Top 7 Destination Wedding Locations in the US for Every Budget

A destination wedding in the United States doesn’t equate with blowing your budget or being short on the money front.

There is no shortage of romantic locations here, from lush coastal views to rustic countryside settings — there is a perfect spot for every couple.

This guide walks through seven breathtaking locations that each have their own allure, and accommodate differing budgets, along with price ranges for planning your big day.

1. Napa Valley, Calif.: For a Wine Country Soirée

With romantic vineyards, beautiful rolling hills, and deluxe accommodations, Napa Valley is the perfect pick for couples with an elegant destination wedding in mind.

Imagine saying your vows amid climbing grapevines or at a luxe winery venue.

The area is famous for its first-rate hospitality, epic dining and stunning vistas, so it’s a splurge worth making.

Costs can vary, with one Napa Valley wedding ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on number of guests and venue choice.

Intimate ceremonies at boutique wineries may be less expensive, whereas extravagant weddings at estates will drive up the high end of the budget.

2. Charleston SC: Southern Charm and Sophistication

Charleston is a classic Southern city with cobblestone streets, historic plantations and delightful waterfront venues.

Couples adore the romantic moss-covered oak trees and antebellum architecture, which make for the perfect backdrop for timeless wedding photos.

In Charleston, weddings run $10,000 to $25,000, though budget options exist in area gardens and parks.

Historic estates and other high-end venues are popular for couples willing to spend more.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada: The Glamorous and Versatile

Las Vegas is not all Elvis impersonators and neon lights — it has top-notch venues catering to destination weddings, from opulent ballrooms to picturesque desert settings.

Most resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive packages, so it’s an inexpensive but glamorous option.

A simple chapel ceremony in Las Vegas can start at $500, while all-inclusive resort packages generally fall between $5,000 and $15,000, so there’s something to fit every budget.

4. Big Sur, California: The Beauty of Rugged Coastline

Big Sur is perfect for couples who enjoy nature along with gorgeous vistas along the coast.

The rugged cliffs, crashing ocean waves, and peaceful redwood forests form the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor wedding.

It’s ideal for intimate ceremonies or elopements.

Average Big Sur wedding costs run from $8,000 to $30,000, depending if you’re renting a public space like Pfeiffer Beach or a private luxury resort spot like Post Ranch Inn.

5. Louisiana: New Orleans: the Culture and the Music

If you’re doing love in the aisle — you know, the one with the jazz and the crawfish — your music, culture and party wedding dreams will come true in New Orleans.

By jazz-infused streets and historic courtyards, the city has a unique charm.

The French Quarter and Garden District have plenty of romantic and festive venues.

In New Orleans, destination weddings typically run $7,000 to $20,000.

Cost-conscious couples can get one of a number of accessibly priced packages in a local park, for example, or at a smaller venue, while high-end hotel venues provide for pricier affairs.”

6. Great Smoky Mountains, Tenn.: Rustic, with a Budget Option

The Smoky Mountains are ideal for couples desiring a peaceful, rustic wedding. Think cozy log-cabin lodges, sweeping views of the mountains and a laid-back atmosphere.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (which are adjacent to each other) have a lot of inexpensive venues and vacation rentals for ceremonies and receptions.

Weddings in the Smoky Mountains range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on whether couples get a permit to hold a ceremony in a national park or choose one of the many venues in the area to accommodate larger weddings.

7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Romantic by the Sea

Cape Cod has idyllic beaches, nautical vibes and old New England charm.

The area is ideal for couples seeking a romantic seaside wedding with spectacular sunset views and delightful inns or resorts for guests.

The cost of weddings on Cape Cod can run from $10,000 to $30,000.

Beachfront or community hall ceremonies offer low-cost options, while the likes of turquoise-viewing oceanfront resorts are on hand for higher-end experiences.