It’s no surprise that planning a destination wedding is… A lot. Flights, hotels, paperwork, family texting you about seat upgrades… It’s A LOT already! Then add planning your design for everything without ever even seeing your wedding location?! Phew!! If I’m being honest, though, it’s SO worth it. The escape to a special location is definitely tempting, but if you’re dreaming of that destination wedding magic without having to worry about all of the travel and fuss, there’s a way to have it all here! Check out the guide to planning a wedding right here in California that still feels like a Hawaii destination wedding, from a destination wedding photographer. 

Megan and Michael’s California Wedding (That Felt Like a Hawaii Destination Wedding) 

Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover it. Megan and Michael were planning a Hawaii destination wedding, but plans changed. Instead of letting it get them down, they brought their Hawaii destination wedding right here to California, and it turned out SO perfect! 

The design was giving island vibes. They brought in a ton of intentional details that made it really feel like their dream Hawaii wedding! And their family’s private estate, where the wedding was held, made the PERFECT setting. I seriously can’t get enough of this wedding. It was simple and chill, but so full of love, meaning, and intentionality. And honestly, that’s the best way to do it.

The Hawaii-esque florals were done by Florals by Lalaine, and I mean, just look at that calla lily bouquet. Stunninggg! The couple also made sure to incorporate leis into their day for that Hawaii feel, and those were made by the Hawaiian Lei Company. Basically, everything turned out gorgeous, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day! 

How to Get The Destination Wedding Vibes Without Leaving Home

Whether your plans changed like Megan and Michael’s, or you just want an easier planning experience (but still that destination wedding feel), here’s my guide for planning a wedding that feels like it’s in a different world without ever setting foot out of California! 

Incorporate Intentional Details 

If you want to make your wedding feel like a destination wedding, you have to intentionally bring in the culture from that area. You want Italy? Boom: pasta bar and flowing chianti. You want Hawaii? Leis, tropical flowers, barefoot energy. That’s how you fake the flight and still nail the feels. 

Megan and Michael did this flawlessly with their wedding. They added elements of Hawaiian culture through the colors, the design, and the food, and it all made it feel like we stepped out of California straight into Hawaii.  

Choose a Northern California Destination Wedding Venue

Luckily, Northern California is a destination wedding spot itself, so we have some gorgeous venues up here! Again, planning a wedding with that destination feel is all about replicating the vibe of that dream location. Here are some of my personal favorite destination wedding venues in California to consider, as a Northern California wedding photographer!

For a Tropical/Hawaii Destination Wedding Feel

• Spring Ranch
• The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
• The Inn of the Lost Coast

For a European Destination Wedding Feel

• V. Sautti Winery
• Hans Fahden
• Brix

For a Mountain Destination Wedding Feel

• The Haven at Tomales
• Zephyr Lodge
• Dancing Pines

There are so many more stunning California wedding venues to choose from, and as your photographer, I am more than happy to help you narrow down your vision and choose the perfect one!

Hire Vendors Who Get the Vision

And finally, the #1 tip I can give you as a California wedding photographer is to hire vendors who get you. All in all, that’s what’s going to be the key to making your wedding run smoothly and for bringing your vision to life, destination wedding or not! Choosing the right vendors will impact the design, feel, timeline, and overall view of your day, so make sure to pick people who you know will execute your vision properly! 

Grace Thao | Destination Wedding Photographer

Planning a destination wedding? I’ll book my ticket RN. Whisk me away! 

But seriously, if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your special day, whether it’s a Hawaii destination wedding or a wedding right here in Northern California, I would love to be there. Getting to document your day in a way that feels true to you (and is actually fun) is why I do what I do, and I can’t WAIT to meet you! You can inquire about booking with me here. If you’re looking for more weddings I’ve captured with the same vibe, you’ll definitely want to see these: 

Planning an Intimate Bodega Bay Wedding: A Guide from a Northern California Wedding Photographer

A Dreamy Monterey Wedding Venue for Your Northern California Wedding