Destination Wedding Costs Explained: What Couples Really Need to Budget For

Travel Queen
Oct 4
6 min read

What’s more fun than a big party with all your loved ones in a beautiful location? The lure of a destination wedding is not difficult to see. Say your ‘I do’ to your forever person in the dreamiest setting, enjoy a built-in vacation, and take advantage of stress-free all-inclusive packages that make planning a breeze. Not to mention, your wedding album is guaranteed to be perfect!

Considering all the advantages, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of couples are choosing to have their nuptials somewhere abroad. But if there is one thing that can get in the way of all the exciting destination wedding planning, it is the costs. So how do you budget for a destination wedding, and what are the major expenses you should be prepared for?

At Travel Queen, we have years of experience helping couples plan their dream day. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about destination wedding costs.

What is the average cost of a destination wedding?

Getting married on a postcard-perfect white sand beach may seem like an expensive endeavor, but in reality, destination weddings can often be more affordable than local affairs. According to the Knot, the average cost of a destination wedding is between $30,000 and $42,000. Weddings in Mexico or the Caribbean may cost more depending on the venue and guest list, but they are generally much less expensive. Many couples spend between $5,000 and $10,000 when choosing these destinations for their special day.

How costs compare: USA vs Mexico & Caribbean

When comparing wedding budgets, U.S. celebrations are typically on the higher end. In many cases, a U.S. wedding with 80-100 guests can cost $30,000-$40,000+, depending on venue, food, décor, etc. Meanwhile, many destination weddings in Mexico or the Caribbean, especially at package resorts, can be done for $5,000–$12,000 (or sometimes more, depending on how luxe you go), even with travel and lodging included.

The reason? Resort packages bundle many things in; the cost of vendors, décor, food, and labor tends to be lower. Likewise, couples often scale down their guest list for destination weddings.

However, keep in mind that the farther you venture, the more you’ll have to pay. In general, Mexico is more budget-friendly than the Caribbean, with Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen offering packages on the lower end. Islands such as St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, and the Bahamas tend to be pricier due to higher import and labor costs.

Major expenses couples should plan for

Any wedding is tricky to plan. When you move the big day to a different country, it becomes an even bigger challenge. As you start to budget, consider each of these aspects below.

Venue and ceremony fees. When it comes to wedding planning, few decisions impact your day as much as the venue. Sure, choosing your dress is important and making your guest list is key, but nothing will define your nuptials’ aesthetic more than your choice of location.

At many all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, ceremony and reception venues like beach pergolas, gazebos, or terraces are included in the wedding package. Some resorts, however, may charge extra for premium spaces or if guest or room minimums aren’t met.

For example, at Secrets Playa Blanca, additional fees can apply for upgrades or special setups, while larger packages require a minimum number of rooms and guests. Knowing these details up front helps couples choose the right setting and avoid unexpected costs.

Travel and accommodations. Unlike traditional weddings, you’ll need to budget for both travel and lodging. However, the good news is that most resorts offer discounted room blocks, flight partnerships, and all-inclusive packages that cover accommodations, meals, and drinks in one price.
Food & beverages. As you may know, food and beverages are one of the biggest wedding costs. For a traditional wedding in the U.S., catering and bar service alone can run tens of thousands of dollars. By comparison, many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean include dining, cocktails, and even cake in their all-inclusive wedding packages.
Photography + videography. Having photos and video of your special day will allow you to relive it even after years have gone by. The good news is that most resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean already have photography and videography teams on-site. In many cases, their services are included in your package or offered as an add-on, which means there’s one less thing to think about. However, if you’re thinking of flying in your favorite photographer from home, keep in mind that some resorts might charge an outside vendor fee and require them to stay for two or three nights.
Décor. One of the biggest advantages of a destination wedding is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on décor – the location’s natural beauty often provides the perfect backdrop. Still, it’s important to budget for some decorative elements. The good news is that vendors are usually less expensive abroad, so you’ll likely be able to stretch your dollar further than you would at home.

Hidden or easily overlooked costs

There’s nothing worse than unexpected wedding costs sneaking up on you. Unfortunately, with destination weddings, it’s even more likely to happen due to the complex logistics and language limitations. To avoid going over your wedding budget, read your contracts carefully and pay attention to these aspects:

Travel fees. Many wedding vendors charge extra for the time and cost of traveling to your venue. The good news is, at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, this usually isn’t something you need to worry about. Most work with in-house vendors who are already on-site. Extra charges typically only apply if you decide to bring in your own outside vendors.
Taxes and service charges. While everyone expects taxes, many couples underestimate how much they’ll actually spend. Most resorts add a service charge – typically between 10 and 15% – and you’ll also need to account for local sales tax.
Unexpected expenses: All-inclusive packages cover a lot, but there can still be surprise add-ons. While you don’t need to worry about vendor meals at most resorts, extras like lighting and tech often aren’t included. For instance, those dreamy twinkling string lights you see in wedding photos usually come with an additional fee.
Marriage license fees. In places like Mexico and the Caribbean, a legal wedding can involve extra costs and requirements, such as translated documents, blood tests, and additional paperwork. Because of this, many couples choose to handle the legal ceremony at home and then have a symbolic ceremony at their resort.
Luggage. Planning a wedding involves a lot of stuff. When traveling for your special day, you’ll have more than you would take on a normal holiday. In fact, just your wedding dress might take up an entire bag! Make sure to factor luggage and travel costs into your budget.

Should you hire a destination wedding travel advisor?

Navigating the costs of a destination wedding can be overwhelming, especially because each destination and resort may have different rules and requirements. For example, some resorts require guests to book a minimum three-night stay, which may not be the most convenient option if you’re planning a smaller celebration.

The good news is you can take some of the stress off your shoulders by partnering with a destination wedding travel advisor. They’ll be able to suggest the best resorts for your budget, plus give you access to promotions you may not be able to find on your own. In fact, there are many benefits to having a professional by your side – we’ve rounded up the top reasons to work with a travel advisor for your destination wedding here.

Budgeting tips for couples

Consider all-inclusive wedding packages. Many destination venues offer packages that include catering, décor, photographer, and videographer, all at a fraction of the cost of booking each aspect individually.

Be flexible with your wedding date – the shoulder season will typically be less expensive.

Use group discounts. Whenever possible, make your bookings as a group. This way, you and your loved ones will be able to reduce some of the expenses.

Choose your venue carefully. If possible, go for a location where you can have both the ceremony and reception. This will simplify logistics and reduce the costs.

Final thoughts

Imagine exchanging vows on a white-sand beach, then spending the rest of the week soaking up the sun, sipping margaritas, and celebrating with your closest friends and family. Wouldn’t that be the perfect way to start your forever?

Planning a destination wedding involves more than just booking your hotel and choosing an awe-inspiring venue. But with a bit of homework (and a professional travel advisor to help you), designing your perfect day can be a breeze.

Dreaming of saying ‘I do’ in a breathtaking destination? Let Travel Queen turn your vision into reality. Get in touch today, and we’ll help you plan a celebration that’s unforgettable, stress-free, and just the way you’ve imagined.

Check Out Our Other Destination Wedding Resources: