destination wedding planning

Amazing Tropical Locations for a Destination Wedding

In Beach Weddings, Planning & Tips by Tanya Joslin

‘Tropical’— instantly you think of relaxing ocean breezes, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, sandy beaches and lush jungles. It’s no wonder, then, that settings like these make for amazing destination weddings. Dreaming of saying “I do” somewhere beachy and exotic? We’ve gathered some spectacular tropical locations and options for you.

Weddings in Asia

Perfect for couples wanting to limit travel time, there are plenty of gorgeous Asian islands just north of Australia. Boasting heavenly scenery and their own unique character, destinations like Bali and Langkawi are definitely worth adding to your wish list.

Destination Weddings ~ Bali

Bali has always been a favourite for honeymoons, but many couples are deciding also celebrate their special day there. It’s not hard to see why. With stunning beaches, verdant rainforests, incredible venues and super-friendly locals, there’s plenty to love about this cherished destination.

Hannah and Chris Bali Wedding

From the stunning scenery of Ubud and the vibrant streets of Legian to the glamour of Seminyak and the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, Bali offers a variety of beautiful wedding locations and venues. Couples can choose from pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and enchanting temples—all at an affordable price compared to marrying at home.

Related: Here’s how to plan a legally recognised wedding in Bali 

Destination Weddings ~ Thailand

Amazing_Thailand_01

With its stunning array of breathtaking locations, Thailand ranks as one of Asia’s most sought-after wedding destinations. If a tropical wedding is your dream, the beaches of Thailand are an 11 out of 10 for those idyllic toes-in-the-sand celebrations. Renowned for its luxurious resorts, this enchanting country is perfect for couples seeking both opulence and relaxation. Best of all, a luxury wedding in Thailand is surprisingly affordable, meaning you can create the wedding of your dreams without emptying your pockets. From its diverse landscapes to the magical sunsets, Thailand offers a truly magical backdrop for a wedding, ensuring your special day will be nothing short of unforgettable.

Related: Here’s Thailand’s best wedding venues

Destination Weddings ~ Malaysia

Malaysia destination wedding

Looking for something a little less well-known? Malaysia’s Langkawi region is made up of 99 islands, all with spellbinding natural beauty (think misty mountains, winding rivers, golden-sand beaches and palm-dotted gardens). Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of venues here that are experienced in weddings and honeymoons – see you later, wedding-planning stress!

If you’re considering a truly unforgettable destination wedding, Sabah in Malaysia is a fantastic choice. Diversity is not just a buzzword in Sabah; it’s a way of life – stunning rainforest, beautiful beaches and excellent cuisine. Sabah offers a magical atmosphere where you can embrace the beauty of the outdoors and create incredible memories filled with unique experiences with your loved ones.

Related: Malaysia’s best destination wedding venues

Destination Weddings ~ Queensland

Tourism Whitsundays - Airlie Beach - Bicentennial WalkwayPhoto: Tourism Whitsundays

Queensland is Australia’s ultimate paradise for tropical weddings with its stunning golden and white-sand beaches, breathtaking islands, and lush tropical rainforests where couples can declare their love.

Celebrated as one of Australia’s most diverse and picturesque regions, it is easy to organise a destination wedding in Queensland thanks to its impressive selection of wedding venues that have teams of professionals to ensure it’s a breeze and who are on hand to help you capture the essence of a tropical celebration perfectly.

Related: The best destination wedding venues in Queensland

Destination Weddings ~ Indian Ocean

bali destination wedding location

It’s easy to see why they’re called the ‘Islands of Love’. With scenery romantic enough to inspire poetry, the Indian Ocean islands are truly sensational.

The Maldives have long been thought of as the ultimate tropical getaway, especially for honeymoons. We say, make it your ultimate tropical wedding locale too! There are literally a thousand islands here, with only about two-hundred-odd permanently populated. That means you can find a beach to stroll arm-in-arm, away from the rest of the world. Sigh. With the proper paperwork and a legal ceremony before leaving home, you can have the private tropical beach wedding and honeymoon of your fantasies.

Mauritius is another extremely popular tropical destination that’s experienced in hosting destination weddings. You’ll find no shortage of wedding venues and packages, and despite its popularity, it still feels blissfully laid-back – #GoodVibesOnly. maldives tropical destination wedding location

Destination Weddings ~Pacific Islands

Volcanoes, Polynesian dancers, tall ocean waves and emerald mountains – the South Pacific islands have plenty to charm couples. Fiji, the Cook Islands and Vanuatu are among the most popular choices for destination weddings, each promising an unforgettable celebration.

fiji tropical wedding destination

The beauty of tying the knot in Fiji? With many couples choosing to marry here, many resorts offer their own beautiful wedding chapel – no need to worry about getting to and from the resort. Only a few hours’ flight from Australia, this captivating destination is fabulous for pretty much any type of celebration. Thinking of exchanging vows in an extravagant Fijian wedding? Want to keep things simple and say “I do” in a barefoot beach ceremony? Looking for something in-between? The world’s your oyster in Fiji!

Another postcard-ready destination, Tahiti is made up of over one hundred islands and atolls, with hidden waterfalls and secret lagoons. Some islands are more private than others, and many resorts offer the unique experience of sleeping in an over-water bungalow, which will make your honeymoon unforgettable.

tahiti destination wedding

Of course, Hawaii is another option with plenty of excitement and adventure. Embrace the island culture with Hula dancers, flower leis, and ukulele music – many local venues can bring it all to life for you. After your wedding, spend time together surfing, snorkelling, hiking or just laying on the beach. Life’s hard.

There are so many tropical wedding destinations to choose from – let the daydreaming begin!