Destination Weddings at Four Seasons Resorts
Destination Weddings at Four Seasons Resorts
Planning a destination wedding is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—journeys a couple can take. The choices seem endless: pristine beaches, mountaintop views, overwater chapels, historic villas, or private islands. But when it comes to luxury, reliability, personalization, and world-class service, Four Seasons Resorts consistently rank among the most coveted wedding locations in the world.
Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on the cliffs of Bora Bora, saying “I do” in a Tuscan garden, or hosting a glamorous ballroom celebration in Dubai, Four Seasons brings unmatched expertise to every detail. This complete planning guide breaks down everything you need to know before booking a destination wedding with Four Seasons Resorts—from costs and venues to timelines, guest experience, and insider tips.
Why Four Seasons for Your Destination Wedding?
1. Unmatched Service & Wedding Expertise
Four Seasons is known for its nearly obsessive attention to detail. Every property has a dedicated wedding specialist, floral team, banquet team, and event planning support. Unlike many resorts where weddings feel “packaged,” Four Seasons weddings are completely bespoke—no cookie-cutter options, no template décor, no standard menus.
2. Iconic Photogenic Locations
From the overwater chapel in Bora Bora to the red-rock desert views in Scottsdale, Four Seasons Resorts are built in dream-worthy destinations. Each property offers curated photo spots, sunset angles, and backup options for weather—critical for destination weddings.
3. High-End Culinary Experience
Four Seasons’ culinarians are industry legends. Executive chefs craft fully customizable menus that can feature local delicacies (like Hawaiian ahi poke or Tuscan truffles) or elevated classics. Many resorts even allow chef-hosted tasting menus, welcome dinners, and personalized signature cocktails.
4. Tailored Luxury for Every Guest
A destination wedding is not just about the couple—it’s also a getaway for the guests. Four Seasons properties excel at group service: room blocks, VIP arrivals, spa discounts, curated excursions, pre- and post-wedding events, and kids’ programs for family weddings.
Most Popular Four Seasons Wedding Destinations
While every Four Seasons property is wedding-ready, these destinations consistently top the lists for couples planning to marry abroad.
1. Four Seasons Bora Bora — Overwater Wedding Dream
Best for: Intimate weddings, elopements, and overwater ceremonies
Highlights: Overwater chapel, turquoise lagoon, iconic Mt. Otemanu backdrop
Why couples love it: Unmatched privacy and postcard-perfect photography
2. Four Seasons Maui at Wailea — Luxury Beachfront
Best for: Beach weddings, larger groups, multi-day events
Highlights: Private lawns, oceanfront reception venues, sunsets
Vibe: Chic Hawaiian glamour with top-tier service
3. Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo — Eco-Luxury Oasis
Best for: Adventure-loving couples, nature settings
Highlights: Cliffside terraces, jungle backdrops, beach coves
Vibe: Natural, elevated, unforgettable
4. Four Seasons Taormina (San Domenico Palace) — Historic Romance
Best for: Luxury European wedding weekends
Highlights: Ancient monastery, Mediterranean views, cinematic ambiance
Famous: Featured in The White Lotus Season 2
5. Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru
Best for: Water weddings, barefoot luxury
Highlights: Glass-bottom aisle on the overwater pavilion
Vibe: Ultra-private, idyllic, serene
6. Four Seasons Hoi An (The Nam Hai)
Best for: Culture-rich weddings
Highlights: UNESCO sites nearby, beachfront ceremony lawns
Vibe: Stylish, spiritual, culturally immersive
7. Four Seasons Tuscany (Florence or Chianti Region)
Best for: Garden weddings, food & wine lovers
Highlights: Renaissance villas, manicured gardens
Vibe: Classical, elegant, timeless
Types of Wedding Venues Available at Four Seasons Resorts
You can expect the following venue types depending on your chosen property:
Beachfront Ceremonies
Ideal for tropical destinations (Maui, Bora Bora, Maldives)
Natural beauty + effortless décor
Clifftop Terraces & Scenic Overlooks
Popular in Costa Rica, Taormina, and Bali
Dramatic sunset views and panoramic photography
Overwater Chapels
Signature to Bora Bora and the Maldives
A unique, luxurious take on destination weddings
Garden or Courtyard Weddings
Often found in Europe (Florence, Lisbon), Hawaii, and Asia
Perfect for romantic “secret garden” atmospheres
Grand Ballrooms
For glamour-focused celebrations in cities like Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, or Boston
Weather-proof and customizable
Private Villas & Buyouts
For ultra-intimate weddings or VIP groups
Some couples book entire villa estates for multi-day celebrations
How Much Does a Four Seasons Destination Wedding Cost?
Pricing varies widely depending on location, season, guest count, and venue selection. Below is an approximate range to help you plan.
Ceremony-Only Packages
Most Four Seasons do not offer “packages,” but they do have ceremony fees:
$3,500–$12,000+ depending on the resort
Reception Costs
Expect to pay:
$250–$500+ per person for food & beverage
Premium bars can go up to $60–$120 per person
Floral & Décor
Because everything is custom:
$4,000–$30,000+ depending on vision, flowers, and design team
(Imported florals in remote destinations cost significantly more.)
Photography & Videography
Typically not included
Expect $6,000–$20,000+ for top-tier destination professionals
Venue Buyouts
Some resorts allow a full buyout for maximum privacy:
$250,000–$1M+ per night depending on the property
Room Blocks
There is usually a minimum room requirement for destination weddings:
10–40 room nights depending on the size of the event and hotel policy
When to Book: Your Ideal Timeline
For a seamless Four Seasons destination wedding, follow this expert-approved timeline.
12–18 Months Before
Choose destination & resort
Secure date and contract
Start room block
Hire a wedding planner if you want one
9–12 Months Before
Begin décor and floral planning
Start dress/suit shopping
Reserve photographer & videographer
Plan welcome party or rehearsal dinner
6–9 Months Before
Finalize menu direction
Send save-the-dates
Plan guest activities (spa, excursions, private dinners)
3–6 Months Before
Cake tasting (virtual for remote destinations)
Finalize floorplan
Confirm décor + AV details
Book transport for guests
1–3 Months Before
Send invitations
Final headcount
Final site walk-through (if visiting before wedding)
Wedding Week
Welcome guests
Rehearsal dinner
Final meeting with planner + Four Seasons team
Enjoy the celebration
Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
While Four Seasons provides a dedicated wedding specialist, they focus on:
Venue setup
Four Seasons services
Menu arrangements
Ceremony coordination
A full wedding planner handles:
Concept & design
Vendor management
Guest coordination
Transport
Budget management
Event timelines
For most destination weddings, especially in remote or international locations, hiring a planner is highly recommended.
Guest Experience: What Makes Four Seasons Stand Out
Your guests are part of your celebration, and Four Seasons knows how to create unforgettable experiences.
Personalized Welcome Amenities
Local sweets
Champagne
Spa gifts
Custom welcome letters
Group Activities
Sunset cruises
Private snorkel trips
Cooking classes
Local cultural tours
Yoga sessions
Dining Experiences
Rehearsal dinners at signature restaurants
Sunset cocktail hours
Private chef dining experiences
VIP Services
Guests enjoy:
Fast check-in
On-demand concierge
Babysitting services
Dietary accommodations
This level of care elevates the entire wedding weekend.
Legal Requirements for Weddings at Four Seasons
Some couples choose a symbolic ceremony due to legal requirements abroad.
Here’s the general breakdown:
Symbolic Ceremony (Most Popular)
Legally wed at home
Host a symbolic ceremony (looks identical to a legal wedding)
Most resorts specialize in symbolic weddings
Legal Ceremony
Varies by country:
Hawaii: Simple, straightforward
Italy: Requires advance paperwork
Maldives: Symbolic only
Bora Bora/Tahiti: Legal but requires 30+ days lead time
Always verify with the resort’s wedding specialist.
Peak Seasons vs. Shoulder Seasons
Peak Season
Higher rates, higher occupancy
Best weather
Book 12–18 months ahead
Shoulder Season
Lower rates
Good weather but slightly off-peak
Easier availability
Off-Season
Savings + more privacy
Weather can be unpredictable
Great for indoor or villa weddings
Four Seasons Destination Wedding Tips from Experts
1. Book Early—Way Early
Properties like Maui, Bora Bora, and Taormina book out 12–24 months ahead for weddings.
2. Choose Your Backup Plan Wisely
Four Seasons always has one, but confirm:
Indoor space
Timelines
Décor adjustments
3. Build Multi-Day Events
Your guests are traveling—make it worth it!
Welcome drinks
Beach day
Sunset catamaran
Farewell brunch
4. Don’t Skip the Room Block
Rates fluctuate heavily. Locked-in room blocks save money.
5. Ask About Buyouts
Perfect for privacy or multi-day celebrations.
6. Incorporate Local Culture
Four Seasons excels at:
Fire dancers in Maui
Polynesian blessings in Bora Bora
Italian musicians in Florence
7. Use a Certified Luxury Travel Advisor
For room blocks, VIP status, upgrades, and amenities.
Final Thoughts: Is a Four Seasons Destination Wedding Worth It?
If you want a wedding that blends luxury, flawless execution, and breathtaking scenery, a Four Seasons destination wedding is hard to beat. The service is consistent worldwide, the venues are world-class, and the experience is seamless from start to finish.
Couples looking for:
✔ A fully customized wedding
✔ Exceptional food + décor options
✔ Seamless guest experience
✔ Picture-perfect locations
✔ Luxury accommodations
…will find that Four Seasons delivers on every level.
A destination wedding is one of the biggest events in your life—choosing a resort brand that understands both romance and logistics ensures your celebration is stress-free, memorable, and truly extraordinary.
