

Fall is hurricane season but offers incredible orange-and-red sunsets, and winter, while the most affordable time, takes additional planning because many businesses close for the season. In spring, temperatures are unpredictable, but the beach is still pristine. When to Wed: The weather is best in summer, June especially, but traffic is crazy (there are only two bridges leading onto the islands) and prices are high. For a truly iconic setting, opt for a statuesque lighthouse or rustic ocean pier setting. (Case in point: It's one of the few places in the US where you can still view wild horses.) Say your vows on the beaches of historic Nags Head, Kitty Hawk or Hatteras Island in a beautiful garden on picturesque Roanoke Island or on the grounds of a large oceanfront beach home or a stunning Art Nouveau mansion in Corolla. Why Get Hitched Here: With 130 miles of open, unspoiled beach, the Outer Banks region, a string of barrier islands covering nearly half the North Carolina coast, will make you feel as if you're in your own private retreat for your wedding. Whenever you go, make sure to tell guests to dress in layers-when the sun sets, they'll need that pashmina or cardigan. When to Wed: San Francisco averages about 65 degrees year-round, meaning anytime is the right time, though expect the city's famous fog in the summer. Plus, foodies will love the assortment of fresh, local ingredients and world-class fare that make designing a memorable menu for your reception a breeze.

San Francisco wins the hearts of brides- and grooms-to-be for many reasons: Hills rise and drop everywhere you look huge parks share space with skyscrapers and ornate, bay-windowed Victorian homes cable cars rattle over the streets and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge are everywhere from within the city as well as the water, which surrounds San Francisco on three sides. San Fran is urban without being overwhelming, combining big-time sophistication with the laid-back, dressed-down attitude of the rest of the West Coast, making it one of the top US cities to tie the knot in. Why Get Hitched Here: If you're looking for an urban setting that offers more in terms of scenery than just a concrete jungle, head to northern California's big city where you'll discover one of the best places for a destination wedding. Cabo San Lucas is also home to the region's iconic giant rock arch at Land's End, where the deep-blue waters of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez meet for some spectacular waves (kind of like your relationship, no?). Looking for something a little different? Enter your beach ceremony by horse, or make the release of baby sea turtles part of your wedding program. You can also take a boat ride to a private beach or cove to say your vows (how's that for special?).
BEST PLACES TO GET MARRIED JUST THE TWO OF US PLUS
Lively Cabo San Lucas draws plenty of celebrities, meaning there's no shortage of uber-exclusive beach clubs and villas, plus plenty of fuss-free all-inclusives, so finding a venue and accommodations for your guests will be a breeze. In between the two is the Corridor, a 20-mile string of cozy hotels, championship golf courses, winding horse trails and white-sand beaches.

Why Get Hitched Here: Fun in the surf and sun is what Los Cabos-which stretches from the town of Cabo San Lucas to the west over to San Jose del Cabo to the east, along the southernmost coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula-is all about. Ecotourism is very popular here, making less traditional but equally luxurious eco-lodges and rain forest bungalows another desirable (and romantic) option for couples who want to throw a green wedding. Treat your guests to amazing mountaintop views during an outdoor ceremony or reception, or for a truly standout affair, you can even get married on the edge of a volcano! If you're dreaming of a beach bash, how do sun-baked stretches of white sand sound? Though deforestation once threatened the country's dense rain forests, several nature preserves, biological reserves and national parks have been established to protect the landscape, and they're now some of the most naturally stunning places to say "I do" (think: waterfall wedding). In fact, this small country truly has something for every couple, which is why it makes our list of best places for a destination wedding. Why Get Hitched Here: With two breathtaking coasts only a short plane ride away from each other-one on the Pacific, the other on the Caribbean-Costa Rica is the perfect destination for couples who are looking for an unspoiled tropical background for their nuptials but don't want to sacrifice their modern urban tastes.
