Best Family-Friendly Resorts for Destination Weddings
And Why You Might Want to Time it During Spring Break
Timing your destination wedding can be tricky, especially if your guest list includes families of all ages and at all stages. One helpful tip we always give is to try to time your wedding around a school break to make it easier for families to travel and be there for you on your big day. Spring break is a great time to plan your wedding away and to help you get down the aisle with ease, we’re rounding up five hotels that fit the bill for guests of all ages. Best of all, every one of these is easy to travel to and perfect for long weekend wedding getaways.
Oceanfront Family Fun
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami stands out as an ideal venue for family-friendly destination weddings, offering an assortment of activities and amenities for all ages right on the property. This 102-room luxury resort, located on the northern end of Miami Beach, invites couples and their loved ones to indulge in a truly unforgettable celebration. With only two rooms per floor, each has its own private entrance and captivating view.
Families can start their day with a leisurely stroll along the private beach, enjoying the serene views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. For the little ones, parents can enjoy engaging activities such as sandcastle building and seaside scavenger hunts, ensuring endless fun in the sun.
Adult guests can immerse themselves in the resort’s array of relaxing and rejuvenating pastimes such as a detox facial or barre class. They can also take advantage of the endless sun in the resort’s elegant pool area, complete with cabanas for a private oasis experience.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour’s attentive staff ensures that every moment of the wedding festivities is seamless and memorable. Whether it’s a beachfront ceremony at Bal Harbor Beach with panoramic views of the ocean or a glamorous reception in the private dining room, families can rest assured that their special day will be nothing short of magical.
Spring break is a perfect time to visit this destination as the weather is beautiful and families flock here, so there will be a lot of other kids to play with.
Lakeside Lincolnshire
A sprawling lakeside retreat with walking trails, two pools, a golf course and even its own Youth Theater just screams family-friendly.
A half-hour’s drive from downtown Chicago lies the serene Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, a 175-acre lakeside haven boasting 390 luxurious rooms and suites. Perfect for families seeking fun and relaxation, the resort offers a wealth of entertainment options right on-site. Indulge in delectable dining at four distinct restaurants and bars, tee off at the championship golf course, unwind at the spa, or explore hiking right from your back door. Don’t miss the Youth Theatre’s production of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, with over 30 showtimes available until April 30th, making spring break a great time to visit.
For those planning a wedding, the resort provides a picturesque setting amidst verdant forests and natural surroundings. With 64,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space, the resort caters to weddings of all sizes and styles. Exchange vows in one of the stunning outdoor venues or celebrate in the expansive Grand Ballroom, accommodating gatherings from 50 to 900 guests. Combined with award-winning dining, top-notch entertainment, and an array of amenities, Marriott Lincolnshire Resort promises an unforgettable experience for families and wedding guests alike.
Your Island Home Away From Home
Inspired by its destination, Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection is situated on Anna Maria Island near Sarasota, Florida, and is complete with sugar white-sand beaches and gorgeous views of the water. The all-villa boutique hotel is ideal for families as each condo-style hotel suite comes complete with a gourmet kitchen and separate living area.
Family-friendly things to do abound. From turtle talks sponsored by AMI Turtle Watch, and visits to Mote Marine Aquarium, each day will be packed with fun. For the older guests, relaxing poolside or just taking in the island’s natural beauty after sampling one of the nearby restaurants is a great way to enjoy a wedding weekend.
Anna Maria Island’s flawless beaches offer more than just a place to enjoy a day in the sun; they offer stunning sunset backdrops for a destination wedding ceremony. The hotel’s waterfront location is ideal for couples wanting the view without the sand. Their indoor/outdoor venue spaces allow for peace of mind in case of inclement weather without sacrificing the gorgeous scenery.
Convenient Beachfront Luxury
Gracing the shores of South Beach and mere blocks away from one of the area’s most popular streets, Ocean Drive, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is the epitome of luxury travel in Miami.
For families, the Ritz-Carlton South Beach provides a host of activities catering to children of all ages. The Ritz-Kids program ensures little ones are engaged with fun-filled adventures, from arts and crafts to beachside exploration, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the wedding festivities. Families can also bond over exciting water sports such as paddle boarding or simply splashing in the waves.
For weddings, couples have myriad options – both indoor and outdoor. The main ballroom is a stunning blend of history and modern amenities with glamorous touches such as Baccarat chandeliers and a neutral color palette. The outdoor options are equally as impressive with the DiLido South terrace offering a more laidback, tropical feel and Starr Barr showing off the beautiful views of the Atlantic in the foreground and a tranquil pool behind.
Rugged Respite
This one hails as our Editor-in-chief’s favorite family-friendly resort in Arizona. With a location second-to-none, tucked in the mountains of Tortolita in Marana (just 40 minutes northwest of Tucson), The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is a true marriage of rugged desert and chic sophistication.
It’s also a great place to bring families and little ones of all ages. The Ritz-Kids Ranger program allows kids to explore the desert’s creatures. From scorpion hunting with black lights at night, and javelinas roaming the grounds, to cute little cottontail bunnies hopping down hiking trails, there’s no end to the entertaining wildlife.
With three pools on-property, and one being designated to the resort’s on-site spa, all guests have space to relax and spread out. Little ones get their very own pool, a 235-foot waterslide and splash pad. Don’t be surprised if a staff member brings you a refreshing treat like frozen grapes or cookies and milk while you’re poolside as the service here is reason alone to visit.
The resort is ideal for destination weddings. With sprawling outdoor lawns complete with stunning vista views and ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows taking in the desert sights, couples have many options to personalize for their big day.
Guests will love the beautiful accommodations, ranging from standard hotel rooms to multiple-bedroom casitas – all beautifully adorned and sumptuously decorated.
And if you’re planning to visit, spring break is ideal as it rarely rains in March or April and hiking trails are blooming with wildflowers.
No matter where you decide to tie the knot, if you’re thinking of including kids, finding a time when they have a break from school will help not only keep your guest list intact but will also delight parents with these added perks.