(By Gabbi Rubino)
Destination weddings are getting a generational makeover. As more Gen Z couples enter the aisle, they’re discarding expectations in favor of aesthetics-driven, guest-centric, and often private wedding experiences that double as weekend retreats.
Unlike millennials, who often leaned into tradition and parental preferences, Gen Z couples are driving a shift toward personalization and customization. According to a recent poll conducted by Brides, nearly one-third of Gen Z couples are paying for their weddings entirely themselves, while another 40 percent are splitting costs with family. That autonomy is impacting where, and how, they get married.
According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, 18 percent of couples married in what they consider a destination wedding, up from just under 10 percent during the pandemic. Instead of conventional ballrooms or local banquet halls, younger couples are seeking immersive, multi-day experiences in scenic or under-the-radar locations. Popular picks include unconventional spaces like museums, redwood forests, and retreat-style venues that cater to a smaller guest count, a big design vision, and multi-day experiences.
Weekend-long celebrations are also on the rise, particularly those that include accommodations for guests. That shift is evident in venues like The Lofton in Ardmore, Tennessee, where on-site lodging and full-service amenities allow couples to stretch their celebration into a full weekend without sacrificing comfort. Serenity, the venue’s guest home, features a modern kitchen, plush bridal suite and cozy bedrooms with luxury linens. There’s even an entertainment area with air hockey and a poker table, making it ideal for group stays, rehearsal dinners or laid-back morning-after brunches. With space for up to 20 guests, The Lofton is built for togetherness, making it a smart fit for Gen Z couples who value shared experiences over one-night-only events.
Photography Dream Fields Photography
Many Gen Z couples also suffer from decision fatigue. They may have a distinct wedding vision, but they’re also looking for a team that guides them through the planning process. At Ridgefield in Arcata, California, ceremonies unfold in the middle of a private redwood grove, surrounded by 2,000-year-old trees on an 80-acre estate. The venue’s all-inclusive weekend wedding package includes lodging for 14 guests, private hiking trails, gourmet meals across three days and vendor credits for floral design, desserts and music. Planning support, setup and takedown, and custom event styling are all part of the experience. This gives couples a streamlined but luxurious planning process. It’s a destination wedding that doubles as a retreat, reflecting Gen Z’s growing interest in intentional celebrations and stress-free planning.
The rise of the weekend wedding isn’t just a logistical solution, but a chance for connection. As The Wed notes in a recent trend report: “Multi-day weddings and full wedding weekends have surged in popularity, and for Gen Z, they’re quickly becoming a must. A single ceremony and dinner reception just doesn’t feel like enough for couples who want to truly cherish time with their favorite people. Or perhaps, it’s also a question of value: if they’re already investing in a celebration, why not stretch it out and make it unforgettable? The result often resembles a boutique music festival, complete with curated welcome events, poolside parties, themed tennis matches and morning-after recoveries.”
While inflation continues to influence all generations, Gen Z isn’t necessarily spending more. They’re spending differently. In the same Brides poll mentioned above, out of more than 2,000 Gen Z couples, 56 percent are spending $50,000 or less on their weddings, while 24 percent are budgeting over $100,000. Instead of favors or monogrammed trinkets, many are investing in mood lighting, fashion-forward attire, or a more luxurious honeymoon.
The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. in 2024 was $33,000, according to The Knot's 2025 Real Weddings Study. That figure marks a slight dip from the previous year’s average of $35,000. Couples planning destination weddings typically spent more, averaging around $39,000, compared to hometown weddings, which hovered around $32,000. Regional differences also stood out, with weddings in the Mid-Atlantic averaging $46,000, while those in the Midwest came in closer to $29,000. Guest count remains one of the biggest budget factors, with celebrations of 50 guests or fewer averaging $15,000 and weddings with over 100 guests reaching $42,000 or more. The economy continues to play a major role in shaping these numbers. Sixty-three percent of couples in 2024 said economic conditions impacted their planning. In response, 57 percent increased their overall budgets, 53 percent became more selective with upgrades, and 40 percent opted for smaller guest lists to keep spending under control. Many also relied on vendor guidance to make strategic choices that balanced value with vision.
Photography Jessica Miriam
Vendors are responding by offering à la carte options, package flexibility and more transparency. Some venues are also embracing bundled weekend offerings to reduce logistical stress. Ridgefield, for example, includes a dedicated planner, staffing and vendor credits to minimize planning stress. It’s an approach that resonates with Gen Z’s preference for experiences that feel effortless, elevated and personal.
Whether it’s renting a nontraditional venue, opting for a smaller guest count or customizing every detail of a weekend itinerary, younger couples are crafting weddings that reflect their identities, not their parents’ traditions.
As Gen Z reshapes the industry, the destination wedding market is poised to keep evolving, favoring creativity, intimacy and intentionality over long guest lists and formalities that no longer resonate.
Gabbi Rubino is a marketing professional at Snowmad Digital, where she helps luxury wedding venues grow their visibility and connect with modern couples through thoughtful content. She specializes in identifying and amplifying wedding trends that matter to today’s planners and partners.
Media Contact
Company Name: theloftonvenue
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: theloftonvenue.com
