Inside the Rising Trend of Wellness Wedding Retreats

Prioritizing wellness when it comes to the wedding journey is nothing new—it's long been a part of prewedding and postwedding considerations, from spa bach parties to day-after detox brunches. But couples are now doubling down on mindfulness through wellness weddings where the main event also focuses on creating balance and wellbeing.

So how does one plan a wellness wedding retreat that isn't just trendy, but is also meaningful? Spoiler: Your options aren't limited to just wedding morning yoga. I spoke with a bevy of experts to get their insights on how to plan a wedding that prioritizes well-being over burnout.

In this story:

• What Is a Wellness Wedding?
• Wellness Wedding Retreat Ideas
• Wellness Wedding Retreat Venues
• Wellness Wedding Retreat Budget Priorities

What Is a Wellness Wedding?

A wellness wedding centers on a mindful, holistic approach to wedding planning wherein the to-be-weds infuse their nuptials with meaningful elements that promote mental, emotional and physical well-being and a calm sense of centeredness. "Couples that are inspired to have wellness weddings seem to share the deep value of living a healthy lifestyle rooted in physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being," explains Dr. Danika Zivot, lead behavioral health and wellness practioner at Dr. Danika Health. "The American College of Lifestyle Medicine describes some pillars of health and wellness as nutrition, physical activity, social connection, and stress management."

So how does wellness fit into weddings specifically? "Incorporating elements of wellness into a wedding is a unique option for couples looking for something impactful and non-traditional," says Rachael McCrory, regional director of spa and wellness for the US and Canada at Hilton. McCrory is not only a wellness expert, but she also recently planned her very own wellness wedding at Grand Wailea complete with astrological readings.

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"The emphasis on wellness in weddings is more than just a trend," explains San Francisco-based event planner Jenna Lam, owner of Jenna Lam Events since 2012. "It reflects a broader cultural shift towards holistic and experiential celebrations. As people become more conscious of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, this focus naturally extends to significant life events like weddings. The desire to create meaningful and rejuvenating experiences for both the couple and their guests is likely to continue growing, making wellness a lasting element in wedding planning.

Wellness Wedding Retreat Ideas

"As awareness of physical and mental health grows, so does the emphasis on self-care," explains Natalya Kolosok, CEO and founder of New York City Bride. And the best part about prioritizing self-care in a wedding is that it can take many different forms. "Wellness is multifaceted and personal. For some, it focuses on physical health, beauty, or mental well-being. Many use the wedding as a motivation to get in shape, deepen relationships, try new beauty trends, and make lifestyle changes," explains Ashley Smith who has owned her eponymous wedding planning firm in San Francisco for over 14 years. "Prioritizing these aspects can be powerful and transformative. The focus on wellness aligns with broader societal trends toward health, mindfulness, and sustainability, indicating that it will continue to be an integral part of wedding planning."

When considering what to incorporate into your day, take a page from New York-based wedding planner Tracey Benor, co-founder of Benor & Beik: "When thinking about mindfulness and wellness, we like to plan touches that are authentic to the couple and help craft a seamless guest experience. Couples should consider what brings them joy and bring their guests into their world for a moment of the wedding day." Emily Campbell, owner of GoBella Design & Planning, concurs that wellness is a significant boon to the overall guest experience. "By incorporating elements that promote well-being, couples can offer their guests a unique experience that goes beyond the traditional wedding. These thoughtful touches not only enhance the overall atmosphere but also ensure that everyone leaves the celebration feeling rejuvenated and inspired."

Sound Bath

Photo: Danforth Neal

A sound bath is a mindful wedding idea that Danielle Leilani, owner of Leilani Weddings in Los Angeles, is particularly partial to. So much so that when she builds wedding timelines for her couples, she factors in time for a wellness practice, which oftentimes is either a sound bath or meditation. "We leave two 30-minute time slot options open in the morning for either a solo or group practice—this is oftentimes something like a massage or facial alone, or a sound bath or yoga session with the group," explains the pro. "This really helps set the tone for the day and gets everyone grounded for what is to be a high-energy, sometimes stressful, adrenaline-filled day."

Guided Wedding Meditation

Photo: Larissa Cleveland Photography

In addition to sound baths, guided meditation is another great way to weave mindfulness into the wedding. "One of my favorite wellness-focused activities is a scheduled guided visualization meditation the day before or morning of the wedding," says Alexandra Denniston, owner and lead planner of Eventlightenment Planning in Rhode Island. "This allows the couple an opportunity to imagine and manifest every aspect of their best day ever. It supports them kicking off their weekend or day with a clear mind so they can focus on staying calm and enjoying every moment of the day as it unfolds."

Meditation doesn't just have to happen before the wedding, it can also take place during the ceremony. "Many of our recent clients have been considering mindfulness when planning their weddings. They want to be present the entire day and want their guests to be present with them. One couple included meditation at their outdoor ceremony, a beautiful way to share something they love with their guests and ensure everyone was fully present as the celebration began," recalls Benor.

Astrological Considerations

Photo: Harper Blankenship Photography

You can prioritize wellness from the very start by selecting a lucky wedding date or one that aligns with an auspicious moon phase. Astrology can also inform the elements that you include in the wedding ceremony. For example, I recently attended a wedding where the couple had their officiant share their horoscopes as wedding readings.

Tarot Card Readers

Photo: Sposto Photography

Benor emphasizes that mindful touches should "enhance the guest experience rather than hinder it." One creative option that guests can enjoy? A tarot card reader at the wedding reception.

Wellness-Centric Menu

Photo: Christina McNeill Photography

"Couples are increasingly mindful of their own and their guests' well-being, leading to some innovative and health-conscious decisions," says Kolosok. "For example, many couples now offer a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails and healthier meal options during the reception dinner, ensuring that guests have choices that align with their wellness goals."

At a wedding that Campbell planned recently, she facilitated a kombucha bar because the bride was sober. "Providing healthy food and beverage options, such as a Kombucha bar, ensures that guests have refreshing and mindful choices," she says.

Group Exercise

Photo: Alternative Standards

Group exercise is one of the most common ways we're seeing couples prioritize wellness in weddings. "Because weddings are known to be high-stress occasions, carving out time to breathe and take in the moments, are key," advises Angela Carter, founder of Carter Group Creative in Washington, DC. "For multi-day celebrations, yoga and other fitness sessions can be included in the schedule before kicking off the day's festivities. Not only beneficial for the couple, guests will appreciate these considerations as well."

And yoga isn't the only option available. Swimming, ice baths and hiking are other great options to consider. Lam's couples have gotten creative by including everything from nature walks to pickleball in their weddings. "We've seen more couples opting for activities in nature as part of their wedding weekend. This includes sunrise yoga on a beach in Hawaii, hikes in the Marin Headlands, and other outdoor adventures that allow guests to connect with the natural surroundings and each other. These activities often set a serene and relaxed tone for the celebrations, helping everyone feel more grounded and present. Additionally, couples are incorporating group physical exercise activities, such as pickleball tournaments, into their itineraries. These events provide guests with a fun and engaging way to bond and interact beyond the usual wedding festivities."

Massages

Photo: Christina McNeill Photography

A standout example of integrating wellness into the wedding experience is the Mayan Bath experience I arranged for a couple's wedding in San Miguel a few years ago. Guests enjoyed mineral pools and massages to work off their hangovers before the wedding, and it was a hugely successful event! This type of activity rejuvenates guests and enhances the overall sense of relaxation and enjoyment.

Lavender Wedding Favors

Photo: Lauren Fair Photography

"Wellness-themed wedding favors, such as aromatherapy kits or mini spa sets, are also gaining popularity, providing guests with tools to unwind and relax," says Kolosok.

Crystal Wedding Favors

Photo: Larissa Cleveland Photography

I recently attended a wedding where crystals were placed on everyone's chair at the ceremony to be used as part of a meditation ritual during the wedding. The officiant took time to explain the reason the couple wanted guests to have crystals and it was a very meaningful detail that I cherished.

Sage and Palo Santo Wedding Favors

Photo: Porterhouse LA

In addition to crystals, sage and/or palo santo are a mindful option for couples to consider for wedding favors.

Nature Mandala

Photo: Light as Gold

For their wedding in Texas, this couple prioritized mindfulness by putting together a nature mandala. "We asked our guests to find little objects to contribute to our nature mandala," explains the couple. "The mandala symbolizes how we are all connected to each other and the earth."

Private Moment for the Couple

Benor is in favor of couples prioritizing quiet time alone during the wedding. The pro explains that it is important for couples to take "moments to themselves throughout the day to stay present and not get caught up in how quickly everything goes—if the couple can stay mindful throughout the day, the guests will, too." McCrory agrees, going on to add that "we all recognize how stressful weddings can be. Taking time for even just small moments of wellness together as a couple such as a meditation the morning of the wedding, can help to reset and realign focus back to you as a couple."

Sleep

From a young age, we've been taught how important sleep is. Even so, it can often be hard to prioritize this practice that is critical to personal wellness. "Sleep is another key area and one that often gets lost in pre-wedding events and activities. It's important to prioritize a full night of sleep the night before the wedding, if nothing else, to be able to fully enjoy the special night," says McCrory.

According to Smith, "The most crucial advice is to prioritize sleep. Establish boundaries to ensure you get adequate rest, especially during the wedding weekend. Adhering to a good sleep schedule before the wedding is beneficial, particularly for destination weddings in different time zones. Couples can adjust their circadian rhythms before traveling to minimize the impact of time zone changes. Additionally, plan and allocate time for the activities you want to include during the weekend to ensure a balanced and fulfilling experience."

Hydration

What goes hand-in-hand with sleep? Hydration. "I think the ultimate sign of true wellness is keeping it simple—Hydration. Hydration is as straightforward as it sounds—drink enough water to keep your body working as it should," advises Cora Proper, wedding photographer and owner of Cora Jane Photography.

Wellness Wedding Retreat Venues

In addition to the ideas above, a great way to prioritize wellness in your wedding is through thoughtfully booking a mindful wedding venue. Here are some great picks to consider.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Wailea, Hawaii

Photo: Grand Wailea

According to Hilton, the main reason people want to travel is to rest and recharge. Because of this, the company is seeing record levels of demands for wellness across their hotels and wedding venues. As such, they're taking steps to prioritize their wellness offerings. "Since the concept of wellness means something different to every type of traveler and guest, these offerings are extending beyond the spa and incorporated into different aspects of the guest journey touching on a variety of pillars such as movement, rest, nourishment and mindfulness," explains McCrory.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is one of Hilton's most sought after properties, especially for couples getting married, and it is a great spot for those focused on wellness. Specifically, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has wellness guest rooms that are thoughtfully designed to enhance a guest's entire experience. "Newly launched in June 2024, our eleven luxurious wellness-focused guest rooms feature carefully curated amenities to optimize personal wellbeing, travel rejuvenation, and restful sleep. Highlights include Therabody compression boots, premium eucalyptus bedding, air purifier, white noise sound machine, wellness mini bar and access to Kilolani Spa's Hydrothermal Gardens," says the property.

The Sacred Space Miami in Miami, Florida

Photo: The Sacred Space Miami

The Sacred Space Miami is a wedding venue in Florida that can accommodate 275 guests indoors and 350 guests outdoors. The venue boasts " a serene and holistic environment. Couples can celebrate in style along the tropical guava grove and reflection pool while tucking into gourmet plant-based cuisine from the innovative in-house kitchen. Combining many elements of nature and healthy living, the wellness retreat is an oasis."

Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, California

Photo: Soul Food Farm

Remember how we said that lavender would make a great wellness-focused wedding favor? Well, why not take that a step further and tie the knot at a lavender farm for a calm, relaxed celebration? Soul Food Farm in Vacaville, California, is a lavender farm wedding venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests and is open March through November. "I appreciate Soul Food Farm's values," remarks one reviewer. "They love their animals, their land, people, feeding people, and nurturing the interaction among them all. They also support and are very connected to their local community."

Living Sculpture Sanctuary LLC in Davie, Florida

Photo: Living Sculpture Sanctuary LLC

Living Sculpture Sanctuary LLC prides itself on being "a sanctuary for your matrimony." This affordable Florida wedding venue is proudly woman- and Latinx-owned and can hold up to 150 people. "The intention that the owners and facilitators at Living Sculpture Sanctuary have for their couples is so pure and true, you can feel it the moment you walk onto the property. The venue is something so unique and special because it is created from love," says one reviewer.

Civana Wellness Resort and Spa in Carefree, Arizona

Photo: Civana Wellness Resort and Spa

Civana Wellness Resort and Spa in Carefree, Arizona, (yes, that's really the city name!) is on a mission to "awaken a new sense of spirit." According to the resort wedding venue, guests can "reconnect and reinvigorate your senses in a place of incredible natural beauty, with personalized wellness experiences, and award-winning hospitality. The resort has 114 rooms and various event spaces with guest capacities for a seated reception ranging from 60 to 500 to accommodate a variety of wedding sizes.

Coastal Palms in Laguna Beach, California

Photo: Sheff Production Photography & Videography

Did you know you can enjoy the verdant luxury of Bali without leaving the US? Enter: Coastal Palms in Laguna Beach, California. The 110-person beach wedding venue also has overnight accommodations for 10 wedding VIPs. The venue has a 1,200-square-foot tranquil garden with a turtle and Koi pond where many couples opt for a serene wedding ceremony before moving to the Grand Terrace for a reception overlooking the ocean. Talk about dreamy!

Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs in Calistoga, California

Photo: Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs

Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs in Calistoga, California, is a wedding venue "where wellness meets happiness." The resort, which has been around since 1952, this mindful destination has spring-fed mineral pools as well as Calistoga volcanic ash mud baths for couples and guests alike to enjoy as part of a wedding weekend. This small wedding venue is ideal for guest lists up to 50 people.

Wellness Wedding Retreat Budget Priorities

Now that you know about unique wellness wedding ideas, you might be wondering how you're going to pay for them. "It's normal to hear about yet another thing you have to pay for, panic and say 'oh no, another bill,'" remarks Leilani. "But it's important to recognize that planning a wedding is a holistic experience, and with anything that complex, educating yourself and fully understanding the scope is imperative. We have found that after introducing our couples to wellness, and explaining to them in detail why it's important they immediately get it, and understand that the bottom line is this: Wellness is not a nice addition, but a necessary one."

As Leilani points out, wellness is worth prioritizing. Working with an expert wedding planner is a good way to ensure your wedding budget is spent effectively. And while you may need to make a few budget adjustments elsewhere, you'll be glad you did. What's more, The Knot has a convenient wedding budget tool to help advise you as you navigate your wedding budget planning.