Have you decided to spend the most important event of your life in some special and unique location? If so, you’re in the right place to get all the info!
Destination weddings have become extremely popular over the last decade which is not surprising at all. Gathering all your loved ones in a fantastic place for your wedding is attractive for so many reasons.
In this guide, you will get all the info related to destination weddings, from finding perfect places and venues to advice and tips for organizing a wedding out of town or country. Stay with us and let us inspire your wedding preparations!
In this article you will read about the following topics:
- What is a destination wedding?
- Are destination weddings cheaper?
- Benefits of destination weddings
- Drawbacks of destination weddings
- Tips for having a magical destination wedding
- Places ideal for a destination wedding
1. What is a destination wedding?
Most people believe that destination weddings are ultra-luxurious weddings organized in some exotic locations like on a tropical beach of an island. Surely, this type of event would be one hell of a wedding, but the overall meaning of a “destination wedding” has a bit broader meaning.
Simply said, a destination wedding is a wedding organized out of the city or town where the bride and groom currently live. In most cases, the chosen destination is not more than one hour away. Now it’s easy to conclude that all the invitees have to travel from out-of-town to be a part of the wedding.
As you can see, most of these wedding destinations are being held in domestic locations. While residing in a beautiful country like Switzerland that’s not surprising – there are endless romantic getaways and fabulous venues that are perfect for special occasions.
Some couples decide to go with a destination wedding because it has a significant meaning to them, while others choose it just because they find it unique and appealing.
Destination weddings get less expensive than organizing a wedding at home. They are more intimate – a smaller number of guests will save you money, and most destination weddings are followed with all-inclusive wedding packages. Plus, some venues will offer you a free wedding if you book a certain number of rooms. Continue reading to find out more.
2. Are destination weddings cheaper?
Besides being the biggest hit right now, destination weddings mean an unforgettable experience that lessens both stress and the final cost. There is nothing about them not to love.
No matter what location you choose, you will be more than satisfied that you have spent such lovely moments with your chosen one, family, and friends.
Not just that destination weddings cost less than domestic ones, they also minimalize the so-called “emotional cost”.
There may be some planning involved in advance, but most of it can be finalized just by your wedding planner. Many resorts provide wedding packages that cover all the details you wouldn’t think of the other way. These packages also give you the room to plan your special day according to your ideas and preferences.
Destination weddings cost
The total cost depends on many factors. You must consider everything, starting from location, the time of the year, the number of guests, the number of days, the number of events included, etc. After estimating all these factors, we get the average cost of a destination wedding varying around $33,391 (€29,169).
Destination weddings are followed with the same preparation as domestic weddings. You will need rings, a dress and a suit, invitations, a venue, flowers, catering, a cake, music, a photographer, and an officiant. Plus, you will have to include travel in groups, accommodation, and a full-service destination.
At first, you will be frightened that you need much more than you would need for a regular wedding. Some details can significantly lower the final cost. The number of guests is usually lower which automatically affects the cost. For example, in destinations where the currency exchange rate works in your favor, you will have fewer expenses as your money will go further.
3. Benefits of destination weddings
We will mention some of the top benefits of a destination wedding that will help you determine if it is the right choice for you. Whatever you choose, don’t forget that your wedding should be exciting, authentic, and in a place, you will strongly remember!
1. Stress-free
You are well aware of how stressful and tiresome can get the organization of a wedding with the family involved. We mentioned before that a destination wedding lowers the stress to a great extent since the wedding is far away and a limited number of guests can attend it.
Plus, the benefits of a wedding package allow the couple to relax and enjoy the day deeply. They will still have to arrange some details, but in general, the staff at the resort will take care of all the difficult parts when it comes to planning your special day.
2. Simple and smooth
Destination weddings are much easier to organize and carry out than weddings at home. Already-existing wedding packages created by professionals make everything simpler and painless. They cover all the aspects of a decent wedding, nothing will be forgotten. The bride and the groom will just have to decide about several things, the rest is already solved for them.
In case that the couple wants to set their own theme and idea into motion, they will just have to inform the wedding planner working at the chosen destination, and they will take care of each detail and make sure that everything runs smoothly.
3. Economical
We mentioned before that destinations weddings get less expensive than local weddings in the end. The couple pays for the wedding package and their resort stay, while the guests pay for the ride and the accommodation.
The couple decides if they want a small or a big wedding, and therefore, they navigate their expenses. They can also get some discounts from the resort if they stay longer, book a certain number of rooms, or decide to spend their honeymoon at the same venue.
4. Drawbacks of destination weddings
Even though destination weddings provide significant benefits, they also have some drawbacks that you should pay attention to. We will mention some of the equally important things below that you should consider before making a decision.
1. Limited in size
Most destination weddings are limited in size and the number of guests usually isn’t more than 50. Rationally, it would be quite impossible to organize a big wedding at some faraway location. This fact will instantly lower your guest list. Some distant relatives might get offended if you don’t invite them.
Yes, a small wedding is intimate and private, but it is also a perfect opportunity to gather all of your family members, friends, and colleagues. It would be challenging or even impossible to accomplish that with a destination wedding.
2. Paperwork nuisance
Wedding is all about fun, but it also has serious paperwork included. Your marriage must be legal, no matter where you are planning the ceremony. Don’t even think about planning a trip without the passport, birth certificate, and other relevant documents related to the wedding.
If you don’t bring any of these, we are afraid that your marriage will fail in being legal. Be responsible, prepare in advance, and avoid any unnecessary scenarios.
3. Larger expenses for the guests
When organizing destination weddings, it is indisputable that your invitees will spend more money than they would for a local wedding. They will have to pay for the travel, accommodation, and a wedding gift. Plus, they will have to prepare documents, and maybe ask for a day off at work. This is the reason why it is very important to plan thoroughly your guest list, and decide whether or not it will be troublesome for them to appear.
Most people will attend no matter how tiresome it can get because they don’t want to miss the important moments of their loved ones. Keep this in mind as well when planning a destination wedding.
Unfortunately, destination weddings are followed by some sacrifices that couples have to make. They may lower the guest list and affect the overall size of the wedding, but they will get romance, fun, intimacy, and memorable moments that both the couple and the guests will cherish for a lifetime.
5. Tips for having a magical destination wedding
Now that you are well-acquainted with some of the best places for a destination wedding in Switzerland, we can come down to this:
- You should choose the perfect spot
- Consider the weather and the time of the year
- Hire a professional planner
- Visit the venue in advance and arrange everything
- Plan the trip in detail
- Check the documents
- Consider additional expenses
- Plan additional events
- Make the guests feel welcome
- Hire a limousine service for a complete pleasure
6. Which place is the best for a destination wedding?
Are you looking for a beautiful place where you will say your biggest “yes”? Feeling consumed with the general thought that there is no better option than a beach wedding during sunset? Yes, that’s very tempting, but we are here to suggest something bolder, more unique, and adventurous.
What could be more romantic than a wedding in the heart of Europe, overlooking the fearless Alps, Lake Geneva, and Mont Blanc?
A secluded destination set in the unspoiled nature of Switzerland will be a dream come true! Not just because of its magical landscapes, breathtaking panoramas, and castles on lakes, but also because it has a wide number of luxury wedding locations, perfectly adjusted for the wedding ceremony.
Switzerland doesn’t only vary in style, it also offers you different approaches towards celebrating special occasions. Some Swiss venues will emphasize the traditional elements, while others will impress you with their impeccable service.
Places in Switzerland ideal for a destination wedding in Europe
Keep reading and you’ll meet some of the most unique Swiss places that will make your destination wedding unforgettable!
Related: 8 Most Romantic Places in Switzerland for a Honeymoon.
1. Tarasp castle
If you want a wedding straight from a fairytale, this is the perfect destination for you!
Tarasp castle has a long tradition and it was built around 1040. This impressive place is open for extraordinary celebrations, and it is the best choice for those who want to get away from dull reality and dive into other ancient worlds!
From the castle, you will face the beautiful Scuol region, and you can easily find accommodation in one of the hotels near the castle. There you can book a restaurant, or have a wedding dinner with arranged music for about 5,000 CHF (€4,743), plus the catering.
The train can easily get you there but be prepared for a 600 m uphill walk. Or you and your guests can get there by car, but you will still need to reach the castle from the parking on foot.
Tarasp is one of the best-preserved castles in Switzerland, and it is a great ground for those who highly appreciate the historical heritage.
2. The Dolder Grand
The Dolder Grand in Zurich is an awesome choice for a destination wedding with breathtaking views over the mountains. You have more than enough space for a big wedding – there is a ballroom, a terrace, several gallery lounges, and garden salons. Moreover, the hotel boasts a two-Michelin-star restaurant with gourmet cuisine.
The hotel can accommodate up to 900 guests in the greatest comfort! It has 175 rooms, including those that capture the beautiful Lake Zurich. Further hotel amenities include spa facilities, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
3. Oberhofen Castle
Oberhofen Castle is an architectural jewel dating from the 8th century. It is located in the Canton of Bern, and it is one of the most romantic examples of a destination wedding.
Decorations ranging in different styles, from Baroque and Renaissance to Gothic are displayed inside. Plus, it has a stunning park that can be used as a base for a wedding ceremony.
This magnificent place offers a dining room, a castle chapel, a garden room with a castle terrace, and even a lake turret.
The castle is perfect for an intimate wedding (not more than 80 people), and it can be easily reached by any means of transportation. Have in mind that you cannot spend the night in the castle – it doesn’t have rooms for an overnight stay.
4. Schilthorn
Destination weddings held in Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland will be cherished for a lifetime. It offers double rooms and lounges close to the skyline which you have to book in advance. You can choose between a wide specter of activities to keep your guests entertained – you can ski, sled, hike, go to the snow park, and so much more.
For a wedding venue, there is a restaurant with a 360-degree view and a skyline bar. The cuisine has many attractive options, mostly including traditional Swiss food.
They offer group transfers on a cable car (10 people minimum), and the ride takes about 32 minutes. You can also get there by public transportation but it takes more time.
If you want alpine scenery in the background of your wedding video, then Schilthorn is the place for a couple like you two.
Switzerland’s beauty just cannot be measured, therefore, you will find a vast number of places where you can have a perfect wedding. We mentioned just a few places to inspire you to dig deeper and experience how romantic the country can be.
Whatever place you choose, we highly recommend hiring a limo service – it can pick you up at the Zurich airport and, as you airport transfer, take you anywhere. After all, an elegant event like a wedding doesn’t deserve anything less. Treat you and your guests with the best luxury and style, and everyone will leave your destination wedding more than satisfied.
Destination weddings – conclusion:
Now you understand why so many couples choose a destination wedding over a local one. The party starts as soon as your guests arrive at the resort – where they can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, and spend a night in a room afterward.
All-inclusive wedding packages tend to be more economical than domestic weddings, plus they provide additional benefits such as complimentary room upgrades or spa facilities.
If you book a certain amount of rooms in some resorts, you can even have a free wedding. Your guests will get a long-needed vacation, and you will have a wedding in a fairytale-like setting. We are talking about a win-win situation.
To keep everything smooth and elegant, hire a limousine service for everyone, and your wedding will be the most popular topic in the months to come.
