Beach or City? How to Choose the Right Destination Wedding Venue for You
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, your venue is more than just a backdrop — it sets the entire tone of your celebration. From the outfits to the guest experience to how you’ll remember it for years to come, choosing between a beach escape or a city affair is one of the most important decisions you’ll make early on.
So, how do you know what’s right for you? Think of this as your wedding venue vibe-check — no quiz forms, just the real questions and mood boards you should be considering.
First, Ask Yourself: What Do You Want This Wedding to Feel Like?
Before you get into logistics, stop and imagine:
Do you see yourself barefoot with salty air in your hair, dancing under string lights?
Or clinking cocktails on a rooftop overlooking a skyline, in something structured and chic?
This feeling will guide everything — not just your venue.
The Beach Wedding
The vibe: Relaxed luxury. Think: sunlight, flowy silhouettes, woven textures, and an effortless kind of romance. Ideal for couples who want something intimate, sensory, and grounded in nature.
✔️ Beach Wedding Pros:
Naturally beautiful backdrops — minimal décor needed
More relaxed dress codes for guests (and yourself)
Built-in sense of escape and intimacy
Sunsets that do the work for you
🧠 Things to Consider:
Weather (especially wind + humidity)
Accessibility — is it easy for older guests?
Backup rain plan is non-negotiable
Hair, makeup, and outfits need to be beach-friendly
Best for: Nature lovers, laid-back romantics, couples wanting a multi-day celebration where everyone switches off and tunes in.
Hot Spots:
Goa or Galle for tropical elegance
Greek Island for minimal white-on-white magic
Portugal, Mexico or Spain for that immersive laid-back serenity
The City Wedding
The vibe: Polished, modern, and high-energy. Think: champagne towers, skyline views, statement florals, and fashion-forward details. Perfect for couples who love culture, food, and that elevated buzz only a city can bring.
✔️ City Wedding Pros:
Easy logistics for guests (hotels, transport, dining)
Venue variety — from rooftops to historic halls
Access to top-tier vendors and planners
Glamorous, editorial photo opportunities
🧠 Things to Consider:
Permits, parking, and timelines (cities move fast)
May feel less “getaway” and more formal
Costs can escalate quickly with luxury options
Best for: Style-forward couples, foodies, social butterflies, or those who want a sleek, fashion-heavy celebration.
Top Picks:
Udaipur or Jaipur for regal meets urban
Dubai for ultra-luxe architecture and global convenience
Spain, Italy, or Greece for old-world charm meets modern energy
Still Torn? Use These Tie-Break Questions:
1. What kind of photos do you want to frame forever?
Sunset silhouettes or skyline glam?
2. What experience do you want for your guests?
Relaxed and barefoot, or dressed to the nines?
3. Are you more about barefoot rituals or black-tie moments?
(There’s no wrong answer — but it’ll tell you a lot.)
4. How do you want to feel on the morning of your wedding?
Is it a slow coffee overlooking the sea, or a city suite with your girls getting glam?
Final Tip: Let Your Planner Help You Visualise Both
At La Rosh, we always start with your story, not just your Pinterest board. We help couples unpack what kind of celebration they actually want — and then match them with venues and vibes that align.
Whether it's curating a luxury beach weekend in Sri Lanka or planning a glamorous three-day affair in Dubai, we bridge the gap between dream and execution.
Still unsure? Book a quick vision call with us and we’ll help you mood-board your way to the perfect destination.
