Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular and with good reason. They are less expensive and stressful and WAY more fun than a traditional hometown wedding, and destination weddings offer wedding couples and their guests the chance to make lifelong memories together. Keep reading to learn the BEST reasons to host a destination wedding.

More affordable

All-inclusive resorts offer wedding packages with everything you need for the ceremony – from flowers to music, the officiant to the reception – bundled together at rates less expensive than booking those services separately at home. Taking advantage of in-house venues such as beaches, gazebos, and chapels will save money on venue rentals and décor. Complimentary ceremony packages allow you to add decor á la carte and only choose what you like and not pay for inclusions you won’t use. Another bonus is that you’ll earn cash back and room upgrades based on the number of rooms in your room block. As a bonus, every dollar you save on your destination wedding can go toward your honeymoon and other wedding expenses. 

Intimate Guest List

Since destination weddings involve travel, they provide the perfect excuse to limit invitations to your closest friends and relatives without feeling pressured to invite everyone (from your parents’ co-workers to former neighbors). Keeping the guest list under control will make the ceremony more intimate and meaningful for your special day. 

Gorgeous backdrops 

No cookie-cutter wedding pictures for you! Your wedding photos and videography will be unique to you and your style with awe-inspiring scenery in the background. It’s the difference between a beach and a banquet hall. You and your guests will treasure these Instagrammable moments from the trip. 

Spend time with loved ones 

Instead of rushing through a reception line for just a few quick minutes of small talk, make memories around the swim-up bar and enjoy meals, drinks, and sunsets with your wedding guests. Spend quality time bonding as your two families become one.

Unique experiences 

With a little creativity, you can set up engaging and immersive experiences for your guests. Tequila and mezcal tastings, a fire show, a catamaran cruise, or a mariachi trio at your welcome cocktail party make for unforgettable experiences. Your guests can even choose to build the trip into a vacation for themselves after you leave for your honeymoon. 

Simple to plan 

Most all-inclusive resorts offer pre-packaged ceremony components using their vetted vendors at a bundled rate. These packages include the services of a wedding planner at no extra charge. You don’t have to choose individual vendors for each service, negotiate separately with them, or find a wedding coordinator to help you on your special day. 

Destination weddings take place every day of the week. This means you aren’t locked into a weekend wedding date. Choose a theme or religious focus, or not. Encourage a casual dress code, ignore tired traditions, and create your own vows. You can even trash your dress if you wish. It’s entirely up to you!

Neutral venue

You won’t feel pressured to choose one family’s preferred location over the other family’s hometown.

New travel traditions 

Take advantage of one flight itinerary and combine your wedding and your honeymoon into the same trip. If you are getting married at a family-friendly property, consider moving to an adults-only resort in the same destination for your honeymoon. That destination will hold magical memories for you, and you will return for milestone anniversaries and even a vow renewal later. 

So, what are you waiting for? Your gorgeous destination wedding awaits! To set up a complimentary planning session with me, simply click here to get in touch. I look forward to working with you!