Emerging Destinations in the Wedding Market

While the term ‘destination wedding’ may bring up thoughts of sandy beaches and tropical palm trees, couples are branching out and going above and beyond the traditional beach celebration. With luxury destination weddings on the rise, as well as the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage, the destination market is booming like never before.

Let’s take a look at some of the up-and-coming destinations to keep an eye out for:

New York City

While one may not need a passport for this destination, the “city that never sleeps” is the ideal destination for any urbanite. With countless dining options and nightlife that never ends, New York City is filled to the brim with activities to entertain couples and their guests alike. Whether it’s taking in a show on Broadway or strolling through Central Park, there’s enough to guarantee no one will get bored! There are also plenty of options for those who are looking to get away from the usual, such as taking a sunset cruise on the Hudson or taking in the multiple art museums the city has to offer.

South Africa

Most don’t consider South Africa as a prime wedding destination, but the diversity of opportunities offered by this southernmost country is certainly a draw for those who want to ‘wed outside of the box.’ From safaris to vineyards to beaches to metropolitan centers, one can surely fill up a destination wedding itinerary with fun activities for all to enjoy. Cape Town in particular is a hot spot, known for its romantic atmosphere and unique offerings.

British Columbia

For many, the western coast of Canada holds some of the most treasured locales between its fashionable cities and its striking scenery amidst the Canadian Rockies. The province offers the best views no matter the season and there are quite a number of charming small towns that are perfect for a couple’s intimate vows.

New Zealand

This Pacific paradise is the perfect fit for those who want to pair romance with adventure. With outdoor opportunities aplenty, couples who want to take their wedding off the beaten path will love the exciting yet tranquil atmosphere of New Zealand. From picturesque mountains to rolling green pastures, its gorgeous scenery lends itself to stunning wedding photography for the ages! Couples can also have an unforgettable honeymoon by taking advantage of the short travel to nearby Australia, Fiji, and other gems in the Pacific.

As these locales grow in popularity within the destination wedding market, it’s important to get an understanding of what each place has to offer. For example, destination photographers may want to make the trip to a hot spot to get an idea of what the region has to offer in terms of scenery. Prepare yourself for the rising destination wedding market by staying up to date with the latest!

Rebecca Hochreiter is the Vice President of Marketing & Customer Engagement at DestinationWeddings.com, the world's leading destination wedding and romantic travel planning company. DestinationWeddings.com has worked with over 25,000 couples and half a million guests to plan dream destination weddings. DestinationWeddings.com is one of the award-winning brands in the Celebration Travel Group collection.