want to enjoy the ‘relaxing holiday’ element of your destination wedding, so they have every single detail down pat when it comes to the planning and styling. Whether it’s ‘Thai-ing’ the knot on the beach in Koh Samui or hosting a dreamy mountain love-fest in Chiang Mai, Anna can make it happen. All that’s left for you to do is get hitched!
CREDITS Photos (from top) Intercontinental Fiji, Barefoot and Bearded, ALMA Photography, Trent and Jessie, Lilly At Dawn, Danielle Webster Photography, Intercontinental Fiji, The Times We Have, Kinship by Kristy, Anela Benavides Photography, Ed Peers.