The 10 Best Places for a Weekend Wedding Celebration in 2026

Planning a destination wedding isn’t just about the ceremony — it’s about curating a full weekend of memories with your favorite people. Whether you’re craving sun-drenched beaches, mountain air, or European charm, I’ve rounded up 10 of the best places for a weekend wedding celebration in 2025. Plus, as a traveling wedding and elopement photographer, I’ll be there to capture every moment of it.

If you’re dreaming of celebrating your day somewhere extraordinary, let’s dive into some of my favorite spots (including a few hidden gems) you should absolutely have on your radar.

🌎 Why Plan a Wedding Weekend?

A destination wedding weekend gives you more time to actually enjoy your people. Instead of a quick ceremony and reception, you’ll soak up a few days of exploring, laughing, dining, and celebrating. It’s a mini-vacation that ends with a dance floor under the stars.

Pro tip: Choose a destination with plenty of group-friendly activities so guests can bond, explore easily, and you don’t feel responsible for entertaining everyone 24/7.

10 Dreamy Wedding Weekend Destinations for 2025

1. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum offers a blend of bohemian charm and natural beauty, making it ideal for a relaxed yet stylish wedding weekend.

Venue Recommendations:

Hidden Tulum Jungle Oasis: This secluded venue sleeps up to 17 guests and features a rooftop paradise, perfect for intimate ceremonies and gatherings.
Villa Privada Downtown: Located in the heart of Tulum, this villa offers easy access to local attractions and is suitable for weddings and retreats.

Group Activity Ideas:

Cenote Swimming: Explore nearby cenotes like Gran Cenote and Calavera for a refreshing group adventure.
Beach Day at Akumal: Organize a day trip to Akumal Beach for snorkeling and relaxation.

Travel Tips:
Fly into Cancun International Airport, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Tulum.

2. Palm Springs, California

Known for its mid-century architecture and desert landscapes, Palm Springs offers a chic backdrop for a wedding weekend. As one of my absolute favorite places in the world, I know firsthand how chic, laid back, and fun wedding weekend would be here! Picture you and your crew sunbathing around a private pool, exploring the area’s old-school cool bars, and portraits among the palm trees and incredible mid-century architecture.

Venue Recommendations:

Casa de Monte Vista: A luxurious estate featuring botanical gardens and mountain views, ideal for intimate weddings.
The Ranch House at Lazy C Ranch: An Airbnb venue nestled in the mountains, bringing the true desert vibes of California.
The Parker: A colorful explosion of MCM madness. Drenched in color, but the setting will have you completely at easy. I hear a cocktail by the pool with your sweetheart calling your name…
Casa Cody: What can I say, this place is stinking gorgeous.

Group Activities:

Joshua Tree National Park: Plan a group hike or photo session in this iconic national park.
Food, Tiki: Enjoy Palm Springs’ famous tiki bars and Michelin guide-recommended bars and restaurants.

Travel Tips:
Palm Springs International Airport is conveniently located, with additional options via LAX (2-hour drive).

3. Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como exudes elegance, offering picturesque settings for a romantic wedding weekend. Imagine historic villas, boat rides on the scenic lake, lounging under the Italian sun… Spritz, anyone?

Venue Recommendations:

Villa Alceo: A luxurious villa accommodating up to 16 guests, featuring classic Italian architecture and gardens.
Villa Audace: A contemporary lakefront retreat with an infinity pool and modern amenities.

There are so many great stays in Italy—Check out The Times’ roundup of some of the best villas in Italy for an intimate setting.

Group Activities:

Boat Tours: Organize a private boat tour to explore the lake’s charming towns.
Cooking Classes: Charm your guests (and learn a few things!) with Italian cooking experiences.

Travel Tips:
Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport, followed by a 1-2 hour drive to Lake Como. For logistics, staying near the towns of Como, Bellagio, or Tremezzo might make things easier for guest accommodations and transportation.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen combines natural beauty with luxury, offering a serene setting for a mountain wedding weekend.

Venue Recommendations:

The Little Nell: A premier hotel offering mountain views, customized catering, and event specialists.
VRBO Cabins: Explore large, elegant cabins like this one suitable for intimate gatherings that can sleep all your guests.
T-Lazy-7 Ranch: Many areas of the ranch to utilize for your intimate wedding for whatever vibe you’re going for! They also offer many activities like hiking, snowboarding in winter months, and fishing in warmer months on the ranch.

Group Activities:

Maroon Bells Hike: Organize a group hike to this iconic scenic area.
Gondola Rides: Enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies.

Travel Tips:
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport offers convenient access, with Denver International Airport as an alternative (4-hour drive).

5. Big Sur, California

Big Sur’s dramatic coastline and redwood forests provide a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding weekend.

Venue Recommendations:

Airbnb Rentals: Choose from a variety of cabins and homes offering ocean views and forest settings!
Elopement Locations: Choose from venues like Loma Vista Gardens, or Wind & Sea for an intimate celebration, or, choose. a dreamy spot on the beach (permits needed in some areas) or along Highway 1 for the rugged and wild backdrop the California coast has to offer.

Group Activities:

Pfeiffer Beach: Plan a beach gathering or bonfire.
Hiking Trails: Explore nearby trails for group hikes.

Travel Tips:
Fly into Monterey or San Jose, followed by a scenic drive along Highway 1.

6. Positano, Italy

This cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast offers stunning views and Mediterranean charm for a wedding weekend.

Venue Recommendations:

Luxury Villas: Select from top-rated villas offering oceanfront views and elegant accommodations.
Villa Rentals: Explore a variety of villas suitable for hosting weddings. Airbnb

Group Activities:

Boat Excursions: Organize trips to nearby islands or coastal towns.
Local Cuisine: Arrange group dinners featuring regional specialties.

Travel Tips:
Fly into Naples International Airport, followed by a drive or ferry to Positano.

7. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona’s red rock formations and spiritual ambiance create a unique setting for a wedding weekend.

Venue Recommendations:

LUXE Sedona Home: Featuring a wedding chapel and stunning views, this venue is ideal for intimate ceremonies.
Stetson House: An Airbnb property offering scenic deck views and proximity to Uptown Sedona.

Group Activities:

Jeep Tours: Explore the red rock landscapes with guided tours.

Travel Tips:
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, followed by a 2-hour drive to Sedona.

8. Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca offers rich cultural experiences and vibrant traditions, perfect for a colorful wedding weekend.

Venue Recommendations:

Hotel Rentals: Choose from top-rated hotels offering authentic Oaxacan hospitality.
Xaaga Vacation Homes: Explore charming homes in the countryside for a rustic celebration.

Group Activities:

Mezcal Tastings: Organize tours to local distilleries.
Cooking Classes: Engage guests with traditional Oaxacan cooking experiences.

Travel Tips:
Fly into Oaxaca International Airport, with many venues located within a short drive.

9. Broken Bow, Oklahoma

A hidden gem right here in Oklahoma, Broken Bow offers serene natural settings for a cozy wedding weekend. Bonfires, rivers and streams, cabins, how cozy!

Venue Recommendations:

Luxury Cabins: Rent spacious cabins surrounded by forests, ideal for intimate gatherings.
Lakefront Properties: Choose homes with direct access to Broken Bow Lake.

Group Activities:

Kayaking and Fishing: Plan water activities on the lake.
Hiking Trails: Explore nearby trails in Beavers Bend State Park.

Travel Tips:
Drive from Dallas or Oklahoma City, both approximately 3 hours away. For even more tips and inspiration for a wedding in Broken Bow, check out my ultimate guide to weddings in Broken Bow, here!

10. Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s lush landscapes and rich culture make it a top choice for a romantic wedding weekend.

Venue Recommendations:

Luxury Villas: Select from a range of villas offering ocean views and private amenities.
Romantic Resorts: Choose resorts recognized for their romantic settings. Airbnb+1Airbnb+1 news

Group Activities:

Temple Visits: Explore historic temples and cultural sites.
Beach Days: Relax on Bali’s pristine beaches or organize surf lessons.

Travel Tips:
Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), with many venues offering airport transfers.

Destination Wedding Photography with Lexi

Hey, that’s me! I’m Lexi — a traveling wedding and elopement photographer who lives for capturing intimate, experience-driven celebrations in beautiful places. From beach towns to mountain towns and everywhere in between, I’m here for couples who believe their wedding should feel like them, surrounded by the love and support of their inner circle.

I only take a limited number of travel weddings each year so I can give every couple my full attention (and join in to capture those sunset boat rides and bonfires too). If you’re dreaming up a 2025 wedding weekend in one of these spots (or somewhere else dreamy), let’s make it happen.

👉 Check out my elopements & intimate wedding portfolio here and learn more about working together here.

✈️ My Best Travel Tips for a Wedding Weekend

Choose a destination with easy travel logistics for your guests.
Book a hotel block or group-friendly accommodations like cabins, boutique hotels, villas, or VRBO/AirBnBs.
Plan one or two optional group activities, but leave downtime for rest, too.
Hire local vendors or bring trusted ones along (like your wedding photographer!).
Give guests a travel guide or itinerary with restaurant and activity suggestions.
Hire a local planner or tour guide to help you make the absolute most of your time in your destination location.

📅 Secure Your 2026 Travel Wedding Date

I’m currently booking destination weddings and elopements for 2025 & 2026, and travel dates are limited! If you’re planning a weekend wedding in one of these epic spots (or somewhere wild I haven’t even heard of yet), I’d be honored to capture it.

✨ Get in touch here to claim your date.

I can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming up!