How to Choose the Perfect Destination Wedding Location Based on Your Style

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure, but with so many stunning locations around the world, how do you choose the perfect place to say “I do”? Your wedding setting should reflect your unique style, whether you’re dreaming of a romantic beach ceremony, an elegant castle wedding, or an adventurous elopement in the mountains. As a Pacific Northwest and destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing couples in some of the most breathtaking locations—both here in the PNW and around the world.

If you’re searching for a destination wedding photographer in the Pacific Northwest or wondering which location best suits your vibe, this guide will help choose the perfect destination wedding location based on your style—no matter where your wedding takes place. We’re breaking it down based on your wedding style—helping you find a destination that not only looks amazing but feels just right for your big day.

1. Find Your Dream Destination: Matching Wedding Locations to Your Style

The first step to choosing the perfect location is identifying your wedding aesthetic. Do you love boho, rustic, modern, or timeless romance? Once you define your style, finding the right destination becomes much easier.

• Boho & Free-Spirited → Tropical beaches, deserts, or the Oregon Coast
• Classic & Elegant → European châteaux, historic estates, or a vineyard wedding in Napa
• Rustic & Outdoorsy → PNW forests, the Rockies, or Iceland’s epic landscapes
• Modern & Chic → Sleek city rooftop weddings in Seattle, NYC, or Paris

📸 PNW Photography Tip: The Pacific Northwest is an incredible choice for adventurous couples who love nature, with stunning locations like Oregon Coast, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Park offering unforgettable backdrops.

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2. Tropical, Urban, or Countryside? Choosing a Destination Wedding Spot That Reflects You

Your wedding venue should feel natural to you. If you and your partner love the relaxed vibe of the ocean, a beach wedding in Hawaii or Tulum may be perfect. If you’re more drawn to the excitement of a city skyline, consider a rooftop venue in Seattle, Portland, or abroad in Paris or London.

Best Destination Wedding Locations by Style:

• Tropical & Laid-Back → Hawaii, Costa Rica, Bali
• Urban & Stylish → Seattle, Portland, New York, San Francisco
• Quiet & Romantic Countryside → Tuscany, PNW vineyards, French countryside
• Adventurous & Nature-Filled → PNW forests, Alaska, Norway, Patagonia

📸 PNW Photography Tip: The PNW offers the best of both worlds—mountains, forests, and coastal beaches—perfect for elopements or intimate weddings.

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3. Beyond the Beach: Unexpected Destination Wedding Locations for Every Couple

Not every destination wedding has to be on a tropical beach! Some of the most unique wedding locations include:

• Dramatic Cliffs & Ocean Views → Oregon Coast, Big Sur, or Santorini
• Epic Desert Landscapes → Joshua Tree, Moab, Morocco
• Majestic Mountains → PNW (Mt. Hood, North Cascades), Colorado Rockies, Switzerland
• Ancient Castles & History → Scotland, Ireland, France

📸 PNW Photography Tip: The Columbia River Gorge and Mount Rainier National Park are incredible alternatives for couples who want dramatic backdrops without traveling internationally.

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4. Luxury vs. Laid-Back: Finding a Destination That Fits Your Wedding Vibe

Some couples prefer a luxurious resort experience, while others crave a down-to-earth, intimate celebration.

• Luxury Wedding Destinations → Amalfi Coast, Santorini, Bora Bora, Aspen
• Relaxed & Adventurous Elopements → PNW National Parks, Iceland, Patagonia
• Intimate & Cozy Settings → PNW cabins, Montana lodges, Norwegian fjords

📸 PNW Photography Tip: If you want a luxurious yet intimate wedding, consider a private PNW mountain lodge or a lakeside Airbnb wedding—stunning and secluded!

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5. The Ultimate Destination Wedding Guide: Where to Say ‘I Do’ Based on Your Love Story

Where you get married should reflect your relationship. If you met on a ski trip, a snowy mountain elopement might be perfect. Love wine? A vineyard wedding in Oregon’s Willamette Valley or Tuscany is a great choice!

Ideas Based on Your Love Story:

• Met on a road trip? → PNW road trip elopement with stops at waterfalls and mountains
• Bonded over hiking? → Adventure elopement in Yosemite or Mount Rainier
• Love art & culture? → Paris, NYC, or San Francisco rooftop wedding
• Obsessed with the beach? → Cannon Beach, Tulum, or the Amalfi Coast

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6. Adventure or Elegance? How to Pick the Perfect Destination Wedding Location

Some couples want a glamorous ballroom wedding, while others dream of an off-the-grid adventure elopement.

Elegant & Glamorous:

• Château Wedding in France
• Five-Star Resort in Santorini
• Private Villa in Lake Como

Adventurous & Wild:

• Glacier Elopement in Alaska
• Waterfall Ceremony in Oregon
• Desert Elopement in Utah

📸 PNW Photography Tip: The PNW has stunning locations for both elegant and adventurous weddings, from luxury resorts in Seattle to wild elopements in Olympic National Park.

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7. Sunset Beach or Mountain Escape? What Your Wedding Style Says About Your Dream Destination

If you’re unsure which location fits your style, here’s a quick guide:

• If you love cozy vibes & rustic details → PNW, Montana, Norway
• If you love modern, clean aesthetics → NYC, Tokyo, Dubai
• If you love dreamy florals & romance → Paris, Tuscany, Napa
• If you love golden sunsets & free-spirited vibes → Bali, Tulum, Arizona desert

📸 PNW Photography Tip: Seattle and Portland offer both urban and nature-inspired venues, so you don’t have to choose between modern and rustic!

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Final Thoughts: Choosing a Destination That Feels Like You

A destination wedding is about more than just picking a pretty place—it’s about choosing the Perfect Destination Wedding Location Based on Your Style and the location that represents your love story. Whether you dream of a coastal elopement on the Oregon Coast, a romantic vineyard wedding in the Willamette Valley, or a breathtaking mountaintop ceremony in the North Cascades, your wedding should feel like home.

📸 Looking for a PNW Destination Wedding Photographer?
As a wedding photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, I specialize in capturing authentic, adventure-filled weddings and elopements. Whether you’re planning a PNW destination wedding or an intimate elopement in the mountains, I’d love to help document your love story. Ready for me to capture it? Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here! Need a little more inspo on how to plan the perfect Engagement session? Check out this post. Can’t wait to hear from you!

✨ Let’s start planning your dream wedding photos! ✨