How Much Does a Destination Wedding Actually Cost?

Key Factors That Impact Your Destination Wedding Cost

Guest Count

One of the biggest factors affecting your wedding cost is how many people will join you. Destination weddings are typically smaller than traditional weddings, with an average of 50 guests. A larger guest list increases expenses for meals, seating, cake and champagne - but it can also earn you many more perks like free room nights or reception credits.

Destination Choice

Not all destinations are created equal. The location you choose significantly influences your overall cost:

• Affordable favorites: Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. These destinations offer excellent value, thanks to their abundance of all-inclusive resorts and easy accessibility from the U.S.
• Exotic splurges: Far away islands like St. Lucia and Aruba are enticing, but these stunning locales come with higher travel costs and challenging flight schedules as well as higher room rates. There are also far fewer all-inclusive resorts to choose from.

Did you know that 70% of couples choose Mexico for their destination wedding? With affordable flights, incredible hospitality, and gorgeous resort options, it’s easy to see why.

Wedding Date

Timing is everything. Shoulder seasons, like late spring or fall, often offer the best value. Peak seasons (winter holidays and summer) tend to come with higher price tags. Being flexible with your dates can lead to significant savings.

• Peak season = high rates: m​id-Jan through Easter, all major holidays
• Mid-season = average rates: Easter through August, early January
• Low season = low rates: September through early November, early December

What Does the Average Destination Wedding Cost?

For many couples, a destination wedding offers the perfect mix of affordability and elegance. On average, destination weddings cost around $15,000. This includes:

• The couple’s travel and accommodations.
• Ceremony and reception essentials (basic décor, officiant, seating).
• Cocktail party and dinner reception for guests.

For comparison, a traditional wedding in the U.S. often exceeds $30,000, making a destination wedding an appealing option for couples seeking value and quality time with guests without sacrificing style.

START PLANNING YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING HERE!

Real-Life Examples of Destination Weddings

Want to see how this looks in real life? Below are a handful of weddings planned by Romance Travel Group. Costs include the destination wedding package for the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner reception (with all food and drinks, tables, chairs) Travel costs include the room and flight for the couple. Cash back is the rebate the couple earned from the resort and Romance Travel Group.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Destination Wedding

Choose an All-Inclusive Resort

All-inclusive resorts can save you thousands by bundling meals, drinks, and entertainment. Plus, they simplify the planning process, allowing you to focus on the fun.

Book Early and Leverage Group Discounts

Working with a travel planner like Romance Travel Group ensures you’ll secure the best rates and perks. We negotiate group contracts and manage room blocks so you can enjoy stress-free planning.

Be Selective with Add-Ons

Extras like elaborate floral arrangements, custom décor, or premium entertainment can add up quickly. Consider what’s truly meaningful to you and skip the rest – no one will ever notice.

Why Choose Romance Travel Group?

Planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in! At Romance Travel Group, we specialize in making your dream wedding a reality. Here’s why couples trust us:

• Expertise: With over 25 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of destination weddings.
• Stress-Free Process: From choosing the perfect resort to managing guest reservations, we handle every detail for you at no cost.
• Exclusive Perks: Our partnerships with top resorts mean you’ll enjoy unique benefits not available elsewhere

But don’t just take our word for it—our happy couples say it best:

​"Romance Travel Group made organizing our destination wedding seamless, keeping everything and everyone perfectly aligned. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and cost-saving services—offered at no cost to us—exceeded our expectations. Choosing them was one of the best decisions we made, and we can't wait to refer other couples to RTG!" – Carolyn and Jackson, Sandos Cancun

VIEW CAROLYN & JACKSON'S WEDDING

​"Planning a destination wedding on our own was overwhelming, but Romance Travel Group made it effortless. With 100 guests, we needed an affordable yet perfect location, and they delivered beyond our expectations. From the first call, we knew we could trust them, and they found us the ideal destination!" – Lexie and Evan, Dreams Las Mareas

VIEW LEXIE & EVAN'S WEDDING

​​"Romance Travel Group was incredible from start to finish, making our destination wedding planning stress-free and enjoyable. Heather and Shelli handled everything—from choosing our resort and creating our website to booking guests and organizing transportation. We couldn’t have had the wedding of our dreams without them!" – Amy and Lukas, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

VIEW AMY & LUKAS'S WEDDING