These Are the Best Places to Get Married in the West

Santa Barbara is a popular destination for California planners like Nicole Arena, since it serves as a drivable destination from LA and local airports. Additionally, the area is home to iconic coastlines and beaches, nicknamed the “American Riviera” for good reason. Though venues here can often require quite the budget, there are some alternatives if you want to capture the character of the Santa Barbara area on your special day. According to Arena, an option for a small wedding would be the “very pretty” Santa Barbara courthouse followed by an intimate dinner with your closest loved ones. 

Though it may be harder to get to than some other locations, Santa Ynez is definitely one to consider for couples with smaller guest lists or guest lists based in California. Arena recommends it for couples who are prioritizing beautiful outdoor space, gastronomic experience, and intimate group experiences. The valley is a destination for hikes, wine tastings, olive oil tastings, and wine country views.

Going east towards the desert, another California option is Palm Springs. Though taking a dip in popularity for a few years, according to Arena, the area is now “back in the trend conversation” with a number of new or newly renovated hotels and restaurants. Additionally, the area has “a retro element that some people love,” its own airport, driving proximity to Los Angeles, and a wealth of spa and golfing options. 

With Western-themed welcome parties, bachelorette outings, and bridal showers trending on social media, it’s clear that the Western aesthetic is an attractive one. Colorado-based wedding planner Heather Allen of Table 6 Productions cites shows like “Yellowstone” as part of the draw. “I think we all secretly were wanting to move to Montana and build a log cabin,” she says.

Once in Jackson Hole, the opportunities for western aesthetics are endless and a fun perk for guests. “It’s almost become a little bit of a fun dress up party for people traveling from another area,” she says. “You’re giving them an excuse to invest in an amazing hat or wear boots, and dress in a way they don’t normally.” In addition to the aesthetics, Jackson Hole is a great destination for couples looking to do as much with the natural outdoors as possible. Because destination weddings have grown in popularity, Allen says, some Western venues include offers that include experiences for guests. These include activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, llama hikes, and cattle drives. 

In 2023, Allen planned Taylor Hill’s bohemian-inspired wedding at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado. But the state certainly is not lacking in locations for mountain and nature-loving couples. Not only do they have wonderful natural settings, but the area is full of venues for all wedding wishes. Telluride, specifically, has its own airport and a number of venues to accommodate guest lists, big and small. “The Great American West offers venues that have a little more character: lodges, mountain towns, historic hotels, ranches, and other things have a lot of history, and people really gravitate towards that,” Allen says.

Park City is another great option for couples who want a wedding with scenic views and outdoor activities. Located just under 40 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City has the proximity to a major transportation hub for out-of-town guests while also having expansive outdoor options. Another nearby option is Deer Valley. Allen says they both offer “some really great high-end hotels,” and Utah weddings can sometimes provide “bang for your buck” than other destinations.

Ashley Graham recently planned Patrick Schwarzenegger’s A-list wedding to Abby Champion, taking place in Coeur d’Alene in northwestern Idaho. Located on Lake Coeur d’Alene, the town has gorgeous views of the water and the forest. The area attracts many out-of-towners, with the majority of Graham’s clients being from outside of Idaho and coming for a destination wedding. The town and surrounding areas have, as Graham describes, “a small town resort feeling” that is attractive to couples looking to give their guests the luxury of a vacation with the amenities of a resort town.     

An important factor in ensuring that your special day runs as smoothly as possible is a knowledgeable team of planners and vendors. Graham, based in Spokane just a few minutes across the Washington-Idaho border, says “it’s important to have a planner that does know the area. We have fires, we have rain, storms. Having your team be local and know the area is so important.” The area has no shortage of “amazing vendors,” making it easy to find some that fit your wedding needs.

Another option in the Pacific Northwest is Washington state’s largest city: Seattle. If you’re looking for another water-centric location with the benefits of a nearby large city, Seattle is a great option. Graham names the Admiral’s House as a popular option in the area. Going slightly outside the city, surrounding suburbs like Bellevue and Kirkland are close by the water and have expansive views of the Seattle skyline.