Weddings in United States
Get Married in United States
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Major Airports
Popular Vibes
A country of contrast and choice: world-class cities, rural charm, picturesque national parks, and coastal escapes all at your fingertips. For international couples, the USA combines diversity of venues with a culture that values hospitality, service, and indulgence probably higher than anywhere else in the world.
Many couples choose to combine their destination wedding in the US with a once‑in‑a‑lifetime honeymoon, as this expansive country offers so much to see and countless places to explore together after the big day.
Venues
Best Wedding Venues in the US: Estates, Vineyards & Coastal Resorts
What sets the USA apart is sheer variety. Every state has its own personality and identity; coastal, urban sophistication, desert drama, or mountainous majesty, so couples can curate a celebration that feels authentically theirs, whether they envision glamour, romance, cultural fusion, or something completely unique.
Iconic Venue Locations Include:
- New York City: The ultimate cosmopolitan setting with rooftop terraces, grand ballrooms, chic loft spaces, and views of the iconic skyline.
- California (Napa, Malibu, Palm Springs): Sunshine vineyards, cliffside beach villas, and glamorous desert retreats perfect for bohemian or luxury vibes.
- Florida (Miami & The Keys): Tropical beaches, Art Deco hotels, and waterfront estates ideal for stylish, warm-weather weddings year-round.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: World-famous for its entertainment, glitz, and chapel weddings, but also home to elegant resorts and desert venues.
- Colorado & The Rockies: Mountain lodges, ranches, and ski resorts offering alpine beauty in both summer wildflower meadows and snowy winter wonderlands.
- Hawaii: A dreamlike paradise of volcanic cliffs, palm-lined beaches, and Polynesian-inspired celebrations with year-round sunshine.
- New England (Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts): Rustic barns, colonial estates, and lakeside retreats surrounded by forested hills and brilliant autumn colours.
- Southwest (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico): Dramatic red-rock landscapes, desert resorts, and outdoor venues steeped in natural wonder.
Culture & Cuisine
Wedding Traditions & Cuisine in United States
Wedding culture in the USA is diverse and often grand in scale, with a strong emphasis on personalisation and the highest level of service for you and your guests. Couples will find that no matter where they choose to celebrate, the experience is designed to feel unique, seamless, and full of thoughtful detail.
Cuisine varies by region: lobster feasts in New England, Tex-Mex spreads in Texas, BBQ banquets in the South, Michelin-starred dining in New York, or farm-to-table menus in California wine country. Drinks are equally versatile; champagne towers, craft beer flights, bourbon tastings, or tropical cocktails. Many couples weave in local flavours and seasonal produce, creating menus that are as memorable as the setting.
Entertainment often plays a starring role. Live bands, gospel choirs, jazz trios, and late-night DJs keep guests dancing, while couples can add personal touches like food trucks, fireworks, or after-parties that stretch until dawn. In many regions, it’s common to add cultural or family traditions into the celebration; from mariachi performances in the Southwest to jazz processions in New Orleans; giving each wedding an atmosphere that’s as heartfelt as it is entertaining.
Weather
United States Wedding Weather: Best Months & Climate Guide
The USA spans multiple climates, meaning wedding season depends on the location.
Summer Weddings (May – October)
Summer is the most popular wedding season across much of the country. The days are long, weather is good, and the wedding opportunities for outdoor dining, dancing, and adventure are guaranteed. Temperatures typically range between 18°C and 32°C (65°F – 90°F) depending on the region, with cooler mountain evenings and warm coastal nights. Couples and guests can take advantage of the season with outdoor activities like vineyard tours, beach days, hiking, sailing, or even national park adventures. Couples should note that rainfall can be high in some regions, such as Florida, the Gulf Coast, and parts of the Midwest during summer months, so many venues offer stylish indoor or covered back up areas just in case.
Winter Weddings (December – February)
Winter opens up two very different but equally magical experiences. Head north for snow-dusted mountains in Colorado or Vermont, where cosy lodges, roaring fires, and reliable snowfall create a storybook alpine setting. Ski resorts of these regions double as romantic destinations with world‑class service and postcard‑worthy backdrops. Or escape to the milder weather of Florida, Southern California, or Hawaii, where palm trees and ocean breezes make a sun‑kissed winter wedding possible.
Shoulder Seasons (March – April, November)
These months offer softer light, gentler temperatures, and an opportunity to save a significant amount on your wedding budget. Imagine cherry blossoms framing your vows in Washington D.C., the fiery colours of fall foliage in New England, or the glowing red sunsets of the Arizona desert. Shoulder season weddings often feel more intimate, natural, and romantic. Milder temperatures averaging 12°C to 22°C (54°F – 72°F) depending on the region, and the landscapes themselves putting on a natural show as the seasons changeover. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as scenic hikes, wine tastings, and city exploration without the peak‑season crowds.
Travel & Accessibility
How to Travel to United States for a Destination Wedding
The USA is one of the most accessible destinations in the world, with countless international flight connections and domestic routes making it easy for guests to attend.
Major international airports are found in most states to connect directly with Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. Once in the USA, domestic travel is straightforward. Low‑cost and full‑service airlines link nearly every state, Amtrak rail offers scenic journeys between key cities, and the Interstate highway system makes road trips or car hire a popular choice for couples and guests wanting to explore.
In metropolitan areas, taxis, rideshare services, and efficient public transport networks such as the New York Subway, Washington Metro, and San Francisco’s BART make getting around easy and affordable.
For countryside or mountain venues, planners commonly arrange private transfers, charter buses, or shuttles to move groups comfortably.
Accessibility standards are generally high in the US, with most airports, hotels, and venues offering facilities for guests with reduced mobility, making travel inclusive and stress‑free.
Legal process
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in United States (for Foreigners)
Foreign couples can marry legally in the USA, but requirements vary by state. Generally, you’ll need:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates
- Proof of single status (Certificate of No Impediment)
- Completed marriage license application (applied for at a local county clerk’s office)
- In some states, a waiting period (usually 1–3 days) before the license becomes valid.
Most states require the ceremony to be performed by an authorised officiant (religious leader, judge, or licensed celebrant). Some states allow “self‑solemnisation” (Colorado, for example), where a couple can legally marry themselves without the need for an officiant or witnesses by signing their own licence. This is quite different from places like Las Vegas, which is famous for quick ceremonies but still requires an authorised officiant. Las Vegas is world‑famous for its quick and simple process, where couples can apply for a licence and marry the same day, often in one of the city’s iconic chapels.
Because requirements differ widely, it’s recommended to consult a local planner or county office early in the process.
Many international couples opt to complete the legal marriage in their home country and enjoy a symbolic wedding in the USA for maximum flexibility and reduced paperwork.
Plan your dream destination wedding in United States
Few destinations rival the USA for diversity, scale, and quality. Whether you dream of an intimate elopement, a beach party celebration, or a multi‑day luxury retreat, this country has it all. Explore our curated selection of wedding venues and vendors across the USA and begin planning the celebration of a lifetime.
