Destination Wedding Ideas in the US: No Passport Needed

A destination wedding does not have to mean international flights, passports and foreign paperwork. The United States has some of the most spectacular wedding destinations in the world, and for US citizens, none of them require a passport.

Domestic destinations also make life easier for guests: shorter flights, no currency exchange, familiar marriage laws and fewer surprises. Here are the best US destination wedding ideas, grouped by the kind of setting you are dreaming of.

For domestic flights, adult travellers need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID such as a passport.

For desert drama

The Nevada desert, near Las Vegas

Wide horizons, mountain silhouettes and sunsets that turn the whole sky gold. Las Vegas has one of the busiest airports in the country and Nevada has one of the simplest marriage license processes anywhere: no waiting period, no blood test, no residency requirement. Read our Nevada marriage license guide.

Sedona, Arizona

Red rock formations, spa resorts and a reputation for calm. Sedona is beloved for small weddings and elopements with an earthy, spiritual feel.

Palm Springs, California

Mid-century modern architecture, palm-lined streets and poolside parties. Perfect for couples who love design and a retro-glam aesthetic.

For island romance

Hawaii

Beaches, volcanic landscapes and lush valleys across six main islands. Each island has a different personality, from the resorts of Maui to the green cliffs of Kauai.

Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

Caribbean beaches with no passport required for US citizens, since both are US territories. Old San Juan adds colonial architecture to the mix.

The Florida Keys

Sunset ceremonies, laid-back island style and a road trip down the Overseas Highway.

For wine country elegance

Napa and Sonoma, California

Vineyard ceremonies, long-table dinners and some of the best food and wine in the country. Fall harvest season is especially popular.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

A quieter, more rustic alternative famous for Pinot Noir and rolling green hills.

For mountain views

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The Teton Range is one of the most dramatic backdrops in America. Summer brings wildflowers and long evenings.

Aspen and Telluride, Colorado

Alpine ceremonies, aspen groves in golden fall colour and luxury mountain resorts.

For Southern charm

Charleston, South Carolina

Historic streets, plantation-era architecture and some of the best restaurants in the South.

Savannah, Georgia

Oak-lined squares draped in Spanish moss and a romantic, unhurried pace.

For coastal classics

Newport, Rhode Island

Gilded Age mansions overlooking the Atlantic. We feature Rosecliff in our list of the most iconic wedding venues in America.

Big Sur and Carmel, California

Cliffs, redwoods and the Pacific in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.

Coastal Maine

Lighthouses, lobster bakes and cool summer evenings.

How to choose your destination

• Think about your guests. How far will most of them travel? Is there a major airport nearby?
• Pick the season first. Many destinations are only at their best for a few months. See the best time of year for a desert wedding for one example of how much timing matters.
• Decide on size. Remote, dramatic locations often suit smaller weddings.
• Visit before you book. A destination looks different in person, at your time of day and time of year.

Our guide on how to choose a destination wedding venue walks through the questions to ask.

A destination built around one moment

Desert Halo, opening 2028 in the Nevada desert near Las Vegas, is designed as a destination in itself. Ceremonies take place beneath a monumental illuminated halo, and on about 30 evenings a year the setting sun drops inside it. Explore weddings at Desert Halo and be the first to know when dates open.