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Writer's pictureNicole Lawrence

7 Must-Know 2023 Destination Wedding Trends Before Planning Your Honeymoon


A couple kissing on a rocky beach during their destination we
A couple shares a romantic kiss by the rocky beach during their destination wedding. Image by Leonardo KfN via Pexels.

Planning an amazing destination wedding in 2023 could wind up being a stressful endeavor.


With thousands of options to consider, navigating the 2023 destination wedding trends can help you make informed decisions.


This article will guide you through the top trends of the year, offering fresh inspiration and ideas to ensure your wedding is everything you've dreamed of, whether it's in 2023, 2024, or beyond.



Top 2023 Destination Wedding Trends You Need to Know


1.   Plan EXTRA EARLY:  


A calendar with a motivational message, emphasizing the importance of planning early for a destination wedding to ensure availability.
A reminder to plan early for your destination wedding to secure the best dates and venues. Image by Thngocbich via Pexels.

Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to reserve their wedding resort venue and room block around 12 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are finding resort and venue space filled up for the dates they originally wanted. 


In 2023 and beyond, expect higher demand and lower inventory, which also drive up prices.


Couples are now looking at least 15 months out to get the room inventory and pricing that they need, reflecting one of the most important 2023 destination wedding trends. 


BOTTOM LINE:  The sooner you can discover the destination, wedding venue, & resort you want for your destination wedding and reserve your date, the better!   



2.  Toes NOT in The Sand


A stunning destination wedding ceremony set under palm trees with a wooden aisle, emphasizing the trend of avoiding sand for a more elegant experience.
A beautiful destination wedding under palm trees, showcasing an elegant ceremony with no sand in sight. Image by Breno Cardoso via Pexels.

As part of the 2023 destination wedding trends, brides are increasingly choosing Instagram-worthy locations with breathtaking backdrops, but they DON’T want their feet in the sand.


Many destination wedding venues are now adding beautiful above-the-sand platforms, sky weddings, garden gazebos, and over-the-water gazebos, which are growing in popularity.   



3.  Exclusive Private Experiences

  

A group of women taking a selfie on a private beach during a destination wedding celebration, highlighting the trend of exclusive private experiences.
A group of friends enjoying a private beach experience during a destination wedding celebration. Image by RDNE via Pexels.

In 2023, couples are looking to do private, exclusive experiences with their wedding groups, such as private receptions to welcome their guests, complete with a mixologist who creates a special cocktail for just your group. 


Couples are also scheduling their own private events such as fire shows, beach parties, tequila or rum tasting, and even a private tour or excursion for just your wedding group.  



4. Over The Water Ceremonies!


An overwater wedding chapel at Sandals, beautifully decorated for a destination wedding ceremony with panoramic ocean views.
A stunning overwater wedding chapel at Sandals, perfect for couples seeking a unique and breathtaking ceremony location. Image by Sandals Resorts.

As I mentioned above, more and more wedding couples don’t want their feet in the sand, but they still want a breathtaking backdrop.


One way to achieve this is to have an over-the-water ceremony. Many resorts now contain wedding venues built over the water.


This not only gives the usual amazing view but also adds a three-dimensional beauty to the ceremony.   



5.  Focus on Incorporating Cultural Traditions:  


A Mayan ceremony during a destination wedding, highlighting the focus on incorporating cultural traditions into the celebration.
A Mayan ceremony as part of a destination wedding, showcasing the incorporation of rich cultural traditions. Image by Amar via Pexels.

Many couples will be incorporating local & cultural traditions into their destination wedding experience for both them and their guests! 


Today’s couples want to do more than just have a “wedcation.”


They want to give their entire wedding group an authentic experience with the location they have chosen for their destination wedding!   



6. Including Local Cuisine & Cocktails

  

Bottles of tequila on display, highlighting the trend of including local cuisine and cocktails in destination weddings.
A selection of local tequilas, perfect for incorporating into destination wedding cocktails. Image by Becerragovea Photo via Pexels.

           

Along with my previous trend of including cultural traditions in their wedding, many couples also include local cuisine and cocktails in their wedding events. 


For example, in Mexico, as discussed in my October article on the pros and cons of planning a destination wedding in Mexico, there is a special liquor called Mezcal.


Couples will hire a mixologist to use a liquor like that in creating a cocktail native to the location where they are getting married. 


In addition to a cocktail, they may also include some type of authentic delicacy on their menu.  



7. Consulting with a Destination Wedding Expert   


A smiling couple consulting with a destination wedding expert online, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance in wedding planning.
A couple happily consulting with a destination wedding expert online to plan their perfect wedding. Image by Olia Danilevich via Pexels.

In 2023, couples are choosing to consult with a destination wedding specialist to ensure they get everything they want and the maximum value out of their destination wedding.


The reason is that wedding couples are busier than ever. as they work, finish school, start their family, and possibly move to a new home, all while trying to find some time for each other.


Today's couples believe it is worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their destination wedding planned right and take the stress & frustration of planning their destination wedding off of their plate! 


As you plan your own destination wedding, considering these 2023 destination wedding trends can help you create a unique and memorable day for you and your guests.


These trends are not just about following what's popular—they're about finding inspiration that ensures your wedding is everything you've dreamed of and more.


If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use this link to schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me!


I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for an amazing and trendy destination wedding!

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