The complete destination-wedding checklist.

The checklist in this guide is the long-form version. It covers every item that ever lands on a destination-wedding plan, grouped into eight phases from 18 months out to the wedding day. For a shorter essentials-only version, see our 18-month planning checklist.

12 to 18 months of runway. Premium venues book 14 to 20 months out for peak-season Saturdays. The eight phases of this checklist map roughly to those 18 months. Planning inside 10 months is possible, but it compresses the decisions and narrows which venues are still free.

Check the passport, visa and entry requirements that apply to each traveler’s nationality, destination and transit countries. Required passport validity varies. Use the relevant government travel guidance and renew early enough for your trip.

Depending on the country: certificate of no impediment (CNI) from your home country, birth certificates with apostilles, sworn translations into the destination language, and a civil-registry appointment in the destination. Most international couples marry legally at home and sidestep this entirely; see our legal requirements guide.

Yes, always. Lost checked luggage is rare but it happens. Your wedding-day outfit, shoes, and any irreplaceable items (rings, important family jewellery) should be in your carry-on. Pack a full backup outfit in a second carry-on if you are checking a bag.

Publish the hotel block, flight recommendations, and weekend schedule on the wedding website; send save-the-dates 14 months ahead and formal invitations 8 months ahead so guests can book flights early; arrange ground transfers and shuttle schedules between the airport, hotel, and venue; have your planner handle guest queries.

10–15% of their fee, in local currency cash where appropriate. For planners, photographers, florists, and musicians, $100–$300 per vendor is standard. For servers and bar staff, 5–10% of the catering bill pooled and distributed by the venue. Your planner will advise on local customs.