Legal Requirements For Destination Weddings: What You Need to Know

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting journey, but understanding the wedding’s legal requirements is crucial to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. At Emily Coyne Events, we specialize in guiding couples through the complexities of getting married in various US states. Some of the most popular ones we’re seeing these days are California, New York, Illinois, and Hawaii.

Wherever you choose to tie the knot, our team of destination wedding planners is here to help you navigate the legal landscape, obtain the necessary permits, and ensure you’re well-prepared for your big day so you just need to pack your bags, show up, and say “I do.”

California: The Golden State

California offers a diverse range of stunning wedding locations, from the beaches of Santa Barbara to the vineyards of Napa Valley. We’ve got a team of Santa Barbara, Four Seasons, and Napa wedding planners, amongst others, who can ensure you meet all the legal requirements.

In California, couples must obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office. Both parties must be present, and you will need valid photo identification. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid immediately upon issuance.

Our beach wedding planners can assist those planning a beach wedding by obtaining the necessary permits for your chosen location. Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara or a vineyard wedding at Stanly Ranch, our luxury destination planners will handle all the details.

New York: The Empire State

New York City is a vibrant and iconic destination for weddings. As certified wedding planners and event planners for NYC weddings, our team ensures you comply with all legal requirements. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the City Clerk’s office. Both parties must be present and provide valid identification. There is a 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid, and it is valid for 60 days.

Our team of wedding organizers and party planners for NYC can assist with securing permits for popular locations such as Central Park or a rooftop venue overlooking the city skyline. With our luxury wedding planner services, we ensure every detail is accounted for.

Wedding bands and a rings with white stones sit on a painted surface depicting trees in watercolor

Illinois: The Prairie State

Illinois offers a mix of urban and rural wedding venues, from the bustling city of Chicago to the serene countryside. Our experienced special event coordinator and full-service wedding planning Chicago team are here every step of the way to guide you through the legal process.

Similar to New York, couples must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk’s office in the county where the ceremony will take place. Both parties must be present and provide valid identification. There is a one-day waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days.

The certified event planners at our event management agency for Chicago weddings and events can assist with obtaining permits for unique venues such as Millennium Park or a historic mansion. With our Chicago party planner by your side, you can rest assured that your wedding will be a seamless and memorable event.

Hawaii: The Aloha State

Hawaii is a dream destination for many couples, offering breathtaking beaches and lush landscapes. As your Hawaii wedding planners, we ensure you meet all the legal requirements. Couples must apply for a marriage license from the Hawaii Department of Health. Both parties must be present and provide valid identification. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid immediately upon issuance.

Our destination wedding consultants and experts can assist with obtaining permits for beach ceremonies or private estates. Whether you’re planning a wedding at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai or a beachfront ceremony, our luxury destination planners will take care of the necessary documents.

A black and white photo of a couple embracing by a wooden structure

The Challenges of Planning a Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding can be challenging, especially when you are not in-state. Obtaining accurate information, securing permits, and coordinating with local vendors can be daunting. This is where hiring destination wedding planners becomes invaluable. Our team at Emily Coyne Events has extensive experience and local knowledge, ensuring a smooth and stress-free planning process.

Why Hire a Destination Wedding Planner?

Our team of wedding planners and event planning services extend from NYC to LA and everywhere in between. Our event coordinators work tirelessly to coordinate all aspects of your wedding, ensuring a cohesive and memorable event for the couple and their guests.

Expertise and Local Knowledge

One of the primary reasons to hire destination wedding planners is their expertise and local knowledge. Navigating the legal requirements for a wedding can be complex, especially when you are unfamiliar with the local laws and regulations. Our team of destination wedding consultants has extensive experience working in various states, ensuring that all legal requirements are met. This includes obtaining marriage licenses, securing permits for your chosen venue, and coordinating with local vendors.

For example, our Santa Barbara wedding planners understand the specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license in California and can guide you through the process. Similarly, our team of certified wedding planners for NYC events are well-versed in the legal requirements for getting married in New York and can ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time.

Chairs lined up on the grass overlooking a beautiful hilly terrain and foliage with white petals strewn in the aisle with floral décor and a rectangular arch at the altar

Time and Stress Management

Planning a wedding is a significant undertaking, and doing so from a distance can add an extra layer of complexity. Our destination wedding planners are here to alleviate that stress by handling all the details for you. From obtaining permits to coordinating with vendors, we take care of everything so that you can focus on enjoying your engagement and looking forward to your special day.

Our destination wedding consultants are experts in managing timelines and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. We handle all the logistics, from booking venues to arranging transportation for your guests. This allows you to relax and enjoy the planning process without feeling overwhelmed by the details.

Personalized Service

At Emily Coyne Events, we believe that every wedding should be a reflection of the couple’s unique style and vision. Our luxury destination planners provide personalized service tailored to your preferences. Whether you are looking for a New York City wedding planner, wedding coordinator for an LA event, or a Chicago party planner, we’ll work closely with you to understand your vision and bring it to life.

We take the time to get to know you and your partner, ensuring that every detail of your wedding is a reflection of your personalities and love story. From custom decor to personalized ceremonies, our team of destination wedding planners ensures that your wedding is truly one-of-a-kind.

Seamless Coordination

One of the biggest challenges of planning a destination wedding is coordinating all the different elements to ensure a cohesive and memorable event. We have a team of wedding planners for NYC parties, event planning services in LA, and event coordinators in Chicago all under one roof, so no matter where your event is, they’ll work seamlessly to bring all the pieces together. We handle everything from coordinating with vendors to managing the timeline on the day of the wedding.

Our destination wedding planners are experts in logistics and coordination, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. We work closely with all your vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your wedding day is executed flawlessly.

Access to Exclusive Venues

One of the benefits of hiring destination wedding planners is their access to exclusive venues and vendors. Our destination wedding experts have established relationships with some of the most sought-after venues and vendors in the industry, ensuring that your wedding is unique and unforgettable.

Whether you need our Ritz-Carlton Bacara wedding planner for a Santa Barbara bash, the expertise of our Stanly Ranch wedding planner for a vineyard wedding at in Napa Valley, or a beachfront ceremony courtesy of our Hawaii wedding planners, our luxury destination planners have the connections and experience to make your dream wedding a reality. We work closely with these exclusive venues to ensure that every detail is perfect and that your wedding day is everything you have envisioned.

A man walks a bride to a man waiting in a beige suit and sunhat

Emily Coyne Events Makes Destination Weddings Truly Memorable

Understanding the wedding legal requirements for destination weddings is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free celebration. At Emily Coyne Events, our team of destination and beach wedding planners and consultants is dedicated to making your wedding day perfect. Whether you’re planning a wedding in California, New York, Illinois, Hawaii, or anywhere else in the United States or beyond, we have the expertise and experience to guide you through the process.

Ready to start planning your destination wedding? Contact Emily Coyne Events today to schedule a consultation with our team of destination wedding planners and consultants. Let us help you navigate the wedding legal requirements and create a celebration that aligns with both your requirements and vision.