Destination Wedding Ideas for Adventurous Couples 

Thousands of couples choose to have destination weddings, whether a few hours from their home or on the other side of the world. A ‘destination wedding’ is an umbrella term, because there are so many unique variations on how couples decide how and where to wed. Some couples rent entire Italian castles to host their 300 closest friends and family, while others slip away to enjoy an intimate ceremony on the beaches of Greece.

There is no right or wrong way to have a destination wedding, as long as it’s what you and your fiance want! If you lean more toward the adventurous side, we’ve compiled a list of our best destination wedding ideas for adventurous couples.

Destination Wedding Ideas for Adventurous Couples

1. Iceland

In the past decade, Iceland has skyrocketed in popularity for adventurous destination weddings and elopements. Many couples choose this location because it offers other-worldly landscapes without excessively long flights for their friends and family. From the East Coast, a direct flight to Iceland is typically between 5-6 hours. This can be much easier on family members who cannot handle long, overseas flights.

2. Upper Peninsula

If you want a destination wedding but would rather not travel far, there are plenty of places right here in Michigan to host an incredible destination wedding. The Upper Peninsula hosts destination weddings every year for couples from around the country. Some of the most popular destination wedding locations in the U.P. include Pictured Rocks, Marquette, Presque Isle Park, and Copper Harbor.

3. Sedona

Sedona is the perfect adventure destination wedding location. It’s one of the most scenic towns in the United States thanks to its geography, perfectly nestled into the red rock landscape of northwest Arizona. The town has everything from adventure wedding destinations to luxury resort lodges for the perfect wedding day, no matter what your vision entails.

4. Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are very popular for destination weddings big and small. And although the most popular islands for tourists are Santorini and Mykonos, the top islands for destination weddings are Zakynthos, Milos, Rhodes, and Crete. No matter which Greek Island you choose for your adventurous destination wedding, they all promise stunning shorelines, beautiful beaches, and endless exploration opportunities for you and your guests.

5. National Parks

National Parks are one of the top choices for couples looking to add a little adventure to their wedding day. Brides and grooms love how they are affordable (permits to get married in National Parks are around $100) and the scenic backdrops are typically the only decorations needed. However, if you want to do a large destination wedding, a National Park might not be the best choice because most cap the guest count around 50. And remember, if you plan to get married in a National Park, leave no trace!

6. The Homestead

Another great destination wedding option right here in Michigan the Homestead Resort. The scenic Lake Michigan-front lodge and hotel offers everything you and your guests are looking for without long drives or flights. The hotel is located directly on the beach and offers a lakefront restaurant, pool, and spa. Better yet, it’s just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland, and Empire, some of the most scenic areas in the Midwest. Guests can stay onsite at the lodge and enjoy a Northern Michigan vacation while celebrating your big day. It doesn’t get much better than that!

7. Banff

Banff, in Canada, has so much to offer when it comes to destination weddings. Whether looking for a scenic summer celebration on the shores of Lake Louise or an epic winter ski wedding, all can be done in the stunning location of Banff, Alberta. Rent out the Lake Louise Lodge, take a helicopter ride for wedding portraits on a glacier, or elope in a whimsical forest.

8. St. Lucia

If you can’t decide between an adventurous destination wedding or a beachside Caribbean resort wedding, combine them both in St. Lucia! Located in the heart of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is known for its turquoise blue waters, 5-star resorts, and towering seaside mountains. It’s a destination where couples and guests can spend their morning relaxing on the beach and the afternoon ATVing in the mountains. There is truly no limit when it comes to exploring this once-in-a-lifetime location for a destination wedding.

9. Hawaii

In addition to being the top honeymoon destination for couples in the United States, it is also one of the top locations for destination weddings. Every major resort, whether on Oahu or Maui, offers destination wedding packages for celebrations of all sizes. Many couples say Kauai is the best island to get married, while Maui is the best island to honeymoon. No matter which island you choose, it’s bound to be an adventure!