Should I have a Destination Wedding? | Pros & Cons, and How to Plan One
So, you’re feeling the horizon calling out to you — maybe it’s a soft white-sand beach, or a halor of towering snowy mountains, or a villa straight out of a travel magazine. When it comes to a destination wedding, the world IS your oyster (as it should be!).
Welcome to all things destination weddings for the beautiful Kiwi couple you are — the good, the challenges, and the super exciting bits of tying the knot away from home.
Contents
What Is a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is exactly what it sounds like: getting married in a location that’s not your hometown. It’s an adventure, a celebration, and a mini-holiday all rolled into one!
For Kiwi couples, this could mean heading to the classic tropical hotspots like Fiji, Bali, or Rarotonga. Or, you might choose to keep things closer to home with a domestic destination wedding — you know, like Queenstown’s alpine goodness, the golden beaches of the Coromandel, or a lush winery in Marlborough. Our beautiful Aotearoa isn’t short of wild, spectacularly diverse landscapes. It also save you from the stress of international flights, passports, and coordinating overseas logistics. No matter where you go, the key is choosing a location that speaks to your shared love story.
Pros of Having a Destination Wedding
Let’s start with why people love destination weddings (and why I’m an advocate for them too). Spoiler alert: there are plenty of reasons!
1. It Turns Your Wedding Into an Experience (Not Just a Day)
Your wedding will be much more than a day — it’ll be an absolutely unforgettable journey from start to finish.
Picture: the excitement of landing in a breathtaking location, being welcomed by the scent of the ocean or crisp mountain air. You reconnect with loved ones over a welcome dinner and share laughter during local excursions. The ceremony is just the beginning, not the end of the occasion!
You’ll make memories that go way beyond your vows — like dancing barefoot under the stars or sharing breakfast with your guests as the sun rises over the horizon. Every moment becomes part of your wedding story, making it not just an event, but an experience of a lifetime.
2. Built-In Decor
When the backdrop for your vows is a glistening turquoise lagoon, rolling vineyard hills, or magnificent snow-dusted mountains, you don’t need to worry or spend a lot on elaborate decor. Nature’s already taken care of that for you. Not to mention your photos will look effortlessly stunning. Literally a dream Pinterest board come to life — except it’s all real, and it’s your irl.
3. Smaller Guest List = Intimacy
Destination weddings often naturally lead to smaller guest lists. And while it might feel tricky to cut down your invites, this can actually be a blessing in disguise! You’ll share your day with the people who mean the most (and whom you genuinely want there), which makes for a warm, intimate atmosphere where everyone feels genuinely connected.
There’s something magical about celebrating with a close-knit group of loved ones — it means that you get to be yourself, you have time to soak in every moment, and every interation is genuine and meaningful.
4. Combine Your Wedding and Honeymoon
Why not start your honeymoon early? When your ceremony takes place in a location as gorgeous as your dream vacation spot, it’s easy to transition straight into post-wedding bliss. Many couples choose to extend their stay, giving themselves time to relax, explore, and soak up the magic of newlywed life — all without the hassle of additional travel.
5. Escape the Norm
Let’s be honest — big, traditional weddings can feel a bit... basic. A destination wedding gives you the freedom to break away from the cookie-cutter mold. You get to personalise every detail to suit your vision and make it truly yours (a sunset beach barbecue instead of a formal reception, anyone?). It’s your chance to craft a celebration that feels authentically you, infused with heaps of adventure, and a touch of wanderlust.
Cons of Having a Destination Wedding
Okay, it’s not all sunsets and champagne. Here are a few potential challenges to keep in mind:
1. Logistical Headaches
Planning a wedding is hard. Planning one in a place you might not have visited before? Even harder. From flights and accommodations to navigating local legal requirements, there’s a lot to juggle. You might find yourself googling things like “how to transport wedding flowers internationally” at 2 a.m. Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator who specializes in destination weddings can be a lifesaver — they’ll handle the nitty-gritty so you can focus on enjoying the process.
2. Not Everyone Can Come
While a smaller guest list is a pro for some, it can be bittersweet if certain loved ones can’t make the trip. Travel costs, time off work, and passport requirements can all be deal-breakers for potential guests. If it’s important to you to have everyone present, this would be something to consider.
3. Higher Travel Costs
Flights, accommodations, and potentially covering costs for your wedding party can add up quickly. Even if you’re saving on decor or venue expenses, these travel-related costs can make destination weddings more expensive than they initially seem. Budgeting and prioritizing are key to keeping things manageable — though don’t forget that this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so don’t stress too much and live your best life!
4. Limited Planning Visits
If you’re getting married overseas, you might not have the chance to visit your venue or meet vendors in person before the big day. This can make planning feel like a trust exercise, so it’s crucial to do thorough research, read reviews, and work with vendors who are experienced in destination weddings. Virtual walkthroughs and video calls can also help bridge the gap.
Leave the Logistics to Me
Destination weddings come with their fair share of logistics, but that doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out by yourself. From scouting locations to documenting your wedding experience, I’ve got you. Let’s make this a stress-free adventure.
How to Plan Your Destination Wedding (Step-by-Step Guide)
Planning a destination wedding is like planning the ultimate group holiday — except with fancier outfits, a legally binding contract, and (hopefully) fewer arguments about where to eat. If you’re ready to swap stress for sunshine, spreadsheets for sandy beaches, and distant cousins for your actual favorite people, here’s how to pull it off like a pro.
1. Pick Your Destination
Close your eyes. Picture your dream wedding day. Are you barefoot on a beach? Sipping wine in a vineyard? Standing on a cliff like you’re starring in a Lord of the Rings reboot?
New Zealand has some seriously epic spots — Queenstown is peak alpine romance, Rotorua gives you geothermal drama, and Waiheke Island? Say hello to wine and ocean views.
Going overseas? Fiji’s turquoise waters are a no-brainer, Bali is all about lush greenery and infinity pools, and Italy has pasta. (Enough said.)
Things to consider:
How easy is it to get there? (Will guests need five flights and a boat?)
What’s the weather looking like when you want to get married? (Beware of monsoon season!)
Most importantly — does the location make you ridiculously excited??
2. Set Your Budget
Destination weddings can be as lavish or laid-back as you want, but having a budget will stop you from accidentally spending your house deposit on imported French table linens.
Stuff to budget for:
Flights & accomodation (for you and any VIP guests)
Venue & vendors
Outfits (that work with the local climate, cause you wouldn’t wanna sweat through a three-piece suit in Bali)
Activities & group events for you and the guests
Legal costs & paperwork
A ‘surprise expenses’ fund (in case something pops up)
The good news? The cost of a destination wedding can sometimes be the same—or less!—than a big traditional wedding at home, especially if you’re keeping the guest list small.
3. Create a Guest List
Who’s coming along for the ride? Destination weddings naturally filter out the “well, we have to invite them” guests, leaving you with a tight-knit group of people who truly want to celebrate with you.
Be upfront: Not everyone will be able to make it, and that’s okay! Give guests plenty of notice so they can save, book time off, and find their passports (yes, someone will lose theirs). And if you want to include loved ones who can’t travel, consider live-streaming your ceremony or hosting a small party back home later.
4. Book Your Venue (Before Someone Else Snags It)
Once you have your dream destination locked in, it’s venue-hunting time. If you’re local, schedule a visit. If you’re planning from afar, rely on reviews, video calls, and a planner’s recommendations to make sure it’s actually as stunning as the photos suggest.
Key things to check:
✔ Does it fit your guest count?
✔ Are there good backup options for weather surprises?
✔ Do they offer on-site coordination, or do you need to bring in extra help?
✔ Are you allowed to bring your own vendors (photographer, caterer, celebrant), or are you limited to their list?
5. Hire Your Dream Team (aka Vendors)
The big question: Local vendors or bringing your own?
Local vendors know the area and can give expert recommendations.
Bringing your own means working with people you already trust (and if you’re bringing a photographer, I know a great one — wink wink).
If going local, check reviews and set up video calls to vibe-check your vendors. If bringing pros with you, consider travel and accommodation costs in your budget. Either way, book early — good vendors get snapped up fast!
6. Sort the Legal Bits (Because Paperwork is Sexy, Right?)
Marriage laws vary wildly between countries. Some places (like Fiji) make it a breeze, while others (looking at you, France) require paperwork that makes tax returns look fun.
Your checklist:
✔ Research marriage requirements for your destination.
✔ Check if your marriage will be legally recognized at home.
✔ Get documents sorted well in advance (some places require translations or notarized copies).
If this all sounds like too much admin, many couples opt to do the legal part at home first and have a symbolic ceremony abroad—same experience, zero paperwork stress.
7. Plan Guest Experiences
One of the best things about a destination wedding? It’s not just a wedding—it’s a whole adventure. Make the most of it by planning fun activities that bring everyone together.
Ideas include:
🏝 Sunset cruise
🍷 Wine tasting tour
🏕 Group bonfire night
🚁 Helicopter rides (if you’re feeling fancy)
🏄♀️ Surf lesson, hiking, or any local adventure that gets people hyped
Not everything needs to be structured—leave room for spontaneous moments, too!
8. Communicate Clearly
Destination weddings involve a lot of moving parts, and your guests will have questions. Make life easier for everyone (yourself included) by setting up a wedding website or group chat where you can share:
✔ Travel tips & accommodation suggestions
✔ Itinerary & key dates
✔ Dress code (trust me, someone will ask if jandals are acceptable)
✔ Any local customs or things to know (e.g., don’t pet the wildlife, don’t drink the tap water, do eat your body weight in gelato if in Italy)
This keeps everyone in the loop and prevents you from answering the same questions a hundred times.
Lost in a Sea of Wedding Decisions?
Venues, vendors, timelines — gosh! If planning a destination wedding feels overwhelming, I can help. I’ve been there, and I know how to turn “where do I even start?” into “wow, that was easy.”
Let’s make this stress-free!
How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?
Costs vary widely depending on your location, guest count, and priorities. For Kiwi couples, here are some ballpark figures:
International destinations: Flights ($800–$2,500 per person), accommodation ($150–$400 per night), and local vendors ($5,000+ for photography, $1,500+ for catering).
Domestic destinations: Flights within NZ ($100–$400 per person), accommodation ($150–$300 per night), and local vendors ($4,500+ for photography, $1,000+ for catering).
Want to save? Travel off-peak, choose an all-inclusive package, or consider eloping with just the two of you. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
Destination Wedding Alternatives
Not sold on a full-scale destination wedding? Here are some other ideas:
Elopements: Head somewhere gorgeous with just your partner (and maybe a photographer) for an intimate celebration. Think of it as a destination wedding without the guests.
Intimate Local Weddings: Host a micro-wedding in a stunning New Zealand location, like a beach, forest, or mountain lodge. This keeps things simple while still feeling special.
Small Ceremony + Big Honeymoon: Have a simple ceremony at home, then splurge on a dreamy honeymoon. You’ll get the best of both worlds.
Wondering how exactly to elope in New Zealand? Check out my step-by-step guide here: How to Elope in NZ (The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide)
Skip the Stress, Just Elope!
Big wedding not your vibe? Destination wedding still too much? Eloping lets you ditch the stress and keep the magic. And guess what? I can help you plan the perfect, no-fuss, breathtaking elopement — and capture every beautiful moment.
FAQs About Destination Weddings
1. How do I know if a destination wedding is right for us?
Ask yourselves: Do we love adventure, breathtaking backdrops, and the idea of saying “I do” somewhere extraordinary? Are we okay with a more intimate guest list? If yes, a destination wedding might be perfect! But if the thought of logistics, guest coordination, or possibly not having Grandma there makes you sweat, a local wedding might be less stressful.
2. How do we choose the perfect destination?
Start with your vision—beachy vibes, mountain peaks, vineyards? Then consider practicalities: budget, travel time, guest accessibility, and weather. Also, check if your dream destination has any surprise hurdles (hello, hurricane season or tricky marriage laws!). A good rule of thumb: pick a place that excites you but won’t make your guests secretly regret RSVPing “yes.”
3. What should we prioritize in our budget?
Spend where it counts! Photography (because these memories last forever), venue (because setting matters), and guest experience (because happy guests = great vibes). On the flip side, you can save on things like extravagant florals (nature is already doing the heavy lifting), wedding favors (most get left behind anyway), or an elaborate cake (I’ve been seeing more and more couples ditch the cake all together! Ice cream truck anyone?).
4. What’s the difference between eloping and a destination wedding?
Elopements are usually just the two of you (plus a photographer, maybe an officiant, and a breathtaking view). A destination wedding, on the other hand, involves inviting guests and making it a whole event. Think of eloping as a spontaneous romantic getaway and a destination wedding as an intimate multi-day celebration with your favorite people.
5. What legal requirements should we consider?
Every country has different rules, so check the legal requirements for your chosen destination. Some places have residency requirements, special documents, or extra steps to register your marriage back home.
If dealing with paperwork sounds like a nightmare, consider doing the legal bit at home and treating your destination ceremony as the real-deal celebration. No one has to know, except, well, you, your officiant, and the government.
6. How far in advance should we start planning?
Ideally, 12-18 months if you want options (and sane pricing). Some venues book out early, especially for peak seasons. But if you’re spontaneous, a shorter timeline can wor k— just be ready to hustle!
7. How do we break the news to guests?
With enthusiasm and lots of details! Give people plenty of notice so they can budget, request time off, and make travel plans. A wedding website with all the info is a lifesaver. And yes, some people might grumble about the travel costs — just remember, it’s your wedding, do it how you want.
8. What’s the best way to handle guest travel and accommodation?
You don’t have to cover everyone’s expenses (unless you have a secret fortune). But you should make it easy for them by researching group rates, suggesting accommodation options, and maybe booking a hotel block. Consider organizing transport if the venue is remote — no one wants to be stranded in paradise!
9. What if some guests can’t make it?
It’s inevitable. Traveling for a wedding isn’t feasible for everyone, so be prepared for some polite declines. To include them, consider live-streaming the ceremony, hosting a celebration back home later, or simply reminding them you’ll bring back epic photos to share.
10. Do we need a wedding planner?
If the idea of handling foreign contracts, timelines, and logistics makes you want to elope immediately, a planner is worth every cent. Many venues include a coordinator, but if not, hiring a local pro can save you stress (and possibly money) in the long run.
11. What’s the best way to keep our wedding stress-free?
Keep it simple! The more moving parts, the more things can go sideways. Focus on what really matters—your love, the experience, and having a damn good time. Also, have a backup plan for weather, trust your vendors, and accept that some things (like Uncle Bob’s flight delay) are out of your control.
Why Destination Weddings Are Perfect for Kiwi Couples
New Zealanders are born adventurers, so it’s no surprise that destination weddings are a perfect fit. Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical island or exploring NZ’s own backyard, there’s something magical about starting your married life in a stunning location.
And if you’re looking for a photographer who gets it — someone who’ll capture your day in a way that feels authentic, cinematic, and totally you — I’d love to help.
I offer fully customisable packages that can handle everything, from venue scouting, travel logistics, to vendor recommendations and a seamless timeline — plus, I’ll be there as your photographer to capture every beautiful, unscripted moment.
follow me at @tu.studios for more cinematic wedding inspo
