I have actually not been to a Destination wedding, which I define as a location other than where bride/groom or parents live. But I did see wonderful photos of one in Caribbean. It turned out to be a lovely alternative to bigger wedding at home, with friend/family renting budget cabins on the beach. They arrived early, mostly grilled their own meals together outdoors.
I once had a young officemate who married in Italy. Only a few people attended, but then her parent hosted a nice cocktail party upon their return. Video of the ceremony was playing in the corner of family room - very fun way to share the day. The groomās mother in another state had a reception there too.
Maybe a separate thread to discuss destination weddings in general as opposed to this thread where the OP asked for specific responses to her Dās potential destination wedding?
I just feel like the responses (though I understand and agree with much of the content!) would be negative/discouraging for the OPās original intent - which was specific advice!!!
Iām not against destination weddings either, despite my story. I complimented the OP that the kids realize not everyone will make it. Thatās where my nephew erred ā he thought everyone would be thrilled to spend thousands of dollars to vacation at a resort to Mexico. I wouldāve been fine with them continuing with their plans without us.
I havenāt been to a wedding at the Lady Bird Wildflower center, but itās lovely, especially in spring when most flowers are in full bloom. And itās close to Dripping Springs, which has become a mecca of barn weddings.
If my kid were planning a wedding for only 20 people, I totally would want Chapel Dulcinea in far south Austin. Of course, we are in Austin. When the kidsā had to postpone the initial wedding, her mom and I tried to interest them in this place, but they wanted to keep the idea of a big wedding so they āelopedā with just the eight of us and later this month is the bigger celebration they want. Search #chapeldulcineawedding on Instagram.
My Dās college roommate got married at the Caramoor Arts Center in Katonah, NY. Itās just north of NYC and it was a lovely venue. The wedding took place outside and the grounds were beautiful. This was 8 years agoāI asume that the venue still hosts weddings.
The North Carolina Arboretum is a wedding venue in Asheville that is an alternative to Biltmore Estate. It is really beautiful there. You could combine a wedding there with a breakfast or other meal at the Biltmore the next day or afterwards. Asheville is just a fun town for a destination wedding.
This would be a wonderful destination. Itās the small little island right across from Mallory Square in Key West. Oprah had a big bday bash there years ago. Check it out.
Destination wedding outside of country - your guests may not want to attend because they could be detained if tested positive for Covid. D1 went to Portugal for a destination wedding. She strategically only went for 5 days so she could be tested as soon as she arrived for her return trip. Some companies require 14 days quarantine before returning to work after an overseas trip.
If some very important guests (grandparents, friends, aunts/uncles) couldnāt afford the trip, would you be willing to pay for their trips.
You kids could have a very nice small wedding at Hudson valley to include everyone they want.
Thank you everyone for your replies and recommendations. Some of them look amazing. I will share this with my daughter. I do understand some of the concerns brought up. They are looking for options. A destination wedding is not their first choice but wanted to get ideas of how those options would be. Especially from people who have hosted or attended one.
By the way, they live in Boston but would like to have the wedding here as most of the family and close friends live in the tri-state area. Therefore, they would be traveling here to their wedding.
Probably due to the pandemicās rescheduled weddings, venues in this area have gotten very expensive and the nicest ones are already booked thru 2022. One of my friends whose daughter was married 10 years ago at a venue 15 minutes from me, told me she paid $10K for 100 people, 10 years ago. Today, it costs three times as much at the same place and they are booked.
Their first choice is a small mountaintop venue in Beacon with horses, gardens and views that go across the Hudson to the Catskills. However, very expensive even for 50 people.
We are talking 2023, so hopefully, Covid would not be as big an issue but we donāt know. So, more planning aheadā¦
The Pond House in West Hartford is very nice. Itās in Elizabeth Parkā¦and if you are there in very late spring or summer, the gardens are really beautiful. They have a couple of indoor rooms for events. Iām not sure, but you might be able to do an outdoor/tent affair there. From youā¦that would be a destinationā¦
We had friends whose daughter got married at Old Sturbridge Village, and that was also lovely. But a destination for you and guests also.
Iām temporarily living just down the street from there! Lots to do in Santa Fe and nearby areas! As long as it wouldnāt be held in the Spring that would be lovely!