Beach vs. Mountain Destination Weddings: Where Should You Say 'I Do'?

To beach or not to beach… that is the question you may be asking yourself if planning a destination wedding. And it’s a tough one! After all, white-sand beaches aren’t the only places to tie the knot. Mountains can also be used as the backdrop for your big day.

To help you determine whether a beach destination wedding or mountain destination wedding is right for you, we’ve come up with a few questions — so keep on reading. By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly which type of location you’ll be saying yes to.

• What type of scenery are you most drawn to?
• How intimate do you want your destination wedding to be?
• Do you want a more casual or more formal destination wedding?
• Is there a certain season you want to get married in?
• Where do you want to honeymoon?

One of the biggest benefits of destination weddings is that they’re downright gorgeous — offering totally unique landscapes and architecture from home. That’s true whether you get married in a Caribbean paradise or a snowy village. Still, there are some differences between beaches and mountains that you should consider when deciding on your wedding location.

A beach destination wedding, for instance, will have a tranquil ambiance. Imagine ocean waves gently lapping the shore, palm leaves rustling in the breeze and a romantic sunset. Given that the weather will likely be warm and sunny, you’ll also get to enjoy an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Plus, the natural light will do wonders for your wedding photos.

Mountain destination weddings, on the other hand, tend to be more majestic and grandeur. Snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, alpine lakes and cloudy skies will add a dramatic flair to your big day. You’ll also get a good mix of outdoor and indoor time — many couples who opt for this setting usually exchange vows outside and then head into a rustic lodge for dining and dancing.

On the hunt for the perfect mountain setting? These destinations are full of cabins and other high-altitude wedding venues:

• France
• Italy
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Norway

Regardless of whether you say “I do” on the shore or atop a peak, your guest list will be streamlined. After all, not everyone can afford flights and accommodations or take time off work — and that’s okay! In fact, brides and grooms often choose a destination wedding because it means they aren’t obligated to invite distant relatives or mere acquaintances. That said, not everything is in your control.

Take beach destination weddings, for example. It’s likely you’ll book this style of event at an all-inclusive resort, meaning you could come across other hotel guests and tourists throughout your wedding day.

A mountain wedding venue is usually remote and therefore more private. However, this could pose different challenges. Depending on how far up the mountain you want to go, transportation could be difficult for everyone involved. Rocky roads, inaccessible accommodations and temperamental weather may not only impact when vendors and guests arrive, but ultimately determine whether they can be part of your wedding day.

You’ll have a magical experience no matter which wedding location you choose, but these are important things to keep in mind if you have a specific vision for your upcoming nuptials and want to ensure that certain people can be present.

With the help of your Flight Centre Group Travel Expert, wedding planner and vendors, your destination wedding can be whatever you want it to be — from an elegant black-tie affair to a laid-back celebration. But of course, your wedding location and venue will also help set the scene. Let us explain…

If you choose to get married in Cancún or Montego Bay, your destination wedding ceremony will probably be more casual in nature. Locations characterized by warm temperatures and white-sand beaches just aren’t made for stiff and stuffy outfits, so expect your family members, friends and loved ones to show up in colourful dresses, lightweight linen pants and flip flops. Beach wedding dresses also tend to be on the simpler side (i.e. minimal tulle and few embellishments).

If you choose to get married in Queenstown, your destination wedding reception can be more formal. Such an event may be subject to colder weather, meaning you don’t have to feel guilty about asking your guests and to wear full-length gowns or tuxedos.

This isn’t to say you can’t forgo the classic beach theme or mountain theme for your destination wedding, but it is easier if the vibe matches the venue. Let your wedding location do some of the work for you!

Some couples put a lot of thought into selecting their wedding date. You may want to commemorate the first time you said I love you, or perhaps you want to avoiding having the same anniversary as your parents. Whatever the reason, keep the seasons in mind.

A beach celebration will typically occur on a hot day — especially since a lot of the most popular beach destination wedding spots boast picture-perfect weather year-round. It’s either that or you’re aligning your wedding date with a location’s summer season to guarantee that your big day is backdropped by clear blue skies and endless sunshine.

Mountain venues, meanwhile, can better accommodate all seasons. Want your wedding ceremony to take place in front of a landscape of beautiful fall foliage? Feel like skiing down the slopes to your wedding reception? All of that and more is possible when you plan a mountain destination wedding.

Let’s be real: weddings are only half the fun. If you’ve travelled thousands of kilometres for your destination wedding, you might as well stick around for the honeymoon! A bride and groom that chooses to get married abroad will often extend their stay — might as well, right? Some hotels and resorts even offer packages and services that make the additional nights extra special for newlyweds: think candlelit dinners, champagne, spa treatment and more.

So, keep your dream honeymoon destination in mind when planning your big day. If you want to toast your new relationship status in a gorgeous overwater bungalow, a beach wedding will be your best bet. But if you’d rather cozy up with your new spouse by a crackling fire, a mountain wedding is the way to go.

Ultimately, deciding on a beach or mountain destination wedding comes down to personal preference. As long as it makes sense to you and your partner, it will make sense to everyone else. Still, our Group Travel Experts can help you weigh your options and make the best decision on everything from destinations to wedding venues and more. Get in touch today!