Bucket-list Destination Wedding Venues in the U.S.
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so why not do it in the most epic way possible? The best part: you don’t even have to leave the country to make it happen. Read on to see our suggestions for bucket list destination wedding venues in the U.S.
Tropical Escape
If it’s a beach wedding you’re seeking, Florida is a natural as it has more coastline than any other state in the mainland U.S. Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf and Marina is located on the Atlantic side, on a barrier island across the Intracoastal Waterway from the mainland. It’s just north of famous beach communities like Jupiter and Palm Beach, but feels more like a secret — with better pricing to match. Guests will want to stay longer to enjoy the amenities, from the acclaimed Ocean Course for golfers to the onsite pickleball courts.
The entire resort has been recently redone, and claims 200 acres of shoreline, which means beachfront ceremonies are a given here! Hold a classic beachside ceremony under a simple arch that frames you and the ocean, then move to an al fresco reception on the Club Pool Deck, which holds up to 220. Or go traditional and take over the Plantation Ballroom, with ample room for up to 360 banquet style.
Big City Glamour
Is there any place quite like New York City? Wow your guests with an epic celebration in one of the most iconic cities on earth. The JW Marriott Essex House puts you in the center of everything. One of the city’s classic hotels, it was built in 1931 and is located on 59th Street, directly across from Central Park. Head out for a photo session at an iconic sight like Central Park’s Bow Bridge or the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. You’re walking distance to Broadway shows, Lincoln Center and restaurants galore, so take full advantage of what makes the city so great.
At the hotel, book a park-view suite to use as a hospitality suite, so everyone can enjoy the views. The hotel has a whopping 14,000 square feet of event space with state-of-the-art A/V, and loads of Art Deco glamour via design details like geometric patterns, crystal lamps, chandeliers, and silver leaf wall coverings. The Grand Salon is a testament to the Beaux Arts style, with its hand-painted murals of The Palace of Versailles, and can welcome up to 220 guests.
Hawaii Nei
Translated to “Hawaii Beloved,” our 50th state is high atop many travel bucket lists, making it a one-of-a-kind wedding locale for you and your guests. Every island has its own personality, but for all-around appeal, you can’t go wrong with Maui. It has amazing beaches, lush upcountry, great resorts and restaurants, and activities from snorkeling to waterfall hikes. The island spans 735 square miles, so choose the side that suits your group to make the most of it.
The town of Wailea is located on the sunny southern side of the island and is home to gorgeous resorts, a great shopping and dining scene, and offers easy access to top snorkel spots and Haleakala National Park. Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott, Maui caters to water lovers of all types, offering two beaches, five swimming pools and the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii. With 22 oceanfront acres, outdoor ceremonies are natural. Wed outdoors at the Ohi pools, and then have your reception dinner under the stars on their oceanfront lawn. Or get the best of both worlds with a reception for up to 300 at the Makai ballroom, known for its ocean views.
For a different take on Maui, head north to Kapalua. The landscape here is lush and dramatic, from beaches that lure napping monk seals to the rugged West Maui Reserve, an ideal place for waterfall hikes and horseback riding. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua celebrates the heritage and beauty of Hawaii. Get people bonding at the Tales of the Kapa Moe Luau, held at the resort’s Aloha Garden Pavilion, or a group activity like an e-bike tour, coastal tide pool walk or guided snorkel excursion. There are six beach coves within a 10-minute drive, and the resort’s giant pool complex is open 24 hours a day and offers rentable cabanas for up to eight people.
Hold your wedding on the beautifully manicured Beach House Lawn, or go offsite to wed at the historic Pineapple Chapel and then come back to the resort for an indoor/outdoor reception in the Plantation Ballroom, for receptions up to 475. However you choose to wed, you can incorporate some local Hawaiian elements with help from the resort’s onsite cultural advisor.