5 Steps to Picking the Best All-Inclusive Resort for a Destination Wedding (Insider Tips)

Oct 1, 2024

Are you dreaming of exchanging vows with the love of your life surrounded by swaying palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and golden sands?

It might seem daunting to turn that dream into reality, but it doesn’t have to be!

As the owner of Sunlover Travel, I’ve planned hundreds of destination weddings across the Caribbean and Mexico as well as exotic honeymoons and romantic vacations to far flung places like Bora Bora and the Maldives.

Surprisingly, these destination weddings usually cost less than a traditional wedding (plus the honeymoon is included!).

Here are my top insider tips to help you choose the perfect all-inclusive resort so you can say “I do” in paradise. Let’s make your wedding dreams come true!

1. Nail Down Your Budget

First things first: let’s talk budget! This is the foundation of your planning process.

Start by creating a detailed list of potential expenses—think travel, accommodations, wedding attire, catering, and more. Identify your non-negotiables, the must-haves you’ve always envisioned for your big day.

Finalize your guest list. Ensuring your loved ones are on board with the destination wedding will help you gauge costs and select a resort that can comfortably accommodate everyone.

And always leave a little wiggle room in your budget for any unexpected surprises!

2. Select Your Dream Location

Next up: choosing the location that best fits your wedding! Here are several questions to guide your decision.

• How much travel time can you comfortably allocate? Are you willing to spend several days traveling?
• What is the easiest location for you and your guests to reach? Is it quicker for you to reach the stunning beaches of Mexico or the Caribbean?
• Do you have a special connection to a particular place? Perhaps a destination that has already captured your heart?
• What will the weather be like during your planned wedding date? Keep in mind that some seasons come with higher costs, while others might be more budget-friendly but could bring challenges like hurricane season.
• What are the legal marriage requirements? Some countries have specific rules that might influence your decision, for example, wait times or blood tests.
• And let’s not forget about the backdrop! What scenery do you envision to make your wedding photos unforgettable?

3. Choose the Perfect Venue

Once you’ve settled on a location, it’s time to choose a venue.

Look for all-inclusive resorts that offer comprehensive wedding packages. These typically include everything from ceremony setups to receptions, simplifying your planning process. Explore what each resort’s wedding packages include. All-inclusive resorts often provide great value by bundling many costs together.

Here are three more factors that can help you narrow down a venue:

Aesthetic and Ambience: What vibe do you want for your wedding? Do you envision a bohemian beach feel or something more elegant and sophisticated?

Just because you’re having a tropical destination wedding, doesn’t mean you have to marry on the beach. Some resorts offer beautiful wedding chapels on the water.

Guest Considerations: Think about your guests—are they mostly adults, or will children be included? Some resorts have age restrictions, so choose a venue that accommodates all your loved ones. Accessibility for elderly guests is also essential.

Local attractions and activities: Don’t just plan for your wedding and reception. You and your guests will probably be at the resort several days before and after. A destination wedding is a vacation for everyone, so make sure there’s plenty to do.

Consider what type of activities you and your guests are interested in. Do you want to lounge by a pool? Or swim with dolphins? Or hit the golf course?

4. Visit In Person Before BookinG

If possible, I highly recommend visiting the resort before you make your final decision. This will give you a better sense of the venue and allow you to meet with the wedding coordinator in person.

If a visit is out of the question, ask for a virtual tour or detailed photos. Seeing the space firsthand (or via video) can help you visualize your big day and ensure it meets your expectations.

5. Book an Experienced Travel Agent

While these factors can guide you in choosing the perfect destination wedding resort, my top tip is to partner with a travel agent. We help you navigate all the options and ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of.

Here at Sunlover Travel, I’ll help you find the best resort for your special day, negotiate contracts, and arrange travel plans for you and your guests, while the onsite resort wedding coordinator helps you choose the ceremony and reception details.

I’ll prep and manage all of the unexpected travel "what if's" for you and your guests. Whether it's Aunt Susie's first time out of the country and she needs a little hand holding, or Grandma needs to make sure she is on a ground floor and needs an accessible room, I am here for all of it. We take care of the travel part so you can focus on your wedding.

You show up and have the time of your life, knowing everything is taken care of — and then you spend a week (or more!) getting pampered in Paradise on your honeymoon.

If you choose to celebrate your wedding at a Sandals and Beaches resort, we also offer all our travel agency planning for free.

I hope you found this guide helpful! If you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding, schedule a complimentary call with me.

DESTINATION WEDDING checklist

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