Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples look to transform their big day into an unforgettable experience for themselves and their loved ones. A recent report from Research and Markets, published this month, highlighted the rapid growth of the destination wedding industry. It’s projected to soar from $36.22 billion in 2024 to $47.69 billion in 2025, driven by a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.7%.
Researchers believe that the surge is due to factors such as couples’ desire for one-of-a-kind experiences, the affordability of travel, the influence of social media, the growth of wedding tourism, and the allure of cultural and exotic destinations.
The growth isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. The market is forecasted to reach $137.16 billion by 2029.
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The destination wedding industry’s boom started in 2022, according to Kelly McWilliams, a Florida-based event planner. She was surprised by the number of destination weddings that rose post-COVID-19. According to the expert, couples raced to wedding planners like herself in 2022, eager to organize their dream destination.
“This was a very sudden rise—based on our leads, it jumped up 30% in 2022,” McWilliams told Brides during an interview published in October 2023.
After months of lockdowns and strict social distancing, couples gearing up for marriage were hungry to venture outdoors and travel. The prolonged wait for their big day not only ignited a desire to craft a truly unforgettable wedding experience but also fulfilled their yearning for “a long-awaited vacation,” both for themselves and their guests, explained Terika L. Haynes, founder of the luxury travel consultancy Dynamite Travel.
Lynn Easton, founder of the luxury wedding planning company Easton Events, shared with Brides that the increasing age of couples tying the knot could also be a contributing factor. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age for first-time marriages in 2022 was 30.1 for men and 28.2 for women, a significant rise from 23.7 and 20.5, respectively, in 1947.
“If the average bride is 28, then a lot of them are 32, which means they’ve been in a lot of weddings and they’ve seen a lot of weddings,” the industry expert shared, noting how couples are looking for unforgettable ways to outdo some of the weddings they’ve seen in the past—and they are willing to spend a lot of money to make it happen.
How much does it cost to plan a destination wedding?
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In the company’s 2023 report, Research and Markets revealed that couples spent $28.31 billion planning their dream destination weddings. While this figure may seem overwhelming, wedding experts say that it’s entirely possible to organize one within a budget. Although destination weddings often involve additional costs compared to local events—such as site visits, vendor travel, guest transportation, and extra accommodations- they typically feature a smaller guest list, which can help keep overall expenses in check.
According to The Knot, destination weddings can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the location, number of guests, and the specific amenities desired. On average, however, they tend to cost more than traditional weddings.
Are you interested in planning a destination wedding? Tell us in the comments section.
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