Five Affordable Destination Weddings Not on the Beach

When planning a destination wedding, the first locations that come to mind are likely postcard-perfect beaches in the Caribbean or some other exotic sandy setting. However, if you’re not quite ready to spend a fortune — or you don’t want to put that burden on your guests — there are tons of gorgeous, inexpensive (or shall we say, less expensive) destinations in the U.S. that make for memorable weddings. And it’s always nice a change of scenery! Just because you’re not Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner doesn’t mean you can’t have your own beautiful destination wedding, so we’ve put together a list of our favorite spots for a more affordable event to help you decide.

The historic Swift House Inn is located within walking distance of downtown Middlebury, a picturesque New England town, with traffic-free streets lined by locally owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The hotel's 20 rooms are spread throughout the Main House (formerly a Governor's Mansion), the Carriage House, and the Gate House. Room decor varies, allowing guests to choose a room depending on personal style. Some rooms offer a classic New England B&B vibe with floral wallpaper, fireplaces, and four-poster beds, while others are more understated, with soft-toned walls and tasteful furniture. One of the inn's highlights is its delicious and free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant, Jessica's, is a popular destination for both guests and locals.

Savannah's oldest hotel is a wonderful pick, with a great location in the heart of the Historic District and elegant rooms that feature gorgeous architectural details like high ceilings, hardwood floors, and decorative fireplaces. For a good meal before the ceremony, don’t miss the 45 Bistro, which offers a seasonal menu and an extensive wine list. Fun fact: this charming 68-room property housed Union soldiers during the Civil War, and some guests say their spirits still walk the hallways.

The four-pearl Tahoe Mountain Resorts Lodging offers direct access to Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort, with plenty of nearby upscale shopping and dining found via cobblestone streets. Housed in separate lodges in the quaint Village at Northstar, the spacious, luxe rooms include kitchens, surround-sound TV systems, and fireplaces. A heated pool, underground parking, and the beautiful mountain setting are added bonuses. But the full-service spa offering salon services is the cherry on the cake for those planning a wedding.

Don't let the intimate size of the Parsons Post House Inn fool you: Most of the cozy rooms have a modern look, sporting a subtle beach theme with comfortable white linens and light sand-colored walls. The bathrooms are clean and a little cramped, but they do have soft towels and good water pressure, perfect for relaxing before the big day. The small but charming outdoor patio is great for taking advantage of the sea breeze coming from the beach, just a block away. If you're looking for a true Ogunquit experience, this is one of your safest bets.

The middle-range Ridge is just off Highway 179 in the Village of Oak Creek, with 118 rooms housed in 23 tan stucco buildings on a sprawling property. The red rocks are far from the Ridge, so views of them are limited, but good views exist of the surrounding desert landscape, especially from the two heated pools. Large, clean rooms have kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs, and can sleep between four and eight guests, perfect for families and groups.


RELATED LINKS:

• All of Oyster's Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Slideshows
• Great Wedding Venue Spots
• The Six Best Spas for Pre-Wedding Pampering