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The Best Destination Wedding Locations for 2019

February 20, 2019 | Junebug Weddings

photo by Radu Benjamin Photography

One of the hardest parts of planning a destination wedding is, undeniably, choosing the location. With so many incredible options flooding your Pinterest feeds, it can be hard to know which locations would fit your wedding or elopement style. So, as always, we’re here to help! Here are our picks for the 8 best destination wedding locations around the world. Whether you want beach, city, countryside, or desert, we’re positive one of the gorgeous locations will have exactly what you’re looking for — and we’ve got a list of the best vendors in each location to help make your destination wedding one nobody will forget!

photo by Lilly Red Creative

Mexico

It seems like Mexico has been near the top of all the travel lists lately, so it felt right to start there for our best destination wedding locations! Whether you’re looking to get married in a quaint, old-world village like San Miguel de Allende or you want a tropical paradise wedding in the Riviera Maya, this beautiful country has something for everyone. The culture, the food, the history, the architecture…you really can’t go wrong no matter which part of Mexico you choose to get married. Plus, we’ve got curated lists of the best wedding professionals in each area that are ready to make your dream destination wedding a reality:

Best Wedding Vendors in San Miguel de Allende

Best Wedding Vendors in Riviera Maya

Best Wedding Vendors in Cabo San Lucas

Best Wedding Photographers in Mexico City

Best Wedding Photographers in Monterrey

photo by Megan McCullor Photography

Costa Rica

If you need any more convincing that Costa Rica is the perfect destination wedding location, look no further than the country’s motto: Pura Vida! Everything about this incredible country revolves around the concept of a Pure Life. The people are some of the friendliest in the world and the landscapes are stunning from rainforest to beach. The little town of La Fortuna would be perfect for the couple who wants an inland wedding because it’s oh-so-charming and sits at the base of the Arenal volcano. Monteverde is a dream for couples who want a secluded, rainforest wedding, and, of course, the coastline is studded with world-class beaches like Manuel Antonio that are just begging for a sunset newlywed portraits session!

Sound like the place for you? Be sure to check out our list of the best wedding vendors in Costa Rica to make your planning as seamless as possible!

photo by Iva & Vedran Weddings

Croatia

As with Mexico, we’ve been hearing so much buzz about Croatia as a vacation destination that we had to see what it was all about. It didn’t take long to realize this gem on the Adriatic Sea needed to be on our list of best destination wedding locations because of the diversity and sheer beauty! From the oceanfront fortified town of Dubrovnik to the secluded waterfalls and vistas in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia has so many hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered — and what better time to do it than for your destination wedding weekend?

Ready to start planning? Take a peek at our list of the best wedding vendors in Croatia for planners, photographers, and videographers that would love to help!

photo by Lilly Red Creative

Morocco

Oh, Morocco. The magical and mystical appeal of this little North African country has enticed the hearts of travelers for years. And we’re confident it will stay at the top of our list for destination weddings no matter how much time passes! Moroccan-inspired designs are one of the biggest wedding trends for 2019, but why just have inspired decor when you could immerse yourself in the real thing? Whether you dream of wandering the crowded medinas in Marrakech or riding a camel to your ceremony in the Sahara Desert, your wedding is going to be full visual eye-candy.

Now that your wanderlust is at its peak, head on over to our list of the best wedding vendors in Morocco to make all your wedding dreams come true!

photo by PaulinaWeddings

Greece

Is there anything more romantic than saying “I do” on a cliff in Santorini with a picture-perfect sunset over the Aegean Sea behind you? We don’t think so either! The Grecian islands are not only some of the best locations for a destination wedding, but they are some of the best locations for a mind-blowing honeymoon, as well. So, when the party is over and all your guests are headed home, you’ll already be in paradise to enjoy your first days (or weeks) as a married couple!

The professionals on our list of the best wedding vendors in Greece can plan every last detail of your destination wedding so all you have to worry about is ferrying from island to island, soaking up that friendly Grecian sun, and indulging in some of the best seafood and wine in the world!

photo by Phan Tien Photography

Vietnam

Similar to Morocco, Vietnam is one of those countries that has a mystique that would be the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding. If you’re looking for a fun city wedding that’s away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi or Saigon, Da Nong has that fresh vibe without all the crowds and it’s close to the beaches, so you can have the best of both worlds! But, of course, the luxurious Vietnamese beaches of Nha Trang are ideal for a tropical, glamorous wedding.

Whether you want to be surrounded by history or surrounded by water (or both), you’ll want one of the best wedding photographers in Vietnam to capture every moment!

photo by Immerse Photography

Australia

With six different states and so many hidden gems to be explored, Australia offers unlimited potential for a destination wedding! While you might be most familiar with the spectacular beaches of Sydney and Perth, these are just the tip of the iceberg for possible wedding locations. For example, Cactus Country, which is just a few hours outside Melbourne, is an unbelievably dreamy desert that rivals California’s famous Joshua Tree! Needless to say, whether you’re looking for rugged terrain, pristine beaches, or vibrant cityscapes, Australia is the place to go.

We’ve got a curated list of vendors all around the island to take care of all your destination wedding needs:

Best Wedding Vendors in Brisbane

Best Wedding Vendors in Melbourne

Best Wedding Vendors in Perth

Best Wedding Vendors in Sydney

photo by Roy Nuesca Photography

Hawaii

Would it be too bold to say Hawaii will never be removed from our lists of the best destination wedding locations? No? Great! Hawaii is the quintessential island destination that just can’t be beaten. From the breathtaking greenery of Kauai to the pure tropical bliss of Maui, there is nothing you could want for a beach destination wedding that you can’t find on a Hawaiian island. The aloha spirit is real and, just as in Costa Rica, this idea guides every aspect of life on the islands. Plus, whether you want to go tropical glam or casual boho, every style works against the view of palm trees and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific.

Ready to book your flight? Check out the best wedding vendors in Hawaii to get the adventure started!

Now that you know where you want to have your destination wedding, check out our ultimate guide to planning your wedding ceremony!

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This Couple Took Cues from Their Own Home and Fall Tones for Their Earthy Elegant Wedding at The Eastern Detroit

Using a mix of neutral, wood, leather, and tons of sentimental details, Justynn and Ryan curated a truly memorable wedding day at The Eastern Detroit! Justynn and Ryan were totally inspired by the comforts of their own home and wanted to create that vibe for their wedding day. So, this creative duo made nearly every decor detail, from the ceremony backdrop to the signage to the favors, then Hello GLDN added natural floral designs to add warmth. Spoke Events helped bring the home-inspired vision to life so that it not only complemented the industrial venue but also felt simultaneously cozy and elegant. We could go on and on about all the prettiness happening in this Detroit wedding, but these images from Northern Native Photography do it more justice than words ever could — enjoy!

The Couple:

Justynn and Ryan

The Wedding:

The Eastern Detroit, Michigan

When planning our wedding the most important thing for us was to keep it personal and to keep the event feeling like “us”. We had been together for 4 years before we were married, and in that time period, we were always working on something, building something. When Ryan proposed we were in the beginning/ middle stages or ripping apart the only two full baths in our 50’s ranch. We put off the planning until we finish with that project, and as a nod to that project and the delayed planning, we used the old wood studs that we pulled from the walls as the wood for our arch. It was also very important to us that we try to keep the stress down by hiring a planner/coordinator and working with quality talented vendors.

We really used the vibe of our home and based everything from that. In our home, we have a mix of woods, neutrals, leather, and old/new items. A lot of old photos and family mementos on display. That’s the stuff that represents us so we took that same feeling and elevated it a bit for the wedding. A mix of old and new that felt timeless. We chose to do a palette of colors instead of just one or two. I really wanted the whole event to feel genuine and timeless. We based the colors on fall deep gem tones and then added in metallics and neutrals.

We did decide to give out wedding favors. When picking what to give I was set on something that wouldn’t be left, nothing edible, something that would be personal but not personalized, and would be used for years to come. My grandfather was a pattern maker for an auto supplier and had a huge wood shop that I learned to create in. With the help of my father, we used wood that had been salvaged from my grandfather’s old wood shop, and some trees that fell near our cottage to create tealight candleholders. Ryan and I then sanded them down and finished them with a tag noting the significance. I still get texts months later asking if we have any more left over from guests.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Northern Native Photography
Event Planning – Spoke Events
Venue – The Eastern Detroit
Floral Design – Hello GLDN
Catering – Katherine’s Catering
Cake – Cakes by Stephanie
DJ – The Block Party
Stationery – Minted
Hair and Makeup Artist – Detroit Glam
Wedding Dress – The White Dress
Bridal Accessories – BHLDN
Groom and Groomsmen’s Apparel – Men’s Wearhouse and Tie Bar
Rings – Miner’s North
Rentals – Event Source
Transportation – Dream Limo
Getting Ready Hotel – Detroit Foundation Hotel

 

Congratulations to Justynn and Ryan, and a big thanks to Northern Native Photography for sharing this gorgeous wedding at The Eastern Detroit!

 

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Quiz: Which 2019 Bridal Trend Should You Wear on Your Big Day?

February 19, 2019 | Junebug Weddings

photo by Aimlee Photography

Calling all 2019 brides! If you’ve been searching for the gown that will wow as you walk down the aisle or the perfect accessory to complete your ensemble, have you considered adding a 2019 bridal trend to your look? From choosing a direction for your bridal style to the chic statement your wedding dress has been waiting for, we’re here to help you look and feel your best on your big day. What are you waiting for? Take the quiz to find out which 2019 bridal trend you should rock!

Where is the wedding taking place?

Choose a bouquet to carry down the aisle

Which item would you put on your wedding registry?

Choose a look for your bridesmaids

Which celebrity would you have officiate your ceremony?

Choose a pair of shoes to complete your bridal look

Choose another 2019 wedding trend

Quiz: Which 2019 Bridal Trend Should You Wear on Your Big Day?
Bridal Hats

You're a little bit boho, a little bit rustic, and a lot laid-back! A bridal hat is the perfect way to top off your wedding day look with a casual note that plays up your everyday personal style.

Shop Our Favorite Bridal Hats
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Photos by (clockwise): Valerie Thompson Photography, Maggie Grace Photography, Marcucci Photography, Nikk Nguyen Photography
Embroidered Details

When it comes to romance, you're all in, and there's nothing more romantic than an embroidered wedding dress! From large-scale lace designs to delicate floral features, embroidery is a chic way to make a stylish statement on your big day.

Shop Our Favorite Embroidered Wedding Gowns
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Photos by (clockwise): Aimlee Photography, Sachin Khona, Brooke Taelor, Isaiah + Taylor Photography
Bridal Tiara

Your fashion-forward style calls for something a little extra on your wedding day, and what's more extra than wearing a crown? Whether you go for a golden Grecian leafy look or raw crystal, a bridal tiara is sure to add the sparkle you're looking for!

Shop Our Favorite Bridal Tiaras
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Photos by (clockwise): In Frames Photography, J. Olson Photography, Marie Claire Photography, Linda Lauva Photography
Bell Sleeves

Retro styling is having a major moment in 2019 weddings so get in the groove with a subtle callback to the '70s in a bell-sleeved gown! Lace or crepe, bell sleeves are always flattering and always show-stopping!

Shop Our Favorite Bell-Sleeved Wedding Gowns
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Photos by (clockwise): Dearly Beloved Photography, Tali Photography, Randi Kreckman, Marcucci Photography
Tailored Minimalism

Your adoration for a minimalist aesthetic can totally translate into your wedding day look, so forget the frills and fuss and go for tailored minimalism in your bridal gown! A structured crepe gown is modern, chic, and elegant and the simple silhouette allows you to show off your personality with thoughtful accessories and florals in your favorite hues.

Shop Our Favorite Tailored Minimalist Wedding Gowns
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Photos by (clockwise): Summer Leigha Photo, Katie Harmsworth, Carina Skrobecki, Madeline Shea Photography

Share your Results:

photo by Aimlee Photography

Looking for more 2019 bridal trend inspiration? Check out our roundup of the top 2019 wedding trends to make your day unforgettable!

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