10 Coolest U.S. Cities for a Destination Wedding

Scrap the Passport and stay domestic with these 10 U.S. destination wedding cities. While an Italian vineyard reception is likely to get your heart racing, there are many scenic locales within the states that will satisfy your travel itch. From Southern mansions to fall New England orchards, save your guests from the connecting flight while still entertaining your thirst for adventure. You won’t find any hotel wedding venues here, we’re all about highlighting your surroundings while weaving in your own unique style.

Bar Harbor, Maine

This picturesque Mount Desert town sits on the doorstep of Acadia National Park. Its lush green terrain and oceanfront cottages are without a doubt quintessential Maine. While most resorts are sealed for the winter, come June and July the weather’s an ideal sunny and 75°. If your guests grow tired of gawking at the gorgeous views, they can enjoy the lively downtown restaurants and a handful of museums. We’re head over heels for the French’s Point Estate, an oceanfront sanctuary with a restored saltwater farm house.

Aspen, Colorado

If the hills are calling, Aspen is heeding. This Rocky Mountain town is the perfect mix of wild beauty and rustic charm. While all our winter brides will want to take full advantage of the snow-covered bluffs from November through March, the rest of the year still offers peak landscape views. Besides the obvious skiing and snowboarding, your guests will adore the night-life and historic downtown.

Tuscon, Arizona

The shoulder seasons are your best friend when it comes to tying the knot in the sunny desert state. Even amid the dry heat, most couples opt to enjoy an outdoor reception. Have an inkling for silver or turquoise? Well then you’ve come to the right place. The state’s most abundant resources happen to pair beautifully together, all while echoing the landscape. Phoenix and Scottsdale are solid cities for your nuptials, but Tuscon’s higher elevation and it’s plethora of wedding chapels and churches make it the number one South-Eastern city for your Big Day.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Flooded with culture and jazz music, this city practically sells itself. With wrap around porches as far as the eye can see, it’s a Southern loving bride’s dream getaway, just so long as your heart wasn’t set on a February wedding. Mardi Gras encompasses the entire month, but the musical flare is all year round. A fall wedding in New Orleans has near perfect temperatures, and the French Quarter views are an incredible canvas for your nuptials. There’s much more to do than just partying on Bourbon Street, with year round flea markets and street art on every corner. The sophisticated lower garden district venue Il Mercato has a courtyard that’ll have you swooning. Your guests will want to extend their trip a few days to enjoy it all.

Key West, Florida

It wouldn’t be right not to include Florida in a US wrap up. Each year Florida ranks first as the number one US destination wedding state. From the crystal blue waters to the soft white beaches, Key West is your best bet for a tropical getaway. Take your pick of a seaside spot and swap vows with a romantic waterfront view. Year round sunsets are a staple, and its iconic sunny weather is sure to please. With an international airport and walkable down town, guests can be whisked away in a pedi-cab rather than bothering with a rental car.

Austin, Texas

The trendy city of Austin is, naturally, home to some of the most fashionable weddings. This “cowboy-chic” town is known for keeping things weird, and a wedding is no exception. A major attraction of Austin is its options. From an outdoor barn wedding to a vineyard style cottage, you bet you’ll see it in Austin. Send your friends and family home after filling up on craft beer and fantastic local cuisine. As a bonus of selecting Texas for your nuptials, it’s easy to attain a marriage license, which is often times over looked!

San Diego, California

Don’t you love the way “saying ‘I do’ in SoCal” sounds? Holding the title of the second largest city in Cali, San Diego’s seen its fair share of weddings. With a plethora of family attractions and cultural events, there’s something for everyone on your guest list. San Diego has so many fantastic cities surrounding that the day trips are half the selling point. As far as getting there, you’ve got two airports to choose from depending on proximity to your venue location. The Grand del Mar will forever be one of our favorite SoCal venues for an event, but regardless of where you select, the sun still devises the most picturesque of backdrops.

Newport, Rhode Island

Surprisingly, the smallest state in the US is also home to 40 miles of coast line, so if you’re searching for a New England waterfront wedding, you’ve got options in Rhode Island. The mansions, country clubs, and marinas offer the best of both worlds; outdoor ceremonies with indoor receptions. Considering it tends to stay wet year round, most couples prefer a portion of their Big Day to ensue in a covered tent or under a roof. The Newport Belle Mer’s 7 acres of manicured lawns is the perfect location for a contemporary affair. You won’t help but to fall in love with the breezy seafaring spirit of Newport, and it goes without mentioning that it’s a sea food lovers paradise. For entertaining visitors, there are daily ferries to transfer guests to Martha’s Vineyard and surrounding areas for exploring.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Think dreamy beaches from sunrise to sunset. The Outer Banks are a breath of fresh air tucked nicely between Wilmington and Virginia Beach. Couples can enjoy the best of both worlds with its small town atmosphere and big city standards. With a number of national parks, your guests who prefer not to lounge on the sand will find themselves fully entertained. One of our favorite OBX weddings was on the grounds of historic Tyron Palace in quaint New Bern, North Carolina.

Charleston, South Carolina

Even though we’re a bit biased here at Reagan Events (we’re located in the heart of Mount Pleasant, SC), Charleston’s been voted the #1 city in the U.S. for 9 years running by Conde Nast. The stunning plantations and Spanish moss tress are just a bonus. What this city’s really known for is its fantastic food and pastel colored hues. Early August through October can be tricky since hurricanes operate on their own schedule, but fear not, there hasn’t been any serious damage for the last few seasons. Anyone in search of an authentic experience in a luxury landscape won’t be able to say no to Charleston.