WHERE LOVE IS HEADED

The Top Destination Wedding Trends for 2026

Couples planning a 2026 destination wedding want more than a single day. They want a week with family and friends, effortless planning, and a real sense of place. Below are the destination wedding trends for 2026 — each paired with recommended partners from Classic’s Save the Date Collection so you can match every couple with the right venue, value, and support.

The “Wed-cation” Week (Multi-Day Celebrations)

Couples are turning wedding day into wedding week. Think welcome parties, curated excursions, and a day-after brunch that keeps the glow going. Guests want connection and value; couples want more time with everyone.

Classic Recommends

  • Hoteles Xcaret – immersive parks and experiences that keep the group on property

  • Blue Diamond Resorts – varied venues and group perks for multi-event weeks

  • Hilton All-Inclusive – scalable spaces suited for groups of many sizes

Advisor angle: Plan event elements through the resort and keep blocks, bookings, communications, and reports centralized with Classic’s online tools.

Smaller Guest Lists, Bigger Design (Micro & Intimate Luxe)

Fewer guests, more intention. By reallocating budget from headcount to premium culinary, design-forward décor, and private venues, couples create celebrations that feel purposeful and bespoke.

Classic Recommends

  • The Fives Hotels & Residences – rooftops, beach clubs, and residence-style spaces

  • Lomas Hospitality – distinctive, one-of-a-kind settings

Advisor angle: Recommend premium F&B, décor upgrades, and private spaces that deliver high impact without expanding the guest list.

Private-Feel & Buyouts (Full/Partial Takeovers)

For many couples, privacy is the ultimate luxury. Exclusive-use options or sectioned “private zone” concepts create an intimate feel within larger resorts.

Classic Recommends

  • Palladium Hotel Group – TRS adults-only hotels/areas with dedicated amenities for a private-feel stay

  • Majestic Resorts – sectioned layouts that naturally create private-feeling enclaves

Advisor angle: Start 12–18 months out for best availability and align venue holds with the room-block contracting timeline.

Purposeful & Place-Forward (Sustainability + Local Culture)

Values matter. Couples want visible eco-efforts, local sourcing, artisan décor, and meaningful nods to culture and tradition.

Classic Recommends

  • Iberostar Beachfront Resorts – visible, easy-to-understand sustainability practices guests can feel good about

  • Hoteles Xcaret – architecture, performances, and experiences that celebrate heritage

Advisor angle: Lead with the couple’s values and add cultural elements through resort partners and approved local vendors.

Culinary as the Show (Chefs, Pairings, Night-Market Feels)

Food is becoming the centerpiece. Tasting menus, chef collaborations, craft mixology, and late-night stations turn dinner into entertainment.

Classic Recommends

  • The Fives – culinary artistry and mixology

  • Hilton All-Inclusive – specialty venues for private dining

  • Blue Diamond Resorts – breadth of cuisines

  • Palace Resorts – customizable culinary programs

Advisor angle: Reallocate décor budget into show-stopping culinary experiences that guests will remember.

Family-Forward Wedding Weeks (Kids, Teens, & Multi-gen Ease)

Destination weddings bring extended families together. The most stress-free weeks pair great gathering spaces with thoughtful kids’ and teens’ offerings.

Classic Recommends

  • Blue Diamond Resorts – family suites and supervised clubs

  • Palladium Family Selection – dedicated family amenities

  • Hotels Xcaret – All-Fun Inclusive® concept with unlimited access to Grupo Xcaret parks

Advisor angle: Cluster families near pools and clubs in the rooming map; utilize resort-provided childcare and babysitting where available.

As 2026 approaches, destination weddings are becoming richer in meaning and more intentional in design. Whether couples dream of week-long celebrations, intimate luxury gatherings, private-feel escapes, cultural immersion, culinary-driven receptions, or family-centered experiences, the possibilities have never been more exciting. With the right partners and tools, travel advisors can help bring these extraordinary celebrations to life- beautifully, seamlessly, and memorably.

Explore Classicʻs Save the Date Collection

If you’re a travel advisor, you can book Groups with Classic Vacations by emailing Groups@ClassicVacations.com or using the Group Request Form.