As 2026 approaches, couples are weighing whether to have traditional weddings at home or destination celebrations abroad, a debate growing in popularity across the U.S.
Destination weddings have risen in recent years, but some experts caution they can be costly for both couples and guests, sometimes resulting in smaller attendance.
Research shows the United States ranks third in the world for domestic weddings, behind Australia and India, while Greece and Italy host the most international weddings. Some couples also choose to return to their hometowns for celebrations, blending tradition with convenience.
Supporters of destination weddings say they act as an “automatic filter” for guests, ensuring those who truly want to attend will make the trip. Others prefer the home or hometown approach to include everyone in the celebration, even relatives they might rather skip.
Meanwhile, one couple in Texas celebrated not only Thanksgiving but also a remarkable 80th wedding anniversary.
Edith and Albert Maddox, who married on November 24, 1945, renewed their vows Friday in front of 140 family members, including 12 children, 37 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
When they first wed, Edith never had a wedding dress or a cake, but decades later, those dreams were fulfilled.
“Oh, that means the world to me,” she said. “It’s real special because of my kids, you know, they did it.” Following the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with their extended family.
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