Beach weddings are the most popular type of destination wedding. From simple barefoot affairs to elaborately decorated productions by the ocean’s edge, the elemental beauty of the beach, the surf, and the sun create an appropriate setting to launch a new life together. If you are planning to say your vows on the sand, this guide can point you to the best places for beach weddings.
Prime Locations for Beach Weddings
In theory, any patch of sand beside the sea is a possible site for beach weddings. Yet some destinations are better than others. Those boast exceptional scenery, a range of services to help couples host beach weddings, and a wide choice of accommodations.
"The Caribbean accounts for just over half of international destination weddings from the United States, followed by Mexico with 21 percent. Florida is the top U.S. destination, followed by Las Vegas and Hawaii, which fell from the top spot," according to Reuters — and it's no wonder that four out of five of those wedding locations are known for their beaches.
Most Popular Spots for Beach Weddings
The Caribbean advantage: Warm weather, wide beaches, and hotels experienced in organizing destination weddings have given the Caribbean the edge in attracting couples to marry here. Brides and grooms often combine their Caribbean wedding and honeymoon at the same resort (a specialty at all-inclusives), or may wed at one and take a short plane ride to a neighboring island to savor their honeymoon at another in private.
Caribbean Islands A-Z | Caribbean Wedding Requirements | Sandals Resorts
The Mexico advantage: Equally warm and sunny, Mexico's Yucatan Coast, washed by the warm Gulf of Mexico; and its West Coast and Baja California peninsula are dotted with resorts at all price points. Still, couples may find more bargains in Mexico than on the islands.
Mexico Destinations | Mexico Weddings | Best Mexico Resorts | Marrying in Mexico
The Florida advantage: Florida is certainly the easiest destination for people to get to and acquiring a marriage license is easy for US citizens. Low-priced flights from all over arrive in the state. Choose from glitzy Miami, refined Palm Beach, laid-back Key West, the low-key resorts along the state's Gulf Coast, and island retreats on both coasts.
Florida Regions | Disney World Weddings | Florida Marriage Licenses
The Hawaii advantage: Romantic Hawaii combines the exotic pleasures and beautiful beaches of Polynesia with the ease of having a wedding in the U.S. Top-rate hotels, fragrant indigenous flowers woven into leis, and the gracious aloha spirit continue to lure couples in love to these islands.
Hawaii's Best Beach Hotels | Getting Married in Hawaii | Hawaii Marriage Licenses
The Las Vegas advantage: Although Las Vegas has plenty of swimming pools, it has no natural beaches. Still, it's a wildly popular place for weddings, which can be as simple (just drive up!) or as elaborate as your taste and budget dictate.
Las Vegas Weddings | Vegas Wedding Chapels | Clark County Marriage Licenses
