The USA offers endless possibilities for a wedding, but you don't have to stay on the mainland to find your perfect location. From the Bahamas to Hawaii and Puerto Rico, there’s no shortage of beautiful locations, all within reach of the US – ideal if you’re a couple who wants a luxury destination wedding without making travel complicated for your guests.
Of course, the best location depends on where everyone is travelling from. If you live in California, Hawaii might feel like a natural choice, but guests coming from the East Coast will face a much longer journey. That's why it's worth considering flight times, connections, and time differences when choosing where you tie the knot.
With that in mind, here are our top picks of destinations near the US that can deliver a truly memorable luxury wedding – and why we love them as luxury destination wedding planners.
Our 10 favourite wedding destinations near the US
Los Cabos | Mexico
In southern Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos offers mountain landscapes and sweeping views across the idyllic Sea of Cortez. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from LAX, its spectacular beaches, luxurious resorts, and private villas create a romantic setting for a perfect November to April wedding.
Why we love it: For dramatic scenery and high-end luxury at every turn, few beach destinations can match it.
Turks and Caicos Islands | Near Florida
Just a 2-hour direct flight from Miami, the Turks and Caicos are a collection of low-lying coral islands just southeast of the Bahamas. With boutique oceanfront villas and luxury hotels around Grace Bay, a beachfront ceremony between December and April will tick all the right boxes for a tropical wedding.
Why we love it: It’s pure, understated luxury with some of the Caribbean’s clearest water, and all without the crowds.
Montego Bay & Beyond | Jamaica
The Caribbean island country of Jamaica brings relaxed vibes and a straightforward legal process for US couples who want to marry there. Best enjoyed from December to April, Montego Bay and Negril offer white-sand beaches and cliffs, with luxury hotels, resorts, and boutique beachside hideaways perfect for an outdoor wedding.
Why we love it: A warm Jamaican welcome, plus a zest for music and hearty food, makes the whole wedding weekend feel like one long celebration.
San Juan & Beyond | Puerto Rico
With its blend of historic colonial buildings in Old San Juan, the mountains and waterfalls of the El Yunque rainforest, and luxury Caribbean beach resorts, you'll have the perfect wedding backdrop. As a US territory, US citizens don't need passports, so you can enjoy this breathtaking island easily when it’s at its best, from December to April.
Why we love it: It feels like a real taste of tropical paradise, but it's as easy to get to as a domestic trip.
San Miguel de Allende | Mexico
The beautiful colonial-era city of San Miguel de Allende, in Mexico’s central highlands, blends Spanish architecture, cobblestoned streets, and rooftop terraces with grand hacienda estates. With a mild year-round climate of warm days and cool nights, this city offers a unique backdrop for intimate to mid-size celebrations.
Why we love it: The callejoneada, a traditional wedding procession featuring a mariachi band and giant papier-mâché puppet figures (mojigangas), is a pure joy to see.
Nassau & Beyond | Bahamas
Just a one-hour flight and a passport are all that’s needed to reach the Bahamas. With a dry, sunny, and mild climate from December to April, the famous resorts in Nassau, Exuma’s sandbars and private villas, and the iconic pink sands of Harbour Island deliver everything your wedding needs.
Why we love it: Easy to reach from Florida and even easier to enjoy, the Bahamas are ideal for a relaxed international wedding.
St. John | US Virgin Islands
As the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, St. John is easily reached by ferry from neighbouring St. Thomas. While over half the island is National Park, St. John’s luxury beachside resorts and private villas are the perfect venues for intimate weddings. As another US territory, US citizens don't need a passport to enjoy this beautiful island.
Why we love it: Unspoilt white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, and a genuine sense of seclusion make it perfect for a small, private celebration.
Maui | Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands offer an incredible destination-wedding setting, with warm weather most of the year and whale-watching season from December to April. Beachfront resorts overlooking Kapalua Bay offer a tropical backdrop, while Wailea’s clifftop and hillside venues feature panoramic ocean views – both ideal for a celebration.
Why we love it: A winter wedding with humpback whales breaching and tail-slapping is an unforgettable memory.
The Riviera Maya & Tulum | Mexico
With an exquisite blend of luxury resorts, beachfront hotels, and bohemian boutique stays in historic Tulum, the Riviera Maya along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline is perfect for outdoor ceremonies. From December to April, expect white-sand beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters. But be aware of hurricane season from June to November, and sargassum seaweed, which can affect beaches during the warmer months.
Why we love it: The tropical jungle, freshwater cenotes, and historic Mayan heritage offer more variety than a standard beach wedding.
Kauai | Hawaii
For a quieter celebration, nothing beats Kauai's tranquillity. Featuring lush valleys and cascading waterfalls in its tropical forest reserves, trails along the dramatic sea cliffs can lead you to some stunning beaches. Though a year-round wedding destination, north shore locations are wetter in winter.
Why we love it: The island’s cinematic landscapes and naturally slower pace mean guests can fully relax and switch off.
A few things to consider before you book…
Choosing your wedding destination is about more than beautiful beaches and stunning venues. If you're a US citizen, here are a few practical details worth knowing before you book.
If you’re getting married in Mexico, you’ll have a symbolic ceremony rather than a legal one, allowing you to enjoy every moment of the day while handling the legal paperwork when you’re back home. That keeps your destination wedding simpler and more relaxed.
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are US territories, so US citizens generally don't need a passport to travel there from the US mainland. This makes them appealing options for a tropical wedding without extra passport requirements, but you should check the ID requirements for your itinerary.
If you're planning a Caribbean wedding, be aware of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, peaking between August and October. Though a hurricane isn't inevitable, bad weather can affect flights and plans, so check your venue's cancellation policy and make sure your travel insurance gives suitable cover.
Planning your luxury wedding near the US
Destination wedding venues beyond mainland US can be super popular and book out months in advance, especially during peak season. While it’s never too early to start planning, having an experienced destination wedding planner to help find the right venue and pull the whole event together for you means you have a stress-free wedding.
At Matthew Oliver Weddings, we use our knowledge and expertise to help US couples celebrate in amazing locations. Why not let us handle yours so you can relax and get married in luxury? Contact the team today and let’s start planning.
