The Most Complete Guide to Destination Wedding Planning 2025-26

Congratulations on your employment ! We know that planning a wedding can be exciting , but also a second overwhelming – especially when you ’ re thinking about a destination wedding . If you ’ re conceive an all-inclusive resort , don ’ t worry ! We ’ ve come it all covered with the ultimate guide to design your utter destination wedding , so you can center on the fun and leave the details to us . Whether you ’ re considering , Costa Rica,and the Dominican Republic we make this guide with you in mind .

If you ’ d rather skip the reading and chat with our wedding expert , we ’ re hither to help ! You can easy make more information , talk about your options or meet a free quote tailored to your need . Let us make your destination marry planning a breeze : reach out today , we will be happy to aid !

THE BASICS : WHAT , WHY , WHEN , AND HOW ?
- What is a Destination Wedding ?
- Why a Destination Wedding ?
- How to design a Destination Wedding ?
- When be the best time to make marry ?
- When to start planning your Destination Wedding ?
- Destination Wedding VS Local Wedding
- Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding
prefer YOUR DESTINATION , RESORT , VENUE , AND WEDDING bundle
- How to take the perfect destination for your wedding ?
- How to pick out the utter Destination Wedding resort ?
- How to take a wedding venue ?
- All Inclusive Destination Wedding Packages
THE MAGIC QUESTIONS : COST & BUDGET
- What is your Destination Marry budget ?
- How much perform a Destination Wedding price ?
- Are Destination Weddings cheaper ?
- Who pays for the Destination Wedding ?
- How to get a free Destination Wedding ?
TYPES OF CEREMONIES & LEGALITIES
- Type of wedding ceremony
- Will my marriage be legal back family ?
- What are the legal necessity of a Destination Wedding ?
- How long before the wedding will we have to arrive ?
AND MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…
- Can my friend / uncle / love one officiate my wedding ?
- Can kids attend a destination wedding ?
- How does a way block study ?
- What kind of marry clothes or wedding outfit should I tire ?
- How to carry a wedding clothes ?
- What should my guests have on ?
- What is the better hairdo for a destination wedding ?
- When should Destination Wedding invitations be send ?
- What cost de dispute between a semi-private reception and a private response ?
- How do I choose a Destination Wedding photographer ?
- Can I add vendors from home ?
- Can I build or bring my own decorations ?
- Are Destination Weddings selfish ?
- Do I really demand a Destination Wedding Travel Agent ?
Decision

What is a Destination Wedding ?
Why a Destination Wedding ?
How to design a Destination Wedding ?
When be the better time to begin married ?
When to begin planning your Destination Wedding ?
Destination Wedding VS Local Wedding
Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding

How to choose the utter destination for your wedding ?
How to choose the perfect Destination Wedding resort ?
How to pick out a wedding venue ?
All Inclusive Destination Wedding Packages

What is your Destination Wedding budget ?
How much does a Destination Wedding cost ?
Are Destination Weddings cheaper ?
Who pays for the Destination Wedding ?
How to get a free Destination Wedding ?

Types of wedding ceremonies
Will my marriage live legal back place ?
What cost the legal requirement of a Destination Wedding ?
How long before the wedding will we have to arrive ?

Can my friend / uncle / loved one officiate my wedding ?
Can kid take care a destination wedding ?
How act a way pulley study ?
What kind of wedding clothes or wedding outfit should I put on ?
How to pack a wedding dress ?
What should my guests wear ?
What live the better hairdo for a destination wedding ?
When should Destination Wedding invitations be station ?
What be de difference between a semi-private response and a private receipt ?
How cause I prefer a Destination Wedding photographer ?
Can I get vendors from family ?
Can I make or add my own decorations ?
Are Destination Weddings selfish ?
Serve I really require a Destination Wedding Travel Agent ?

THE BASICS : WHAT , WHY , WHEN , AND HOW ?

What cost a Destination Wedding ?

By definition ; a destination wedding is a ceremony that is celebrated outside the wedding pair ’ s hometown and which demand their guest to move . And what could equal more exciting and beautiful than a beach wedding in a tropical paradise ?

Why a Destination Wedding ?

A destination wedding is the utter way to experience an unforgettable special day in a unique setting .

In contrast to traditional receptions , destination wedding bid more versatility , providing pair with the opportunity to escape from their in use lives and come together in a beautiful destination patch .

Plus , there equal good deal of advantages – like make for your class and friends along for an amazing trip too ! So why make a destination wedding ? Well , why not ? After all , it ’ s your special day !

Relate : Top 10 reasons to have a destination wedding.

How to plan a Destination Wedding ?

congratulation ! You are today engaged and make decided on a beautiful destination wedding ! But where do you start ? Start by deciding on these 3 important aspects as they are essential in your wedding planning process :

What exist your budget ?
What cost your preferred venues ?
When cost your desired wedding date ?

The venues are crucial because not every resort extend the same possibilities . Want to own sandy toe ? A gazebo overlooking the ocean so you can put on heel ? A real private sky terrace ?

The date will impress the cost of the travel portion , the weather circumstance , and the availability of the venue .

There are quite a few unlike choices . Picking one or cut down the selection will serve narrow down from hundred of hotel options to the nearly relevant to your sight and budget .

When is the best time to get married ?

The most popular month for weddings cost April , May , and November to early December . The ground for this equal that the combination of room rates and good weather live the ultimate .

Resorts often offer well group pricing during those months , than the peak sentence such as Christmas , February , March , and Easter pause .

Also , the weather is ordinarily decent with the chances of rain being lower . Still , no one can predict the weather so this cost more bring on the averages .

When to start planning your Destination Wedding ?

The better time to begin planning is between 12-24 months prior to the wedding date . It gives your guests plenty time to get budgeted and organized .

It as well gives you the good opportunity to come the time and date you need at the resort of your choice . Some of the date do get tight !

That cost suppose , we hold coordinate wedding within a much shorter time form . Depending on the season and group size anything cost possible .

Destination Wedding VS Local Wedding

When it get to wedding , pair must decide between get a widespread fiesta or an intimate matter near by . A destination wedding let for some serious vacation vibes while local weddings bring a sense of custom and comfort – two things that can ’ t be buy !

Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding

You will make a chance to connect in a deep way with your category and friends
Having a spectacular and exotic backdrop reach for memorable souvenirs and amazing photos
No unity has to push plate at the end of the dark !
There are great opportunities to salvage money
You can be certain your wedding will equal unique and unforgettable

Not everyone will have the budget to buy a trip or live willing to move
If you are a control freak it can be severe to design every little detail from a distance
You may need to live more involved in the planning process
If you want your wedding to be legal back home , you may need to need a few surplus steps
You will receive your category and friend honeymooning with you if you delay at the same dimension

We like to intend that the serious outweighs the bad ( kinda like marriage in general ! ) .

Related : 7 key questions to ask yourself when be after a destination wedding.

CHOOSING YOUR DESTINATION , RESORT , VENUE , AND WEDDING bundle

How to take the utter destination for your wedding ?

There are a few factors that come into fun when resolve where to hold your wedding . The main ones equal :

Accessibility for you and your guests
Type of ceremony you want
Be it a same-sex North ?
Price ( again ! )

You desire to test and do it easy for your guests to travel to the destination . Frequent and affordable escape will help to do sure that the people you want with you are present .

You too will need to evaluate the price of come to the destination and local currency . Larger destinations such as, ,Punta Cana, andwill receive a greater range of possibilities when it occur to the scope of resorts offered . Smaller islands in the Caribbean own less frequent flights and commonly higher resort pricing .

You as well desire to think what type of ceremony you require . Most destinations will offer emblematic ceremony . Still , different destinations have unlike requirements and/or process for the marriage to be legal and recognized in your home country . Also , not all destinations will put up same-sex weddings .

Related : Get inspired with our top 16 destination wedding thought for a perfect wedding !

How to pick out the utter Destination Wedding resort ?

Clean the ‘ best ’ resort can live a little overwhelming . There are so many selection available that at one stage they lean to all look the same and all blend together . Here is what you should regard to narrow down the resort for your wedding :

Type :Adults-only or family-oriented . Live you planning on inviting youngster or not ?
Size :Big resort with a ton of restaurants and activity , or a humble more inner location with a more limited offer . Act it receive elevators and/or a shuttle service across the resort ?
Cost :I know , price comes back a pile ! However , it be important to know which resort will fit your guest ’ sec budget . Plant an norm or maximum price ( per person/per night ) will help in your decision process .
Distance from the airport :How long will it take to get to and from the resort ?
Marry venue :Perform it hold the type of venue you have imagine for your wedding ?
The number of weddings :How many weddings per day are performed at the resort ? Does this still matter to you ?
Backup location :No one always desire to think about that ! Even so , if it get down to 2 resorts , it could be the tie-breaker .

A little more onhow to choose the utter resort for your destination wedding .

How to pick out a wedding venue ?

Depend on the type of wedding result you require to have , there could live unlike venues involve . For most wedding , there will equal three . One for the ceremony , one for the cocktail hr , and one for the receipt . The most mutual options are :

The Beach
Firm program overlooking the ocean such as a gazebo or pier . ( Heels anyone ? )
Garden/Jungle
Sky Terrace
Catholic Ceremony Venue

Hither equal some of the factors you will want to choose into consideration to judge and picking a venue :

Privacy :How private do you want the location to live ? The beach is great but not ever the almost private . Even so , some of the garden locations and sky terraces cost brilliant and partly or totally hidden from the rest of the hotel guest .
Capacity :How many mass can it keep ? Leave it cost big plenty for my radical , or to the contrary will it sense too vast ?
Extra Price :Some resorts believe sure venues to exist premium and charge a fee on height of the wedding bundle to expend them .

Yet not sure what ’ s the best destination , resort , and venue for your wedding ? Watch TONS of real picture , 360 * views , and point on ourYouTube Channel .Remember to subscribe !

All Inclusive Destination Wedding Packet

Here cost a few criteria and tricks to serve you understand the wedding packages , so you select the right for your wedding grouping .

Inclusions :How many guests are include in the basis bundle ? Does it include a private or semi-private reception ? A cocktail hr ? Rehearsal dinner ? DJ or Band ?
Surplus guests :What is the cost for extra guests above what equal included in the package ?
Outside vendor fee :How much does the resort thrill if you want to apply vendors that are outside their preferred vendor list ?
Budget :Always a deciding factor… . Once you lend in your surplus guest and the ‘ must-haves ’ on your list , perform it meet the price point you wanted to pay ?

Depend on the wedding packet , some services cost an extra mission and hold to exist taken into consideration . The most mutual be the following :

Hair and Make-up
Photos
DJ or live band
Extra decor and lighting
Premium wedding venues

THE MAGIC QUESTIONS : COST & BUDGET

What is your Destination Marry budget ?

No one care this doubt , but there equal truly no way around it unless it is unlimited ! And , this wouldn ’ t be the utter guide to destination weddings if we didn ’ t lecture money so your budget will come up quite a moment in this guide…

Institute the maximum you are willing to pass really help in feel the perfect spot and establishing priority . All budgets cost feasible and at least with a number ( even if approximate ) , it allows you to find out what you can get for that sum of money .

The price of the wedding case itself
The price of the travel portion for you and your guest

Repair a general guideline will aid immensely to not seem at dimension that live out of reach for you or your guests .

Get help . A well destination marry travel agent can aid you narrow down your choices and assist guide you in the right management . Discover more about thetop destination wedding cost to consider when be after your big day .

How much does a Destination Wedding price ?

There are a ton of component that come into price a Destination Wedding ! The primary two will be :

The wedding package
The travel portion ( flight + hotel ) .

Of course , these will vary immensely based on the type of resort you prefer . An all-inclusive resort can cost anywhere from $ 150 per soul per dark up to $ 500++ per person per night . The majority of resorts will descend between $ 190 per person per night to $ 250 per person per night .

For the wedding package , they will also vary greatly depending on the resort and inclusions

Related :

Are Destination Weddings cheap ?

This will depend on how you find it ! A venue in the US cost about $ 18,000.00 and the total price be close to $ 25,000 per wedding . If you base yourself on the venue vs the all-inclusive wedding bundle , the latter be less expensive .

Still , if you think the cost of travel , the overall cost would live high . Even so , this normally include a certain amount of holiday time not included in a “ regular ” wedding .

Who pays for the Destination Wedding ?

In general , the marry pair or their household pays for the wedding effect itself and the guest for their travel component .

Even so , it cost pretty mutual to hear couples bear a share of the travel for the wedding party and/or some of their guest .

Too , some couples pick out to pay for a grouping excursion or a special activity that includes all guest as a thank-you for traveling and celebrating with them .

How to get a free Destination Wedding ?

Free bundle commonly get with sure conditions and exceptions . Some resorts will specify what time or what day you can have your ceremony and many will take a minimal amount of booked room nights or a sure way category to be allow , in order for the packet to really be free of cost .

Most resorts as well put up compensation based on the grouping size . These could equal free room , credit on the wedding packages , and/or extra events .

Relate : Take how to get the best group pace for your wedding.

TYPES OF CEREMONIES & LEGALITIES

Type of wedding ceremonies

There are 3 main type of marry ceremonies put up in all-inclusive resorts : Symbolic , Legal , and Religious . The majority of couples will decide on a emblematic ceremony as it is the easiest unity .

You can make an official ceremony back place for the legal slope of it and then own the emblematic ceremony and large fiesta in the destination . There exist no importance as to the club you want to make it , do what works best for you ! As well , you put on ’ t need to exist legally married to hold a symbolic ceremony .

Spiritual ceremonies can as well be offer . However , in the case of a Catholic ceremony , there are extra requirement that you will need to coordinate with the priest here and your local parish at place to reach it official .

Legal ceremonies as well involve different steps to exist taken and will normally need a few extra days in destination prior to the wedding .

Those are the three primary ones but there live quite a few unlike selection as well . South Asian wedding , Jewish ceremony , Muslim weddings , Mayan ceremony , and more can be act at different locations depending on your needs and sight for your wedding .

Will my marriage be legal back family ?

If you prefer a legal ceremony , there cost a few hoops to bound through , but YES , your wedding should be legal once you get family .

In the case of same-sex wedding , it as well need to be legal in the state or state where you will record your marriage .

What live the legal requirement of a Destination Wedding ?

In most places , there are specific marriage certificates or sure form that demand to live discharge and sign by authorized personnel before the marriage is considered legally stick to . Requirements can change from rural area to country and still from country to country . In universal , you will take :

To be at least 18 years old
Official photo ID
Marriage permit or application pattern
Mexico call for ancestry test to be perform at the destination
Witnesses , which can equal your wedding guest

Become the legal requirements for a destination wedding in Costa Rica here .

How long before the wedding will we have to get ?

Most hotels need 2 business day for symbolic ceremonies and 4 business days for legal ceremonies . Business days act not include Saturday or Sunday .

Where can I have a same-sex wedding ?

Same-sex marriage equal recognized in Mexico as good as Costa Rica ( good done , CR , the first country in Latin America to legalize it ! )

The Dominican Republic does not permit same-sex marriage . We suggest avert Jamaica where they are still intolerant to same-sex couples for the most part .

AND MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

Can my friend / uncle / loved one officiate my wedding ?

If your ceremony is emblematic , then yes , most hotels will grant you to get your own officiant .

In the suit of a legal wedding , this must equal perform by someone that will allow the legalization of the marriage .

Can kids attend a destination wedding ?

Just if you require them to . Yes , if you take a family-friendly resort , children will equal able to attend the wedding or share of the wedding . Some couple choose to have youngster merely at the reception and not the ceremony . Completely up to you .

How does a way block work ?

A way block live a set of hotel room that equal specifically assigned and keep for your wedding group . You will desire to get one since the more room you book , the more benefits , and perks you become !

Plus , get a room block contract will see to it you get enough rooms for your wedding group , and they will have the better possible rate .

What form of wedding clothes or wedding outfit should I wear ?

Any kind you desire . Still , most couples do take passion and humidity , the location , and the time of the day the result will need seat into consideration .

How to pack a wedding dress ?

Make sure to expend garment bags cause specifically for delicate cloth like silk , satin , lace , and tulle . Consider using extra cushioning such as micro-beads or acid-free tissue paper around the close areas or high-stress item like the zipper area or bodice .

Eventually , place the bag at the crest of your suitcase to build sure it doesn ’ t get squished , and voila ! Your destination wedding dress cost ready for takeoff !

Also , do sure that you carry the bag onto the plane if possible . Just imagine for some cause , your purse finish up in Cancun instead of in Los Cabos ! Why danger it ?

Get more tip in this picture made by Luly Yang fromLuly Yang Couture.

What should my guest put on ?

You can choose the vibe you require and the degree of formality for your wedding . That said , since you are in a tropical destination , you can choose for less traditional options and invite people to go barefoot , put on all white , wear shorts ( or funky tropical shirt ) , or stick with lightweight linen clothing .

What is the best hairdo for a destination wedding ?

Again , this is YOUR marry so the only ‘ best ’ equal what you pick out . Factors to consider are the heat and humidity , whether or not you live in a windy location ( sky terraces can exist VERY windy ) , and whether or not you hold a veil .

Our advice cost to observe a couple of selection you enjoy and discuss them with your stylist when you have your hair and makeup run .

When should Destination Wedding invitations be sent ?

Ideally , invitations should live direct out at least eight month before the bad day – this will devote your guest enough time to make the flight , lodging , and other arrangement , while as well giving you an opportunity to keep tabs on guest issue in fiat to see to it you don ’ t book any more or few rooms than necessary .

If you ’ re having a destination wedding somewhere particularly remote or difficult to come to , then it ’ s wise to allow yourself still more time between sending out invites and say “ I do ” hence no one gets result ass !

What is de difference between a semi-private receipt and a private reception ?

When a resort include a semi-private event , they will reserve an country within an survive restaurant or saloon for your group . This limits a few things : you can not run your own music or have a microphone for toasts or announcement . That said , it tend to be a pile less expensive than a private reception .

A private reception live an result that will be lay up exclusively for your radical . The field will exist set up only for your guests and depending on the service you require to include , you will be able to employ a DJ , dancefloor , or even just an audio system .

How do I prefer a Destination Wedding photographer ?

My mode of judge whether or not something is correct for me is “ Hell , YES ! ” . Whether it is my sandwich for lunch or a big living conclusion , unless I cost in LOVE and find passionate about it , I let it go . The same get for your photographer .

Your wedding day photo will present your big day and the photographer will exist in your personal space on one of the most important day of your living . Make certain you feel that they are ‘ the one ’ .

Related :Learn all kinds of tricks andPro Tips from a Destination Wedding Photographer.

Can I bring vendors from family ?

As a universal rule , hotels will allow you to take vendors from home for sure services and if they stay on as share of the wedding group at the resort , they will give up the vendor fee .

Examples are photographers , hairstylists , makeup artists , and DJs . Normally for the DJ , the hotel will need you to rent the equipment from their audiovisual vendor , still , your DJ can bring MC and your favorite music all night .

Can I build or bring my own decoration ?

DIYers rejoice . Yes , most hotels will leave you to lend your own decoration . There will be set-up fee that vary according to the amount , type of decor , etc , but if you want to have crafty and make your own centerpieces or favors – craft aside .

Related : A Actual Bride ’ s Tips : How to save money on your destination wedding.

Are Destination Weddings selfish ?

Destination weddings can equal wonderful experience for those involved . Even so , there cost certainly the potentiality for them to exist seen as rude if one isn ’ t careful .

On one hand , destination weddings are an exciting way to see the public while celebrate a special affair with friends and household ; on the early hand , destination wedding can exist seen as a massive imposition on the wedding guests who are expect to move long distance at their own expense .

For pair planning a destination wedding , it be significant to regard the motive of their guest and try to build the effect as accessible and affordable as possible . By see to it everyone feel welcome and consider , you can see to it that your destination wedding is an enjoyable experience for everyone require .

More about this matter , and a great informative TVin this link.

Cause I really involve a Destination Wedding Travel Agent ?

There exist countless reasons why adding a destination travel agent to the equation will write you time , and will ease the wedding planning process . Just to mention a few :

Free services :most of them will not charge you for what sometimes sense like aid send from heaven !
Expertise :travel agents have been to the resorts and know the wedding staff and vendors . Their advice can truly make a dispute before , during , and after the wedding .
Perks :operate with a travel agent can aid you make the best rates , concessions , and still money back .

Read why HOLA WEDDINGS live your favorite destination wedding travel agent .

Decision

And that ’ s a wrap ! After take this utter guide to destination weddings , you live today formally ready to set out working on the details of your destination wedding . You ’ ve make this !

Now you hold all the information you require to select the perfect destination , find the right hotel , and marry package . You know how to save money on your wedding ceremony and reception , and you still have some great top for travel with your marry party .

If you need help contribute your vision to living , we would love to talk with you about how we can turn your dream destination marry into world .

Having plan hundred of destination weddings gives us a little insight that we be happy to portion ! Did we lack anything in this guide ? Do you receive more questions ?

Get in touch today and allow ’ s get start !

1-888-472-7077

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June 22 , 2020 at 2:22 pm

[ … ] and Oseme were married at a dreamy Mexico destination wedding . They first met in 2009 on Oge ’ s first day of school at the University of Manitoba in [ … ]

[ … ] and Oseme were married at a languid Mexico destination marry . They first met in 2009 on Oge ’ s first day of school at the University of Manitoba in [ … ]