When it comes to planning your big day, it can be difficult to settle on just one location to host your destination wedding. From sun-kissed beaches to quaint village retreats, there are so many different venues, locations and wedding styles across the globe which can make it hard to narrow down the perfect fit for you.
We’ve analysed our wedding data from the last three years to identify the top destination wedding locations and in this guide, we’ll explore our data in more depth and what makes each one of these locations the perfect place to say “I do” in 2025.
Ready to start your wedding planning process? Browse our exclusive range of destination weddings at The Wedding Travel Company and make your dream day a stress-free experience for all.
Without further ado, let's reveal the most popular wedding destinations:
Our data indicates that the average total cost of a destination wedding is £7,732.17, but it’s important to consider the different factors that affect a wedding budget. The location itself, the inclusions in your package and the time of year can all have drastic effects on wedding costs. If you opt for a more basic package during off-peak seasons you’ll likely pay less than average, whilst opting for a more extravagant wedding will inevitably cost more.
The most popular time to jet off for a destination wedding is May, followed by September (473) and July (381). 4 out of the 5 most popular wedding destinations are tropical or sunny locations, and these months are the best months for weddinggoers to enjoy beach weddings and pleasant weather alongside fewer tourists on their big day.
This data reflects just how meticulous couples are with their wedding planning, with the average planning time matching perfectly with the booking and departure dates. Many savvy wedding goers have determined that you need to book about 1 year and 5 months in advance to secure your venue and this matches up against the most popular booking month (January) and the most popular time to hold a wedding (May).
Now you know how far in advance you should plan your wedding, let’s see how age affects wedding planning.
We found that wedding planning habits changed with the age of couples. Our data tells us that the younger the couple, the more thorough their planning, with 18-25-year-olds booking the furthest in advance at 650 days. Younger couples also want to enjoy more time abroad for their wedding, booking 2 weeks away for their trip.
Older couples at 45+ appear to have a more relaxed approach to their destination weddings, spending the least amount of money at £6,658.18 and the least time planning, booking 430 days in advance.
Couples ages 26-35 are not only the current average age for marriage, but they also hold the most value in their weddings, spending the most at £8,138.36.
Now you’ve had a breakdown of the stats, let's explore some of the most popular locations in more depth.
A stunning Mediterranean escape that’s famous for its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, Cyprus is the top destination wedding location for good reason. With historical, cultural and natural sights galore, this island is surrounded by dazzling clear waters and is full of experiences not to be missed
According to our data, the top 3 most popular wedding destinations in Cyprus are Ayia Napa, Paphos and Protaras. So let's dive into what makes these locations extra special.
An Ayia Napa wedding offers stunning seaside views off the southeastern coast of Cyprus. With miles of golden beaches, crystal clear waters and a range of culture and history, this is the perfect location for couples looking to tie the knot.
If you’re looking for some honeymoon activities, you’ll be stunned by the sights at Cape Greco National Park, or you can head off on a boat trip to Blue Lagoon, just be sure to book any tours in advance as they’re quick to fill up. If you’re all beached out, you can enjoy many modern amenities too from a range of luxury spas to safaris.
The city of Paphos is well known for its rich cultural heritage and association with the Greek Gods. With breathtaking beaches alongside historical hotspots, Pathos is perfect for couples who love to explore.
Take in the ancient sights at the Tomb of the Kings or head to a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Paphos Archaeological Park. Here you can observe ancient artefacts and Roman mosaics!
If you’re not a history buff there’s still plenty to enjoy, with a wealth of local restaurants and activities to enjoy. Head down to a number of beaches for a relaxing time in the sun or get romantic after your wedding by heading to Petra tou Romiou rock, said to be the birthplace of the goddess of love, Aphrodite.
This quaint little town located in East Cyprus is a picturesque and more relaxed environment for weddinggoers to enjoy. Fig Tree Bay is by far the star of Protaras and is the most famous beach in the area, loved for its water sports and stunning seascape. With a selection of local eateries, boutiques and pubs, Protaras is the ideal spot for couples looking for a more intimate wedding experience away from the big crowds.
In this quieter area, you can explore authentic Cypriot culture and incorporate Cyprus wedding traditions into your big day.
With all of these fabulous sunny locations, it’s important to remember to stay safe and comfortable. Remember to pack your sunscreen and clothes that are breathable for dancing and dining on your big day.
Weddings in Greece are a beautiful fusion of culture, tradition, and stunning landscapes. Greece has a range of well-known breathtaking locations, from stylish villas and historic sites to scenic beaches and quaint churches.
Santorini weddings are an incredibly popular option due to the famous sunsets and ocean views. Enjoy a reception full of delicious and authentic Greek cuisine and regional wines.
If you’re looking for a traditional wedding in Greece you can experience an Orthodox ceremony at a number of churches. It’s important to note that to legally marry in Greece you’ll need to apply for marriage at a local town hall and provide all your ID documents to verify your identity and right to marry.
There’s nowhere quite like fabulous Las Vegas and for lovers of all things fun, a Las Vegas wedding has something for everyone. In the city known as the wedding capital of the world, you’ll have options to enjoy both luxury weddings as well as cheap and cheerful experiences like drive-through ceremonies!
You can customise your ceremony as much as you like in this city with a wide variety of photography, catering and package options. Choose a theme like an iconic Elvis wedding or keep things classy at a high-end hotel. However you choose to marry in Vegas, there is a wide range of venues, an endless amount of entertainment and an electric nightlife to keep all the family entertained.
Tying the knot in Vegas is fairly simple, but you’ll need to purchase a marriage license from the state of Nevada to make it official and legal.
A wedding in Italy is for many people the ultimate romantic way to exchange vows, with a wide range of breathtaking scenery from ancient architecture to beachside backdrops. From dazzling lakeside villas in Lake Como to historic venues overlooking the city in Florence, there are so many options to suit every couple in Italy.
If you’re looking to enjoy a quiet ceremony with coastal views, we’d recommend an Amalfi Coast wedding. If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, you can head to Tuscany for your wedding, where you can experience authentic Italian vineyards and ceremonies in 13th-century castles.
Planning a wedding in Italy can be easy, but you’ll need to ensure you have a Nulla Osta or certificate of no impediment to prove your right to marry.
For more tips on marrying in Italy, you can check out our dedicated blog.
With its clear blue waters, sun-kissed beaches, and relaxed tropical atmosphere, a Caribbean wedding is ideal for hosting a relaxing affair. The Caribbean is made up of several stunning islands from Jamaica to Costa Rica so there’s plenty of choice for all couples. If you want to enjoy vibrant culture and sandy beaches then a Jamaica wedding might be the one for you.
If you and your partner want a more laid-back beach experience then you can head off for a Bahamas wedding for truly unique experiences like a trip to Pig Beach to swim with the local island piggies!
Whatever island you choose in the Caribbean is bound to be a brilliant place to say “I do”, but it’s important to research the marriage requirements before you set off. Each Caribbean island has its own marriage laws so ensure you apply to marry and provide all your documents well in advance.
Unlike many tropical destinations on our list, the Caribbean actually has a hurricane season between June and November so it’s important to plan carefully if you want to avoid rain.
Now that you know the best destination wedding locations you should have enough inspiration to begin planning your special day, and there’s no easier way than with The Wedding Travel Company. We’re dedicated to helping couples jet off on their dream destination wedding with as little stress as possible.
“Massive support throughout, always communicating with me when it came to all my questions and they all helped individually throughout. My wedding was amazing and I would definitely recommend this company and already have.” - Rebecca Brooks (Testimonials)
We curate personalised packages for every couple and handle all the tricky things like documentation and applications. If you’re unsure which destination is perfect for you, contact our team and we’ll help you pick the ideal location based on your wedding requirements!
