DC makes destination weddings a breeze with its three nearby airports, nonstop flights galore, and travel-savvy vendors on standby. Here, three experts highlight hassle-free wedding spots so easy to navigate, your RSVPs will come flying in.
Montreal
Flight time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Why it’s easy: Familiar transportation (Uber, taxis, metro, and a train to the burbs); US currency is accepted in most places.
Why people love it: Old Montreal is a port that feels like Europe; the restaurant scene is incredible; vineyards, mountains, and lakes are within an hour’s drive.
What to know: You need a passport. Airbnbs are especially popular. Winters are cold; there’s a big jazz festival in late June/early July.
Tip: Take a cheap flight to Burlington, Vermont, then rent a car for the scenic hour-and-45-minute drive to Montreal.
— Terri Bergman, Terri Bergman Events
Charleston
Flight time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Why it’s easy: The city is compact (20 minutes from downtown to the beach), and there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants for any group, price point, and palate.
What to know: Rental cars are ideal. JetBlue offers daily nonstops for less than $200.
We recommend: The Dewberry, Lowndes Grove Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens (to wed); Belmond Charleston Place, Zero George (to stay); Husk, Fig, Leon’s Oyster Shop (to dine).
— Kaitlin Przezdziecki, Cheers Darling Events
Bermuda
Flight time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.
Why it’s easy: The island is small; US currency is accepted; Bermudians love visitors.
What to know: Flights are nonstop from DCA during the summer. It’s Carolina-warm, not “tropical.” There are no rental cars, but visitors can rent electric Twizy two-seaters, scooters, or bicycles. Bermudians drive slowly on the left; the speed limit never exceeds 20 mph. Taxi drivers make great guides—and buses and ferries are a great way to mingle with locals.
We recommend: Elbow Beach Resort, Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa, Fort Hamilton, Coral Beach and Tennis Club, the Unfinished Church, Rosewood Bermuda (to wed); the Loren at Pink Beach, Rosen, Hamilton Princess (to stay); the signature fish sandwich at Art Mel’s (to dine).
— Andre Wells, Events by Andre Wells
This article appeared in the Winter/Spring 2018 issue of Bride and Groom.
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
