If you’re familiar with the concept of “island time,” you’ll understand the appeal of hosting a destination wedding on a calm and tranquil island. Wedding planning is a fast-paced process that can put even the most organized couples under pressure. Imagine stepping off a plane or boat to a soft breeze and the sound of seabirds, knowing you’re about to experience an unforgettable week of festivities and relaxation.

For many, destination weddings are a way to enjoy a built-in vacation with loved ones. Outside of planned celebrations, you can walk the beach, share drinks at the swim-up bar, and explore a new area with your favorite people. What’s not to love?

Plus, you’ll get more than great memories from a destination wedding! “You’ll most likely save lots of money as opposed to getting married back home in the United States,” shares Jen Avey of Destination Weddings Travel Group. While a traditional wedding costs an average of $35,000, “an all-inclusive island wedding can cost around $10k,” she says.

If that weren’t enough to sell you on the idea, island destinations offer convenience for couples who want to ease into their honeymoon. Instead of an early-morning flight after your wedding, you can wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

“Choosing to honeymoon on the same island gives you more time for relaxation and pampering because your travel time will be significantly reduced,” assures Mary Angelini of Key Moment Films. “Where there is no travel, that means more time to enjoy your destination’s natural beauty – and, of course, the spa!”

Ready to plan your wedding getaway? Here are five underrated island destinations you won’t want to overlook.

Big Island, HI

Hawaii may be one of the most popular destinations for a tropical wedding experience, but the Big Island often gets overshadowed by more populated islands like Oahu and Maui. However, the Big Island is the perfect setting for nature lovers looking for a place that pairs adventure with serenity.

“The Big Island is one of the most unique and ecologically diverse places on the planet and is home to 8 (out of a possible 13) climate zones,” explains Kate Hickey of Sunshower Weddings. “There is something for everyone — volcanos, rainforests, mountains, waterfalls, and of course beaches.”

Photo by Aly Dove Photography // Planning: Sunshower Weddings

Home to one of Hawaii’s two national parks and over 30 stunning waterfalls, the Big Island remains one of the underrated destinations in the Hawaiian archipelago. Because of that, couples may also find it simpler to plan a wedding on the Big Island.

“The Big Island is not only stunning and varied but also offers much more affordable options for hosting your wedding compared to Oahu and Maui,” Hickey says. “You’ll also find a wider variety of vendors, venues, and choices on the Big Island that surpass those available on Kauai, making it easier to plan and find great value wedding vendors.”

While there is plenty to keep you busy for a week (or two!) on the Big Island, the proximity of other Hawaiian isles makes it easy for newlyweds to turn their honeymoon into an island-hopping adventure.

Aruba

With world-renowned beaches and plenty of luxury resorts, Aruba is a hidden gem in the Caribbean. While destinations like Jamaica and the Bahamas often get lots of fanfare, the small Dutch island of Aruba is a slice of paradise surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about weather spoiling your vacation (or your wedding!). “Since Aruba sits outside of the natural hurricane belt, it gets nearly perfect weather year-round,” Avey reveals. “You can pick whatever month and date suits your needs and never have to worry about it raining on your wedding day.”

Photo by Vienna Glenn Photography

Whether you choose the vibrant capital city of Oranjestad or the romantic shores of Eagle Beach, Aruba has everything you need to enjoy a fun and relaxing wedding experience. If you loved the idea of island-hopping in Hawaii, you’ll appreciate knowing that nearby Curaçao and Bonaire are just a quick, inexpensive flight away.

Isla Mujeres

Located where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres is a small island home to many resorts and beach clubs where you can soak in the sun and surf.

“When people think of Mexico destination weddings, the first locations that come to mind are typically Cancun and Cabo San Lucas,” Avey notes. “But just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is an underrated and unspoiled island called Isla Mujeres.”

Photo by Bernardo Flores of Viva Photography

Though the island is less than five miles long, it offers plenty in the way of cuisine, shopping, and other activities like snorkeling and swimming with dolphins. 

For those expecting many guests, Isla Mujeres is more accessible than you may expect. “Couples can fly into Cancun and take a ferry boat to their resort on the island, where they will experience amazing sunsets, friendly locals, and incredible sea life,” Avey adds.

While the low crime rate in Isla Mujeres makes it one of the safest destinations in Mexico, the Yucatán Peninsula is no stranger to hurricanes. Couples should consider their wedding date carefully to avoid the worst of the rainy season from June to October.

Block Island, RI

Would you prefer an island with more nautical vibes than a tropical beach? Look no further than Block Island, a quaint island south of mainland Rhode Island. Steeped in authentic New England charm, Block Island is the perfect escape for couples dreaming of a coastal celebration to remember.

“Block Island is known for its beautiful natural sand cliffs, rich indigenous history, and mild climate, making it an ideal island for a destination wedding,” Angelini reveals. This overlooked destination provides couples with a classic seaside getaway akin to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, “but without the crowds and price tag,” she says.

Photo by Jacqui Cole Photography

And while the picturesque island may be small, you and your guests won’t have trouble finding activities to do. Angelini suggests “exploring the vibrant arts district, historic cliffs, and lighthouses, or experiencing eclectic dining.” If you’re after an adrenaline rush, “there are hiking, biking, sailing, and nature trails to explore,” she adds.

Plus, “it’s easy to get to with fast ferries leaving from the mainland hourly,” Angelini notes. So, if you want to plan an excursion on the mainland, it’s a simple day trip to explore the towns and beaches along the southern coast of Rhode Island, like Point Judith, Matunuck, and Charlestown.

Philippines

For globetrotting couples who want to explore new lands, the Philippines boasts unmatched beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. With over 7,500 islands, this archipelago allows newlyweds to take in the country’s natural beauty while immersing themselves in a culture rich in flavor and zest.

“Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol are renowned for their beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters,” shares Dee Lee of Dee Lee Designs. “Compared to many destination islands, they are relatively affordable and boast of diverse ecosystems, rich marine life, and breathtaking sunsets.”

Photo by Cubrix Photography // Planner: Dee Lee Designs

Note that marriage laws in the Philippines require couples to apply for a marriage license in person in the city where they’ll tie the knot. The process can take up to two weeks for a license that lasts four months, so be sure to plan your travels accordingly.

When it comes to destination events, island weddings are in a class of their own. Whether you’re drawn to the ecological diversity of the Big Island, the charm of Isla Mujeres, or the exotic beauty of the Philippines, these underrated islands bring something unique to the table for your big day. Your dream island wedding awaits — far from the crowds and full of exciting opportunities to discover new horizons!

Cover Image by James Rubio Photography