25 Best Places to Get Married in the United States

By VacationIdea Staff on April 30, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of Zayne C. - Fotolia.com

You’ve found your perfect partner and you can’t wait to tie the knot, but finding the best place to get married could be a daunting task. Luckily, couples planning a U.S. wedding have a really wide range of wonderful destinations to choose from. The following country-wide cities are all popular and well-established wedding venues and are particularly geared-up to offer a full wedding service for both local and out-of-town couples.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs boasts over 300 sunny days per year, which puts it firmly at the top of the list for couples wanting to plan an indoor/outdoor wedding in Southern California. (It is also a great place for your bachelor/bachelorette party and honeymoon.) The Empire Polo Club offers one of the most beautiful outdoor settings you can imagine for a day of pure elegance and sophistication, while several other Palm Springs resorts also offer a great combination of indoor and outdoor spaces where you can host both your ceremony and your reception. The stunning desert backdrop offers unparalleled photo opportunities. Out of town guests have a wide choice of accommodation options and the chance to enjoy great recreation before and after the wedding.

2.Houston, Texas

Houston has it all for prospective brides and grooms, including stand-out venues for your ceremony and reception, a large variety of bridal shops, and an endless list of vendors to supply every last detail to turn your wedding dreams into a reality. The city has venues to suit all tastes and themes, from sophisticated elegance of a ballroom to outdoor charm at Buffalo Bayou Park. Using a wedding planner to coordinate your big day and book all the vendors can make planning easy and can save you money – Houston has many event planners to choose from.

3.Chapel Hill

Couples who are planning to tie the knot in North Carolina need look no further than romantic Chapel Hill, which has many delightful wedding venues to choose from. If you are dreaming of a country-style celebration, the Barn at Valhalla is ideal, while the Cloth Mill in historic Hillsborough provides a wonderful industrial-chic venue that can form a backdrop to just about any theme. Couples can work with an experienced wedding specialist who will steer them in the right direction and ensure that all the details are perfect so that they can relax and enjoy this momentous day.

4.Burlington, Vermont

Nestled between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, Burlington is one of Vermont’s most scenic cities and a very popular destination for wedding celebrations. There are several central wedding venues to accommodate both your ceremony and reception, and if you travel just a short distance out of town, you will find barns, farms, and vineyards that are ideal for indoor/outdoor celebrations against the backdrop of the stunning Green Mountains. If your chosen venue does not offer the services of a wedding planner, you can use one of several local event planners to take all the worry out of arranging your big day.

5.Hood River, Oregon

Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the city of Hood River is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery in the state and provides couples with a choice of wonderfully scenic wedding venues. If you are looking for a rustic setting for your big day, the Tin Roof Barn, Red Barn Park, or Whispering Waters Farm could be just what you are looking for, and there are also several great wedding venues located within vineyards and apple orchards. The wedding infrastructure is excellent in Hood River and you will find local vendors for everything you need, from decor and music to catering, bar services, make-up artists, and flowers. There is plenty of good accommodation for out-of-town visitors and many recreational activities for your guests both pre and post-wedding.

6.Chattanooga, Tennessee

The lovely city of Chattanooga is superbly located in one of the most scenic parts of the US, tucked between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee and the Tennessee River. This scenic location makes Chattanooga the ideal destination for a wedding to remember and the city is fully geared up to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. There is a large selection of elegant venues to choose from for an indoor/outdoor celebration, and local events planners will make sure that everything is meticulously planned and executed, using local photographers, floral artists, decor rentals and caterers to orchestrate your dream wedding day. Your out-of-town guests can enjoy visiting some of the city’s wonderful attractions before and after the wedding.

7.Chincoteague, Virginia

If your dream wedding includes tying the knot on a beautiful East Coast beach, you need look no further than lovely Chincoteague Island, located off Virginia’s Eastern Shore. You can exchange vows right on the beach with the ocean as your backdrop – the ultimate romantic setting. The island offers several stunning venues, including the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the charming 1848 Island Manor House. The popularity of the island as a wedding destination has ensured that everything you need is available nearby, including caterers, photographers, DJs, and floral artists and your guests will have a wide choice of charming accommodations to choose from.

8.Wichita, Kansas

Couples who are planning to tie the knot in Kansas will find that the lovely city of Wichita is an excellent wedding destination. The city has many beautiful wedding and events venues to choose from and a wide selection of vendors to supply everything you need. Many of the wedding venues offer the services of a dedicated wedding planner to take care of all the details so that you can have fun with your nearest and dearest. For sophistication and elegance, you could opt for the Petroleum Club, while couples looking for a stunning natural backdrop will love Botanica – The Wichita Gardens. Your guests will have a wide choice of accommodation and many Wichita attractions to enjoy pre- and post-wedding.

9.Greenville, South Carolina

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about halfway between Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, the lovely town of Greenville is an ideal wedding destination in South Carolina. You can choose from several interesting wedding venues to form the backdrop to your theme and there is a plethora of wedding and events planners on hand to take care of all the details. If you fancy tying the knot in a rustic-historic setting, the Old Cigar Warehouse or the Huguenot Mill and Loft could be exactly what you are looking for, while the stately old Gassaway Mansion or Twigs Tempietto are both full of character and charm.

10.Minneapolis, Minnesota

Scenically nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi, Minneapolis is a vibrant and modern city where couples can host a memorable wedding. The city is dotted with one-of-a-kind wedding venues with a definite WOW factor and the city is so serious about your wedding that they even offer you the free services of a resident wedding planner. Some of the delightful historic venues include the Minneapolis Club or the Minnesota History Center, while more modern and edgy alternatives include Muse Events Center and the riverside Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens. The city has a long list of wedding vendors who can supply everything to make your dream wedding a reality.

11.Montgomery, Alabama

Couples who are planning to hold their wedding in and around Alabama’s capital city will find that there are many attractive wedding venues to choose from. The stylish Capital City Club offers a great indoor/outdoor venue with excellent views, while the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel, Hillcrest Manor B&B, and historic Alley Station are other elegant options that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception. Most venues have their own on-site wedding planner, or you can choose Weddings by Jill to coordinate every aspect of your celebration. There is a long list of vendors to supply everything you need for your big day and you guests will have a great choice of accommodation and recreational facilities.

12.Nashville, Tennessee

A wedding in “Music City” Nashville is an obvious choice for all music lovers. The popularity of the city as a wedding venue means that you will have no trouble finding the perfect venue to suit your theme. If you like elegant sophistication combined with history, you can consider the sumptuous Hermitage Hotel or Union Station Hotel, both of which boast a wonderful architectural backdrop for your event. For something a little more rustic and back to nature, you could book Flower Mountain, the Barn at Sycamore Farms, or the romantic Cedarwood venue. The city has many excellent musicians, wedding photographers, caterers, floral artists, and DJs to make your wedding dreams a reality.

13.Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is Louisiana's capital city, located conveniently near top attractions in New Orleans and Lafayette. The charming Mississippi River city is a history lover's paradise, home to gorgeous Antebellum-era landmarks such as the French Creole-style Magnolia Mound Plantation and the former Old Louisiana State Capitol. Many stately wedding and reception venues are offered in the city, including the classic Watermark Hotel, long considered one of the city's most romantic spots. The Shaw Center for the Arts offers wedding and event space along its glass-walled river terrace, while The Gatehouse features a gazebo and outdoor gardens with fountains. Ashley Manor is a great choice for large weddings, offering event space for hundreds of attendees, while La Maison de Bella converts a former bed and breakfast into a dedicated event facility with Southern charm. Other venues include the James Grace House, Lucky Plantation, and Cane Land Distilling.

14.Portland, Maine

The delightful and historic sea port of Portland, Maine, is one of the most romantic wedding destinations on the East Coast. The city is proud to be home to a wide variety of coastal, luxury, and unusual event venues with a distinct WOW factor, and Visit Portland offers a free wedding planning service that could save you a fortune. Assistance is offered in finding the perfect venue to suit your tastes, theme, and budget and in introducing you to trusted vendors who will provide all the decor, music, photography, catering, and bar services. Your guests will love spending their pre- and post-wedding time exploring beautiful Portland.

15.Omaha, Nebraska

If you are planning to get married in Omaha, Nebraska, you can look forward to having a wide choice of venues (over 200 to be exact) and an even wider selection when it comes to finding the ideal vendors to provide everything you need. Your choice of venue will depend on the size of your guest list (and budget) and the theme you have in mind, but in Omaha you can rest assured that the perfect venue of your dreams is out there waiting to be discovered. The historic downtown area has several grand old buildings that are loaded with character and can be dressed up or down to suit your theme. If you prefer something more casual, the city has several garden venues and there are rustic barns for farm-style celebrations.

16.Key West, Florida

It would be hard to find a more romantic destination for your wedding than beautiful Key West in the Florida Keys. Firstly, there is the wonderful weather to consider, which makes it possible for you to exchange vows right on the beach with the spectacular ocean as your backdrop. Secondly, you can simply stay on after the wedding for an unforgettable Key West honeymoon. Everything you need to orchestrate your perfect dream wedding is available locally, and venues vary from historical and elegant indoor spaces to beautiful outdoor gardens and ocean-front resorts. For something completely different, you can even choose to get married on the water and host your reception on a sailboat.

17.Las Vegas, Nevada

In Las Vegas the sky truly is the limit when it comes to planning a unique wedding. There are few other places in the US that are so geared up to making every couple’s fantasy wedding a reality. The famous Las Vegas Strip is home to several famous wedding chapels that cater mainly for budget-friendly elopements – several packages are on offer, which could include a courtesy limousine ride from your hotel, flowers, and photographer (or even a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon). If you are planning a more conventional wedding, the city offers an enormous list of elegant and sophisticated venues where you can host an extravagant indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception. Your guests have endless choices for accommodation and entertainment.

18.Miami, Florida

Fabulous Miami always springs to mind when you think about sunshine, beaches, and the best year-round weather. If you would like to plan an outdoor or beach wedding, Miami could definitely be the destination of your dreams. The city truly welcomes lovers at a number of brilliant and romantic wedding venues, which vary from beach to ballroom, sleek modern rooftop to historical architecture coupled with elegant chandeliers. You will be able to source everything you need for your special day from wedding gowns and rings to invitations and wedding linens at Downtown Coral Gables, a wedding-planner’s dream shopping destination. If you decide to tie the knot in February (Miami’s Romance Month), you could benefit from many special offers and discounts.

19.Orlando, Florida

Orlando has a very well-deserved reputation as an ideal wedding destination at any time of year. The brilliant weather means that the city is well suited for beach and outdoor weddings, and an abundance of delightfully parks, gardens, and lakes forms the ideal backdrop for a romantic celebration. There are also several really unique venues where you can tie the knot, including several fairytale settings inside Walt Disney World or even among the penguins at SeaWorld. For something a little more conventional, you can host your event at a stately historic home, a lakeside golf club, or the ever-popular Hard Rock Café. Most wedding venues include the services of an events planner to ensure everything is planned to perfection.

20.Phoenix, Arizona

The modern and vibrant city of Phoenix is located in the heart of the breathtaking Sonora Desert, providing a marvelously scenic and romantic backdrop for your dream wedding. As Arizona’s premium wedding destination, the city has a full complement of wedding planners and vendors to help you orchestrate your dream celebration. You can choose from several lovely manicured garden venues, golf clubs, and resorts or go for something a little more unusual and stage your wedding in one of the lush tropical settings inside the Phoenix Zoo or at Butterfly Wonderland. You will be able to source everything you need locally, and your guests can have a great time exploring Phoenix before and after the wedding.

21.Wilmington, Delaware

Conveniently located along the banks of the Christina and Delaware rivers between New York City and Washington, D.C., Wilmington has a solid reputation for combining arts, history, and beautiful gardens; it is an ideal spot for a destination wedding. The city has over 80 wedding venues for you to choose from, including several wonderful historic estates and gardens in the Brandywine Valley. The city offers the free services of a wedding specialist who can assist out-of-town couples with finding the venue of their dreams and the vendors to provide everything else you require. Just a small sample of the unique venues on offer includes the Delaware Art Museum, the Carriage House at Rockwood Park, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

22.Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii must rank pretty close to the top of the list of most romantic places to get married, and beautiful Honolulu is about as good as it gets. You could choose to exchange vows barefoot on a beautiful beach surrounded by the scent of tropical lei or opt for something a little more conventional and have your ceremony in one of Honolulu’s lovely historic places like the Kawaiahao Church and host your reception in an elegant banqueting hall. One of the great things about a Hawaii wedding is the ease of access – there are dozens of daily flights to the island, no language problems, and you don’t even need a passport. As you can imagine, the island photographers are genius at capturing the essence of your romantic Honolulu wedding.

23.Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg in Texas retains a distinctly European atmosphere, thanks to the influence of the city’s early German settlers. The town is a delightful setting for a destination wedding, offering over 60 great venues and a long list of wedding planners and vendors to assist you in staging your dream wedding. Venues range from a large selection of country/rustic barns and ranches, elegant and sophisticated vineyards and wineries to chic city venues. Many of the venues are ideal for indoor/outdoor weddings and will provide you with a dedicated wedding planner to assist you with all the preparations. Your out-of-town guests will have plenty of activities to keep them busy both before and after the wedding.

24.Charleston, South Carolina

Cobblestoned Charleston is one of the oldest cities and ports in the US, boasting more than its fair share of beautiful historic buildings and an atmosphere second to none. All these facts mean that Charleston is a very popular choice for destination weddings. Venues with the WOW factor include water-side hotel ballrooms and private clubs, roof-top venues with amazing views, and beautiful old historic homes and gardens. You will have all the assistance you need from one of the many talented Charleston wedding planners and there are local vendors to supply absolutely everything from special decor and flowers to entertainment, catering, and transport – why not arrive in a romantic horse-drawn carriage?

25.Olympia, Washington

Picturesquely located at the southern end of Puget Sound, Washington’s capital city Olympia is a wonderful wedding destination in the Northwest. There are many beautiful venues that are suitable for all types of weddings from intimate elopements to full-scale extravaganzas and many of these are perfect for indoor/outdoor celebrations in summer. Capital City Barn, Red Barn Studios, and several other rustic/rural venues are perfect for the more relaxed wedding theme and the romantic industrial-chic features of Historic 1625 Tacoma Place can be dressed up or down to suit any theme. The city has several local wedding planners to assist you with all aspects of your big day and there is a long list of vendors to supply all your requirements.