When you’re planning your wedding, you should have the very best. For a destination wedding, that starts with the resort. So how do you know which resort is the best? I wish I could give you a single answer. I’d like to say “here, this is the best resort in the whole entire world”.

But my best resort isn’t the same as your best resort.

For me, the best resort is Hyatt Ziva Cancun. But that’s based on my budget, my wish for a gazebo on a cliff, and my love of all inclusive Cancun resorts. But you might have different wishes, so the perfect resort for you could be somewhere else. With so many resorts, in so many places - how on earth are you supposed to decide?

There’s an easy way to figure it out. Start by deciding on 3 main elements:

The Budget for Your Destination Wedding

The first thing you need to think about is how much you can spend. You’ll have to pay for your trip - either a charter package or a flight plus the resort and transportation. You’ll also need to pay for your wedding package at the resort and any additional wedding activities you plan for your guests.

Your guests will pay for their own trips and any activities they do on their own.

Trip packages come in a huge range of prices. Your traveling costs will depend on the resort, the season and where you’re flying from. If you’ve got a group of 10 or more a travel agent can negotiate a group rate for you. Typically, a low price for a good resort could start around $1200. Most couples try to choose a resort where their guests can pay between $1400 and $2000.

2. Where Do You Want to Get Married?

Once you know how much you’ll be spending, you can choose a location for your wedding. Keep things simple by picking a destination that’s easy for you and your guests to get to. First, look at flights from your closest airport. Look for direct flights and check how long the flights are.

The most popular destinations will have lots of direct flights available. Plus, big destinations also have the best variety of resorts to choose from, in all different price ranges.

You can start by looking at:

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Cancun or Mayan Riviera, Mexico
Montego Bay or Negril, Jamaica
Varadero, Cuba - if you’re coming from Canada
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - might be closest if you’re on the West Coast

3. What Do You Want at Your Resort?

Next, decide what amenities you want at your resort. It’s not just your wedding - it’s your honeymoon, too. And your guests will probably consider it their own vacation. So take some time and think about what you want for your wedding week.

Do you want lively clubs with a fun nightlife? Gourmet food? Or maybe somewhere that’s family friendly, with a great kids club. Think about all the things you want your ideal resort to have.

Some amenities you might look for:

Beachfront location
Adults only
Kids club
Teen club
Wheelchair accessible

Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to come up with a short list of resorts that meet your needs. Take your time and find the resorts that fit your budget, are easy to get to, and have all the amenities for a great wedding, vacation and honeymoon. Once you find the right resort for you, you’ll have the biggest part figured out. All that’s left is to buy a dress and hop on the plane.

Ok, maybe there’s a few more things to do. But you’ll have the perfect resort to start planning your wedding!

Please note: this article contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you decide to buy something.

If you need help choosing your resort, a wedding package or figuring out the rest of your plan, check out the Destination Wedding Planner, available now on Amazon: