Why destination weddings are transforming into full-fledged group getaways — and what guests need to keep in mind before attending

Jack Ezon has organized some extraordinary weddings over his 22 years in the travel industry. As the founder of Embark Beyond and a member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board, he has coordinated lavish events globally. For instance, in Puglia, Italy, he arranged a fireworks display to deter paparazzi from capturing guests from the sky. In another instance, he chartered a Boeing 737 to transport floral decorations from Holland to a wedding in Anguilla. Ezon even dispatched a team to create a one-night-only, Mykonos-style beach club on a private Caribbean island, allowing guests to dance until dawn without noise restrictions.

However, even this master of the extraordinary is feeling overwhelmed lately. “This year has been wild,” Ezon remarks about the increasing demands from couples and their families. “Budgets have surged by nearly 70 percent, and it’s not solely due to inflation. People are ready to abandon at-home celebrations. They want to revel — and they want to revel extravagantly.”

This change is being felt throughout the wedding sector, including hotels and venues globally.

“No expense is being spared for weddings nowadays,” notes Kara Bebell from Travel Siblings. She and her brother, Harlan deBell, are recognized wedding specialists on T+L’s A-List of travel advisors. “Couples who had to postpone their weddings and honeymoons multiple times are now diving back into travel with enthusiasm, indulging in exclusive experiences, upscale hotels, more exotic destinations, and even resort takeovers,” Bebell explains.

Venues in California’s wine country, such as Montage Healdsburg, Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley, and the new Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, are experiencing a boom in business. With such high demand and a readiness to spend, many couples are now exploring destinations beyond their usual choices.

Europe is a prime choice, according to Josh Alexander, an A-List advisor from Protravel International who focuses on weddings and honeymoons. “International weddings are booming, especially in European locales — partly because the euro’s weakness offers exceptional value,” he explains.

Portugal is particularly trending among advisors. Luxurious resorts like Areias do Seixo, located just outside Lisbon, and Six Senses Douro Valley in the wine region, provide the space and amenities necessary for extravagant events. Ibiza is also gaining traction among Americans, as Bebell highlights the appeal of the newly opened Six Senses on the island: “Who wouldn’t want a suite with expansive indoor and outdoor areas and stunning views of Xarraca Bay?”

Italy remains a top pick, Ezon shares. “I’m thrilled about the new Passalacqua, perched over Lake Como, owned by the same team behind the Grand Hotel Tremezzo,” he remarks. “Lake Como is likely our top wedding destination this year, although Florence continues to be the premier city for celebrations, thanks to its remarkable selection of event venues.” (Florence was also ranked fourth among global cities in T+L’s World’s Best Awards this year.)

Some couples are opting for a unique experience by choosing to celebrate their nuptials aboard brand-new cruise ships instead of traditional hotels. “On Celebrity Beyond, you can have Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a major cruise ship, officiate your wedding,” Bebell shares. By booking an event at sea, couples benefit from professionals managing logistics like flowers, food, and entertainment, allowing them and their guests to enjoy a festive celebration along with a week-long Caribbean or Mediterranean voyage.

Indeed, the trend of transforming a wedding weekend into a full-blown group vacation is rapidly gaining traction.

“Couples are now meticulously planning their weddings with a comprehensive list of activities, from organized parties to cultural excursions,” explains Emily Forrest, director of communications for the wedding platform Zola. “For instance, if a couple is getting married in Sonoma, they’ll take the initiative to arrange wine tastings for all their guests, treating them to a complete experience.”

At the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, event sales manager Alexis Hurey reports that more couples are crafting detailed itineraries for their guests. “Most are considering the entire experience — not just the wedding itself,” she notes.

Ezon observes a similar trend with his clients, who are willing to invest whatever it takes to create something extraordinary. “They want everything tailored to their preferences — when and how they want it — and now more than four out of five of our events involve buyouts,” meaning one group reserves the entire resort. This could include a wedding at Southall, a new inn and farm opening this winter near Nashville, or a lavish celebration at The Brando, the exclusive private-island getaway in French Polynesia.

“Weddings are no longer solely focused on the ceremony,” Forrest explains. “They’re about enjoying time together.”

A version of this story first appeared in the November 2022 issue of Dinogo under the headline “Pulling Out All the Stops.”