April 16, 2025

What Is a Destination Wedding?

A destination wedding is a wedding held away from your hometown, typically at a resort in a dream location—like Mexico or the Caribbean—where your ceremony, reception, and vacation happen in one unforgettable trip. It blends celebration with travel, making your big day feel like a wedding and honeymoon rolled into one. Most couples choose all-inclusive resorts that help with the planning, and offer group perks—turning “stress” into “let’s go!”

What Makes a Wedding a “Destination Wedding”?

Held in a location that requires travel for the couple and guests.
Often hosted at a resort or venue that offers ceremony, lodging, and reception.
Can be symbolic, legal, religious—or all three.
Popular with couples seeking a wedding + vacation in one.
Usually involves group bookings and extended stays.

Why Couples Choose Destination Weddings (Over Traditional Ones)

Built-in vacation for couple & guests
Often more affordable than local weddings
Resorts offer packages with planners, décor, food & more
Unique venues like beaches, rooftops, gardens, and chapels
Opportunity to spend real time with your guests over several days

A destination wedding is a fantastic way to bring two families together, transforming a single day’s celebration into an unforgettable multi-day adventure. It’s a chance for everyone to connect and create lasting bonds, all while enjoying amazing surroundings.

Why More Couples Choose Destination Weddings?

Built-in vacation for couple & guests
Often more affordable than local weddings
Resorts offer packages with planners, décor, food & more
Unique venues like beaches, rooftops, gardens, and chapels
Opportunity to spend real time with your guests over several days

just married couple first dance with guests around with sparklers at a destination wedding

Is It Legal? What About the Paperwork?

Couples can choose symbolic or legal ceremonies
Legal weddings require:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates
- Blood tests (in some countries)
Symbolic ceremonies are stress-free and most popular

mayan beach wedding ceremony with prehispanic characters and a chaman — Local authentic wedding ceremonies are a great way to experience local culture in a sacred love ritual.

Is a Destination Wedding More Affordable?

Yes! Most destination weddings cost less than traditional hometown weddings. According to Fidelity, the average wedding cost in the United States in 2024 was $33,000.

A wedding package at an all-inclusive resort can start under $5,000 for 20–30 guests and go from there. Total price will depend on the number of events included (Welcome party, ceremony, cocktail hour, wedding reception, etc.) and the additional decor and vendors you select.

The main other fee to consider is the travel portion for the couple and their guests. Flights will depend on the departure gateway but can range between $300-$700 per person. Lodging cost will vary based on the type of resort and the room category, nightly rates per person can go form $150 to $500+ per person per night.

What’s Included in a Destination Wedding Package?

This will depend on the Destination wedding package you choose but some of the common inclusions are:

Ceremony setup (arch, chairs, décor)
On-site wedding coordinator
Bouquet & boutonniere
Cocktail hour & private reception with open bar
Sound system
Group booking perks (room upgrades, free events)

Here are a few example of wedding packages you can find at all-inclusive resorts.

Resort	Package Name	Price	Guests Included	Extra Guest Cost
Sandos Caracol	Sweet Romance	$3,850	30	$85
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres	Tropical Bliss	$6,700	50	$70
Dreams Bahia Mita	Beyond Memorable	$12,049	79	$125
Hilton La Romana	Deluxe Bliss	$16,339	38	$135

Where Do Destination Weddings Happen?

Most popular regions:
- Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos)
- Caribbean (Punta Cana, Jamaica)
- Costa Rica
Common venues:
- Beachfront resorts
- Rooftop terraces
- Tropical gardens
- Catholic chapels