12 Steps to Planning Your Destination Wedding

Travel Agents - Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

BOOKING PERIOD: 1/1/2021 - 1/1/2025| TRAVEL PERIOD: Today - 12/31/2025| VACATION CODE: HMDW

Paul Hardersen

Tucson, AZ
Ocean and Island Group Travel Expert

One could say that this all began back in 2016. On the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean on a sunny June afternoon, a sailing ship, a Navy veteran, and a yearning for change came together in one life-altering experience. 

Yep...
Learn more about me.

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Planning a destination wedding can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it yourself. Let a Destination Wedding Specialist be your backup! Wondering where to get started? Our easy-to-follow guide provides you with all of the steps necessary to plan your perfect getaway!

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Step 1

What inspires you?

Think about noteworthy symbols in your relationship. Are there certain songs or movies that are a significant part of your story? Are there elements of your heritage or family traditions you’d want to incorporate? What’s on your Pinterest board? What are your favorite vacation spots? Consider all your sources of inspiration. Get together and compile a list of things that resonate with both of you.  

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Step 2

Meet with a Travel Expert

Bring your Inspiration List, photos, and Pinterest links to share with your travel agent so you can start planning!

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Step 3

Consider Your Guests

Compiling the guest list might be the hardest part of your planning journey. Some couples choose to involve respective families while others sort it out themselves. However works best for you, get a finalized list together and consider your guests:

  • Who will be attending? Mostly singles, couples, or families with children?
  • Will there be older folks or people who may need accessible options?
  • Where are the guests located geographically? Is it near a popular airport hub?
  • What destinations are easily accessible for them? Is there flight availability?
  • What is appropriate for your guests’ budgets?
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Step 4

Set a Budget

Your wedding only happens once, so it’s important to consider which elements are worth splurging on and which are unnecessary expenses. Opt for upgrades that will enhance your overall experience and make a lasting impression on how you and your guests remember the big day. Our Destination Wedding Specialists have relationships with top resorts, cruise lines, and destinations with insider connections to help you get the most out of your budget. Destination Weddings are the trip of a lifetime, we want to make it absolutely unforgettable!

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Step 5

Explore Options

There are countless beautiful locations to explore, from the sugar sand beaches of Antigua to the aquamarine waters of Mexico, or tropical flora of Hawaii. Which locations stand out to you? What activities would these locations provide you and your guests? What scene do you envision as the backdrop for your wedding photos? Travel Leaders Destination Wedding Specialists are familiar with the benefits of each destination and have the technical knowledge of local wedding license requirements. We can help you pick the perfect destination that meets all your must-haves!

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Step 6

Consider Amenities

What kind of experience are you and your guests looking for? Action and adventure? History and culture? Gourmet food and wine? Luxury services and a world-class spa? Depending what your interests are, your Travel Leaders Destination Wedding Specialist can arrange group activities. Private tours, and even special gatherings like a private SCUBA lesson for the wedding party.

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Step 7

Confirm your plans with a deposit

Work with your Travel Leaders agents to reach out to the resort you have chosen to secure your wedding date and venue as well as blocking enough rooms for your estimated number of guests. Also, confirm your plans with a deposit, to ensure everything stays as you have planned.

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Step 8

Send Save the Dates

As soon as you have confirmed your plans, send out "Save the Date Cards" to all of your guests! Be sure to include your Travel Leaders Destination Wedding Specialists contact information to make it easy for your guests to book in the same group.

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Step 9

Create a Registry

Let your guests help pay for a jungle zip lining adventure, a tour of a medieval castle, or a relaxing beachside massage. Our Destination Wedding Specialists will help you set up your registry, complete with a customized website all about you and your destination wedding plans!

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Step 10

Start Packing

You don't want to forget anything, like renewing your passport in advance, printing your travel itinerary, prescriptions, chargers for your electronics or converters if you are traveling outside of the country. Pack your wedding attire as carry-on luggage, as your flight attendant will put it away for safe keeping until you arrive at your destination.

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Step 11

Share your experience

Share your favorite destination wedding moments like the exchanging of your vows on the white sand beach or your sunset dinner that was gifted to you in your Registry on social media. Don't forget to write a review on your amazing Travel Leaders Destination Wedding Specialist and recommend them to your friends!

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Step 12

Happily Ever After

You did it, now it's time to celebrate! We will be with you every step of the way to ensure everything goes as planned. So sit back and enjoy your destination wedding. Soon enough, it will be time to start planning your first anniversary trip!

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Paul Hardersen

Tucson, AZ
Ocean and Island Group Travel Expert

One could say that this all began back in 2016. On the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean on a sunny June afternoon, a sailing ship, a Navy veteran, and a yearning for change came together in one life-altering experience. 

Yep...
Learn more about me.



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