Hosting a wedding in a place that you love can sometimes be difficult, especially if it’s hundreds of miles away. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the solution was simple: Have a destination wedding. As long as your budget and logistics could handle it, you could have your dream wedding in paradise. But today travel still seems a little uncertain. Fortunately, you have alternatives. Check out some great alternatives to a traditional destination wedding that are just as magical as a far-flung locale.

Pair an Elopement With a Road Trip

Just because you can’t travel by air doesn’t mean you can’t do a road trip. Incorporate an elopement and you may have a winning combination. Travel + Leisure remarks that destination elopements are on the rise. State and national parks are popular wedding sites because couples want to tie the knot in scenic outdoor locations. Meanwhile, others just want something different than a city hall ceremony. Either way, you can still say “I do” and travel while socially distancing. You can plan an elopement road trip yourself or choose a vendor to make all the arrangements for you.

Host an Outdoor Micro-Wedding

Natural outdoor beauty often fuels the desire for a destination wedding. You can still have some of this grandeur a little closer to home by throwing a micro-wedding at an ideal outside venue. As a side bonus, you’ll make social distancing easier for your guests by keeping the numbers low and providing plenty of space.

So what constitutes a micro-wedding? Most experts place the guest count at 50 or fewer, but 25 seems to be an optimal average. With those numbers, you can easily find a location to accommodate your event. With municipal sites like public parks or landmarks, you’ll want to check with the appropriate office about permits and reservations. You must also make sure you rent gear for dining, seating, lighting, and guest comfort. The Knot offers a great guide on what to rent and how to stage your big day.

Use Your Dream Destination as Inspiration

Maybe a road trip elopement isn’t in the cards. Or you love the micro-wedding concept but would like to increase the “wow” factor. And you’ve been dreaming of a trip to your favorite vacay spot for years. So why not bring your dream destination to you? That’s what one California couple did, as described in an August 2021 Brides article. They infused their SoCal nuptials with Big Easy charm with some key details, choosing a colonial-style private residence as their venue and European aesthetics in the décor and furniture.

Pulling this off takes some planning, but it will be time well spent. It’s wise to keep a few things in mind if you go with this approach. And you don’t need to spend a fortune, but you can strike a balance between frugality and quality.

If Hawaii is your ideal destination, for instance, you can pick a few things to give your event that flavor. You don’t need palm trees, tons of wood carvings, and a bunch of tiki torches at your venue. Instead, choose core details to convey your theme. Hold your ceremony during the warmer months to set the tone. Try booking a site near a local beach. Serve traditional cuisine prepared by an authentic Hawaiian restaurant or caterer. Springing for Hawaiian flowers can add some visual touches and atmosphere, but make sure you can afford pricier blooms. These are just a few suggestions, but you get the idea.

Wonderful Weddings Come in Many Forms

Destination weddings have been changed by COVID-19. But with some creative approaches, couples can still host memorable alternatives to the traditional destination wedding. Flexibility is vital when you’re planning a wedding. And if you both agree on your vision, you’ll create an event that both you and your guests can enjoy.