If you are recently engaged and have decided to have a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean, you are definitely in the right place! Now here comes the fun and hard part: deciding which All-Inclusive Resort is right for your Destination Wedding.
As a Destination wedding travel specialist, I’ve been to over 200 different resorts, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the you know what…My goal is to use my knowledge and expertise in all-inclusive resorts to help you find the perfect all-inclusive resort for your destination wedding so that you don’t have to spend countless hours browsing the internet.
The Top Things To Consider When Choosing An All-Inclusive Resort For Your Destination Wedding
Before you begin browsing the internet or even before you schedule your call with a Destination Wedding Travel Specialist (like me!), it is time to sit down with your fiancé and discuss these 5 things. I know, I know, I’m already giving you homework, but trust me you, want to do these steps first before making quick decisions.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Guest List
Before you look at a single resort photo, ask yourself these questions.
- Do I want an intimate wedding or a large party?
- How many guests are likely to attend?
- Are they mostly adults or families with kids?
- Will they need payment plans or budget-friendly rooms?
Now, come up with your wedding guest list by writing down who are must-have vs nice to have guests. I usually find that 50-70% of your invited guests will actually attend your destination wedding. It’s important that you choose a resort that can accommodate everyone. Your guest list will be one of the biggest factors that determine what your destination wedding will cost.
Step 2: Think About What You Want At Your All-Inclusive Resort Wedding Venue
Close your eyes. What do you see when you picture saying “I do”?
Toes in the sand? A sky terrace with panoramic ocean views? A Catholic chapel? A poolside platform with floating candles?
Also, ask yourself: are you wearing heels or are you barefoot? Is there a beach breeze, or are you indoors with AC?
It is important to discuss what is on your must-have list for your All-Inclusive Resort Wedding Venue. I recommend clarifying your non-negotiable items like:
- Ceremony location vibe (beach, garden, terrace, chapel)
- Adult-only vs family-friendly
- Private vs semi-private events
- Reception style: dance party or chill dinner?
- Food quality (some 5-star resorts still serve meh chicken)
- Wristbands? Tacky or tolerable?
- Boutique resort or party resort?
- Premium alcohol or house brands?
Step 3: Determine Your Destination Wedding Budget
The good news is that a wedding at an all-inclusive resort will be a fraction of the cost of a wedding if you got married back home in America. Your money goes a long way at resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Also, an added bonus, you don’t need tons of décor since you’re getting married in paradise!
But here’s the thing, “All-inclusive” doesn’t mean “all covered” when it comes to your wedding itself. For the actual event of your wedding, you’ll pay for private events, upgraded menus, vendor fees, and more.
Some important questions to ask any all-inclusive resorts before booking your destination wedding:
- What are the resort’s wedding package inclusions and exclusions?
- Are there minimum spend requirements or guest count thresholds?
- How much are additional events (welcome party, farewell brunch)?
Most all-inclusive resorts have affordable wedding packages that include a specific number of guests (usually between 20-30 people). Once you go above that number, there is an additional charge per guest. It’s important to have an idea of how many people will attend before selecting your resort so you can stay on budget. Want to know more about how much a destination wedding cost these days? Check out my latest blog post breaking down the costs of destination weddings!
Step 4: Consider Your Guests & Their Needs
You may be thinking, but Kathryn, my destination wedding is all about me, I shouldn’t have to worry about what my guests want. Well, yes even though that is true, you want your guests to not only attend your wedding but have an amazing time on their trip.
With that being said, there are some important things to consider and factor in when selecting the best all-inclusive resort for your destination wedding, while considering your guests’ needs
- Flight ease (nonstop options, short transfers)
- Dietary needs
- Kid-friendly options (if needed)
- On-site entertainment and activities
- Overall travel cost (especially if they need payment plans)
Pro tip: I recommend avoiding peak travel seasons such as spring break and the festive season to help keep costs down for your guests
Wedding Planning Homework: Make a quick guest list with rough budget ranges per person when drafting your guest list. This will keep your resort search grounded in reality (and save you from falling in love with a $1000/night fantasy).
Step 5: Think About The Resort’s Reputation As A Wedding Venue
When dreaming of your destination wedding, it is important to dream beyond the vacation portion of your trip, after all, you are travelling to get married.
Not all gorgeous or 5-star resorts know how to host exceptional weddings. It’s important to learn what the difference between a 5-star and 3-star all-inclusive resort is and how this may impact your wedding and other events.
I recommend looking for resorts with dedicated teams, real couple reviews and flexible spaces with reliable vendor options. If the resort has a high turnover, slow response time in their wedding department, and no rain backup plan, beware and stay away!
Fun Fact: I personally vet the wedding teams at each resort I work with. If they ghost couples or drop the ball often? They’re off my list.
Let’s Start Planning!
If finding the right all-inclusive resort for your destination wedding sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! As a Destination wedding travel specialist I can help you pick your wedding date and narrow down your ideal resort options. Schedule your free consult call with me today and let’s get your dream destination wedding planning underway!
Or if you’re still early in the process? Download the free workbook and start narrowing it all down today.
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