Want to get out of town for Your wedding celebration?
Sara Fay Egan, co-owner of event design company Jackson Durham, offers up a few of her favorite spots for hosting a destination wedding with tips on navigating each setting. Whether it’s sand and surf that floats your boat, a wingding on the farm, or something else entirely, there’s a location you’re sure to love.
Mexico is one of the easiest locations for guests. A short two-hour morning flight from Dallas, and revelers can be on the beach by lunch.
“Rosewood Mayakoba is ideal. With many unique on-site venues, you never need to leave the resort.” This helps cut down transportation costs in shuttling guests from place to place.
“There is a beach palapa large enough to hold the entire wedding. It’s like having a custom tent without having to build one!” rosewoodhotels.com
Tip: Flowers can’t be imported from the U.S., so we recommend using regional flora like sunflowers, calla lilies, and gerbera daisies. Go for a fireworks display! An impressive light show is far less expensive in Mexico.
Situated in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is Egan’s favorite mountain getaway: “So many brides only think of Colorado, but this East Coast location gives you a unique venue with stunning views.”
“The lodge is so breathtaking, you don’t need to add much in the way of decor.”
With an on-site spa and decked-out fitness center, guests can enjoy a little pampering before your big day. oldedwardsinn.com
Tip: Make sure you have a room block for enough wedding guests and encourage them to book quickly—hotel rooms here go fast. With few wedding vendors in the area, look to Atlanta for planners and floral designers.
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, just 15 minutes south of Charlottesville, is a hidden gem in the Virginia countryside.
“Once you’ve booked a site from one of the four event spaces, you don’t need much else. They own all the rentals, down to the forks. The property is so beautiful it requires minimal flowers.”
One of her favorite features: Their culinary team will pair their farm-to-table fare with wines from the on-site vineyards. pippinhillfarm.com
Tip: Without an on-site hotel, this venue is best suited for smaller weddings.
When you book this rural location, keep in mind you’ll want to budget for transportation to shuttle guests from Charlottesville. Boasting both ocean and mountain views, Santa Barbara, California affords a quiet, stunning landscape for an out-of-town wedding.
“One of our favorite spots is Lotusland, named one of the 10 best gardens in the world by the UK’s Telegraph.”
“A bridesmaids’ luncheon would also be incredible here.”
With plenty to do around town, there’s no need to over-schedule your guests. Another bonus: There is lodging available to fit any budget.lotusland.org
Tip: Lotusland’s daytime-only events are held outside, so be sure you have a solid rain plan. The venue doesn’t own rental items so you’ll spend more on rentals, but nothing compares to the stunning views!
“We love Middleton Place in Charleston, South Carolina.” The 18th-century plantation that bestows a Lowcountry backdrop with grand oak trees and swags of Spanish moss.
Choose from one of six venues: under the famed 900-year-old Middleton Oak, Butterfly Lakes, the Secret Gardens, the manicured Octagonal Garden, Crane Pool, and the Stableyards.
And for your guests, there are many notable area restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels to enjoy. middletonplace.org
Tip: Plantations do not always own basic rentals, so be sure to inquire about which items you’ll need to rent. Check flight availability before planning your date, as many Charleston flights are seasonal.
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