Destination Wedding

In terms of expenses, I've heard destination weddings are just as expensive if not more, than local. Some couples assume a destination will help them cut the guestlist naturally with guest declines, but I warn you, this may backfire. Some of your loved ones will feel pressured to pay big $ to be with you physically and emotionally. So even if you save $, they won't. And it won't be a personal vacation for them because the trip is not of their choosing. Also, a destination wedding is expensive because the expectation is that Hosts pay for day activities during their stay and create a whole weekend for their guests who spent $ and time traveling for them.


In terms of planning stress, will you be okay planning a wedding far away and through an event planner and their selected vendors? One WW Bride was happy with her wedding planner and used points for boat trips, hotel stays, but unfortunately she didn't post her experience post wedding. I've had friends who enjoyed destination wedding as guests, but do not know anyone who has personally planned one. Best of luck to you, but if it comes down to $, I'd research more local options first and be bold cleaving your guest list. More guests, more expenses.

View Quoted Comment Definitely makes sense! After going to a wedding in Mexico, I was told a destination wedding would be cheaper but I guess not 😅

I shoot many destination weddings, and yes, it costs about the same unless you travel to a destination where you can get the most for your dollar and have your wedding not at peak season.

View Quoted Comment Because I live in NY and we were vaguely talking about Hawaii (although its still in the US 🤣), Mexico or Dominican Republic

How many people do you want to invite?

We're having a destination elopment in Kauai and we're paying around 6k for 10 people, but the venue is a decent price of that (1400). It includes everything we'd need - flowers, photography for 2 hours, chairs, all the images, bridal hair and make-up, officiant, leis, paperwork assistance, etc.

As many as 50 people can come using an elopment package, and there's also some wedding packages from different vendors you can choose too. Hotels can also put on your wedding and sometimes offer upgrades if you do that like free nights for the bride and groom.

Also, from what I've read, destination weddings can absolutely be cheaper because they have built in packages. Even local venues can cost thousands and thousands of dollars, so local is really only a benefit if you're getting married at a public park or someone's backyard. Then when you add in the cost of linens, tables, chairs, catering, lights, speakers, etc the rpice adds up quickly. Destination wedding venues usually already have everything you'd need, which can lessen the cost.

View Quoted Comment We’ve talked about the approximate amount of people, it’d be approximately 30-35, I’d prefer to stick to a smaller, more intimate wedding rather than going all out with some huge wedding, inviting people that I haven’t spoken to in years.

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Most of your budget will go towards traveling there, the stay, photo/video, and mainly reception items like food/beverage. But you can get away with getting a discounted dress/suite, hiring a photo & video team instead of separately, and making a deal with your venue if it's a resort you're staying at. I had a couple from Vancouver wed in Cancun, and they got the resort to discount the stay (including my wife and I, who did their photos/video) and the reception food! It was all-inclusive. And I had many other venues that I've worked with in Hawaii that did the same thing. What is your approx. budget, if you don't mind me asking?

View Quoted Comment Unless blank slate, most venues local and abroad come with tables, chairs, lighting, and even linens. Inclusive venues have in-house catering.

View Quoted Comment Oh my, shorter flights south to the Caribbean than to Hawaii. Personally, my vain self would worry about puffiness or feeling sick with the time change.