Destination weddings continue to captivate the minds and hearts of adventurous couples—those that recognize the opportunity to personalize their celebrations while creating the ultimate guest experiences (sometimes at an overall cost savings when compared to weddings at home). It’s imperative that wedding professionals interested in dominating this market keep up with the latest trends, such as the top emerging wedding destinations and the features that make them irresistible to adventure seekers.
Excursions and adventure travel
Couples are looking beyond the traditional as they search for a unique twist on the destination trend. Many seek locales where they can book excursions, creating active opportunities for their guests to bond and fully enjoy the surroundings.
The Caribbean has a lot to offer in the way of adventure, while also providing endless opportunities for relaxing in the sun. Islands that are off the beaten path are especially popular with newlyweds these days, as they opt for unique island locales like Curacao, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Barbados.
South Africa has long been overlooked as a wedding destination but offers some of the most incredible, scenic views and top-notch excursion possibilities like tours of world-renowned wineries, safari adventures, and even world-class shopping and dining experiences. Additionally, South Africa is highly welcoming to the LGBTQ community, fulfilling a need for an ever-expanding market segment many wedding professionals are eager to serve.
The Canadian Rockies (shown above) are the destination wedding answer to the “back to nature” trend that is so hot right now. If your couple shows an inclination toward the peace and beauty of towering mountains and crystal blue lakes, British Columbia could be just the spot for them. Encourage your clients to plan group experiences like a sunrise mountain bike ride followed by a uniquely relaxing soak in natural hot springs; the perfect bonding opportunity for any wedding group.
New Zealand may seem like a small island, but it is recognized in the travel community as an adventure capital. Your couples can arrange tours of volcanic parks or snorkeling and diving excursions, then follow them with relaxing cocktails on the grounds of one of the nation’s world-class resorts. An escape to New Zealand is complete on its own, but can also be paired with an easy island hop to Australia for an even more epic wedding vacation.
"[New York City] is renowned for its acceptance of all couples, including those in the LGBTQ community, and is considered as much a destination by couples from across the US as it is by international to-be-weds."
Luxury – urban style
Of course, not every couple equates hiking boots and a trek in the woods with opulence. For the more urban-minded traveler, some of the finest cities in the world are waiting to welcome both wedding party and guests in style.
A carriage ride through Central Park? Yes, please!
New York City is the quintessential urban wedding destination with iconic backdrops at every turn, complete luxury at one’s fingertips and more culture than you could ever hope to experience in a single wedding weekend. It is renowned for its acceptance of all couples, including those in the LGBTQ community, and is considered as much a destination by couples from across the US as it is by international to-be-weds. Plan to give your clients the “concierge” experience, assisting them with everything from first-class accommodations, and double-decker city bus tours to tickets to the hottest Broadway shows.
The great capitals of Europe may also satisfy your more cosmopolitan couples. Paris, Venice, and Dublin are all emerging wedding destinations that fulfill lifelong dreams of immersion in European-style culture and romance.
The perfect destination is out there for every couple, even if it takes some time to narrow down the choices. Having clients work with a destination wedding specialist will allow them to find their own fairy tale celebration.
Megan Velez is the Vice President of Product at Destination Wedding Travel Group, the world's leading destination wedding and romantic travel planning company. Destination Wedding Travel Group, which encompasses GayDestinationWeddings.com, DestinationWeddings.com and LuxuriousDestinationWeddings.com, has worked with nearly 25,000 couples and half a million guests to plan dream destination weddings around the world. For more information, visit DestinationWeddings.com.
