How To Plan A Multi-Day Destination Wedding or Elopement

How to Plan a Multi-Day Destination Wedding or Elopement Experience

Weddings and elopements, especially destination events, have evolved beyond traditional one-day celebrations. In today’s world, they’ve often become fully immersive experiences that span across several days. Any destination wedding or a multi-day elopement can be notably eventful. Although, it takes thoughtful curation and guided intentionality to make the experience seamless. Regardless of the guest list length, (or lack thereof), this blog post will give you a solid foundation of what to consider when building the wedding experience of your dreams. Here’s how to plan a multi-day destination wedding or elopement – from choosing a location to hiring the professionals, you can find it all right here. 

Consider Hiring A Professional Planner

For destination weddings in particular, a professional wedding planner is an invaluable resource. Juggling the logistics of multi-day events is difficult to do on your own. However, this is precisely what a planner can do for you. Their expertise in navigating the complexities of orchestrating a destination wedding, local customs, and vendor coordination can alleviate the stress that comes with planning a wedding from afar. While multi-day elopement experiences require their fair share of planning, most experienced elopement photographers, (like myself), can be a guiding force through the process. Elopements unfold on a smaller scale, making it possible for your elopement photographer to fulfill both roles successfully.

Why You Need a Planner for Multi-Day Destination Weddings

• Local Expertise: A planner with experience in your destination will know the best local vendors, how to secure the right permits, and the ins and outs of any legal requirements.
• Vendor Coordination: Wedding planners will help you select vendors for multiple days of events, ensuring that all details – from catering to décor – are cohesive. 
• Day-of Coordination: A planner will be a key component on the day of your wedding. They will guarantee every moment runs smoothly. With a multi-day event, they will coordinate the flow of activities from start to finish. This allows you and your guests to relax and become fully engaged in every aspect of the experience.
• Stress Reduction: Destination weddings involve various moving parts – especially when they’re multi-day. A planner can help organize everything from guest travel to timelines, giving you the highest possible peace of mind.

If you’re unable to prioritize hiring a planner as a part of your destination wedding, fret not! Even though it’s a more challenging task, you can plan a multi-day experience on your own. Continue reading to find more bits of advice on how you can plan a multi-day destination wedding or elopement without a planner.

Choosing a Location That Speaks to You

Whether you’re having an elaborate wedding that’s full of your favorite people, or you’re opting for a luxuriously intimate elopement, the destination you choose sets the tone for the entire experience. It’s not just about the backdrop, but the activities, charm, and accessibility that add to the quality of the celebration. 

Consider how easy it will be for everyone, including yourselves, to travel to the location of your choosing. Accessibility plays a major role in ensuring that guests can arrive with ease, or that you and your partner can get there with minimal difficulty if you’re eloping. Accommodation options should also be taken into account. Destination weddings generally require a range of choices for guests, while an elopement might call for a more secluded setting like a boutique hotel, Airbnb, or private villa. Furthermore, the charm of the destination itself is important. Locations rich in culture, with historical sites or undeniable natural beauty, can add depth to your destination wedding or elopement. Don’t underestimate the power of ambiance, as it contributes to the unforgettable nature of the experience.

Some top destinations for weddings and elopements include places like Tuscany. This area of Italy is known for its elevated vineyard estates. It blends fine dining with vast views steeped in history, creating a renaissance-esque atmosphere. An opposite to Tuscany is Tulum, Mexico. Tulum is a colorful, seaside area with idyllic beachside resorts. Tulum boasts diverse displays of Mayan culture, and lots of ways to connect with the ocean. Couples are pleased to find dramatic settings across all of Iceland, including volcanic landscapes and impressive waterfalls. Santorini, Greece offers unbeatable cliffside views and clandestine ruins. It’s an oasis that encourages romance between couples to prosper from all over. No matter if your celebration is grand or private, the location will enhance the memories of your special day and reflect the mood you want to create.

Crafting a Timeline

A multi-day celebration gives you time to savor every facet of the experience. But, without careful planning, it can feel overwhelming. The structure of your timeline will greatly influence how you plan your multi-day destination wedding or elopement, and how each event will transpire. There are three things you want to keep in mind as your building your timeline:

• You do not want a rigid, or overly strict timeline. It is massively important that you are able to be present with your partner during your whole wedding experience. You shouldn’t be constantly looking at the clock for the sake of getting to the next part of the day. Keep your timeline flexible, but organized. Build in extra time for things that may naturally take longer than anticipated, like getting ready or driving from one location to another. Your photographer will be able to offer you professional insight into the fluidity of your timeline, and useful feedback on how it’s structured. 

• Coordinate the arrival and departure times of your guests. You’ll want to plan the details of your timeline with your guests’ travel schedules in mind. The comfort of your guests is just as important as your own. Allow time for everyone to arrive, and settle in. If there’s a time zone difference, giving your guests the opportunity to adjust before major events begin is a really thoughtful thing to do. It also keeps the energy light and lively.

• Balance activities and downtime. While it’s tempting to pack every day with activities, including ample downtime creates space for relaxation and spontaneous moments. Both you and your guests will appreciate the extra time to explore the destination at their own pace. This is a core contributor to the immersiveness that’s attached to multi-day events and celebrations. The downtime also ensures that everybody has the opportunity to recharge before key events like the ceremony or reception. 

Here is a sample of a general timeline for a multi-day wedding or elopement:

Day One: Arrival and Welcome Party

Host a casual welcome gathering for your guests in the evening after they’ve arrived. Share your excitement with them, and thank them for traveling to celebrate with you! For an elopement, indulge in a private dinner in a beautiful local setting. Let it set the mood for the days ahead.

Day Two: Activities and Pre-Wedding Adventures

Invite guests to partake in an optional group excursion that you’ve arranged. Encourage them to go on personal outings to a nearby spa, or participate in a guided trek. Couples eloping may choose to explore together, share their own spa day, or embark on a scenic adventure as part of their celebration. 

Day Three: Ceremony and Reception

The time has finally come for you to get married! Soak up every ounce of your wedding or elopement day. Set aside time to take the photos that are important to you, and be present with the ones you love. Preview the timeline for your actual wedding day with your photographer, as their insight will be particularly helpful.

Day Four: Post-Wedding Brunch or Farewell Activity

Bid farewell to guests by treating them to a final brunch, or a daytime excursion. Ask them what their favorite parts of the experience have been, and share some final sentiments with each other. If you’ve eloped, use this last day as an opportunity to reflect on the journey. Treat yourselves to one more adventure, or a quiet moment.

Curating Personalized Guest and Couple Experiences

Any wedding celebration is shaped by the personal touches and embellishments added by the couple. You can pair these details with the unique atmosphere of your destination to create an engaging experience for everyone. One way to elevate the overall experience is by offering welcome bags to your guests. Include items such as select local goods or delicacies, personalized mementos, or travel essentials that relate to the destination. In the case of an elopement, a welcome bag isn’t as fitting if there aren’t any guests. However, in lieu of a welcome bag, create a personal itinerary of shared experiences that memorialize your elopement. Surprise excursions and intimate moments are just two examples of things you can add. Later, you can choose to share this keepsake with friends and family as you reminisce on this once-in-a-lifetime event.

In terms of activities, there are an assortment of things you can do with your guests to heighten the destination experience. You want your guests to feel involved and excited alongside you. Think about activities like wine tastings, boat trips, cultural tours, sightseeing excursions, and adventurous outings. With some research, you’ll be able to find experiences that are specific staples of your wedding location, and align with your vision. For elopements, couples can plan more private and secluded events. Cooking classes, scenic hikes, and horseback riding are just a few ways you can preserve the intimacy of the adventure. Enjoy being together, trying new things and savoring the experience. These are just a handful of things to consider as you plan your multi-day destination wedding or elopement.

If you’ve read this far, and you find yourself leaning more into an elopement experience, check out my in-depth blog post on How to Plan Your Dream Elopement Virtually Anywhere!

Incorporating Local Culture and Traditions

The culture, traditions, or customs of a destination can be the driving inspiration behind why a couple wants to host their wedding in that region. One of the highlights of a destination wedding or an elopement is the opportunity to incorporate these things into the celebration. This makes the event feel connected to the place you’ve chosen, and offers you and your guests a truly authentic experience.

How to Incorporate Local Elements:

• Create a menu that celebrates local flavors, and honors local cuisine. It doesn’t matter if you’re expecting 200 guests or eloping, your meals are a special way of reflecting the authenticity of the region.
• Bring in local musicians, dancers, or performers for an extraordinary entertainment opportunity. This is an excellent way to set an upbeat and enamored tone for the entire duration of your wedding celebration.
• Consider weaving cultural practices into your day. Whether it’s a traditional unity ceremony or a local blessing, open yourselves to the idea of working with native residents to build a one-of-a-kind ceremony to trademark your whole experience. Locals will help ensure these things are performed properly and ethically. Remember, culture is meant to be shared!

Managing Logistics of Planning a Multi-Day Destination Wedding

Hosting a destination wedding or an elopement ultimately means managing logistics. Managing logistics is an absolutely crucial part of the planning process – everything from transportation to legal paperwork needs to be well thought out, and accounted for. However, as long as you stay organized, this isn’t as difficult as it can be. This is the best way to ensure everything will run as smoothly as possible.

Travel and Accommodations:

Work with a travel agent who can assist with booking accommodations for your guests, as well as organizing travel for you as a couple. Share clear and concise directions with loved ones attending your special day. If you can, keep digital and physical copies of all of your scheduled transportation arrangements, hotel/Airbnb/resort stays, itinerary, and any additional travel information.

Legalities:

Be sure to research the legal requirements for marriage in your chosen destination. Some countries require a certain residency period or very specific documentation. If you’re unsure about the rules or regulations, you can reach out to a government entity in that particular area. Even if you’re getting married in the United States, each state has its own stipulations as to how to make your marriage legally binding. If you don’t want to navigate through all of the red tape, you may consider legally solidifying your marriage in your home state/country/territory. Then, host your actual wedding experience in your desired destination.

Vendor Coordination:

For both weddings and elopements, finding reliable vendors can be a challenge when you’re planning remotely. A pre-wedding trip to meet with vendors in person can alleviate a lot of uncertainty. If that’s not possible, dig into reviews, peruse their social media accounts, and read through their websites. After you’ve inquired and booked, keep open lines of communication with your vendor team. Share your timeline and wedding plans with them so everyone can prepare adequately. Check in periodically, but especially the week of your celebration. Your vendors help bring your dreams to life, so it’s important to work with people you can trust!

Sustainability and Mindfulness

Being mindful of sustainability is essential when planning both weddings and elopements, especially for multi-day destination events. One effective way to reduce the environmental impact is by opting for local vendors. Some vendor choices, such as photography and videography, can feel especially personal and emotional. Just because these vendors aren’t based in your wedding destination, doesn’t mean you can’t bring them along. For instance, while hiring local vendors for most services is an excellent way to reduce environmental impact and support the community, certain key vendors may be worth the exception. Choosing service providers who understand your vision and have a connection to your style can make your wedding memories even more special, creating a balance between sustainability and personalization. This approach not only cuts down on travel-related emissions, but also forges a meaningful link with the local culture.

Incorporating eco-friendly décor is another impactful choice. Selecting reusable or locally sourced materials reduces waste. It also helps keep your event in harmony with the surroundings. For elopements, consider letting the natural beauty of your location serve as the main decoration to minimize the need for added elements. Additionally, practicing “Leave No Trace” principles is essential for outdoor ceremonies or adventure elopements. This approach ensures that the landscape is preserved for future visitors, allowing you to leave the environment as well-kept and beautiful as you found it. To learn more about Leave No Trace, you can visit lnt.org. While these are just a few ways you can practice sustainability as you plan your multi-day destination wedding or elopement, there are many other eco-friendly avenues you can explore – just ask! 

Budgeting for a Multi-Day Wedding Wedding or Elopement

A multi-day destination wedding or elopement often involves additional expenses. Although, with a well-planned budget, you can create an extraordinary experience that remains within reach. Staying conscious of spending allows you to focus resources on the elements that truly enhance the celebration, while still delivering an experience that feels luxurious and intentional. Ultimately, your budget will be dictated by what your priorities are. Figure out what’s non-negotiable for your wedding experience, and start building your budget from there.

One of the primary budget considerations is the venue. Many venues offer packages for exclusive, multi-day use. This provides a cost-effective solution that avoids the need to book separate spaces for different parts of the celebration. If you’re eloping, consider boutique hotels or unique rental properties that offer a blend of intimate accommodation and ceremony-ready spaces. You will appreciate the privacy, while it enhances the overall ambiance of your experience. By selecting venues that combine these aspects, you can often enjoy a more seamless experience while reducing logistical expenses.

Catering is another key factor, as multi-day events can significantly increase dining costs. For weddings, you might consider reserving a formal, full-service dining experience for the wedding day, complemented by more relaxed meal options on the surrounding days. This keeps the main event feeling grand without the need to replicate it across multiple days. For elopements, choosing a private chef experience can provide a luxurious touch without requiring a full catering staff, making it both cost-effective and enjoyable.

Finally, think about the guest experience and how to incorporate worthwhile activities without overextending your budget. Hotel or resort staff may be able to help you organize these things at a discounted rate as a part of their included services with your booking. Some places even offer special deals when a certain number of people sign up with them for a specific activity. Investing in intimate experiences can add richness and depth to any size celebration if that’s what is important to you and your spouse. Creative and proactive planning in these areas help you to curate a distinctive experience that reflects the essence of the destination without compromising on budget.

Final Thoughts on How to Plan a Multi-Day Destination Wedding

Planning a multi-day destination wedding or elopement is a beautiful opportunity to create an extended, immersive experience in every facet. By incorporating the things listed above, (and hopefully with the help of a professional planner), you can construct an event that reflects the loving qualities and dynamics of your relationship. Let the beauty of your destination pave the way to your design choices, while being a source of inspiration for all of the ways you can gift yourselves, (and your guests), with a bucket list-level experience. Whether you’re celebrating with a large group or keeping things low-key and private, thoughtfully intentional planning will support your every step.

Documenting a celebration as grandiose as a multi-day destination wedding or elopement is just as important as the planning process itself. If you want photographs that have the power to call upon your senses, and transport you back to this occasion even long after it has passed, let’s talk. Learn more about my approach to creating a visual narrative of your wedding or elopement experience, and how my process caters to you. Fill out this form to start the conversation!

How To Plan A Multi-Day Destination Wedding or Elopement ~ Multi-Day Wedding ~ Multi-Day Elopement ~ Destination Wedding ~ Wedding Planning ~ Wedding Planning Tips