Six Destination Weddings with Tradewind

Whether your preference is ethereal white sand beaches or a grand alpine retreat, a change of scenery can set the stage for a truly magnificent occasion – and one that you and your spouse will not soon forget.

Tradewind can get you there with private charter flights, or regularly scheduled shuttles, to some of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean and the Northeast. Here are a few of our favorites, including recommendations for the perfect ceremony and reception venues.

St. Barth

Seclusion and style define the exclusive island of St. Barth, where luxury retreats, unrivaled cuisine, and pristine beaches abound. At just eight square miles, the destination is ideal for both intimate beach ceremonies and glamorous, high-profile soirées.

Le Guanahani stands out as the only full-service resort on the island (and one of the most private) with beautiful venues such as the coconut grove and toes-in-the-sand Indigo restaurant. There is no shortage of captivating scenery for wedding photographs, with two magnificent beaches on either side and stylish suites tucked into the greenery.

Nearby, Hotel Christopher offers a truly elegant poolside setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea. And across the island, the opulent Cheval Blanc and renowned Eden Rock each set the stage for an enchanting gathering. The latter’s Sand Bar Restaurant overlooks St. Jean Beach, one of the most famous beaches on St. Barth.

Couples have also been known to wed in their home countries before visiting the island for a celebration with family in one of the exquisite villas lining the coast – or perhaps even aboard a yacht or sailboat positioned near Colombier Beach.

Nevis

Natural beauty and history exist in abundance on the serene island of Nevis. Couples holding a small wedding (or even those eloping) will discover their perfect destination amid lush rainforests, rocky coastlines, centuries-old plantations and sugar mills, and the hot springs of Bath Village.

Along the shores, there are a number of luxury resorts featuring scenic venues and private stretches of sand fit for photoshoots. Four Seasons Resort Nevis provides ceremony sites on the beach, at the edge of the Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course, and alongside a historic windmill. At Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, you can say your vows beneath the coconuts in the Avenue of the Palms, and on the other side of the island, couples are captivated by the enchanting venues at Montpelier Plantation, regularly named among the top romantic destinations in the Caribbean.

Before or after the wedding, arrange for a hiking or mountain biking excursion with a local guide. The dramatic views from the volcano Nevis Peak can serve as a backdrop for spectacular photos for the adventurous couple.

St. Thomas

With a classic Caribbean landscape of white sand beaches and lush green hills, the island of St. Thomas is a tempting destination for soon-to-be brides and grooms. But the island’s real charm lies in its quintessential colonial architecture and classic boating culture.

Some of the most beautiful venues on the island can be found in the special event villas such as Norbu Estate. Set on the cliffs above the Caribbean Sea, Norbu offers complete seclusion among swathes of coconut palms, orchids, and wild frangipani. An intimate ceremony can be held on the stone clifftop patio, and for the following reception, the 1,500-square-foot marble Sunrise Terrace offers an elegant bar, Bisazza tiled pool, and 180-degree views of the sea.

Couples who wish to say their vows on the water can arrange a small ceremony on the bow of a sailboat with VI Sailing, while those who prefer the sand should head to the private Lindquist Beach. (There’s a little point to the far left that is perfect for an early morning ceremony.)

And when it comes to luxury hotel getaways, there are an incredible array of wedding venues at both Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, including oceanfront pavilions and private gazebos overlooking the turquoise sea.

Martha’s Vineyard

On the iconic island of Martha’s Vineyard, New England coastal charm exudes from the windswept shorelines and quintessential coastal cottages.

There are beautiful wedding venues throughout the island’s waterfront towns and rolling farmland, but some of our favorites are East Chop Lighthouse and Edgartown Lighthouse. Both are available for private rental and can serve as stunning and historic settings for wedding ceremonies. (The bride and groom can also venture up to the lantern levels for photos.)

Afterward, a reception can be held at one of the island’s gourmet New England restaurants, resorts, or private event cottages.

For ceremonies on the beach, Winnetu Oceanside Resort is unmatched. It is the only venue to overlook South Beach, where couples can wed in the sand and then host a reception in the elegant Dunes restaurant above the coastline. On the other side of the island, Allen Farm provides expansive farmland with water views, perfect for a bucolic wedding with coastal accents.

Stowe

Freshly fallen snow and world-class ski slopes make Stowe a premier destination for winter nuptials. But what couples may not know is that the warmer months can be just as captivating. The mountains are a brilliant shade of green, and summer activities like hiking and canoeing take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northeast.

At Stowe Mountain Resort, the views are stunning year-round. Outdoor spaces such as The Terrace at Stowe Mountain Lodge highlight the surrounding mountains, while indoor venues range from cozy (The Cliff House, accessible only by gondola) to grand (The Great Room at Spruce Camp Base Lodge).

We also like the historic Edson Hill for summer vows. You can rent out the entire inn for your family if you are hosting a large celebration, then hold your ceremony and reception in the hotel’s idyllic meadows.

Nantucket

Nautical-inspired or influenced by the island’s rich history, weddings on Nantucket are extraordinary occasions to remember. The island’s quaint downtown streets lined with elms and sycamores give rise to rolling hills and historic cottages, providing an array of lovely venues for brides and grooms to choose from.

In the Harbor, White Elephant marries luxury with island charm on its expansive lawn and Harborview Deck fit for dancing well into the evening. Nearby, Dreamland Theater offers a classic Nantucket setting in the Harborview Room and Terrace overlooking the water.

The First Congregational Church is one of the island’s most historic venues: a pure white structure on Beacon Hill with high, arching windows and lush gardens. And for a quaint countryside wedding, couples love Westmoor Farm for its beautiful green landscapes, swimming pool and waterfalls, and Green Barn Ballroom.

The elegant yacht clubs are well suited for nautical vows – after which we recommend your first sailboat cruise as newlyweds.

*Featured Image: Le Guanahani