Top Wedding Destinations in the USA

Get married at one of these classic spots for love, American style

By Debby Mayne

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Having a destination wedding is a major decision. A destination wedding offers experiences and exceptional memories that will last a lifetime. However, some of your family and friends may not be able to attend because of the distance and time or financial constraints. If you decide a destination wedding is what you want, find the place that appeals to you based on setting, climate, activities and travel distance.

San Francisco

The Palace of the Legion of Honor offers a spectacular view of the Bay, the city of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. With such a gorgeous backdrop of natural and historic beauty, you won't need to worry about decor. Since the city itself is so romantic, you can stay right there for your honeymoon.

Alaska

Alaska offers adventure, breathtaking views and a gorgeous setting for a destination wedding. You have a choice of the Pacific coast, one of many rivers, majestic mountains or one of the thousands of glaciers. You'll enjoy the romance of the free-spirited, natural people who love visitors. You can even have your ceremony at a lodge, on a train or on a boat. After the wedding, you can fill your honeymoon days with dog-sledding, shopping, whale-watching and touring the many quaint towns.

New Orleans

If you're in the mood for delightful Cajun food, foot-stomping jazz, quaint shops, Southern hospitality and a city that never sleeps, you'll love New Orleans. The city is home to churches, hotels, Bourbon Street and the Mississippi River---all places that can provide a setting for your romantic destination wedding. After the ceremony, you'll want to take a horse-and-carriage ride through the Garden District or a cruise up the Mississippi River. When you're ready for a break, you can enjoy crawfish, shrimp, po-boy sandwiches, beignets and chicory coffee.

Central Park, New York

Central Park is still one of the most beautiful and popular settings for a destination wedding in the country. After you say your vows in one of the many gardens of this famous park, you can settle in at a hotel overlooking the spot that will always be special to you. Take an afternoon walk through Manhattan or go over the Brooklyn Bridge for lunch at the River Café. At night, take in a show on Broadway and end the evening at the restaurant of your choice. Every ethnicity is represented in New York City cuisine.

Hawaii

With so many choices of settings, Hawaii is easily one of the favorite wedding destinations in the country. Choose among the most populated island, Oahu, with shops, world-famous beaches and a hotel for every taste; Maui with its rocky terrain and quaint shopping village of Lahaina; the "Garden Isle" of Kauai; the "Big Island" of Hawaii; and Molokai, which is known as the "Friendly Isle." After the wedding, you can stay on the same island, or you can take "island hopper" flights for more sightseeing.