Charming Resort Wedding Venues Around the U.S.
Pick your favorite destination.
Related To:
Photo By: Lin & Jirsa Photography
Photo By: Jessica Williams
Photo By: Tenaya Lodge
Photo By: Shawna Benson
Photo By: Montage Palmetto Bluff
Photo By: Sunriver Resort
Photo By: Sea Island
Photo By: Lin & Jirsa Photography
Photo By: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Photo By: Tany Kibogo
Photo By: Southampton Inn
Photo By: Lauren Truwit
Photo By: Blair Mongeon Photo
Photo By: Read McKendree
Photo By: Pacifica Hotels
Photo By: Hotel Vermont
Photo By: Gillespie Photography
Photo By: Dossier Hotel
Photo By: Kimpton Angler’s Hotel
Photo By: Azzurra Photography
Photo By: Gateway Canyons
Venues with Entertainment Included
It’s hard to beat bringing all of your friends and family together for a destination wedding. Guests can spend time getting to know one another without the rush of a one-night event. The only issue — other than cost, obviously — is making sure everyone has things to do throughout the weekend. Ditch the stress with a resort wedding. From rural retreats and beachside getaways to urban hotels with fun activities, here are 20 resorts that offer plenty of entertainment for guests, so you can focus on getting ready for your special ceremony.
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Braselton, Georgia
Combine sweeping panoramas of the Appalachian foothills with idyllic vineyards and 45 holes of championship golf, a 35,000 square-foot European spa, a newly renovated tennis center, seven restaurants and a sparkling terrace pool. If your guests can’t occupy themselves at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, chances are they’re not going to have fun no matter where you chose to tie the knot. The 3,500-acre property, located just 40-minutes northeast of Atlanta, is like a French country retreat with a 16th century-style chateau and plenty of wine flowing at the winery and tasting bar. Wedding photos are sure to be stunning but, more importantly, all the amenities will help make the big day as stress-free as possible.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Fish Camp, California
This award-winning luxury mountain resort is located on 48 acres bordering the Sierra National Forest, just two miles away from the south entrance to Yosemite National Park and about an hour drive from the jaw-dropping panorama’s of the iconic El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall from Tunnel View. When your wedding guests aren’t exploring the awe-inspiring park, they can occupy themselves with all sorts of activities at the pet-friendly resort. Tenaya offers guided hikes, archery courses, a rock-climbing wall and a slew of entertainment options for kids including geocaching, an adventure course and a kiddie pool (in addition to two more for adults). It’ll be like tricking your friends and family into taking that vacation they’ve been dreaming about for ages.
Flathead Lake Lodge
Bigfork, Montana
Set on the shores of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the west, this historic resort combines all the sailing, fishing and watersports one could dream of with gorgeous mountain views and dude ranch experiences that folks love. The third-generation, family-owned-and-operated guest ranch has been welcoming visitors and wedding parties for nearly 75 years. It offers all of the activities and amenities of a high-end resort on a sprawling 2,000-acre spread, but with the warm feel of a family homestead. Couples can pick and choose from idyllic spots throughout the property to host their ceremony, followed by dancing and dining inside the authentic log cabin style lodge.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, South Carolina
Nestled between Hilton Head Island and Savannah on a serene, 20,000-acre coastal nature preserve, Montage Palmetto Bluff is exactly what many couples seek in a Lowcountry wedding. The property boasts old school gas lamps, cobblestone streets and pealing bells, as well as not one but two on-site chapels. Talk about private. Up to 200 of your friends and family members can take over the entire resort. Adults can ride horses through lush forests, kayak and fish on the May River, shoot clay pigeons, play 18 holes on the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course or relax at the 13,000 square-foot spa while kids bowl and play in the game room or adventure in two multi-story tree houses. Your big weekend can be as relaxing or action-packed as your guests would like to be.
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, Oregon
Before your guests celebrate your union under the high wood beams and natural cut logs in Sunriver Resort’s historic, parkitecture-style Great Hall, the more adventurous types might want to take a trail ride on horseback, bike over 40-miles of pathways or raft down the Deschutes River. While this Pacific-Northwest getaway is certainly a paradise for outdoorsy types, it also offers plenty of options for mom and dad — or whoever isn’t into breaking too much of a sweat. There’s pickleball, four golf courses designed by an acclaimed architect, a relaxing pool and full-service spa that offers everything from massages and facials to bridal services for those who need a little help with hair and makeup before the ceremony.
Sea Island
Sea Island, Georgia
On its own private island in the Lowcountry’s gorgeous Golden Isles, Sea Island has long been a favored getaway among some of the wealthiest and most powerful people on the planet. It’s the only resort in the entire world to receive four of Forbes’ Five-Star awards for eleven consecutive years and it’s the only U.S. resort to host a G-8 Summit of world leaders. If it’s good enough for them, chances are it’s good enough for you and your guests. The island boasts almost every recreational activity one could wrap their mind around, from three different golf courses to water sports, horseback riding and even falconry. Before and after excursions, guests can gather together for classic Southern feasts including a local seafood-heavy Lowcountry Boil and a Rainbow Island Supper as the sun sets over the coastal marshes.
Terranea Resort
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Dancing with the Stars’ Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson recently tied the knot with a romantic ceremony overlooking the Pacific Ocean followed by a ballroom reception at this luxurious Southern California resort. The place features an award-winning spa, nine-hole golf course, dedicated kids club and immersive outdoor experiences spanning from guided hikes along the coast and stand up paddle boarding to archery and falconry — all right on the outskirts of Los Angeles. And for your celebration, Terranea offers numerous event spaces, including 75,000 square feet of outdoor venues with sweeping views of the ocean, as well as another expansive 65,000 square feet of indoor spaces in the recently updated Mediterranean-inspired ballrooms complete with dance floors, stages and everything else you need for an epic dance-off.
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida
Set on a wide stretch of one of the most famous beaches in Florida, this brand-spanking-new Hard Rock has plenty of options to keep the party rocking throughout your wedding weekend. The 200-room hotel boasts three music venues featuring multiple live acts every weekend; a music program offering complimentary use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players for in-room jam sessions; a kids’ club that encourages 6-to-15-year-olds to play music, games and dance their little tushies off as well as an immersive, music-centric spa for adults. The one-of-a-kind relaxation center uses amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation of its treatment. And you know the soundtrack has got to be good.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Paso Robles, California
A Mediterranean-inspired retreat on the east side of Paso Robles, Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a pretty darn good stateside substitute for that dream Italian wedding. Neat rows of vines and orchards surround the rustic Apennine villa-inspired hotel. Plus, the Central Coast’s mild Mediterranean-like climate and golden sunsets really do give the place the feel of an overseas escape. The photos are bound to be absolutely stunning, and the resort takes away any need to worry about your friends and family. While you prepare for your big event, guests can occupy themselves at ping pong tables, bocce courts, the sprawling pool or with tours of the onsite garden and vineyards. If that’s not relaxing enough, they can always book some treatments at the spa.
Southampton Inn
Southampton, New York
Is there a better way to kick back in the Hamptons than with a game of badminton or croquet while sipping (i.e. guzzling) rose? We think not. This fully remodeled inn boasts all of the amenities that any Hamptonite may desire, including a tennis court, heated 50-foot pool and plenty of green spaces for soaking up the sun and fresh ocean breeze. There’s really no need to leave the five-acre property during a weekend getaway; however, those who want to explore the area can hop on the resort’s cute cruisers, bike to the beach or take a two-minute stroll into the heart of the village.
Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
Set in the moody midst of the Great Smoky Mountains, this 4,200-acre estate has long been considered one of the top culinary destinations in the United States. It boasts a real working farm with grazing sheep and biodiverse produce gardens that form the backbone of its renowned "Foothills cuisine." A wedding here would certainly be a dream for your food-loving cohorts, but there’s also a ton of stuff to do on the property when they aren’t stuffing their faces. Whether your guests want to learn about gardening; burn some calories with paintball games, wakeboarding or paddle sports; or relax while fly-fishing, horseback riding, or digging into the wellness program, they’re sure to be glad you picked this renowned resort for your destination wedding.
The Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Located in the heart of Frankenmuth, Michigan’s "Little Bavaria," The Bavarian Lodge looks like it’s been plucked straight from a German village and plopped in the middle of a midcentury American theme park. It has its own indoor water park, family fun center with tons of games and an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course. Guests can sign up for daily pretzel rolling classes along with group wine tastings and strudel-making instructions. The place is a blast, but it’s also incredibly cute — primed for photo shoots — with Franconian-style buildings that have the signature timber "X" patterns on the facade as well as Pied Piper-themed bell tower and a bridge befitting a vintage fairytale.
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
Hunter, New York
Back in the Dirty Dancing days, the Catskills was the place to be when the summer heat would hover across New York City like a steam bath. This fully restored lodge harkens back to those old resorts with a mix of modern and vintage programming including wellness (yoga, meditation, sound baths and Pilates), lawn games (bocce, corn hole, badminton), multiple fire pits, nightly s'mores and a seasonal "mountain concierge" to run guests through the ropes on the best hiking and fishing spots in the area. The five-acre meadow on which the resort sits is dotted with wildflowers and makes the ideal backdrop to a picture-perfect mountain ceremony – a relaxing break during their action-packed holiday.
Oceanpoint Ranch
San Simeon, California
Fresh off a complete renovation, this former motor lodge on Moonstone Beach features rustic-chic accommodations and fabulous views from the beachside gardens and lawn. That grass-covered space is a dream location to pledge your love and party through the evening. Leading up to your nuptials, guests can pal around the property, playing croquet, horseshoes, cornhole, lawn bowling, outdoor shuffleboard and cow roping (there are no actual cows harmed in the playing of this game). Or they can take a dip in the heated pool or grab a blanket and picnic basket to relax on the beach. It feels like a remote adult summer camp but is located just ten minutes from downtown Cambria and right near Central Coast wine country.
Hotel Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Hotel Vermont takes its rustic and modern theme seriously. It’s located right in the middle of Burlington near the shores of Lake Champlain and combines sophisticated design with a range of activities that highlight the Green Mountain State’s outdoorsy lifestyle. Its experience program covers all of your wide-ranging guests’ bases with guides to help navigate local restaurants and bars along with complimentary bikes to help everyone get around. They also have yoga classes and several partnerships that cover food, wine and water sports. Whether your guests want to sail, kayak or paddleboard on the lake or explore the area’s natural wine and craft beer scene, the Hotel Vermont keep can help make sure everyone is entertained while you and your betrothed try to soothe your stage fright.
Viceroy Snowmass
Snowmass, Colorado
Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, this luxe ski resort offers ample outdoor adventures no matter which season you prefer to tie the knot. The gorgeous property, right in the heart of Snowmass Base Village, offers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and sleigh rides in the winter, followed by hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, and horseback riding after the snow melts. Whenever the adventure-seeking contingent is done breaking a sweat — or getting pampered in the spa — your friends and family can gather together and sip cocktails by the mountainside pool. The staff here aims to make your big day as stress-free as can be. The fully customizable venue, with dramatic mountain views as far as the eye can see, has a team of wedding specialists that will help you manage all of the details and prep work on your wedding day.
Dossier Hotel
Portland, Oregon
Say you can’t focus in on one theme for your wedding weekend. You want all the restaurants, shopping and other vibrant amenities of a city, but you also want to get outdoors with your guests. Do all of the above at the Dossier Hotel in downtown Portland. Set in the midst of a thriving arts community, the hotel is surrounded by acclaimed restaurants and bars and offers complimentary use of Shinola bikes for those who want to go further afield. For local outings, the hotel has teamed up with a bunch of local businesses like Knot Springs, a health and wellness social club with fitness classes and soaking pools, and Next Adventure, an outfitter that offers guided hikes on Mt. Hood and adventure valet packages stocked with all the gear you need to explore the city’s 166 miles of trails and 266 public parks yourself.
Kimpton Angler’s Hotel
Miami Beach, Florida
This recently renovated hotel is a sophisticated retreat, located right smack dab in the middle of all the action on South Beach’s Washington Avenue. It offers plenty of chic options for tying the knot, including hidden alcoves, lush gardens and a new rooftop pool and sundeck that can be combined to accommodate up to 300 guests. The place boasts a bunch of new community spaces where guests can get to know one another during the big weekend, including a new living room lobby and lively restaurant and bar. For those who want to do more than soak up the sun, the property offers on-site spa services, daily cardio classes, and complimentary bikes for checking out the town. Guests can also enjoy Angler’s Reef underwater excursions for snorkeling and scuba diving on its adopted coral reef.
The Edgewater
Seattle, Washington
Seattle may be surrounded by water, but the city only has one waterfront hotel, The Edgewater. Practically floating on Elliott Bay, the stunning property offers prime photo backdrops for your big day with panoramas of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline. That’s why it was voted "Best Quintessential Seattle-Area Reception Site" by Seattle Bride Magazine. The place is both a fitness freak and music lover’s heaven. In addition to free bicycles and a fitness room, the hotel offers an Urban Wellness program with maps of running routes and even Brooks-brand running shoes to use. Honoring its history as a home away from home for visiting musicians, ranging from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to Blondie and Frank Zappa, it offers suggested playlists for each route as well as sheet music and guitars for guests to play, and a collection of LPs dating back to the 1960s.
Gateway Canyons Resort
Gateway, Colorado
It’s almost easier to count the activities that Gateway Canyon does not offer rather than the extensive list of things they do. But that’ll just get confusing, so here’s a few: fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, shooting sports, cattle drives, cowboy lessons, anthropology tours, helicopter rides, luxury car rentals, off-roading, wine country tours, spa services and more. See what we mean? There’s a reason this place is a dream wedding destination for couples who want to entertain their guests before saying "I do" among the towering red rocks of southwest Colorado. The luxurious property has a team of wedding planners who can bring together all of the professionals needed to make the big day flow smoothly and they’ll work with the talented onsite chefs to make sure the menu is just as impressive as the event itself.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 50 States of Gorgeous Wedding Venues, 23 Stunning Vineyard Wedding Venues Around the United States, The Most Enriching Museum Wedding Venues in All 50 States