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wedding ceremony setup with mountains in back and pink and yellow ground "altar" florals

The Best Destination Wedding Venues for Outdoor Enthusiasts

By Jennifer Titche | May 2, 2024

For couples with a love for nature and adventure, the backdrop of your wedding day should reflect your passion for the great outdoors. From majestic mountains to serene beaches and lush landscapes, Mother Nature truly is the best decor you’ll find. Here, we explore the best destination wedding venues for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Mountains Are Calling

couple walking by trees with some snow hanging on, ceremony set up with floral arch and snowy hill, ceremony setup near mountain base

The St. Regis Deer Valley is the epitome of luxury set in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains. Offering picturesque vistas for couples dreaming of a mountain wedding, the sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and pristine alpine air provide the ultimate setting for a destination wedding. This picture-perfect resort provides an idyllic scene for an outdoor ceremony for groups of up to 500. Imagine exchanging vows on a lush lawn overlooking the rugged terrain, with the majestic mountains towering in the distance. During the wedding weekend, guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. With world-class amenities and unparalleled natural beauty, the St. Regis Deer Valley is truly a dream destination for adventurous couples.

fall ceremony at St.Regis Deer Valley, spring wedding reception tent, couple kiss at altar

Tropical Tradition

couple by bay at sunset, blue ice cream truck, groom with groomsmen in dark gray

For those seeking a tropical waterfront wedding with a touch of historic charm, the Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection in Dunedin, Florida, offers a perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty. Situated along the scenic shores of the Gulf Coast, this boutique hotel boasts stunning views of St. Joseph Sound and lush tropical gardens. Exchange vows beneath the shade of ancient oak trees, with the gentle sea breeze as your soundtrack. 

bride and groom pose together in front of Fenway tan building

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktails on the hotel’s waterfront terrace or take a leisurely stroll along the sandy beaches. All weekend long, guests can ensconce themselves with Mother Nature by biking the Pinellas Trail or soak in the sun on the #1-rated beach in the U.S. on Caladesi Island. For those who like to get out on the water, chart a fishing boat and reel in trout or snapper.

table number with pink florals, couple pose by white classic car in front of hotel, couple look out at bay in Florida

Get Everything Nature Intended

It may sound impossible to have a waterfront wedding with mountains in the distance, a lush park just steps away and a bustling city within reach, but that’s exactly what The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver provides. 

Perched on the shores of Coal Harbour with stunning views of the North Shore Mountains, The Westin Bayshore offers a breathtaking setting for a waterfront wedding in the heart of Vancouver, Canada. Say “I do” on the hotel’s outdoor terrace, with panoramic views of the city skyline and tranquil harbor waters behind. After the ceremony, guests can explore the nearby Stanley Park or take a romantic sunset cruise along the harbor. With its modern amenities and unparalleled natural beauty, The Westin Bayshore is an ideal choice for couples looking to celebrate their love in one of Canada’s most vibrant areas.

Beachfront Bliss

Located on a secluded barrier island along the Atlantic Coast, the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina is as ideal as it gets for a beachfront wedding. With miles of pristine shoreline and swaying palm trees, this tropical paradise sets the stage for a romantic ceremony by the sea. Exchange vows with your toes in the sand as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold. 

Wedding guests can take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities, making the most of their time. With an 18-hole executive course, pickleball, a private beach where guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters as well as deep sea fishing charters, family and friends will have their days packed with fun in the sun. This resort is the perfect destination for couples seeking a relaxed beach wedding experience, with its laid-back atmosphere and endless ocean views.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are many breathtaking destinations around the U.S. for a memorable wedding celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows amidst snow-capped mountains, tropical beaches, or the best of both worlds, these four properties promise an unforgettable experience surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Tagged Beach Wedding Destinations, Beach wedding resorts, Beachfront Wedding Ceremonies, Beachfront wedding getaways, Beachfront wedding receptions, Beachfront wedding resorts, Destination wedding experiences, Destination Wedding ideas, Destination Wedding Planning, Destination Wedding Venues, Destination weddings for nature lovers, Mountain wedding backdrops, Mountain wedding ceremony, Mountain wedding escapes, Mountain wedding experiences, Mountain wedding resorts, Mountain Wedding Venues, Natural wedding decor, Nature wedding themes, Nature-inspired wedding ceremonies, Nature-themed wedding celebrations, Outdoor wedding activities, Outdoor wedding adventures, Outdoor wedding ceremony ideas, Outdoor wedding destinations, Outdoor wedding destinations in the U.S., Outdoor wedding inspiration, Tropical wedding venues

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A bride’s adventure to the altar in beautiful Ca A bride’s adventure to the altar in beautiful Cartagena, Colombia 👰🏼‍♀️💍🇨🇴

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Like opening up a storybook 🌹 Comment “insp Like opening up a storybook 🌹 

Comment “inspo” to see more from this incredible editorial on Destination I Do ✨

🏰 Venue: @villapizzo 
📸 Photographer: @lisettegatliff 
📋 Planning: @sparklingmoments.events 
🌸 Florals: @botanicaevent 
🛋 Rentals: @integra_rent 
🚤 Boat: @vagueluxuryrent 
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🤵 Tux: Carlo Pignatelli
💎 Jewelry: Jonida Ripani
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💇‍♀️ Hair: @elenlenko 
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Photography & Videography: @bacalaofilms 
Wedding Planner: @milbesoscr 
Reception Site: @jalapas__restaurant 
Florist: @flores_de_campos 
Hair & Makeup: @wanderlustmua 
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Let’s passport stamp our way through our list of Let’s passport stamp our way through our list of the top LGBTQ-friendly wedding destinations outside the U.S.!

🇲🇽 MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

🇦🇷 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

🇪🇸 BARCELONA, SPAIN

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Planning a destination wedding is about choosing a place that speaks to your soul—and supports your love. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈 

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An oceanfront ceremony, personalized coconut cockt An oceanfront ceremony, personalized coconut cocktails, and a Champagne wall that literally rang when guests wanted a refill. This wasn’t JUST Mely and Steve’s wedding. It was a full-on experience.

Photographer: @jorgemercadophotography 
Venue: @grandvelasnay 
Florist: @adore.floreria @yessymendez.mx 
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To kick off Pride Month 2025, @kiveli_weddings and To kick off Pride Month 2025, @kiveli_weddings and photographer @constantinos_oikonomou teamed up for a breathtaking editorial celebrating LGBTQ+ love and Mediterranean elegance. Set against the wild coastline of Greece and featuring two brides, this shoot blends raw nature, cultural richness, and quiet luxury. 🌈🇬🇷✨

Comment “pride” for a direct link to the article.

Planner & designer: @kiveli_weddings
Photographer: @constantinos_weddings_
Cinematographer: @g.tsiroulis_films 
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Catering: @olon_odoskassandras 
Bridal dresses: @ioanna_kourbela 
Content creator: @ellwedmag 
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Models: @allipomilio @misskristalllia 

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Gather more inspiration from this beautiful wedding on the water on DestinationIDo.com ✨

Vendors:
 📍 Venue: @villapizzo 
 📸 Photographer: @lisettegatliff 
 📋 Planning: @sparklingmoments.events 
 🌸 Florals: @botanicaevent
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Get the link to see more of their inspirational, colorful wedding in the Rocky Mountains by commenting “disco”⛰️ 
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Venue: @peaksresortspa @tellurideweddings 
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See more of Veronica and Dewran’s wedding celebrations by commenting “Greencrest” on this post! 

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A Bride-Turned-Planner’s Guide to Selecting the A Bride-Turned-Planner’s Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding Venue in Cabo, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas has long been a dream destination for couples craving sun-drenched coastlines, vibrant culture, and unforgettable wedding backdrops. But with so many stunning options, choosing the right venue in Cabo can feel overwhelming—especially for couples planning from afar.

To help, we tapped into the expert advice of Amanda Antonetti, a destination wedding planner and recent Cabo bride. Amanda planned her own celebration at the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, giving her a unique dual perspective: both as a professional and as someone who’s been in her clients’ shoes.

Here, Amanda shares her personal and professional tips for selecting the perfect wedding venue in Cabo.

Photography: @km.weddings 
Venue: @hrhloscabos 
Planning: @amandaantonettii
Travel & Wedding Specialist: @islandvows | @allinweddings
Coordination: @eddianacortezweddings
Decor: @zunigadecocancun
Floral: @emporioartefloral
Content Creation: @jjstudio_photo
DJ: @inspiremexico
Entertainment: @cabofineentertainment
Dress Designer: Madysen Blayke | @alexandrasbridalboutique
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Britney and Quinton packed so much style into thei Britney and Quinton packed so much style into their monochromatic wedding in Cabo, Mexico! 🖤

See more of their incredible details and learn about their love story on destinationido.com ✨

Photography: @photobyjulieta 
Venue: @thecapehotel 
Planner: @amyabbottevents 
Videography: @victorgreenfilms 
Content creator: @behindthescenes.baja 
Dress: @eseazenabor 
Reception Dress: @ljaiamorbridal 
Hair: @canvasbymo @bettaspraydat @realparisprice 
Makeup: @cedricjohnsonbeauty 
MC: @hail_zel 
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✨ When a Texan bride meets her Irish groom in Ab ✨ When a Texan bride meets her Irish groom in Abu Dhabi, you know their love story is anything but ordinary! 

Lan and Donal’s stunning two-day wedding celebration in Portugal’s beautiful wine region at Quinta da Bichinha is one to behold! 

See more on destinationido.com 💕

📸 @pedrofilipefotografia 
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🪩 @floor_sensation
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PRO TIPS BY @electricsugarelopements @deeleedesigns @portraitofabrideonfire @preetiexclusive @thebridalfinery @birdygrey 

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Picture your wedding day surrounded by sweeping vi Picture your wedding day surrounded by sweeping views of turquoise waters, powder-soft white sands, and the vibrant charm of Aruba—the famously joyful “Happy Island.” 

At Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, your destination wedding unfolds in a breathtaking oceanside setting where personalized service and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable celebration.

📍 @embassysuitesaruba 

#arubawedding #beachweddingideas #arubainlove #destinationweddingvenue
So someone invited themselves (or an unallotted pl So someone invited themselves (or an unallotted plus one) to your wedding? How the heck do you tell them “no” without causing drama? 

No worries - the pros have your back! Here is some of their sage advice: 

1. Calmly address the issue immediately, over the phone or in person, if possible, instead of via text or email.

2. Make your invitations, RSVP details, and wedding website crystal clear about who’s invited.

3. Feeling guilty? It’s okay to prioritize your happiness and budget over someone else’s expectations.

4. Remember, you can always host a casual post-wedding gathering to celebrate with those who couldn’t be there.

Comment “invite” for a link to our article including more tips and polite ways to say they can’t come! 😅
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Tips by @ofdconsulting @twickenham_house @tintedevents @lisalondonevents @petermanphotoandvideo @bestindianweddingsitaly @destinationweddings.com_ @elopementlasvegas @lpcreativeevents 

Cover photo by @caitlinalohilaniphoto
Chris & Ebony, co-workers turned couple, wanted th Chris & Ebony, co-workers turned couple, wanted their wedding to reflect them—a beautiful blend of Jamaican and Portuguese roots. 🇯🇲🇵🇹

With family ties to both countries, it was initially a toss-up between Jamaica and Portugal… but Portugal won for its ease, charm, and the bonus of having Ebony’s dad nearby to help with planning! ☀️

Quinta do Roseiral in Ericeira sealed the deal with its lush gardens, ocean breeze, and effortless elegance. 🍃

See more from Chris and Ebony’s wedding on DestinationIDo.com 

Photography: @trilionpros 
Venue: @quintadoroseiral.ericeira
Hair & Makeup: @marianeves.makeup @bernardosouzahairdresser
Flowers: @lizgardenevents
Cake: @anacarreira_weddingcake
Videography: @shaunholderfilms 
Bridal dress: @surrey_brides
Groom’s Attire: @mossbros 
Bridesmaids dresses: @ohhelloclothing
Violinist: @danibviolinist
Sometimes you just gotta give a little ‘tude and Sometimes you just gotta give a little ‘tude and go on with your day. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 

#destinationbride #destinationido #destinationweddings
Let’s face it. Wedding planning IS stressful, no Let’s face it. Wedding planning IS stressful, no matter what kind of person you are! Add on the “destination” factor and you have yourself the perfect storm. I, a very Type B, go-with-the-flow person, even had a couple MELTDOWNS from it all. 🫠😂 

You know what helped me most to ease the stress of planning a wedding in a place I didn’t live? A pre-wedding trip to my destination! 

In fact, according to renowned wedding planner Michelle Durpetti, nothing truly replaces the value of stepping into your wedding destination in person. “A scouting trip is truly invaluable,” Durpetti says. “It gives couples the opportunity to physically experience their venue options, meet their vendors face-to-face, and see the flow of a day in real-time.”

Not convinced? It’s okay, I was hesitant too. After all, it’s an extra cost you may not have budgeted for and yet another thing to plan. BUT I am a believer now! 

Comment “scouting trip” for a link to Destination I Do’s full breakdown of why a scouting trip is important with expert advice and insight from @mdurpettievents 

#destinationweddings #weddingplanningtips #destinationweddingplanner #weddingstress
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