Of those who hosted a destination wedding in 2022, 59% picked the location because it was interesting. Just over half of all respondents (55%) selected the venue for its significance to them or their partner, and 19% hosted their loved ones at a venue that was not in their hometown or in the city where they currently live. Over 80% of couples confirmed that they stayed overnight at their location, as did the majority of their guest list. Additionally, 28% of couples had to fly to their wedding destination, meaning their guests likely did as well. This factors into the average cost of being a wedding guest, which fluctuates year over year. Our data finds that the average guest spend for those who traveled in some capacity, either by driving or flying, ranges between $600 and $1,300.

Experts predict that the popularity of destination weddings in the US may continue to rise, due to a variety of factors that we break down below.

Travel Is Largely Back to Normal in the US

While the pandemic made destination wedding planning a bit more complicated over the last few years, the rate of destination weddings—especially those that took place within the United States—remained somewhat steady. In 2019, 21% of couples classified their big day as a destination wedding, just slightly higher than 2022’s rate. We anticipate that given the current travel boom (and many people’s eagerness for a getaway), the rate of destination weddings, both domestic and international, will continue to rise in 2023 and into 2024.

Now that travelers have a grasp on health and safety guidelines in the US, it’s easier to plan accordingly. “Couples have a sense of confidence when traveling in the United States,” says Elisse Peck, Director of Catering Sales at Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, California, which she says largely attracts to-be-weds from all over the West Coast, particularly the Bay Area. “Whether they’re coming in by car or a plane ride, they understand the rules in place.”

Domestic Destination Wedding Locations Offer Tailored Guest Experiences

Perhaps one major reason that domestination weddings are becoming increasingly more appealing to couples is their ability to provide guests with unique, tailored experiences. While destination weddings do require guests to spend time and money to get to the chosen location, couples could curate thoughtful weekend experiences that make travel worth the effort. “Couples are prioritizing elevated guest experiences and moving away from the traditional norms of a single-day event,” explains Suzanne Thibeault, a wedding specialist for Alexandria, Virginia’s tourism bureau. “What was once your special ‘day’ is quickly becoming a weekend experience reflective of each couple’s personality. The goal is to strike a balance, allowing the unique destination to speak for itself while convening friends and family for organized activities nodding to the couple’s passions and core values.”