Choose Your Destination

Choosing your destination is always the first step in planning your destination wedding. Once you know your destination, many of the details will fall into place naturally. There are many things to take into consideration when choosing your destination. Where are most of your guests traveling from? Which locations will have the most resort options? Which destinations will have the best prices?

The most popular destinations include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Central America, the smaller Caribbean Islands, and Hawaii. Hawaii is perfect for guests traveling from the west coast of the United States, however, wedding costs are the highest here and resorts are NOT all-inclusive, which makes them comparable to local stateside wedding rates. Mexico, which has the most options and the best prices for 20+ guests, will be easier to compare with destinations like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Now it’s time to choose a wedding package. Destination wedding packages at all-inclusive resorts are designed to give couples as little or as much as they would like. With an all-inclusive resort, you get a lot built in, from decor and food to a wedding department who will coordinate it all for you. Some resorts even offer complimentary packages.

Basic packages may be just for the couple or a small amount of guests. It typically includes basic ceremony decor and a set ceremony location

Upgraded packages will welcome more guests, along with more decor options. The typically include a reception and a wedding cake.

The luxury package is the highest priced package a resort offers. It includes extravagant decor, a private reception, and much more.

There are two types of ceremonies for destination weddings: symbolic and civil. Civil ceremonies are legally binding in the country in which it’s performed and requires more logistics when planning a destination wedding. The ceremony venue is the next thing you should consider while planning.

Symbolic ceremonies mean you get married at your local courthouse, then host your wedding ceremony like normal at your chosen location.

Civil or legal ceremonies must follow the rules of your destination’s government and may require extra fees and paperwork.

What type of ceremony venue do you have in mind? Just about every all-inclusive resort will feature a beachfront, and beach ceremonies are the most popular choice. But they may not always be fully private, depending on your chosen resort. There are many other venues to consider too, from elegant rooftop terraces to lush tropical gardens, oceanfront gazebos, and unique one-of-a-kind venues. Utilize the image gallery to see some examples.