16 Travel-Themed Wedding Ideas to Kickstart Your New Adventure

If you and your partner love visiting new places together, or if it seems like both of you have a never-ending case of wanderlust, then a travel-themed wedding makes total sense for you when it's time to start planning your big day. Luckily, there are plenty of travel theme wedding ideas you can use to incorporate your love of exploration and adventure into your wedding decor. Whether you're into backpacking, glamorous getaways, or something in between, these ideas will help jumpstart your travel-themed wedding vision board.

What is a travel-themed wedding?

The travel-themed wedding style tends to be a mixture of boho and whimsical aesthetics, with the ultimate goal of creating an ambience that's both welcoming and eclectic—most importantly, it should be full of your personality and love of travel! Popular decor accents for a travel theme include things like globes, vintage suitcases, postcards, airplane motifs, stamps, and maps. Bright wedding colors are an easy way to give your travel-themed wedding a boost of fun, so we suggest choosing eye-catching colors like yellow, blue, red, fuchsia, and turquoise.   

Travel Theme Wedding Ideas

Not sure where to start? We've got you. Here are some of our favorite ideas for a travel-themed wedding—your next adventure begins now!

Event planning by Hazel & Bloom Events; Calligraphy by Cottonwood Print

Travel-themed wedding invitations

Decorate your save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and other stationery with travel-themed details, like a hot air balloon motif, airplane motif, or even the geographical coordinates of your wedding location. Complete the invitations with themed stamps, or source unique vintage ones from Etsy.

Passport wedding invitations

We love this alternative invitation idea if you're having a destination wedding. Work with your wedding stationer to create a themed stationery booklet that looks like a passport—you can include all of the important wedding invitation details, along with helpful travel tips for your guests.

Comfortable wedding attire

Practical attire is especially important if your travel-themed wedding is taking place in an unexpected locale, like at the top of a mountain. Skip the fancy gowns, tuxedos, and footwear in favor of clothes that make it easy to move around (hiking boots optional!) and are appropriate for your venue. 

Event planning by Hazel & Bloom Events; Calligraphy by Cottonwood Print

Engraved compass wedding gift

Watches are a popular wedding day gift to give your spouse, but for a travel wedding theme, why not surprise your S.O. with a personalized compass instead? This one has a sweet engraved message on the back that reads, "So you can always find your way back home."

Airplane hangar wedding venue

Don't hesitate to think outside the box when it comes to your travel-themed wedding venue. Unique transportation-inspired venues, like airplane hangars, aviation museums, and train stations, will add an extra-memorable element to your special day.  

Wedding welcome sign

This wedding welcome sign is elegant while staying on-theme thanks to a subtle postal motif in the top right corner. Vintage suitcases and hurricane lanterns turn the sign into a focal point at the venue entrance.

Vintage map wedding seating chart

Direct your wedding guests to their reception tables with this travel-themed seating chart. Use a vintage world map as the background for printable or hand-written seating assignments. 

Event planning by Hazel & Bloom Events; Calligraphy by Cottonwood Print

Luggage tag wedding escort cards

If you prefer individual wedding escort cards instead of a seating chart, leather luggage tags are a creative idea for a travel-inspired wedding. Hire a professional calligrapher to write the guests' names—these also double as wedding favors!

Event planning by Erin Marie Weddings

Vintage suitcases

Vintage and antique suitcases are staple pieces when it comes to travel-themed wedding ideas. You can use them almost anywhere, whether it's to fill an empty corner at your venue, create a unique wedding cake display, or collect cards and gifts.

Event planning by White Lace Events & Design

Up-themed wedding table centerpiece

If you're inviting kids to your wedding, they'll love this adorable Up-inspired centerpiece (and we're pretty the sure adults will, too).  

Vintage travel postcards

From table numbers to place cards, there are a million different ways to use vintage postcards in your travel-themed wedding decor. If you can find postcards from your wedding location, honeymoon spot, or another place that holds significance for you and your partner, that's even better!

Globe wedding guest book

Skip the traditional tabletop guest book and ask your guests to sign a globe instead. Not only does it match the travel-themed wedding aesthetic, but it's something you'll actually want to display it in your home after the wedding. Check out local thrift stores for vintage globes, or purchase a customized one on Etsy.  

Travel-themed wedding koozies

Koozies are a tried-and-true wedding favor, and they'll come in handy right away if you put them out at the start of your reception. Customize yours with a cute travel-inspired phrase like, "Our adventure begins" and your wedding date.

Vintage camper photo booth

This vintage-camper-turned-photo-booth is an added source of entertainment during cocktail hour and when guests are taking a break from the dance floor. Browse local event rental companies to find one for your reception.

Personalized wedding favors

Would you believe us if we told you this was chocolate? Treat your guests to a similar wedding favor idea by decorating custom cookies or candy with travel-themed details, like a compass.

Tile inspired-wedding cake

For your wedding cake, pull inspiration from some of your favorite trips and work with your wedding cake baker to design something you love. This tile-inspired wedding cake reminds us of Barcelona or Santorini.