You’ve got the location, the dress, and a Pinterest board full of tropical ceremony inspo. But planning a destination wedding is more than just picking the perfect beach.
From flight delays to vendor no-shows, things can go sideways–fast. That’s why we created this destination wedding checklist to help you prep, protect, and stay focused on the fun part: saying “I do.”
1. Get travel insurance—it’s your #1 wedding guest
Destination weddings are dreamy, but travel hiccups happen. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
What it can help cover:
- Flight cancellations and delays
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Extreme weather interruptions
- Prepaid expenses like hotels, flights, and tours
Real story: Faye once saved a destination wedding. When Hurricane Fiona interrupted Adam and Jeremy’s Puerto Rico wedding, we stepped in to help cover the fallout. The result? A big day still worth celebrating.
Pro tip: Look for coverage that includes trip delays, baggage mishaps, and non-refundable wedding costs. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Find a local wedding planner you trust
Planning from afar? A local planner is your behind-the-scenes superhero.
Look for someone who:
- Specializes in destination weddings
- Understands local customs and vendor networks
- Has trusted venue or hotel partnerships
- Can provide verified references
Why it matters: They’ll help you navigate everything from legal paperwork to cultural norms, so you don’t get caught off guard.
3. Know the local laws and customs
Every country has different rules around getting married. Do your research early to avoid last-minute surprises.
Key things to check:
- Marriage license requirements
- Visa or residency rules
- Restrictions on location or ceremony type
Need help?
A good planner can walk you through this, or you can chat with Faye’s 24/7 support team in the app for destination-specific tips.
4. Give guests a heads-up (and the info they need)
Help your guests help you by keeping them in the loop—early and often.
What to share:
- Save the dates well in advance
- Visa/passport/travel restriction info
- Weather forecasts + packing suggestions
- Hotel blocks and local transportation
- Group chats or apps (like Guestboard or TextMyGuests) for updates
Pro tip: Don’t assume guests know how to prep for an international trip. A little guidance goes a long way. If they plan to travel with Faye, those visa requirements are available in the Faye app.
5. Lock in the vendors—and make sure they’re covered
Your vendors make the magic happen. Protect your plans (and your deposits) by making sure everyone’s covered.
Checklist for vendor protection:
- Confirm they’re licensed and insured
- Add liability clauses to your contracts
- Ask about backup plans (for extreme weather, illness, etc.)
- Have your planner double-check the details
Why it matters: You’ll avoid last-minute cancellations or legal headaches that can derail your day.
6. Make sure you (and your guests) are ready to go
Packing for a destination wedding is about more than outfits. Here’s what to double-check before wheels up:
First comes love, then comes travel insurance
You bring the love story. We’ll bring the backup plan. Faye helps cover the not-so-glamorous parts of destination weddings—so the only surprise is how good the cake is.
Some activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for your destination wedding.
