A wedding weekend isn’t just a celebration—it’s an invitation to escape, gather, and experience something extraordinary together. And it all begins with one of the most important planning decisions: choosing your wedding destination.
At McHone Events, we believe the setting for your wedding weekend should feel like an extension of your story—intentional, beautiful, and deeply personal. Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal hideaway, a countryside estate, or a modern boutique retreat, this guide will help you understand how to choose a wedding destination that elevates your celebration and delights every guest.
1. Think Beyond the Wedding Day—Curate an Entire Destination Experience
When planning a destination wedding, it’s easy to fall in love with a ceremony view or reception layout. But the most memorable celebrations go far beyond the day itself.
Ask yourself:
- What will the entire weekend feel like for you and your guests?
- How do you want people to experience the destination—before, during, and after the wedding?
The right location allows you to build a thoughtful rhythm: welcome cocktails at golden hour, a relaxed poolside brunch, a scenic group excursion, and of course, an unforgettable wedding day. When every moment feels curated and cohesive, your guests aren’t just attending a wedding—they’re stepping into a full experience.
2. Boutique Over Big—Why Intimacy and Property Buyouts Matter
The most luxurious wedding weekends aren’t always found at the largest resorts. In fact, some of the most extraordinary wedding destinations are smaller, boutique-style properties that can be fully bought out. Places like Amangiri, The Madrona, Be Tulum, or Ventana Big Sur offer the intimacy, personalization, and elevated service that five-star chain hotels often can’t match.
A full buyout means:
- Complete privacy for your guests
- The ability to brand and design the weekend your way
- A seamless guest experience, with no outside interruptions
It also means every guest interaction—from breakfast to the after-party—feels connected and intentional. This kind of exclusivity makes the entire wedding weekend feel immersive, indulgent, and unforgettable.
3. Consider the Guest Journey in Your Destination Wedding Planning
While this weekend is about celebrating your love, it’s also about creating something incredible for the people who matter most. That’s why we always consider the guest journey when helping couples decide how to choose a wedding destination.
Think about:
- How easy is the destination to reach? (Direct flights, ground transfers, etc.)
- What can guests do before or after the wedding? (Spa mornings, wine tastings, shopping, hiking, beach lounging)
- Will they feel like they’ve escaped somewhere special—or like they could be anywhere?
Your guests are taking time off, traveling, and investing in this weekend. The destination should reward that effort with experiences they’ll remember long after the last glass of champagne.
4. Make It Personal: Let Your Destination Reflect You
One of the most important parts of choosing a wedding destination is making sure it’s meaningful—not just beautiful. Instead of choosing a location based on trends or Instagram buzz, we encourage our couples to pause and ask:
- What destinations do you love visiting together?
- What cultures or regions feel like home—or have influenced your story?
- Are there any bucket-list places you’ve always dreamed of sharing with the people you love?
The most unforgettable wedding weekends are the ones that reflect you. Maybe it’s a historic estate in Provence, a barefoot-luxury beach in Mexico, or a design-forward retreat tucked into the California coastline. When the destination feels like a natural extension of your lifestyle and your love story, the weekend becomes something guests could never replicate anywhere else.
5. Let a Destination Wedding Expert Help You Bring It to Life
Choosing the right destination is only the beginning. From there, we help translate your vision into a seamless, immersive wedding weekend that honors both your story and your guests. From travel logistics and guest care to curated experiences and intentional design, every layer is handled with ease and sophistication.
At McHone Events, we specialize in helping couples plan destination wedding weekends that feel effortless, immersive, and unforgettable—for everyone invited. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to begin.
