Image courtesy of Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection
Once upon a time, destination weddings were mostly pre-made packages that left the experiences feeling more big box than bespoke. Today’s couples are all about creating celebrations that reflect their own stories. Unique details, a sense of place, superior food, and singular attractions are key factors in turning that dream into a reality.
From a 15th-century Spanish country farm to a minimalist hideaway in Los Cabos, Mexico to a Scandi-style camp in the hills of Western Massachusetts, these advisor-approved hotels tick all the boxes for a tailored fête. Several offer exclusive buy-outs, giving couples with smaller guest lists the chance to take over an entire property for their intimate affair. But if you want to go a little bigger, you’ll also find picks with the capacity for larger receptions.
Destination Wedding Hotels in the United States
Image courtesy of Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford, California)
Since opening in 1981, this French-inspired resort has steadily built its reputation as Napa Valley’s standard-bearer for wine-country romance. Between its 33 acres of olive groves, terracotta terraces with sweeping views, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, couples can easily host an entire wedding weekend on-property, from welcome drinks to the post-wedding brunch.
Prospect Berkshires (Egremont, Massachusetts)
Its sleek Scandinavian aesthetic allows this 49-cabin retreat to blend seamlessly into its bucolic surroundings. The forested lakeside setting encourages outdoor activities (think: water sports, birding, nature walks), but guests inclined to explore also have easy access to charming towns like Great Barrington. The property’s specialized pavilion means you can invite up to 200 people to the big party.
The Roundtree, Amagansett (Amagansett, New York)
This enclave of clapboard houses on Long Island’s East End exudes pastoral romance. Once a farm, the serene property is deceptively grand, stretching over a two-acre grassy expanse punctuated by old-growth trees, lawn game outposts, and a pretty pool. Eight guest rooms and five cottages house your loved ones for an intimate wedding weekend, while up to 250 can be accommodated for your reception. Guests who want to explore can stroll down Main Street or take the hotel’s beach cruisers to the golden dunes nearby.
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole (Teton Village, Wyoming)
A recent multimillion-dollar renovation breathed new life into this resort’s guest rooms and spa, but the main draw remains unchanged: the picturesque alpine landscape with plenty of year-round appeal. Summer tees up wildflower season, when the meadows erupt in vibrant blooms, while winter showcases the Teton’s dramatic peaks, which appear extra majestic when dusted with snow. The spring and fall shoulder seasons feel lush in their own ways, whether you prefer your vistas swathed in hues of green or the full range of autumn tones. And with skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing practically on the hotel’s doorstep, guests will have little trouble filling out their itinerary.
Destination Wedding Hotels Abroad
Image courtesy of Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
Belmond Castello di Casole (Casole d’Elsa, Siena, Italy)
Rolling vineyards and olive groves surround a restored 10th-century castle, which has been thoughtfully converted to house 39 rooms and suites, plus two regal villas. One of the largest private estates in Tuscany, the property sits on 4,200 acres, where your choice of venues includes an ancient amphitheatre and a historic chapel. Entertain guests with a jeep safari to scout for local wildlife, an astronomer-led stargazing session with aperitifs, or private winery visits.
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape (Bali, Indonesia)
Sure, you can book a just-the-two-of us elopement at this 16-villa, adults-only, garden-laden Balinese retreat, but it will likely be more fun to savor the best of the romantic island with friends and family. Hold your ceremony in an open-air pavilion among the trees; hyper-local cuisine and florals are featured in any celebration.
Casa Palopó (Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala)
With a name that means “the place where the rainbow gets its colors,” Lake Atitlán is an unforgettable wedding destination. Framed by verdant hills, the crystalline body of water is actually a caldera—a volcano that collapsed into itself after a massive explosion. Swap vows in the church in Santa Catarina Palopó before a lively reception for up to 200 at this 15-room Relais & Châteaux property, which has unimpeded views of the lake and highlands. A three-room private villa hosts nine more guests; others can take scenic boat rides to neighboring pueblos and hotels.
Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection (Massignac, France)
Southwest France doesn’t get more quietly spectacular than this 13th-century château. Set on 2,500 private acres of forest, lakes, and meadows, the estate encompasses a grand château, farmhouse cottages, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a spa housed in a converted water mill. The historic stone barn and romantic gardens lend themselves to a rustic-chic aesthetic, while the La Laiterie reception hall serves as a more neutral space for couples with a different vision.
Domaine de Fontenille (Lauris, France)
Lavender fields, sun-bleached stone, and organic wines poured straight from the estate create a quintessential Provençal experience at this elegant vineyard hotel. Take over its 25 rooms and suites, most of them overlooking the park, and invite your guests to e-bike or cycle through the vineyards. (Yoga or pétanque are more leisurely options.) Follow a garden ceremony with a reception featuring seasonal cuisine and the estate’s own organic wines.
Drift San Jose del Cabo (San Jose del Cabo, Mexico)
All white-washed walls and minimalist interiors with natural accents, this 29-room modernist hideaway is an unexpected hotel offering located near the town's arts district. Weddings here are limited to 60 and celebrations are all about including the classic Mexican offerings—tacos, mezcal tastings, and live music. Guests can have access to longboards, yoga programming and a small pool.
Fogo Island Inn (Newfoundland, Canada)
On the edge of the world, amid a windswept landscape high above the Northern Atlantic, stands this modern interpretation of the traditional fishing buildings that dot the local coastline. Built with regenerative design principles, the striking Relais & Châteaux hotel features just 29 guest rooms, all looking out onto the wild expanse of the island and restless ocean. Amenities include rooftop hot tubs and hyperlocal meals (80% sourced from Newfoundland and Labrador). Ceremonies here can be held on the rocky outcroppings or any of the modern common areas.
Image courtesy of Martha Vosdou Gundari
Gundari (Folegandros, Greece)
Sleek design meets traditional Greek hospitality at this sustainably-minded hideaway, a clutch of 27 cliffside suites and villas occupying 80 acres of a quiet Cycladic island. Over the course of your gathering, host lingering lunches overlooking the Aegean, take a guided bird-watching tour, and book a boat ride to hidden coves. Wedding celebrations can happen by the pool, with menus provided by Greece’s first Michelin-starred chef.
La Torre del Visco (Matarraña, Spain)
Welcoming guests to this 15th-century farmhouse in rural Aragon is like bringing them into your family home—if your kitchen had a Michelin Green Star and stocked produce from an on-site organic garden. The Relais & Châteaux property, located just two hours from Barcelona’s international airport, houses 14 accommodations, a self-serve bodega (wine cellar), and multiple lounging areas, including a library and a dining room with epic pastoral views. Ceremonies can happen in the gardens under a canopy, while a stone terrace is perfect for dancing.
The Potlatch Club (Eleuthera, Bahamas)
In the 1960s and ’70s, The Potlatch Club was a private club for jet-setters like Elizabeth Taylor and Paul McCartney. After a seven-year renovation, it reopened in 2024 as an intimate hideaway with 11 distinct guest rooms that can accommodate 28 people. Breezy low-slung buildings fronted by endless green lawns and the famous pink-sands beaches epitomize laid-back luxury. Property and event service is stellar, food is hyperlocal—especially the beach BBQ with spiny lobster—and activities are all about exploring the translucent waters. Reception space can include up to 200 guests.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
Since 1953, this 110-acre North Shore peninsula has attracted the who's who of travelers. (John F. Kennedy and Jackie honeymooned here, and Cole Porter was known to sing at the bar.) But you don't have to make headlines to feel like a VIP here. Each of the 27 villas comes with its own dedicated cook, housekeeper, and gardener, so guests want for nothing during their stay. That same high-touch service carries through to every wedding detail. Ceremonies can unfold on the golden-sand beach, beneath a canopy of tropical foliage on the stone Hanover Terrace, or on the Spa Lawn with its panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. And with a one-wedding-per-weekend rule, your party won't be competing for space or attention.
Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (San José del Cabo, Mexico)
Properties in Ritz-Carlton’s elite collection deliver the kind of distinct sense of place and exceptional hospitality that take destination weddings from event to experience. Here, that translates to rooms accented with handmade Mexican art and textiles, dining venues that showcase heritage ingredients and flavors, and intuitive service that sets every guest at ease. Take advantage of the Baja California Sur’s abundant sunshine and the hotel’s juxtaposition between the desert and the Sea of Cortez to plan a cinematic sunset ceremony in one of the outdoor spaces.
A better way to book room blocks
Once you’ve chosen your destination and venue, it’s time to think about accommodations for your guests. Room blocks simplify logistics, but the contracting and coordination involved can quickly become a full-time job. Your Fora Advisor can handle all of it—from the request for proposal process to advocating for the best rates and contract terms to negotiating perks through Fora's preferred partnerships. Once the block is set, they’ll manage guest bookings, confirmations, and deadline reminders, serving as a single point of contact so you can stay focused on celebrating.
