Destination Wedding Locations Right Here in the U.S.

Forget finding (or renewing, or getting) your passport. There's a happy medium between marrying at home and voyaging across seas to wed. There are plenty of top-notch American destinations where you can bring your friends and family to celebrate. Nature lovers, urban aficionados, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike can find a place to marry in the great U. S. of A. To help you tie the knot right here in the states, we're highlighting some of the country's most popular cities for weddings and recommending our favorite venues in each, split into two categories. For brides and grooms who find solace in numbers, we've listed accommodations that are classic and common. For the other end of the spectrum, see our "something news"—hotels and other spaces lesser known or more modern.

Start (and end!) your venue search here.

Austin, Texas

The Lonestar state's capital is a bustling city home to plenty of live music and many parks and lakes. There, Barr Mansion (shown above) has a popular ballroom, Laguna Gloria is award-winning, and The Driskill has stand-out hospitality. For your "something new," try Green Pastures, a unique event setting. There's farm-fresh fare and a hotel opening in 2018.

As one of the oldest U.S. cities, Boston's big on history. It's also home to Fenway Park (for sports fans), duck boats on the water, and gorgeous leaf-peeping come fall. The accents may or may not be a bonus—we'll leave that for you to decide. There are three classic venues you can't go wrong at: Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston Public Library (shown above), and the Museum of Fine Arts. The first offers luxury, waterfront accommodations, the second is expansive and incredibly historic, and the third boasts a huge collection of works.

It's little wonder couples choose this southern belle for storybook weddings. Fall for the cobblestone streets of this genteel colonial city. The William Aiken House, a National Historic Landmark, meanwhile, is popular for its elegance. The Cedar Room is a newer space to consider. Hardwood floors, rustic brick, and large windows make it chic. For an entirely different modern vibe, try The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Waterfront views offer a taste of tropical paradise, but downtown's just minutes away from this new property.

It's easy to fall for Chi-Town's energetic cultural scene, superb shopping (Magnificent Mile, anyone?) and wow-worthy cityscape—not to mention the deep-dish pizza. Café Brauer (shown above) is popular for a reason—it's an indoor-outdoor space in the Lincoln Park Zoo. Ace Hotel is the contemporary counterpart, offering urban-chic décor and a prime location by the lake.

With its working ranches and rugged peaks, this valley evokes the spirit of the Old West. Guests will feel like a cowboy (or cowgirl!) thanks to the wildlife-rich Yellowstone National Parks and the saloon-filled streets. Consider the Four Seasons Jackson Hole (shown above) for a classic, mountainside stay with plenty of rustic fun.

The Sunshine State's southernmost point personifies a low-key lifestyle. Everyone from pirates to painters has been seduced by the Conch Republic, so it's a natural for those seeking a seaside wedding. To get a taste of the tried-and-true, look at Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is a great pick for cultured history buffs. For "Key West reimagined," book The Perry Hotel (shown above) on Stock Island. Rough concrete, reclaimed wood, and metal framing give it contemporary flair.

This SoCal city is always alive—it's the center of production for the big and small screens, after all. Hit up Greystone Mansion (shown above) for a luxurious wedding venue, or Carondelet House, built as an Italian villa. Couples looking for something new instead can try Millwick, a refurbished warehouse. The green venue cares about its carbon footprint, so you can rest assured you're having fun and saving the earth.

Off the coast of Cape Cod, this exclusive New England summer playground has no chain stores or fast-food restaurants and few cars—but pristine natural beauty and a vibrant arts community are on full display. Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust rents out some properties for weddings to be held, and the also-popular The Allen Farm (shown above) is just as cozy (and historic) as it sounds. First purchased back in 1762, the venue's a beautiful, seaside pastureland.

With a sultry Latin-American influence and Deco glamour, this sun-soaked hotspot gets an infectious party vibe and cosmopolitan feel from its global restaurants and vibrant cultural scene. The fun peaks each December when Art Basel comes to town. The Biltmore is a destination staple, with a luxe feel and gorgeous architecture. You can also wed at the well-known Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (shown above), a landmark estate on the water. Faena Forum is fresh-off-the-boat, perfect for those interested in a brand-new venue. The recent Miami addition is a great event space, and the building's seriously stunning.

Just like a robust red wine, this region hits a lot of notes. Say "I do" amidst an expanse of fruiting vines in an area known as one of the premier wine regions in the world. Carneros (shown above) is a classic resort and spa, with gorgeous pools beside sprawling vineyards. Another sought-after option is Beaulieu Garden, a private estate so secluded its address is withheld. For something less seen, try Las Alcobas, a gracious venue with an at-home feel.

Tennessee's capital city is the heart and soul of the country music industry. Riverwood Mansion is a popular wedding spot—magnolias, marble fireplaces, and chandeliers included. The Ryman is a music venue open to marriages, and also boasts popular status. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (shown above) rounds out the classic trio with beautiful structures and landscapes. The Quarter is on our newer list, for its stylish, versatile event space.

A celebration in the Big Easy requires Creole cuisine, Sazerac (the bayou's drink of choice), and an after-party on fun-loving Bourbon Street. The Board of Trade hosts celebrations often—it's a classic wedding space. On the other hand, Race + Religious (shown above) is up-and-coming, with both indoor and outdoor square-footage. Hand-picked antiques, beautiful balconies, and a brick courtyard make it noteworthy.

The City That Never Sleeps more than lives up to its nickname with its nonstop energy, world-class museums, and trendy restaurants. But romance also abounds thanks to Central Park, cobbled streets in Greenwich Village, and the Empire State Building's views. For a flower-filled venue that many adore, tie the knot at the New York Botanical Garden (in the Bronx). Brooklyn's Liberty Warehouse (shown above) is another common venue, offering urban appeal and great views. Modern brides and grooms will love Manhattan's The Beekman instead. It's a contemporary, luxury hotel with plenty of old-world glamour.

This desert haven in the San Jacinto Mountains (a two-hour drive from Los Angeles) exudes an aura of Old-Hollywood glamour—Gabe, Sinatra, and Monroe used to hang here. Today, it's a retro-cool hideaway whose mid-century-modern architecture attracts design buffs. For popular digs, we love The Parker Palm Springs, a palm-tree laden escape. The Avalon Hotel, an old-world, historic, and boutique venue, is also a notable classic. For something new, try Colony 29 (shown above)—there's a private, outdoor amphitheater. (Oh, and Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli got married there.)

With a renowned zoo in town and plenty more to do, this Pacific Coast city is a spectacular destination. The beautiful weather is a dream for outdoor weddings, and natural views balance out the plentiful man-made attractions. Hotel Del Coronado is a classic in our books, just steps from downtown and fully iconic. The Pendry (shown above), meanwhile, is a new, boutique pick, located in the midst of San Fran's hustle and bustle.

These hilly streets may not have been made for walking, but it's just more reason to take a ride on one of the city's classic cable cars. Superb food seems to be around every corner in the City by the Bay, including dim sum in Chinatown and authentic Mexican at taquerias. Ferry Building and City Hall (shown above) are both oft-used venues, but the city boasts other more-modern options. Presidio Officers' Club has ample wedding options, from a ballroom to a courtyard and chapels next door. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, meanwhile, is made for cool-girl brides and artsy grooms.

This seaport city boasts more than the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market. Along with amazing panoramic views from the Space Needle, local artisans offer tons of unique wedding favor ideas. Olympic Sculpture Park (shown above) is popular amongst artsy types, while Great Hall at Union Station is a wedding-day classic. Metropolist is our newer, modern pick—it's industrial, big, and bright.

Located along the Potomac River, our nation's capital is home to some of the most patriotic places in the country. Visitors can take advantage of dozens of free history-filled museums in The District, plus memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Dumbarton House (shown above) is an American classic, showcasing architecture from the Federal period. The Line Hotel's Adams Morgan location is a modern, culture-rich alternative. Live music, diverse cuisine, and lots of local shopping make this venue a standout.