The Top 7 Destination Wedding Trends in 2023

Plan EXTRA EARLY: 

Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to reserve their wedding resort venue and room block around 12 months out. Since the world has opened again, many couples are finding resort and venue space filled up for the dates they originally wanted.  In 2023 and beyond, expect higher demand and lower inventory, which drive up prices. Couples are now looking at least 15 months out to get the room inventory & pricing that they need. 

BOTTOM LINE:  The sooner you discover the destination, wedding venue, & resort you want for your destination wedding and reserve your date, the better! 

Toes NOT in The Sand

In 2023, brides are looking to get married in an Instagram-worthy location with a breathtaking backdrop, but they DON’T want their feet in the sand.  Many destination wedding venues now are putting in beautiful above-the-sand platforms, sky weddings, garden gazebos, and over-the-water gazebos, which are growing in popularity. 

Exclusive Private Experiences: 

In 2023 couples are looking to do private, exclusive experiences with their wedding groups, such as private receptions to welcome their guests, complete with a mixologist who creates a special cocktail for just your group.  Couples are also scheduling their own private events such as fire shows, beach parties, tequila or rum tasting, and even a  private tour or excursion for just your wedding group. 

Over the Water Ceremonies! 

As I mentioned above, more and more wedding couples don’t want their feet in the sand, but they still want the breathtaking backdrop. One way to achieve this is to have an over-the-water ceremony.  Many resorts now contain wedding venues that are built over the water.  This gives the normal amazing view and adds a 3-dimensional beauty to the ceremony. 

Focus on Incorporating Cultural Traditions: 

Many couples will be incorporating local & cultural traditions into their destination wedding experience for both them and their guests!  Today’s couples want to do more than have a “wedcation”; they want to give their entire wedding group an authentic experience with the location they have chosen for their destination wedding! 

Including Local Cuisine & Cocktails: 

Along with my previous trend of including cultural traditions in their wedding, many couples also include local cuisine and cocktails in their wedding events.  For example, in Mexico, [link to October Content Hero Post on Pros & Cons of a Wedding in Mexico or similar post on destination weddings in Mexico] there is a special liquor called Mezcal.  Couples will hire a mixologist to use a liquor like that in creating a cocktail native to the location they are getting married in.  In addition to a cocktail, they may also include some authentic delicacies on their menu. 

Consulting with a Destination Wedding Expert 

In 2023, couples are choosing to consult with a destination wedding specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value out of their destination wedding. The reason is that wedding couples are busier than ever. as they work, finish school, start their family, and possibly move to a new home, all while trying to find some time for each other, 

Today's couples believe it is worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their destination wedding planned right and take the stress & frustration of planning their destination wedding off their plate!