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wedding dresses for destination wedding

30 Stunning Wedding Dresses for Your Destination Wedding

Are you looking for wedding dresses for the destination wedding of your dreams? 

Who am I kidding, of course you are! 🙌

And just for you, we made a list of the most stunning wedding dresses we found.

The best part? You don’t have to go over your budget for these designer dresses…

Use this list for inspo & ideas on bridal looks for your big day.

30 Stunning Destination Wedding Dresses

  1. Traditional Chic
  2. Color & Pastels
  3. Short & Sweet
  4. Bare Shoulders
  5. Spaghetti Strap
  6. Necklines
  7. Removable Pieces
  8. Other 
  9. Style Trends

To make it easier for you, I’ve divided the list into sections by styles. 

Each section will have multiple wedding dresses for inspo.

Traditional Chic

1. Princess Dress with Leg Slit

You can’t go wrong with this gorgeous style. 

However, a bigger wedding dress can be bulky and that might be an issue in the heat. 

ellie saab wedding dress

Image by Ellie Saab

The slit on the leg shows just enough skin.

And it leaves space for air to flow easier, in case you are worried about it getting too hot.

You will absolutely feel like a princess with a dress in this style! 

2. High Low Dress with a Bow

You wouldn’t think that a high-low dress is a good design for a wedding dress…

Surprisingly, the high low bottom with a giant bow on the side looks absolutely elegant. 

ellie saab

Image by Ellie Saab

The single cross-shoulder strap adds balance to this gown. 

Can you imagine walking down the aisle in this unique summer dress?

I can see it now…. you’ll leave everyone in awe! 

3. Round Back Dress Trumpet Style

If you’re into a more conservative style, this dress is perfect. 

The back is rounded and it doesn’t cut down too far, either.

bride in her trumpet style wedding dress

Image source – Stacees

The rounded back complements the trumpet-style bottom.

One of the downsides to this style is the long sleeves.

But if your wedding is at an indoor venue, you don’t need to worry about the heat.

If you manage to get a version with short or no sleeves, then it’ll be beach-ready!

4. Mermaid Dress with Short Train

Not comfortable with a full open back?

This dress style is a better option since it only has a small opening in the back.

bride wearing mermaid dress

Image source – Pandro Dressy

A shorter trumpet-style train & sleeves make this dress more fitting for outdoor beach ceremonies.

Just because you’re having a destination wedding doesn’t mean you can’t wear a more traditional style!

You do you, boo! 

Color & Pastels

5. Vibrant Red

Do you want a dress that stands out?

You’re in luck because colorful wedding dresses are in right now. 

bride wearing red wedding dress

This off shoulder red gown is a romantic look for any daring bride.

Really, I can’t get over how gorgeous this non-traditional look is! 

What do you think about this bold dress?

6. Blue Dream

Another spectacular gown is this dreamy blue one. 

bride wearing a blue wedding dress

Image source – Teuta Matoshi

This dress is straight out of a fairytale!

Adorned with intricate 3D floral appliqués, it’s a vision in blue!

The structured bodice, complete with built-in padding and boning, ensures you stay supported and comfortable while twirling the night away.

7. Beaded Geometric Pastel Dress

If you want color but nothing too loud, go with a style that has just a touch of pastel.

pastel jimmy choo dress

Image by The Atelier Couture By Professor Jimmy Choo

The colors are light enough for anyone who wants to take a step out of their comfort zone in dress styles. 

The design of the dress itself is beautiful and will make you feel magical!

8. Pastel Flowers

If you’re looking for a more form-fitting dress, then this next style is for you!

It hugs your body in all the right places and the color in this gown comes from the pastel flowers on the fabric. 

bridal gown with pastel flowers

Image source – Watters

You can add a veil or light shrug in case you want extra coverage in the back area. 

Either way, you will look amazing! 

9. Baby Blue Princess Dress

Another option for pastel wedding dresses is this baby blue princess dress.

bride wearing baby blue princess gown

Image source – Sultan Dress

Crystals line the bodice and full skirt of the dress that is going to sparkle under the sun. 

Is anyone else getting Cinderella vibes with this beauty?

Short & Sweet

10. Short Dress with Details

Another popular style that is made for weddings at the beach is the short wedding dress. 

bride wearing short wedding dress

Image source – Milla Nova

Short dresses are not everyone’s cup of tea, but you have to admit how great they look! 

What the dress doesn’t have in length, it makes up for with the pretty details.

It combines a sleek satin bodice with a dramatic, hand-crafted organza skirt bursting with 3D flowers and ruffles. 

11. Pencil Skirt Style Dress

Step back in time with this stunning 1960s-inspired lace and satin pencil wedding dress.

bride wearing pencil skirt style vintage dress

Image source – House of Mooshki

Featuring a classic bodice with delicate Chantilly lace, it exudes vintage charm.

The illusion neckline and long lace sleeves add a touch of sophistication.

And the satin pencil skirt, with its tulip-shaped pleats, captures the era’s iconic style. 

12. Short A-Line Dress

Make a style statement in a charming A-line, tea-length wedding dress.

bride wearing short a line dress

Image source – House of Mooshki

This one here comes with a timeless bateau neckline and sheer illusion 3/4 sleeves.

The full circle skirt flows beautifully, with side panels revealing intricate 3D lace.

Bare Shoulders

13. Flowy Dress with Off the Shoulder Straps

Light & flowy wedding dresses are practically made for destination weddings. 

bride in flowy wedding dress

Image source – Milla Nova

They’re gorgeous & light enough for outdoor weather. 

The dress is made with a lighter material and looks like it wraps around the body just perfectly. 

If you’re looking for a spring or summer wedding dress, this is a style to get bridal inspo from.

14. Sleeveless Dress with Tulle

Sleeveless dresses are a favorite of mine!

Image source – Sumarokova

This A-line wedding gown has a top that’s beautifully adorned with delicate floral accents. 

A graceful V-neckline, enhanced by a tulle drape, adds a touch of romance.

The flowing skirt, crafted from layers of luxurious silk and tulle, ends in a stunning train for a dramatic finish. 

15. Off-the-Shoulder Lace Dress

If going completely strapless doesn’t go with your style, then try an off-the-shoulder dress. 

bride wearing off the shoulder lace dress

Image source – Sophia Tolli

This wedding dress blends glittering allover lace with tulle for a look that’s anything but ordinary.

The sweetheart neckline and delicate draping on the bodice exude timeless elegance.

16. Off-the-Shoulder Princess Dress

Another off-the-shoulder look is a princess-style dress

off shoulder wedding gown

Image source – Sophia Tolli

The skirt is fuller than the previous dress, and the dress features a plunge neckline framed by beaded off-shoulder straps adorned with 3D floral lace.

Are you a mermaid style or princess-style wedding dress type of person?

17. Strapless Dress with Ruffled Skirt

A strapless corset top with a ruffled skirt is a traditional style wedding dress.

Strapless-Sweetheart-Beaded-Lace-Bodice-Ruffled-Skirt-Long-Train-Wedding-Dress

The layers of ruffles are not over the top.

They add to the fullness of the skirt!

This means that the dress won’t be too hot, but the fabric in the corset top will be a little heavier.

The dress just slightly hits the floor, so it will be easy to walk through the sand or any outdoor location on your wedding day! 

18. Strapless Dress with Flower Details

An off-shoulder wedding dress with delicate floral details serves a look that’s both captivating and refined

bride wearing strapless dress with floral details

This dress has a sweetheart neckline that perfectly complements the semi-sheer corset bodice.

Delicate floral lace appliqués cascade across the gown, adding a touch of whimsy and charm. 

Spaghetti Strap

19. Empire Dress with Lace Top

This style looks simple yet intricate at the same time. 

bride wearing empire waist wedding dress

Check out the lace on the bodice! 

The skirt is light & flowy and not very full, so it won’t feel heavy. 

This is an excellent dress for a boho beach babe look!

20. Slip Dress

Slip dresses may resemble undergarments, but these wedding dresses are classy. 

A slip dress is for those looking for a more sweet & sensual vibe. 

woman wearing a white slip dress

Image source – Reformation

What are your thoughts on slip-style dresses?

21. Satin Slip Dress

Next, we have another lovely slip dress. 

This gown has no print on it, but since the satin fabric sits loosely on the body, it’s still an alluring look. 

bride wearing slip dress

Image source – Danielle Frankel Studio

This is a hassle-free spring/summer style.

I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of these going down the aisle this summer!

22. Empire Dress with Leg Slit

This gown channels the ethereal beauty of Greek nymphs with its semi-sweetheart neckline and bare shoulders.

bride wearing empire dress with leg slit

Image source – Olivia Bottega

Designed to flatter, the fitted empire waist gives way to a flowing skirt that gracefully cascades into a delicate train.

The daring front slit adds a touch of drama.

Necklines

23. V Neckline Dress

A plunging v neckline looks so elegant with this next style. 

bride wearing plunging v neck wedding dress

Image source – Olivia Bottega

This dress is the ultimate showstopper!

It features a bold plunging neckline, transparent bishop sleeves, and a dramatic open back.

With a stunning train and shimmering details, you’ll look like you’re floating down the aisle with this whimsical style! 

24. Illusion Neckline

For 2025-26, the illusion neckline is going to be huge!

It’s a design that makes the neckline appear as though it’s detached or ‘floating’.

It’s both elegant and a little daring without actually showing too much skin.

Image source – Ines Di Santo

Expect to see a lot more of these ethereal, dreamy designs as they take over the bridal scene.

25. Bateau Neckline

This one is also known as a “boat” or “Sabrina” neckline (inspired by the iconic Audrey Hepburn film).

Image source – Victoria’s Queen

The bateau neckline gracefully follows the natural curve of the collarbone and extends out to the edges of the shoulders.

This elegant style is set to make a major comeback!

26. One-Shoulder Neckline

The one-shoulder neckline is making a big splash in bridal wear!

This style starts on one shoulder and sweeps diagonally across the chest.

bride wearing one shoulder wedding dress

Image source – Luxe Redux Bridal

Above is a head-turning pleated tulle short dress that’s all about fun and flair!

Perfect for a beach wedding, this dress will bring a fresh, flirty vibe to your special day. 

Removable Pieces

27. Removable Skirt

This bridal style has a removable skirt! 

Wear your dress with the full-over skirt to walk down the aisle.

Then take it off for mermaid-style vibes for your reception.

Image source – Maggie Sottero

Can we make 2 in 1 dresses a more common style?!

28. Removable Cape

A detachable cape for your wedding gown? Oh, yes, please!

It’s like adding a dash of drama to your look, then being able to switch it up when you’re ready to dance the night away.

bride wearing a detachable cape with her wedding gown

Image source – Maggie Sottero

This one here is a beautiful floor length beaded bridal cape with lace details. 

Other

29. Two-Piece Dress

Two-piece wedding gowns are a fabulous, modern twist on traditional bridal wear!

You get the freedom to mix and match tops and skirts for a personalized look.

bride wearing a 2 piece wedding gown

Image source – Maggie Sottero

Whether it’s a crop top with a tulle skirt or a sleek, structured bodice paired with a voluminous ball gown, two-piece dresses offer endless options. 

Plus, they’re super versatile, letting you rock your look from the ceremony to the after-party.

30. Bows

Bows are a playful yet elegant way to accessorize your wedding dress.

You can add a large bow to the back for a dramatic effect or go for something smaller at the waist to accentuate your shape.

bow attachment for wedding dress

Image source – Olivia Bottega

A bow on the shoulder adds a bit of whimsy, while a ribbon bow at the hem or on the sleeves gives a soft, feminine vibe.

You can easily add or remove them, so you can switch things up for different parts of the day!

2025/2026 Style Trends

There are so many incredible trends & styles for wedding dresses out there!

Here are some bridal gown designs for 2025/2026:

  • Bold colors & pastels dresses 
  • Wedding dresses with a pop of color
  • Short & fun wedding gowns
  • Low necklines or cuts that mimic low necklines
  • Detachable pieces, especially sleeves
  • Wedding dresses with leg slits
  • Form-fitting dress
  • Off-the-shoulder or strapless dresses 
  • Floral prints
  • Shorter train or no train

What Type of Dress is Best for a Beach Wedding?

It depends on you! 

Let me explain…

First & foremost, you have to feel comfortable & beautiful in the dress.

So, that varies from person to person.

However, I do recommend going for lightweight fabrics that will make it easy to walk around in the sun & heat. 

Fabrics that are breathable & airy are a great option.

Think:

  • Light satin
  • Lace
  • Lightly layered tulle
lace wedding dress

You don’t have to go completely strapless or with thin straps.

Some styles have sleeves but are made with breathable fabric. 

Train or No Train?

You can certainly wear a dress with a train on the beach, but consider:

  • the length
  • whether you’re going to wear it on the sand, a resort garden, or an indoor venue.

You can choose a casual look or a more traditional one.

It’s your day, so wear what you feel the best in!

I’m sure you will slay any look you choose.

Need Help Planning?

There are many things to consider when planning a destination wedding.

For more tips on venues & wedding packages, check out our other blog posts!

Our wedding planners live in sunny Playa del Carmen and are ready to help you for free! 

We have deals on wedding and vacation/honeymoon packages.

And since we’re local, we can give you recommendations on what to do the rest of your time there. 

We’re happy to help you every step of the way.

Call us toll-free at 877-737-0177 or contact us here.

Happy planning!

Hi, I'm Sarah! Need help deciding which resort is right for your wedding? I've been reviewing wedding resorts for 5+ years with the help of our team here at ParadiseWeddings.com. Have questions? Get honest answers in the comments, or contact our award-winning agency for help today!

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