Cheap Destination Weddings at All-Inclusive Resorts Under $10K
If you’ve got a small budget, you might be having trouble booking the wedding you want. Even if it seems like you’re spending a lot, once you start adding up the prices most couples get a bad case of sticker shock. The venue, the food, bar packages - it all adds up fast and the total is a lot more than you expected.
If the total is too much for you, you might be looking for new ideas. Or maybe you wanted an all-inclusive destination wedding from the start. Imagine getting married on a sandy, Caribbean beach. White sand and turquoise water while you exchange your vows.
But how expensive will that be? If you can’t afford an at home wedding, is there any chance you could have a destination wedding? Let’s look at beautiful and cheap destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts across the world!
Is a Destination Wedding Really Cheaper?
Believe it or not, a destination wedding at an all inclusive resort can be even more affordable than the cheapest at home wedding. Part of the savings is because less guests will come. You’ll save even more by purchasing a wedding package at the resort that includes everything.
For an at-home wedding, you need to put together dozens of vendors, decorations and other items that add up quickly. At an all inclusive resort you can choose a package that includes everything you need for a wedding. You know exactly what you get and how much you’ll pay. You will need to buy a few extra things, like invitations and a wedding outfit, but it’s a lot easier to keep your costs under control.
Exact prices for a destination wedding depend on where you’re traveling from, the time of year, and the location you choose. For a general idea of prices and a sample budget, read this next: How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?
How to Select an All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Package
Once you’ve decided that an all-inclusive destination wedding is the best choice, you’ll need to find the one that’s right for you. There are several factors you need to consider before you sign on the dotted line and commit to a package.
Budget: The deciding factor for many couples is their budget. Put your heads together and choose an amount you are comfortable spending. This will let you know your options, how many guests you can include, and what extras you can afford.
Ceremonies Offered: Some brides have their hearts set on sea-side vows, while others long for a traditional chapel wedding. Take a look at the wedding packages to see what your options are regarding ceremonies. Make sure the location offers what you want.
Reception Locations: Some all-inclusive packages offer a full reception, while others boast passed hors d'oeuvres at the ceremony location. Many offer multiple options for reception locations on the property, so you can customize your package to fit your taste.
Catering Options: Each location will have different menu choices. Some will include catering in the initial price, but others may view it as an extra.
Amenities: All-inclusive wedding packages often come with amenities, like access to a spa, late check-out times, and other perks that will make your time there more enjoyable. Think about what amenities would take your wedding to the next level, and look out for them!
Transportation: Consider what you’ll need to get around the area. Does the resort offer transportation to and from the airport? Or will that be an added expense?
Wedding Guest Accommodations: If your wedding guests are traveling to celebrate your special day, you’ll want them to be comfortable too! Look into discounts, amenities, and perks your guests will receive if they book for your wedding.
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Ready to start planning? The Destination Wedding Planner includes information sheets, worksheets, and checklists for everything from choosing a wedding package to packing your suitcases. Check it out on Amazon The Destination Wedding Planner: How to Plan Your Beach Wedding at an All Inclusive Resort
All-Inclusive, Affordable Destination Wedding Packages
European Destination Wedding Locations
Logie Country House- Scotland
Located in picturesque Scotland, The Logie Country House offers all-inclusive wedding packages for celebrations of all sizes. They are experienced in destination wedding planning, so you can have the whole wedding arranged before you even arrive on Scottish soil!
You’ll get private use of the castle for the duration of your stay and choose where on the expansive grounds you’ll have your ceremony. The venue is even pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend! They offer catering, decorating, and space to entertain before and after your special day, making it the perfect all-inclusive destination!
Castello Il Palagio- Tuscany, Italy
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Castello Il Palagio will transport you back in time with its royal decor and gorgeous grounds. They offer customizable wedding packages for up to 180 guests.
This venue can customize the decor to fit your wedding theme and offers multiple ceremony locations, including a historical, private chapel. You can also choose where on the property you’ll celebrate afterward. There’s even space for a live band!
You’ll need to arrange transportation to this location, as well as accommodations in the surrounding town, but once you arrive, they will take care of everything to do with your special day!
Cyprus Villa Retreats- Cyprus
Located off the shores of Turkey, the island of Cyprus boasts delicious foods, pristine beaches, and the ideal climate year-round for a wedding! Cyprus Villa Retreats offers a series of packages that allow you to exchange vows in front of the turquoise waters and dance the night away under the stars!
Customize your package with which villa you’d like to get married in, as well as where you’d like the reception to be held. You can add all sorts of accommodations, from hair and makeup to transportation around the island. Plus, most villas allow the bride, groom, and guests to stay overnight, meaning you won’t need to seek out additional accommodations!
db Seabank Resort & Spa- Malta
Malta is an island in southern Europe known for its stunning scenery and exciting festivals. This makes it the perfect place to host your destination wedding! db Seabank Resort and Spa offers an all-inclusive wedding package you can arrange with a single contact.
Easily accessible from the airport, this venue has ample experience arranging destination weddings. This means you’ll just need to show up with your wedding outfits and guests! They will handle everything from the food to the ceremony decor.
Caribbean & Latin Destination Wedding Locations
Grand Palladium Palace- Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is nestled in the Caribbean, surrounded by clear blue water. It’s the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding! The Grand Palladium Palace in Punta Cana offers a variety of all-inclusive wedding packages for all budgets and wedding sizes.
From the gorgeous seaside ceremony space to the open air reception area, you’ll be able to build an amazing wedding package. Plus, this venue offers wedding-themed spa packages and amenities for your guests, like late check out and complimentary snacks.
Jumby Bay Island- Antigua
Jumby Bay Island in Antigua offers several all-inclusive wedding packages at multiple price points. The lush, green scenery surrounding the resort gives off a vibe of laid back luxury.
This venue can handle it all from the wedding cake to the photographer to entertainment and everything in between. They offer multiple ceremony spots, including a yacht and gazebo by the sea.
Their onsite wedding planner will arrange every detail and welcome you and your guests upon your arrival with a stress-free experience!
Coco Plum Island Resort- Belize
If getting married on a private island makes your heart sing, check out the all-inclusive wedding packages at Coco Beach Island Resort in Belize. While the package doesn’t include accommodations, you’ll get pretty much everything you’ll need to get married, including a courier to handle the marriage license paperwork!
Wedding cake, flowers, decor, and photography are also included. You can add on other services for an additional cost. Plus, they offer a discounted honeymoon package if you plan your wedding with them!
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe
Imagine exchanging vows with the Caribbean Sea in the background! Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe offers extensive all-inclusive wedding packages, as well as an abundant list of add-ons so you can customize your wedding to fit your unique vision.
They offer gorgeous outdoor event spaces, catering services, and full photography/videography packages. You’ll also receive a dedicated on-site event planner who will oversee every detail to ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch. Plus, you’ll receive exclusive spa discounts and incentives for a future couples retreat!
African & Asian Destination Wedding Locations
African Bush Camps Safari Weddings- Africa
African Bush Camps Safari Weddings is a unique wedding service that offers a truly unforgettable, all-inclusive wedding package. You can choose from a variety of venues located in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Each package includes access to a wedding camp, accommodations for you and your guests, and a variety of perks to ensure your wedding is unique. You won’t need to worry about decor because the natural surroundings will take your breath away.
Once the ceremony is over, you and your guests can enjoy the camp pool, private decks, and safari excursions to see the local wildlife!
Shaadi by Marriott- India
India is known for its colorful, impressive celebrations. Shaadi by Marriott offers several all-inclusive wedding packages that allow you to celebrate your wedding in style.
For instance, the Intimate Weddings package offers a complimentary stay at the hotel for the happy couple, interactive food counters for 50 guests, and decor. You’ll also receive access to a choice of indoor or outdoor event spaces for your ceremony and anniversary vouchers for future use.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul- South Korea
If you’re planning a small wedding and want to visit Korea, Four Seasons Seoul offers an intimate wedding package for an extremely affordable rate.
You’ll receive a Western menu, a four-tier wedding cake, four bottles of wine, and stunning floral arrangements. This is on top of the use of their event space! You’ll need to book accommodations separately, but the package will take all of the planning pressure off of the happy couple and allow them to enjoy their special day.
Free All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Packages
Royalton Blue Waters- Jamaica
Yes, you read that right! Some resorts offer a complimentary wedding package for couples and guests who book a certain amount of rooms for a certain length of time!
Royalton Blue Resort in Jamaica offers a comprehensive luxury wedding package for free if 35 room nights are booked for the wedding. This means if 35 guests each book a room, you get your wedding ceremony for no cost!
Cozumel Palace- Mexico
Cozumel Palace in Mexico has a ton of free offers if you book your wedding at their resort. For every room booked and every night the guest stays, you earn money to pay for your ceremony essentials! This means you can earn a free wedding cake, floral arrangement, or photography services!
Plus, each wedding booked at this location receives a free three-night honeymoon and a free room for the happy couple! Additionally, for every 10 rooms booked, the couple can upgrade their room to the next level!
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos- Mexico
Located on a three-mile stretch of amazing beachfront views and a world-renowned golf course, this resort offers lots of activities, amenities, and an excellent complimentary wedding package.
Their Wedding in Paradise package offers a free wedding ceremony if you book five rooms for seven nights in the ocean-view tier. Keep in mind this is an adult-only resort, so your guests will not be able to bring their children. However, you’ll get to enjoy all the perks the resort has to offer!
How Do You Plan a Destination Wedding On a Small Budget?
1. Set the Total Budget For Your Destination Wedding
A destination wedding will be a lot cheaper than an at home wedding, but you’ll still need at least a few thousand dollars. You’ll pay for your travel expenses, a wedding package at the resort, plus your wedding clothes and other items. Figure out how much you can spend all together. How much do you have saved? How much can save up between now and your wedding? Do any family members want to contribute?
2. Budget For Your Travel Costs
In general, Canadians can book a charter package that includes airfare and the resort in one price. If you’re American, you’ll book your flights and resort separately. No matter where you live, consider talking to a travel agent. It shouldn’t cost you anything extra. Most travel agents will be paid a commission by the airline and hotel once you decide to book. They’ll help you choose the best resort, get your perks and keep your group organized.
If you want to get a general idea of prices, use a travel website to search for a few locations. If you don’t have a location in mind, start with the most popular and see how much the flight will cost from your closest airport. Then check the prices of a few of the resorts. Some of the most popular, and affordable locations to start with are Cancun, Mexico. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
3. Budget For Your Wedding Package
Most resorts offer wedding packages at three price levels: basic, upgraded and luxury. Even the most basic package usually includes everything you need for a wedding. You’ll have a symbolic ceremony plus chairs and decorations for a certain number of guests. The basic package usually includes cake and sparkling wine. Plus a semi private dinner in one of the resort restaurants. A basic package is usually for 10 people.
If you’re inviting more than 10, you’ll need an upgraded or luxury package. In general, an upgraded package will be for 20 to 30 guests. A luxury package will be for 30 or more guests. As well as more guests, bigger packages will have more included. Upgraded and luxury packages might include bigger or better items, like flowers and decorations. Sometimes they also include extras, like hair and makeup or photography. Upgraded and luxury packages might also offer cocktail hours or private dinners.
For more on choosing the best wedding package, read this next: Choosing an All Inclusive Destination Wedding Package.
4. Budget For Your At Home Costs
To avoid language barriers and extra paperwork, most couples get legally married ahead of time, at home. If you decide to have a civil service at home, budget for your marriage license and ceremony. Remember to include any other wedding items you’ll want. Things like save the date cards or invitations should be included in your at home costs.
Marriage license
Civil ceremony
Wedding rings
Wedding dress or suit
Save the date cards
Wedding invitations
5. Avoid Paying Extra Fees at Your Resort
Once you choose your wedding package, you’ll probably be offered a catalog of extras. If you’ve got the budget, they can be wonderful additions to your wedding. But if you don’t have any wiggle room, you don’t need to book any extras.
Make sure all your guests stay at your resort. Most resorts require 80% of your guests to be staying at the resort. If you have guests that are not staying at the resort, you’ll have to pay for a day pass in order for them to attend your wedding. It can cost anywhere from $25 to $75 per person, per wedding event.
Many couples want good photos. If your package doesn’t include a destination wedding photographer, or if you want to book a better one, make sure to ask about vendor fees. The resort will charge a vendor fee for anyone who comes on the resort for your wedding. If there’s a certain photographer or vendor that you want, it can be worth it to pay the fee. Make sure you know upfront and include it in your budget.
6. Save Money On Travel For Your Destination Wedding
Consider the time of year you’re traveling. Trips will be more expensive during high season. If you want to save money, you can travel during shoulder season or low season, instead. High season depends on the location you’re traveling to. Talk to a travel agent about the best times to travel to your destination.
Save money on flights by traveling on different days. Depending on your location, flights on weekdays could be less expensive than weekend flights. If your travel dates are flexible, ask your travel agent for flight quotes for a few different days.
How to Plan a Small Destination Wedding
There’s lots of reasons to plan a small destination wedding. Maybe you’re trying to keep expenses down, or maybe you want to avoid the drama of a big guest list. Sometimes you just don’t want to have a lot of people staring at you!
Whatever your reason for wanting a small wedding, a destination wedding is the perfect solution. It gives you a built in reason for keeping your guest list small. Your planning will be simple - choose a resort and a package and pack your bags.
To plan a small destination wedding at an all inclusive resort, find a location you’re interested in and start looking at their wedding packages.
Most resorts offer a basic, inexpensive package for 10 people or less. Read the small print to make sure you understand how they count people. Usually, the 10 people will include the couple. That means you can invite 8 other guests and still use the smallest package. Sometimes if you book 5 rooms, the basic wedding package will be free, so you can save even more money.
If you’re looking for an even smaller wedding, a lot of resorts offer elopement packages. You can have an intimate ceremony on the beach, then a romantic dinner. If you want to dance with your new spouse you can head to the resort nightclub for the perfect wedding for two.
Host an Affordable Destination Wedding On a Small Budget
Doing weddings over and over has made resorts great at it. You can be sure that your wedding will go off without a hitch. Even if you use the standard resort package, your wedding will be yours and no one else’s.
Choose the wedding that fits your budget and you and your guests will have a fantastic time at the resort - and at your wedding!