Destination Wedding Planning Checklist: Everything You Need to Plan with Confidence
- Morgan Cottrill
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Planning a wedding abroad can feel exciting… and overwhelming. Between choosing a destination, coordinating guests, and figuring out legal requirements, it’s easy to wonder where to even begin.
That’s why having a clear destination wedding planning checklist is essential. A well-structured checklist keeps you organized, reduces stress, and helps ensure nothing important slips through the cracks—especially when planning from afar.
Whether you’re newly engaged or already dreaming of saying “I do” on a beach, this destination wedding planning checklist will walk you through the process step by step.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist: 12–18 Months Before
The early planning stage is all about big-picture decisions. This is when your destination wedding truly takes shape.
On your destination wedding planning checklist at this stage:
Decide if a destination wedding is right for you
Set a realistic wedding budget
Create a rough guest list
Choose a destination and travel season
Decide between adults-only vs. family-friendly resorts
Hire a destination wedding travel advisor
Research legal requirements for your chosen destination
Pro tip: This is the best time to work with a specialist who understands destination wedding logistics, resort contracts, and guest travel coordination.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist: 9–12 Months Before
Now it’s time to lock in your venue and travel logistics.
Add these to your destination wedding planning checklist:
Select your resort or venue
Confirm wedding date and time
Secure group room blocks or contracts
Reserve key vendors (photographer, videographer, DJ if external)
Create a wedding website or booking page for guests
Send Save the Dates
This stage sets the foundation for a smooth guest experience—and avoids last-minute scrambling.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist: 6–9 Months Before
At this point, your wedding starts to feel real.
Your destination wedding planning checklist should include:
Finalize ceremony and reception locations
Choose your wedding package
Begin attire shopping
Confirm décor vision and color palette
Plan welcome events or group activities
Collect guest RSVPs and travel intentions
This is also a great time to start thinking about excursions, welcome bags, and special moments you want to create for guests.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist: 3–6 Months Before
Details matter most during this phase.
Be sure your destination wedding planning checklist covers:
Final guest list and rooming details
Marriage license paperwork and timelines
Book hair, makeup, and spa appointments
Choose menus and bar options
Schedule tastings (if available)
Confirm transportation needs
Purchase wedding insurance
If your guests are traveling internationally, this is also when reminders about passports and documents are key.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist: 1–2 Months Before
Now it’s all about confirmations and communication.
On your destination wedding planning checklist:
Submit final guest counts
Confirm vendor arrival times
Finalize seating plans
Review wedding timeline with the resort
Prepare welcome bags or favors
Share final travel reminders with guests
This stage is where having an organized planning system makes everything easier.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist: Week of the Wedding
You’ve done the work—now it’s time to enjoy it.
Final destination wedding planning checklist items:
Arrive early to allow for resort meetings
Meet with the on-site wedding coordinator
Final walk-through of ceremony and reception spaces
Confirm décor, florals, and timelines
Relax, celebrate, and soak it all in
Why a Destination Wedding Planning Checklist Matters
A destination wedding involves more moving parts than a traditional wedding—but it doesn’t have to be more stressful.
A solid destination wedding planning checklist:
Keeps planning organized
Reduces decision fatigue
Improves guest experience
Helps you stay on budget
Makes planning from afar manageable
Most importantly, it allows you to actually enjoy your engagement instead of feeling buried in logistics.
Want a Done-for-You Destination Wedding Planning Checklist?
If you want a step-by-step checklist, timelines, and insider tips all in one place, downloading a dedicated destination wedding planning guide can save hours of stress and research.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding abroad doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right destination wedding planning checklist, expert guidance, and a clear timeline, your destination wedding can be just as joyful to plan as it is to experience.
Your dream wedding deserves organization, clarity, and support—so you can focus on what really matters.