As a travel specialist, couples often ask me where the most affordable destination wedding locations are. The good news is that you can find a variety of resorts at different price points in almost any destination! However, these three edge out the rest to be the most affordable spots to tie the knot. As a bonus, you can usually find a direct flight to each of them from anywhere in the continental United States! So, grab a glass of rosé, put your feet up, and keep reading to discover the exciting places your budget can take you.
3 Affordable Destination Wedding Locations
Mexico
While the entire country of Mexico is an affordable destination, most couples look at the Cancún and Puerto Vallarta areas. The average starting rate for a Mexico destination wedding is $650-$1,000 per guest. You can calculate this figure by taking into account that most resorts require at least a three-night stay to book a contract with them. You get the average rate per guest by adding up the cost for a three-night stay in all-inclusive accommodations, plus private transfers to and from the airport.
Some of my favorite affordable, all-inclusive destination wedding resorts in Mexico include Secrets Vallarta Bay, Dreams Vallarta Bay, and Hard Rock Riviera Maya. This romantic Secrets Vallarta Bay wedding was like something out of a dream! I also love Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres, and the TRS Coral Hotel. They’re on the same property, but the Grand Palladium is family-friendly, whereas the TRS Coral is adults-only. So, you can choose between the sexy vibe of an adults-only resort or a more family-friendly feel.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is another affordable wedding destination! The average starting rate per guest runs from $800-$1,200. So, overall, it’s only slightly more expensive to tie the knot there than in Mexico if you prefer the island’s relaxed atmosphere.
My favorite affordable resorts in the Dominican Republic include Majestic Mirage, Dreams Flora, and Hard Rock. The lush coastal town of Punta Cana is home to all three! The newly renovated Hard Rock Punta Cana is an especially great choice if you love modern amenities and picturesque ocean views. If this resort interests you, don’t miss our ultimate guide to having your destination wedding there.
Jamaica
Finally, Jamaica is another affordable destination wedding location in the Caribbean. Rates run slightly higher than the Dominican Republic, at $900-$1,300 per guest. You should book your destination wedding here if the food is high on your list of priorities, as Jamaica’s incredible local cuisine is internationally praised. Moreover, the lush mountains are perfect for embracing your adventurous side during your stay. Take a zipline ride or hike to Dunn’s River Falls!
The top affordable resorts in Jamaica include Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St. James (both in Montego Bay), Royalton Negril, and Couples Sans Souci. For an adults-only destination wedding, Couples Sans Souci is your pick. Check out this tropical-inspired Secrets Wild Orchid wedding with beautiful views of the mountains and the turquoise water!
Money-Saving Destination Wedding Tips
Beyond choosing an affordable destination, there are a few other ways to save money on your wedding. For one, I always recommend booking during the off-season. May, October, early November, and early December are the best times to book to snag low rates. Moreover, avoid booking near a holiday, especially spring break and Christmas/New Year’s Eve. At these peak times, the resort will most likely have a minimum booking requirement of four or five nights instead of three. You also won’t receive room comps (money back according to the number of rooms you book).
In addition, I recommend booking your wedding in a destination with daily direct flights. Not only does this usually mean lower airline rates, but you won’t have to worry about experiencing lengthy layovers!
Finally, pick the resort offering the best wedding package for your guest count. There are so many packages to choose from that working with a destination wedding travel specialist (like me!) can make the process much easier. I’ll recommend which resort will be best for your group size from my extensive experience and training. For example, if you’re expecting 80 guests, the Hard Rock brand will be your best option because it includes the most amenities at a lower price point.
The truth is you can have the wedding of your dreams in any of these affordable destination wedding locations. All it takes is a bit of careful planning and assistance from an expert! Inquire today for help finding the perfect resort for your celebration. I can’t wait to meet you and start working together to plan this once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
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