The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Multi-Day Wedding Celebration
Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
What’s better than one wedding day? A whole weekend of celebrations with your favorite people (seriously, can it get better than that?)! Over the years, we’ve photographed everything from cozy weekday elopements to full-blown wedding weekends that span two or even three days! Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop adventure, a sunset dinner under string lights, or an adult summer camp filled with games and laughter, planning a full weekend gives you the time and space to do it all and do it all at your own pace. In this blog post, we’re walking you through how to plan a wedding weekend in a few simple steps. Plus, we share a sample wedding weekend itinerary and some frequently asked questions we get about multi-day weddings.
Table of Contents
3 Reasons to Plan a Multi-Day Wedding
One thing we’ve heard from so many couples is that the wedding day goes so fast. After months of planning, it’s over in a blink. A weekend wedding stretches that magic out just a little longer, giving you more room to connect with your people and and soak it all in.
But, there are even more reasons to plan a multi-day wedding. Here are three of our favorites:
Spend Quality Time With Your Favorite People
If your loved ones are traveling to be with you, chances are you want more than just a quick hug on the dance floor. A weekend gives you the chance to slow down and really connect, whether that’s over morning coffee, a group hike, or late-night chats by the fire.
Enjoy A Slower-Paced Wedding (Without Sacrificing Moments that Matter)
You want to pack your weekend with activities, but it’s equally important to fill your experience with intention. This could look like planning a mountaintop ceremony, a family-style meal, a sunset boat cruise, or all of the above. Spreading your celebration out over multiple days allows you to enjoy all of these moments and savor them, without rushing from one thing to the next.
Celebrate More than Once
Why have one wedding day when you can have three? From a welcome dinner to your ceremony day to a relaxed farewell brunch (or even a private adventure session just for the two of you), each day is another chance to celebrate. Click here to read how Carson and Gabbie made the most of a three-day Kauai micro wedding!
Learning how to plan a wedding weekend starts with knowing why a multi-day experience matters (and, more importantly, why it matters to you!). Multi-day wedding are about more than just extending the timeline. They’re about creating more meaning throughout the entire experience.
How to Plan a Wedding Weekend
If you’re ready to figure out how to plan a wedding weekend from start to finish, here are a few steps to guide you through the most important planning pieces.
Choose Your Wedding Location and Time of Year
Your setting shapes the vibe for your whole weekend, from the activities to the weather to the backdrop in your photos. Whether it’s a tropical getaway in Kauai or a cabin weekend in the Washington mountains, think about the type of experience you want to create and how the location plays a part. Once you’ve chosen a location, start scouting venues that match your vision.
*Insider Tip – Look for venues with lodging options.
Need some wedding venue ideas? Check out a few of our favorites below:
Set Your Budget
A weekend wedding usually includes a few extra things (think lodging or venue buyouts, multi-day meals, permits, or added activity costs). Most of our couples spend between $20,000–$50,000+ on their wedding weekend, depending on location, guest count, and what they choose to include.
Start by sitting down with your partner and deciding how much you want to invest in your wedding weekend overall. Then prioritize the parts that matter most to you, like photography, food, or that dreamy venue you’ve been eyeing.
Decide How Many Guests to Invite
Just because it’s a big celebration doesn’t mean you have to have a big guest list. In fact, most multi-day weddings have guest counts under 50 (we’ve found this is the sweet spot for connecting without feeling overwhelmed). When it comes to choosing who to invite, focus on the people who matter the most to you and your partner. No matter who makes the list, focus on the people you want to include and don’t feel pressured to invite anyone out of obligation!
Not sure what size wedding is right for you? Read our blog post “What is a Micro Wedding (and is it right for you)?”
Book Your Photographer and Planner Early
Wedding weekends and multi-day weddings have a lot of moving pieces. That’s why it’s so helpful to work with vendors (like us!) who specialize in documenting and guiding you through multi-day events. On top of documenting your weekend celebration, we’ll also help provide location and vendor recommendations as well as assist with creating a custom timeline that matches your vision.
Working with a planner is also a total game-changer here. From handling logistics to managing vendors to taking out the trash at the end of the night, a good planner will help you (and your guests) feel less stressed and more present.
Design Your Wedding Weekend Itinerary
This is where things get really fun. Start sketching out what you want each day of your wedding weekend to look like. Maybe you kick things off with a welcome hike, spend the next day celebrating with your people, and wrap it all up with a quiet adventure, just the two of you.
There’s no one “right” way to do this. You get to design a flow that matches your vision (and, don’t worry, you don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll help you fill in the details during the planning process.). And if you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s how one couple designed their own two-day North Cascades elopement.
Book Your Accommodations
When it comes to choosing your wedding weekend accommodations, our advice is to choose lodging that fits your vibes and vision. A big Airbnb where everyone can stay is great for all-weekend hangs, while a handful of cozy cabins is perfect if you want a bit of downtime between events. Think about how you want this experience to feel, and go with the option that feels best for you!
Build a Wedding Website and Communicate Your Plans
A wedding weekend comes with more moving parts, and your guests will have questions. We recommend using a wedding website to share your itinerary, lodging suggestions, travel tips, and anything else your guests will need to feel informed and excited. You don’t need to have every detail figured out. Just offer a rough outline so your guests can start planning.
Sample language for your multi-day wedding announcement:
We’re getting married at [venue name] on [date]. Most of our guests are staying at [insert accommodations], and we’d love for you to join us for a welcome hike on Friday and a farewell brunch on Sunday! More details to come!
Confirm the Details
As your wedding weekend gets closer, you’ll want to confirm your timeline with all vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page. This is also a great time to send any final updates to guests.
*Insider Tip – You don’t need to schedule every second. Leave room for slow mornings, spontaneous toasts, and stargazing by the bonfire.
Have the Best Day Ever (x3!)
The beauty of a wedding weekend is that it’s not just about one moment; it’s about two or three (or even more) days of celebration.
Sample 3-Day Wedding Weekend Itinerary
Looking for wedding weekend itinerary ideas? Here’s an example from one of our favorite couples!
Friday: Adventure Day with Guests
- Guests arrive and the celebration begins!
- Sunset boat cruise along the coast
Saturday: Wedding Day
- Morning coffee and breakfast with guests
- Getting ready at your cabin or micro wedding venue
- First look and ceremony
- Family-style celebratory meal
- Bonfire (and s’mores) and dancing under the string lights
Sunday: Private Adventure Day
- Brunch and goodbyes with guests
- Private sunset hike
- Quiet time to read vows and soak it all in with your love
The great thing about this sample wedding weekend itinerary is that you can customize it any way you want to match your vibe! Want to plan a sunset group hike instead of a boat cruise? Or how about a group yoga session the morning after your wedding day? No matter what activities and what order you want your experience to flow, remember that you get to design a weekend that feels most aligned with you.
Want to see what this wedding weekend itinerary looks like in real life? Check out Gabbie and Carson’s 3-day micro wedding in Kauai below!
FAQs About How to Plan a Wedding Weekend
What is a typical wedding weekend?
Every couple is different, but most wedding weekend schedules include a welcome activity or adventure day, the wedding day itself, and a farewell gathering. As your wedding photographers, we’ll help you create a timeline that fits your vibes and priorities.
How far in advance should we plan our multi-day wedding?
We recommend starting at least 6-12 months out, especially if you’re eyeing a popular venue or peak season.
Do I need to invite guests to all three days?
Nope! In fact, we recommend carving out at least one part of the weekend for just you and your partner. Having some quiet time together is so special and can allow you to focus on what’s most important – the two of you!
How can we help guests have a great time?
Keep communication clear and simple. Share travel tips, a general timeline, and let them know what to expect. A little planning goes a long way in helping your people feel welcome and excited. It’s also nice to give your guests the option to join in on what feels good for them. And, most importantly, the more relaxed you are, the more they’ll enjoy the celebration too. Read how Melanie and Will combined time with guests and a solo adventure during their two-day Mt. Baker wedding
Ready to Book Your Wedding Weekend Package (aka Your Biggest Adventure Yet)?
Now that you know how to plan a wedding weekend, are you ready to start? Whether you’re planning a backcountry adventure or a destination wedding with your favorite people, we can’t wait to help bring your vision to life! Our multi-day wedding packages are built to help you experience all the weekend’s most meaningful moments (without sacrificing what matters).
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