Is a Destination Wedding Right for You? Costs, Considerations & How to Simplify Planning

Congratulations on your engagement! As you begin planning your big day, one of the first decisions you’ll face is where to tie the knot. Destination weddings offer more than just breathtaking backdrops—they’re about creating a memorable, intimate experience that brings together celebration and travel.

But are they the right fit for your vision, your guests, and your budget? Let’s break down what destination weddings actually cost, what you should consider, and how to streamline the process from start to finish.

Why Couples Love Destination Weddings

Saying “I do” in a tropical paradise, historic villa, or scenic mountain lodge can be incredibly romantic—but there are practical perks, too. Destination weddings often:

• Combine the wedding and honeymoon into one trip
• Offer more flexibility for smaller guest counts
• Result in fewer moving parts and planning stress
• Can cost significantly less than traditional weddings

How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?

While traditional U.S. weddings can be quite costly, destination weddings often provide excellent value—especially in popular locations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica, where all-inclusive packages can accommodate various budgets for small- to mid-size events.

What’s typically included:

• Accommodations for you (and sometimes your guests)
• On-site ceremony and reception spaces
• Basic décor and floral packages
• Catering and drinks
• Some on-the-ground coordination

Keep in mind: flights, excursions, extra décor, and travel costs for guests can add up. But with smart planning and negotiation, many couples still find they get more value per dollar than they would at home.

What to Consider Before Saying “Yes” to a Destination Wedding

1. Your Guests’ Experience

While guests usually cover their own travel, their experience matters. Ensure your location is easy to access, offer lodging options at different price points, and provide clear communication well in advance.

2. Legal Requirements

Each country has its own rules about weddings—residency minimums, documentation, officiants. Always check local marriage laws or consider a symbolic ceremony abroad with a legal one at home.

3. Seasonal & Climate Factors

Avoid hurricane season in the Caribbean or rainy months in Southeast Asia. Research your destination’s ideal travel window before locking anything in.

4. Cultural Sensitivities

Honor the customs of your chosen locale and make sure your plans are respectful of local traditions and community dynamics.

Where to Start With Planning

If a destination wedding sounds like a fit, here’s how to get started:

Narrow Down Your Destination

Think climate, travel time, and accessibility.

Create Your Wishlist 

What does your dream venue include—beachfront access, all-inclusive options, outdoor ceremony space?

Estimate Guest Count

How many rooms will you need? Will everyone stay at the same property?

Request RFPs

A request for proposal (RFP) helps you understand room block rates, minimum spend requirements, and package options.

Getting this information manually can take time, but platforms like Engine streamline the process by collecting RFPs from top hotels all at once.

Pro Tip: Use Engine to gather rates from a few hotels so your guests can choose what suits them best—without the back-and-forth emails or stress. It’s fast, accessible, and takes a huge burden off your plate.

Take the Stress Out of Planning with Engine

One of the most time-consuming parts of planning a destination wedding is managing hotel logistics. That’s where Engine makes all the difference.

Here’s how Engine helps couples simplify their planning:

• Easy Room Block Booking: Quickly secure blocks at top hotels, with flexible guest options.
• Access to Competitive Rates: Engine works directly with hotels to get you the best pricing—often better than what’s available online.
• Expert Negotiation Support: Let Engine’s team handle back-and-forth with hotels so you don’t have to.
• Fast, Centralized RFP Process: Get apples-to-apples comparisons from multiple hotels in a fraction of the time.

Whether you want one resort for all guests or a few different options, Engine helps you weigh costs and perks without the stress.

A destination wedding can be dreamy and doable—if you plan smart. With realistic expectations, thoughtful planning, and tools like Engine at your side, you’ll not only save time and money but also create a celebration that truly reflects your love story.

Start planning your wedding with Engine!

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Jamee Photography (1st); Brianna Vögeli (2nd); Nicole Weeks Photography (3rd); Blend Fotografie (4th); Carolina Serafini (5th); Olivo Film (6th); Saya Photography (7th); Maria Davis Photography (8th)