Best Destination Wedding Locations in the USA for 2025
- Nick Kabalenov
- Aug 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 2
💍 The Rise of Destination Weddings in 2025
Destination weddings are more popular than ever in 2025. Couples are choosing breathtaking locations across the United States — from California’s coastlines to the mountain peaks of Colorado — to create unforgettable, photogenic celebrations.
Why go abroad when the USA offers world-class venues, diverse landscapes, and luxury wedding experiences right at home?
Whether you dream of exchanging vows on a beach, in a vineyard, or under a canopy of redwoods, this guide reveals the best U.S. destination wedding spots that promise stunning photography and seamless travel for you and your guests.
1. Miami, Florida — Tropical Luxury & Endless Sunshine
Why it’s perfect: Miami is a paradise for couples craving tropical flair, glamorous venues, and golden-hour beach photos.
With oceanfront resorts, botanical gardens, and luxury estates like Secret Gardens Miami and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, the city blends nature, elegance, and modern sophistication.
Best photo moments:
Sunset portraits along Key Biscayne
Garden ceremonies surrounded by palms
Rooftop receptions with city lights
Average cost: Mid to high, depending on venue type and guest count.
Best season: November to April (dry, cooler months).
2. Napa Valley, California — Wine Country Romance
Why it’s perfect: For couples who love fine wine, golden hills, and chic countryside settings, Napa Valley is a dream.
Vineyards like V. Sattui Winery, Carneros Resort, and Auberge du Soleil offer intimate ceremonies with panoramic vineyard views.
Best photo moments:
Golden hour among the vines
Wine barrel backdrops
Soft pastel sunsets over rolling hills
Average cost: Moderate to luxury.
Best season: Spring and fall (March–June or September–October).
3. Aspen, Colorado — Mountain Elegance
Why it’s perfect: For adventurous couples, Aspen and the Colorado Rockies offer breathtaking mountain views and cozy alpine vibes.
Think mountaintop vows, rustic lodges, and snow-kissed forests — perfect for cinematic, editorial wedding photography.
Best photo moments:
“First look” among pine trees
Sunset portraits on mountain ridges
Snow-covered ceremony backdrops
Average cost: Mid to high.
Best season: Summer for outdoor weddings, winter for snow-themed elopements.
4. Maui, Hawaii — Tropical Paradise
Why it’s perfect: Hawaii remains the ultimate tropical U.S. destination wedding — and Maui leads the list.
Expect volcanic cliffs, palm-fringed beaches, waterfalls, and luxurious resorts ready for intimate or grand celebrations.
Best photo moments:
Oceanfront ceremonies at sunset
Lush rainforest elopement photos
Beach portraits during golden hour
Average cost: Moderate to high (travel logistics apply).
Best season: Year-round, though April–October offers the most consistent weather.
5. New York City, New York — Urban Chic
Why it’s perfect: NYC offers unmatched style, diversity, and iconic backdrops — from rooftop terraces overlooking the skyline to Central Park gardens.
Venues like 620 Loft & Garden, The Foundry, and The High Line Hotel cater to couples craving an editorial, city-chic wedding experience.
Best photo moments:
Cityscape shots at sunset
Black-tie portraits in SoHo streets
Romantic Central Park strolls
Average cost: High (NYC premium).
Best season: Spring and fall for ideal weather.
6. Charleston, South Carolina — Southern Charm
Why it’s perfect: Charleston exudes historic elegance, oak-lined streets, and antebellum romance.
Venues like Lowndes Grove, Boone Hall Plantation, and The Gadsden House combine old-world charm with modern luxury — ideal for both intimate gatherings and full-scale events.
Best photo moments:
Under the live oaks at golden hour
Waterfront sunsets
Cobblestone street portraits
Average cost: Mid-range to high.
Best season: March–May or September–November.
7. Sedona, Arizona — Desert Magic
Why it’s perfect: With its red rock landscapes and dramatic sunsets, Sedona is ideal for adventurous couples wanting bohemian or spiritual desert weddings.
Venues like Enchantment Resort and Cathedral Rock provide unmatched natural beauty and intimate vibes.
Best photo moments:
Silhouettes against red rock formations
Golden-hour desert portraits
Starry-night receptions outdoors
Average cost: Moderate to high.
Best season: Spring or fall for comfortable temperatures.
8. Austin, Texas — Modern Rustic Vibes
Why it’s perfect: Austin blends modern cool with rustic Texas charm. From lakeside ranches to industrial lofts, the variety here is perfect for creative couples.
Popular venues include The Arlo, Ma Maison, and Barr Mansion.
Best photo moments:
Outdoor ceremonies under oak trees
Warm sunset portraits in Hill Country
Night photos with string-light backdrops
Average cost: Mid-range.
Best season: Spring and fall.
9. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada — Mountain-Meets-Lake Romance
Why it’s perfect: If you can’t choose between mountains and water, Lake Tahoe gives you both.
Venues like Edgewood Tahoe and The Hyatt Regency combine alpine beauty with lakeside luxury. Perfect for destination weddings with an adventurous twist.
Best photo moments:
Reflections on crystal-clear water
Forest-lined ceremony aisles
Snowy winter wonderland elopements
Average cost: Mid-range to high.
Best season: Summer and early fall.
10. Asheville, North Carolina — Nature & Boho Chic
Why it’s perfect: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers artistic charm, bohemian venues, and scenic mountain views.
Venues like The Biltmore Estate, Haiku I Do, and Chestnut Ridge are favorites for couples wanting rustic-luxury vibes.
Best photo moments:
Golden-hour mountain overlooks
Forest elopement portraits
Vineyard sunset ceremonies
Average cost: Moderate.
Best season: Spring to fall.
Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in the USA
Visit the venue (or hire local experts). A local wedding planner and photographer make logistics seamless.
Check seasonal weather trends. Avoid peak hurricane or snow seasons.
Plan photo timing. Golden hour lighting varies by region and time of year.
Book early. Popular U.S. destinations fill up 12–18 months in advance.
Prioritize travel convenience. Pick venues close to major airports for guest ease.
Work with a destination-savvy photographer. Experience in lighting, travel, and storytelling is essential.
From beaches and vineyards to mountains and cities, the United States offers an extraordinary range of destination wedding locations — each with its own unique magic.
Whether you envision a sunset ceremony in Miami, a vineyard soirée in Napa, or a mountaintop vow exchange in Aspen, 2025 is your year to craft a wedding that feels authentically you.
At The Lumen Media, we specialize in cinematic, destination wedding photography across the U.S. and beyond — capturing your story with artistry, light, and emotion.