Planning a destination wedding weekend is, among so many other great things, an opportunity to curate a once-in-a-lifetime experience (for your guests, and for you and your partner!). As destination wedding planners, we’ve had the pleasure of working with couples who value impeccable service, unforgettable celebrations, and immersive experiences. The right resort can make all the difference, elevating your wedding weekend to a memory that your friends and family will talk about for years into the future.

Because we place so much emphasis on the venue selection process, and are trained and certified as travel advisors, we have an extensive database of locations around the globe that we’ve researched and vetted for our clients. We’ve compiled a list of our current favorite resorts across the United States that are fantastic choices for discerning couples who aim to celebrate stateside. Many of our clients are well-traveled and know that their guests are as well, so we like an opportunity to surprise them with resorts that aren’t always in the destination wedding spotlight. Let’s get into it.

Salamander Resort and Spa exterior entrance in Middleburg VA — PHOTO COURTESY OF SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA

Salamander Resort & Spa, Virginia

For an elevated wine country experience on the east coast, only an hour from Washington, DC.

Salamander is spread across 340 acres with plenty of options for locations to host all of your destination wedding weekend events, indoors and out. An excellent pick if you love equestrianism! It’s also Black-woman-owned -- a huge plus in our book.

Wildflower Farms Auberge fire pit and lounge seating — PHOTO COURTESY OF WILDFLOWER FARMS

Wildflower Farms, New York

For outdoorsy types who want to stay near the big city.

One of Auberge’s newest properties, Wildflower Farms is a stunning refuge in the Hudson Valley (just about 90 minutes from NYC). Ideal for an experience that’s grounded in nature yet extraordinarily refined. And with just 65 freestanding cabins, cottages & suites, it’s well-suited for a wedding weekend buyout.

Stanly Ranch, California

For wine country surroundings with a modern edge.

Just completed in 2022, Stanly Ranch is another Auberge property that brings a fresh take on tradition to the surrounding locale (a massive 700 acres of vineyards and rolling hills). There are plenty of activities offered here to add to your destination wedding weekend itinerary, like pasta making, falconry(!), and wine tasting of course. Stanly Ranch is also home to Halehouse, one of the best spas in the country if not the world.

1 Hotel South Beach lobby in Miami, Florida — PHOTO COURTESY OF 1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH

1 Hotel South Beach, Florida

For eco-friendly, beachfront luxury in a vibrant city.

Miami has an energy like nowhere else in the country. We love 1 Hotel South Beach for its commitment to sustainability and wellness — it just feels relaxing as soon as you enter the lobby. We love that it serves as a calming hideaway among party spots for guests to recharge throughout the weekend. There are multiple venues and pools plus a stretch of private beach to activate for wedding festivities, and some of the most delicious food in town.

San Ysidro Ranch rose garden and wedding lawn in Montecito, CA at sunset — PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN YSIDRO RANCH

San Ysidro Ranch, California

For romantics who are seeking a storybook feeling on the Pacific coast.

San Ysidro Ranch holds the title of the #1 Boutique Hotel in the World for good reason. It’s incredibly private and secluded, on beautifully-manicured grounds, and has storied history dating back to the 1800s. If you’re looking for a buyout option and have a large-ish guest count, they can accommodate 150.

Chatham Bars Inn cottages aerial view of Cape Cod — PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATHAM BARS INN

Chatham Bars Inn, Massachusetts

For New England coastal vibes in a historic setting.

Since 1914, Chatham Bars Inn has been a luxurious landmark on Cape Cod’s waterfront. If you’re seeking a beach ceremony in New England, this is one of the best resorts you’ll find. While there are several indoor options to transform for your wedding weekend, there’s also a gorgeous green lawn for a sailcloth tent (we’d add flags to the peaks, of course).

Little Palm Island Resort in Florida view from above — PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT & SPA

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida

For the ultimate private island experience.

Little Palm Island is the only private island resort in the United States. We’re very into it (catch us here talking about it at length). Perfect for a small wedding of up to 60 guests, and just the right place to set sail from for welcome drinks on a yacht.

Montage Healdsburg exterior and vineyards in Sonoma wine country — PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTAGE HEALDSBURG

Montage Healdsburg, California

For wine-loving couples with exquisite taste.

There are dozens of luxury resorts in Northern California, but Montage Healdsburg is one of the very best. It feels truly immersive, as though you are in the center of vineyards as far as you can see in every direction. A great choice if you have lots of friends and family, as it can accommodate larger weddings of more than 150 guests comfortably.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain infinity pool in Paradise Valley — PHOTO COURTESY OF SANCTUARY CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Arizona

For those seeking serenity in the desert.

As far as domestic destinations go, Arizona is the hottest place to go for a relaxing getaway (no pun intended). Sanctuary, a Gurney’s property, has a Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic in the heart of Paradise Valley. Incredible restaurants, an award-winning spa, and roughly 100 private accommodations make this property stand out in a luxury-forward destination like Scottsdale. The views are jaw-dropping in every direction, and they have some of the best wedding ceremony backdrops you could imagine. Plus, they have pickleball courts.

The Lodge at Blue Sky Auberge overhead drone photo — PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LODGE AT BLUE SKY

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah

For the majesty that is the American West.

With just 46 rooms, The Lodge at Blue Sky is a private mountain retreat that consistently ranks among the best in the world. The ranch sprawls across 3,500 acres in the Wasatch Mountains, less than an hour from Salt Lake City. The list of available experiences here is quite long, and includes everything from dogsledding to sporting clays to wildlife tracking — your guests will be anything but bored with minimal arrangements required on your part. Blue Sky is an ideal destination wedding location for couples who love the outdoors.

Getting excited? Us, too. Planning and hosting a destination wedding weekend is quite possibly one of the most exciting moments of your life. With our expertise and support, you and your partner can host a wedding for the ages at one of the resorts above, or one of the many others on our list! We’re ready when you are.

The Best Under-The-Radar Destination Wedding Resorts in the US