Not sure how to tie the knot (legally) in paradise? Read on for some tips!

But first, there are two types of destination wedding ceremonies:
 
Legal
A legal ceremony is when you receive a marriage certificate from the destination you’re married in, and is recognized legally back home. A legal ceremony typically requires more paperwork, a judge, additional fees, and occasional blood tests.
 
Symbolic
A symbolic ceremony has no legal binding, and makes up approximately 80% of all destination weddings.
 
Popular Destinations: Ceremony Requirements

Mexico
As one of our most popular wedding destinations, the bride and groom will receive no legal bearing in this symbolic marriage. In fact, the only civil ceremony that is legally recognized in Mexico, must be performed by a judge. A blood test is required for this.

Dominican Republic
If you decide to wed here, keep in mind the only legal ceremonies are the ones performed by the judge or Catholic priest. Be sure your paperwork is notarized and translated into Spanish, which will typically add an additional $500-800 to your wedding costs. 

Jamaica
Both civil and religious ceremonies performed by a minister are legally recognized in Jamaica. Jamaica is one of the easiest countries to have a legal destination wedding!

Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers legal ceremonies if they are performed by a judge. Religious ceremonies or vow renewals will hold no legal bearing, as they are considered symbolic.
 
Our Recommendation

Typically, we recommend the bride and groom go to their local courthouse, obtain your license and file the paperwork to become legally married before their destination wedding. This takes a ton of stress off during the trip.  Abd don't worry!... a symbolic destination wedding ceremony is performed just like a legal ceremony (just without the paperwork!) so your guests will never know the difference! 

How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
We decided that a destination wedding would be more appealing during winter months so our friends and family could escape a very cold Chicago. December 5th happened to be the day we first met (in 2012), and we loved that we could make it our official anniversary and celebrate with sunshine.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
We booked our wedding without seeing the resort in person, which was a huge leap of faith!  Because of this, we leaned heavily on the wedding coordinators based in Miami to give guidance and advice from previous Hard Rock weddings. The only challenges we faced were due to the changes put in place due to Covid-19.  We had originally wanted a buffet meal at the reception, but for safety we had to choose plated.  It actually made a lot of decisions easier because we only had 1 option instead of many (I suffer from analysis paralysis). A month before the wedding, the Miami coordinator transitioned us over to the wedding coordinators onsite in Cabo to finalize it all before our arrival.

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
We sent our save the dates with information about our wedding website about 11 months prior to our wedding to encourage early booking and direct guests to the FAQ page.  Having all the information online (with our catchy domain/website name) made it so seamless to book, or at least bookmark the page until they were ready to book.
 
What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
As our wedding date began to approach, the US was seeing rises in Covid-19 cases.  We had already lost a good number of guests because of the uncertainty of travel, and we wanted to ensure that it was indeed safe to travel while communicating to our guests that we were continuing on with our wedding as planned. The key to getting through it was continuing to email our guests our intentions, any research or data we had come across to highlight the safety protocols taken by airlines and the hotel and assure them we understood if they needed to cancel.  Luckily, we ended up with a solid group of 48 people!
 
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
No detail was overlooked in the wedding process, and I was confident our onsite meeting would be seamless – and it was!  We arrived later in the evening, so our wedding coordinator planned a morning meeting with us the day after we checked in. They put up a picture and welcome note to us on their huge lobby projector when we showed up for the meeting. It was so thoughtful! 

We showed the coordinator all of the décor we brought from home: table numbers, placecards, frames, and other items for the reception.  I hadn’t had room for a gift/card box and they told me they could bring one for me – a relief! Then we ran through every detail with timing for our welcome party, ceremony, and reception. This gave us an accurate timeline to reflect back to our wedding party. Finally, we walked through each venue booked for welcome party, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.  Although I’d been curious enough to go check out the venues the evening we arrived, it was nice to walk through with the coordinator to know where the tables would be situated, which angle our ceremony would face in the garden, and that the grass would be watered and maintained before wedding day.
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
We had a mix of guests who had either never been to a Hard Rock resort (us included!) or an all-inclusive resort in general, so we were excited and a little anxious to hear everyone’s experience – especially knowing there were some restrictions in place due to Covid.  Every single guest raved about the resort. The food was delicious (and plentiful! Portions were not small). There were several restaurants at the resort plus unlimited in-room dining.  The swim up bars were closed at the pools but this didn’t affect anyone’s experience.  Masked and gloved servers everywhere taking your order and bringing to you directly in the pool.
 
How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding dress? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport?
A friend of mine who had a destination wedding asked me how I planned to tote my dress to the wedding.  I hadn’t thought of it prior and just planned to bring the dress in the bag it came with, but she assured me I wanted something sturdier and let me borrow her dress bag. It folded up and was able to fit atop the carry-on bags in the overhead compartment on the plane, and I carried it like a duffel through the airport.  Since the bag was pretty inconspicuous, I actually didn’t garner any comments or attention at the airport – which I preferred!
 
Tell us about your wedding – did you have a traditional wedding with a cocktail hour, dinner reception and dance? What was different about a destination wedding compared to a wedding at home?
We chose a destination wedding for it to be a little less traditional than a wedding we’d host at home, but we still ended up with a pretty standard cadence of events on our wedding day.  Our ceremony was officiated by my husband’s father, lasted no more than 15-20 minutes, and we used music from Spotify for it all (low key!). After the reception, our guests were led up to our reception location for a cocktail hour with light appetizers. After that, the bridal party entered, we cut our cake, and were served dinner with speeches in between each course. Our wedding coordinator was insistent that we wait until sunset to start our first dance, so the dinner portion felt like it lasted quite a while but as soon as the dancing started – it never stopped!  We had no formal events or activities as soon as dancing started (no bouquet toss, garter toss, etc), but ended the night with a whole-group karaoke session which was the most memorable part of our whole wedding.
 
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
This is a big question! Our original hopes for a destination wedding would be that it provided a vacation/relaxed feel for our friends any family.  Because so many people hadn’t traveled in 2020, it was even more appreciated, celebrated, and relaxed! The only real requirements for our guests were to attend our welcome party and reception, but the rest of their trip was completely up to how they wanted to spend time in Cabo!
 
In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
All of the travel details!  I used to manage travel for consultants at work and I know the tedious nature of collecting information, sending updates, and orchestrating all the fine details.  Shelli and Heather were incredible through the whole process from information gathering, sharing pictures and videos of resorts, communicating with our guests, and even troubleshooting flight discrepancies while we were all at the resort.  They mail every guest a packet of travel documents before the trip with advice for packing, tipping, etc.  It was wildly helpful and really helped everyone focus on having FUN!
 
What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
I wouldn’t change a single decision!  Both Romance Travel Group and our wedding coordinators through the hotel made the selection process easy.  We didn’t have to “shop around” for vendors and negotiate contracts, nor did we have to spend time on a bunch of calls with separate vendors.  If you want a chill/lowkey wedding, this is the way to go.  And if you want an extravagant wedding, this is also the way to go!  The options are endless and it’ll always be beautifully handled no matter what you choose.

Cancun, Mexico
Cancun continues to dominate the destination wedding industry for its tropical appeal, endless resort options, easy flights, and affordability. There are dozens and dozens of gorgeous all-inclusive properties we send travelers to each year, making it a preferred destination for destination weddings, family celebrations, milestone trips, and more!
 
Negril, Jamaica
If you’re looking for that laid-back, no worries vibe, Jamaica is where it’s at. Couples say “I do” here for the world-renowned beaches, adventurous excursions, and exotic property settings. Those who have their destination wedding in Jamaica will immerse all senses into the culture. Jamaica also happens to be one of the easiest destinations to get legally married!
 
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is the very picture of paradise, and if the turquoise water and powder-white sand won’t convince you, we sure know the resorts will! Not only are the prices fair, but you’ll be able experience luxury and adventure all-in-one, as most properties throw in a variety of activities for free. This gorgeous Dominican destination also has some pretty incredible wedding options.
 
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most amazing coastlines for its natural beauty and exotic surroundings. The mountain peaks meet the blue waters of the Pacific creating a backdrop second to none. Visitors are pleased to find a variety of reasonably priced luxury wedding resorts for adults and families that will give you a true taste of Mexico and its culture.

Do any of these dreamy wedding destinations catch your eye? 

​We Live and Breathe Travel
As travel agents, we live and breathe travel all day long. We book several travel experiences for people every day. We give you our opinions and recommendations based on our first-hand travel experiences because we’ve been through it, we've been there. We help you save time, money and stress – sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?  
 
We’re Wedding Specialists
While travel agents are fully-qualified to plan all your travel-related matters, it’s always smart to work with someone who specializes in what you’re looking for. Planning a destination wedding takes an extensive amount of research and planning – something only a true wedding travel expert could help you with.
 
We’ll Do all The Heavy Lifting
Don’t want to research a resort? No problem, we’ll do it for you. Not sure how to coordinate all your guests? We’ll handle it. As for the ceremony and décor? We’ve got the hookup on speed dial. The point is, hiring a destination wedding specialist benefits you in more ways than one – including doing all the heavy lifting for you.
 
We Can Customize
One of the greatest things about a destination wedding is that no two weddings are the same! In fact, we’re able to customize pretty much anything your heart desires to align with your  budget and preferences. So that rooftop wedding you’ve been dreaming about? Yeah, we can make it happen!
 
We’ll Work with You
From the initial resort recommendations, to your guest accommodations, transfer services, and wedding day – we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Remember, we’re not a call center – we’re  real people that are just as excited to plan your wedding as you are!
 
Looking for a destination wedding specialist? Then, you’re in luck! Romance Travel Group helps thousands of couples plan the ultimate destination wedding each year. To get started, simply click here to connect with us today! 

Sky Terrace with an Ocean View
For an elevated destination wedding experience, you and your soon-to-be are sure to love a sky wedding! Here, you and your guests can enjoy the wedding festivities on your very own private sky terrace with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the sand and sea!
 
Tropical and Intimate Chapel
For a more traditional ceremony with a tropical flare, look no further than a beach chapel wedding! Many beach chapels boast artful details and colorful stained-glass windows with the sound of ocean waves nearby! 

Tranquil Ocean Pier
Solidify your love for one another on a tropical ocean pier surrounded by family, friends, and the big blue sea! With a pier wedding, you’ll tie the knot atop the waves and embrace the sound of the ocean as you strut your stuff down the aisle!
 
Romantic Secret Garden
With a secret garden venue, your ceremony will be a true reflection of the history and culture that surrounds you! Available in a variety of botanical setups and gazebos, ranging from natural wood and stone, to vibrant florals and greenery. How romantic!
 
White Sand Beach
A beach wedding is certainly a favorite among our destination wedding brides! Take in your surroundings and embrace the silky sand, tropical breezes, and breathtaking views at one of our many beach wedding resorts. The destinations for a beach wedding are endless!
 
Exotic Nature Cenote
A natural cenote wedding ceremony is most distinctive for being rich in culture and its natural surroundings, lush tropical plants, and intimate atmosphere. Embrace the Mayan culture with this unique venue option!
 
Do any of these unique destination wedding venues catch your eye? Great! Then, it’s time to get started! Simply click here to get in touch with a specialist, today.

Overall, All Wedding Packages Are Similar
All resorts have wedding packages. And frankly, they are all pretty much the same.  What one hotel has to offer, other hotels can provide as well. Most of them include everything from expert wedding designers and basic décor, to sound systems, the ceremony officiant, a wedding certificate, a semi-private dinner, a honeymoon package, and more!
 
Similar Wedding Package Costs
Most resorts have a complimentary wedding package option, making them quite similar in terms of pricing. We typically recommend taking advantage of the free package, then add in the pops of customization where it matters most to you. Wedding packages are usually non-negotiable (they won’t allow you to swap spa treatments for a cocktail party) but resorts will have plenty of options for you to add to your liking.
 
Look for The Best Group Amenities
If you really want to dive deeper into wedding packages, consider comparing each resort’s group amenities. Some resorts offer a ton of great freebies and incentives for couples hosting their wedding with them, while other resorts will actually charge you extra for having too many guests. We’ll make it easy for you by including the best options on our list of recommendations.
 
Pick Your Dream Resort FIRST
Since wedding packages are so similar, we recommend selecting your dream resort first. Look at the resort’s amenities, rooms, dining options, beach, pool scene. Does the overall resort atmosphere match the vibe you are going for for your wedding? Can you picture your guests hanging out in the pool and enjoying their time? Once you decide on the perfect resort, then you can customize the wedding package of your dreams.
 
How to Select the Best Resort
This all depends on your preferences! What amenities are important to you? Are you a beach-lover? A foodie? Want something private and adult-only? These are the things you’ll want to add to your wish list when working with your destination wedding specialist.
 
Are you interested in learning more about destination weddings and which resort is right for you? Click below to get started!
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Exhilarated with the idea of having a destination wedding, but concerned how your guests will take it? Why, it sounds like you’ve got a case of “guest guilt!” But not to worry – these expert tips should help!

We hear it all too often: “I want to have a destination wedding, but I’m concerned what my guests will think of it.” Ladies, guest guilt is a very normal feeling! It just means that you care about your loved ones. Here’s what guest guilt usually looks like and how we can help you overcome it so all you’re guilty for is having the best wedding ever!

“I don’t want to ask guests to spend money on a trip.”
If you know your guests are on a tight budget, we’ll tailor our resort recommendations to fit! Remember, the great thing about working with a destination wedding expert is that we’ll work with you one-on-one to meet your (and your guests’!) specific needs. Together we’ll find the resort that meets all our expectations.
 
“I don’t want guests to use all their vacation days to attend my wedding.”
Not to worry! We can book guests for different lengths of stay, so those who are tight on vacation days don’t have to miss out. In fact, it’s quite common for guests to come for a long weekend to celebrate with the bride and groom – so don’t stress about it too much! We’ll help each guest create the trip that works for them.
 
“I don’t want to ask guests to leave their kids at home.”
No biggie! If a lot of your guests have young kids, we’ll narrow down your options to family-friendly resorts, so they don’t have to leave them at home. Trust us, your guests (and their kiddos!) will love these properties!
 
You see!? There’s no need to succumb to guest guilt. In fact, our destination wedding specialists will help you work through all of your concerns. We’re here for you, and we’re here for your guests. So go ahead, bring ALL your guest concerns to your call with your planning specialist – we’ll tackle them with you one-by-one.
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Curious how you can save on your destination wedding? Here are 4 expert tips that should help with your budget:

Travel During Off-Season
Did you know that you can save big on your destination wedding by simply traveling during off-season? That’s right! In fact, you can find some of the best rates during the months of September and October. Besides the best room rates, you’ll also find that resorts have lower occupancy levels, where you’ll have more of the property to yourself! November and December are also good options, as long as you avoid the holidays.
 
Use Major Airports
Major hubs like Cancun, Montego Bay and Punta Cana have a wide-range of flight options, as well as several price ranges to suit your budget. The advantage of choosing a destination with  a major airport also means you may find more direct flights and less layovers.
 
Keep Décor Simple
Many couples love the fact that a destination wedding needs very little to be beautiful (think minimal décor). Not only will it save you money on venue costs, but the scenery will make your day truly magical. After all, nothing says “I love you” like the natural beauty of swaying palm trees and an ocean view!
 
Use a Travel Pro
We can’t stress this enough! If you use a wedding travel specialist (that’s us!), they’ll be able to make suggestions for you and will know which resorts fit your budget and preferences. Spending hours searching online for the best deals will only waste your time and give you a huge headache! Allow the experts to find you the best value destination wedding that is tailored to you. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
 
So, there you have it! 4 ways to save money on your destination wedding. Pretty simple, right? For more info on destination weddings, feel free to contact us here!  

We hope these bridal footwear options have inspired you for your destination wedding! Looking for some additional guidance while you plan? Then, message one of our romance travel experts – we’d be happy to assist! 

Forget hunting down your guests, we’ve got an easier way to find out if they’re coming to your destination wedding! Keeping reading to see what we mean… 
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It’s a waste of money…
For a traditional wedding, it’s not unusual to send out formal invitations with a pretty little RSVP form attached. But for a destination wedding, it’s a bit more complex when you factor in travel arrangements, accommodations, and airfare. We recommend keeping track of your guests’ reservations online, as it’s much easier and saves you on the added postage.
 
…and a waste of time
Another reason RSVPs are unnecessary, is because we track them all for you! We’ll keep tabs on who is traveling with who and when, so you don’t have to be scrambling for final numbers the week before your wedding – eek!
 
The “false positives”
As we mentioned above, there’s a bit more your wedding guests will have to consider before they can give you a definite yes or no. For example, they’ll have to plan their budgets, take time off from work, make arrangements with their babysitters – all of which could present too many “false positives” if you required an RSVP.
 
Here’s what we’ll do instead…
Our process is much simpler than sending out RSVP cards! In fact, for a destination wedding, the guest’s room deposit serves as their RSVP. Once that deposit is paid, it’s pretty safe to assume that your guest is in fact, coming, and you can count them in for dinner! See… easy-peasy!
 
Interested in having a destination wedding of your own, but need some questions answered first? We’re here to help! Simply message us today and a destination wedding specialist will be in touch with you shortly. 

…but what about the cost?
One question we hear all too often is, “how much does a destination wedding cost?” The answer? It varies! While a traditional wedding can typically be around $35,000 or more, we can plan you the destination wedding of your dreams for nearly a quarter of the cost. But to give you a ballpark, between the resort, the flights, and the all-inclusive wedding package, you can celebrate your love in paradise for under $10,000!            
 
…but will my guests even come?
Another thing we hear is “will my guests want to come to my destination wedding?” The long and short of it? Everyone who is important to you will be there – and those are the people who matter the most! The reality is, only about 30-40% of the guests you invite are likely attend. But don’t take it personally – some folks might not have the budget or vacation time available to them right now, which is completely understandable.  Don’t let it hold you back from having your dream wedding!
               
…but how would I even plan it?
We’ve got that part covered! Our job as your destination wedding specialist is to make suggestions for you and provide you with the resorts that offer the most amenities based on what your needs are. In fact, we help you with everything from the booking process and travel arrangements, all the way to taking care of your guests and any issues that arise along the way. We also have dozens of connections across the world to ensure you receive the absolute best pricing, support, and perks you can’t find if you were to plan it yourself. Plus, we’ll hook you up with your very own onsite wedding coordinator to help you with the little details once you arrive!
 
Ah, that feels much better doesn’t it? To get started with one of our romance travel experts, message us today to start the planning process. Your destination wedding awaits…!

Guys, it’s time to dress to impress! Here’s what the gentlemen should wear to a beach wedding:

Formal vs. Casual
But first, what’s your preference? Formal or casual? If you decide to go formal, then a suit is the way to go. Now, beach wedding formalwear can still be somewhat “casual” depending on the fabric and color – but we’ll get into that in the next few paragraphs. If you want to go with a more casual look, consider dress pants with a nice button-down shirt or polo.
 
The Fabric
Now that you’ve determined if you’re going for a more formal or casual look, it’s time to nail down the type of fabric you’ll be wearing. This matters especially if you’re getting married on a hot beach and want something light and breezy versus thick and itchy. For beach weddings, we highly recommend a nice linen suit or dress shirt, as it’s quite light and gives off a “beachy” feel. If you’re getting married during an off-season or at night, you might want to pick a thicker fabric in case it’s cool out.
 
The Color
Most men wear a tan suit, khaki dress pants, or a white linen shirt  for beach weddings. We’ve also seen dark linen pants, or a navy blue or charcoal suit for late night weddings or cooler seasons. Pro tip: try to avoid a white suit if you can help it! 😉
 
Accessories
For a beach wedding, many men choose to keep things simple when it comes to accessories. In fact, some men will do away with the tie or pocket square for a more casual look. We’ve also seen some men replace the suit jacket with suspenders and a nice shirt for a semi-formal look. Whichever way you go, just be sure not to forget the tropical boutonniere!
 
Choose Timeless
If you’re still having trouble deciding what to wear to your beach wedding, then go with something classic! Trendy pieces will eventually go out of style and might have you cringing when you’re flipping through your old wedding photos. With something timeless, you’ll be pleased with how handsome you looked!
 
If you found this post helpful, be sure to save it for later! Have additional questions for us? Then, get in touch with a wedding specialist today!

Why Romance Travel Group?
Our original wedding date was set for June 11, 2020. We had been planning our destination wedding since November 2019 with another travel agency. We had a terrible experience and I had felt as though I was basically planning the travel on my own. When we had to cancel the first date due to COVID, I knew I wanted to go another direction with my travel agent. When we began to replan for our second date, I researched online for a travel agent that would be suited for us. I came across Romance Travel Group on the wedding website theknot.com and it was clear they would be the perfect fit! I received quick responses from them and was set up with my amazing travel agent, Ashley Jackson.
 
Why a destination wedding?
Steven and I had talked about what wedding we wanted before we even got engaged. We both disliked that with traditional weddings, the focus is mostly on the guests and worrying with what they want. For us, it was especially important that our big day was about what he and I wanted every step of the way. So, we decided a destination wedding with our closest friends and family was perfect! 
 
Biggest fears about a destination wedding?
Steven and I had never flown internationally so our biggest concern was the logistics. Will our wedding be legal in the US, can I transport my wedding dress and decor safely, will we find a resort we feel safe at, etc. Then COVID happened and everything changed. Countries began implementing travel restrictions and had requirements of paperwork to do before traveling. Jamaica was no exception! The process was stressful but thanks to Ashley, we were able to enter the country safely and have the wedding of our dreams! 
 
Wedding coordinator at the resort?
For anyone planning a destination wedding I absolutely recommend Sandals resorts. I worked with a wedding planner remotely leading up to the wedding where I was able to detail exactly what I was looking for. Once we arrived on site with met with our wedding coordinator who was a dream come true! She walked us to our locations, discussed all our concerns, and went through every detail of wedding day. On the day of the wedding she was there the entire day, from starting our hair and makeup at 10am until after the reception ended at 8pm. She was there to pour us mimosas during our spa time and even helped carry my wedding dress train to the ceremony and reception areas (which were a bit of a walk between). She handled every detail of our big day flawlessly and I can’t say enough how thankful I was to have her! There were a few hiccups, but I never knew about them because she handled it all with ease.
 
Booking process for guests?
Firstly, I would like to say that thanks to my travel agent, Ashley, I was able to have the wedding of my dreams! Without her this would not have been possible. She helped Steven and I, and our ten guests book their rooms and flights with ease. She provided charts with room options and pricing so each person could choose a room that fit their needs. She also kept me updated on who had booked and who she was still waiting to hear from. Everyone was appreciative for her prompt responses, as we were all rebooking this trip due to COVID and it was exceedingly difficult for everyone to get ahold of our previous travel agent even before COVID. Ashley gave everyone tremendous customer service and made each person feel like they were her only client. Not only this, but Ashley was able to get everyone room upgrades because we had to change resorts three weeks before the wedding due to COVID as well. I can’t speak highly enough of her!
 
Biggest fears as wedding date drew near?
All my fears were COVID related, as the date drew nearer Jamaica began requiring new documentation and approval to enter the country. Each person had to be COVID tested within a certain amount of days before arrival and an online travel authorization form filled out. Once that was received, Jamaica would approve each person to enter the country. This was the most stressful part of the experience, as I felt responsible for all 12 people in my party. Once again, Ashley went above and beyond to relieve my fears. She spent countless hours on the phone with the Jamaican board of travel, even having multiple calls the day before our arrival to ensure our groups paperwork was all clear. I can’t say enough that without Ashley this wedding trip would not have been possible!
 
Guests wowed by all inclusive?
I can speak for my husband and I, as well as each of my guests when I say Sandals Montego Bay absolutely wowed us! For most this was a first all-inclusive vacation, and it went above and beyond expectations. We were catered to from the moment we arrived to our transport back to the airport. Not only was the all-inclusive perfect for our guests, it really made our wedding day top notch. For our guests who had previously been to an all-inclusive they said confidently those other resorts did not compare to the service, food, and amenities that Sandals offered!
 
Easy/difficult traveling with wedding dress?
I fell in love with an A-line gown that had a lot of volume and a long train. As such, I knew this wouldn’t be an easy gown to travel with. I couldn’t put it in a soft garment bag because the dimensions were too big so instead, I chose to fold it and place it in a carry-on. I was terrified to check my wedding dress so for me, a carry-on was the easiest way! The airline ended up making me check the bag at the gate because the dimensions were too big, but I informed them it was my dress, and they ensured it stayed safe.
 
Did you plan traditional wedding elements?
We had a traditional wedding that would have been like one at home. Our ceremony was at an over the water chapel, followed by a cocktail hour at our reception area overlooking the ocean. After cocktail hour we had a sit-down dinner followed by drinks and dancing. The entire day was an absolute dream!
 
Best part of destination wedding?
I loved that our wedding experience wasn’t just one day, it was for a week! Our guests also had an amazing all-inclusive vacation along with attending our wedding! We created memories with friends and family that will last with us for a lifetime. If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a single thing, this destination wedding was perfect!
 
How did Romance Travel Group make everything less stressful?
Romance Travel Group, and specifically my agent Ashley made the entire experience less stressful. She was always kind and prompt with responding to me, even when my anxiety was getting the best of me. I am so thankful I chose this travel agency to plan my destination wedding as they made my perfect day possible! She handled every detail with Jamaica’s COVID travel requirements, booking my guests rooms and flights, and ensuring we had all proper documentation for travel. She did a million other things that helped take the stress off me so I could look forward to the wedding of my dreams!
 
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group?
I will ALWAYS recommend Romance Travel Group to anyone planning a destination wedding. I can’t say enough how great of an experience I had, especially in comparison to when I originally planned with another travel agent. Ashley was with me each step of the way, and even in the middle of a pandemic I had full confidence she would make our big day happen. For any brides planning a wedding during COVID, the best decision you could make is to have Romance Travel Group by your side to make your dream wedding happen! 

Congratulations, Whitley & Steven!!!

So… the one thing that will solve all your destination wedding woes, you ask? Why, it’s enlisting help from us – the destination wedding pros! Not sure why you should use a pro? Keep reading to find out!
 
One on One Attention
We have planned hundreds of destination weddings for couples all over the United States and are recognized not just as travel agents, but travel advisors. We advocate for you, guide you and overall have your back and make sure you’re taken care of. In fact, we help you with everything from the booking process and travel arrangements, all the way to taking care of your guests and any issues that arise along the way. We also personalize our services to every couple – every wedding is unique.
 
On-Location Experience
As destination wedding specialists, we are on location at the resorts we recommend several times each year to ensure our couples get the best experience possible. Because of this, have connections with some of the top tourism companies in the world – which means you’ll get the best pricing, emergency support, and value-added amenities you can’t just find online.
 
We Are Wedding Experts
While travel agents are fully-qualified to plan all your travel-related matters, it’s always smart to work with someone who specializes in what you’re looking for. Would you rather have a family practitioner or a cardiologist to do open heart surgery? Cardiologist, of course! Don’t leave your wedding to just any travel agent. Planning a destination wedding takes an extensive amount of knowledge and planning, something only a true romance travel expert can help you with. We’ll help you with finding the perfect destination, venue, and travel arrangements, and even hook you up with the onsite wedding planner to help you with all the other details!
 
Feeling relieved yet? Awesome, now let’s get started! Simply click here to fill out an inquiry form and a destination wedding specialist will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to making your wedding dreams come true!

Couple:  Kelly & Nick
​Wedding Date: August 29, 2020
Resort:  Unico Riviera Maya
Photographer:  Jessica Gattone Photography
​Travel Agency:  Romance Travel Group

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
Romance Travel Group was referred to us from a friend who had a wonderful experience attending her brother's wedding in Mexico planned by RTG, then they utilized RTG for their own wedding which we were lucky enough to attend in the Dominican Republic. It was clear after hearing about their experience that RTG would be the right fit for us as we planned our wedding in Mexico!

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We loved the intimate setting that the beach provides for weddings, limited decorations are needed when you have such a beautiful backdrop. We are both lovers of nature and the outdoors and couldn't think of a better place. We also have family that lives all over the U.S. so travel was going to be a part of our guest's plans regardless of where our wedding was held.

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
When looking at resorts we knew we wanted our ceremony on the beach so we searched for a beautiful beach, which is not hard to find in Mexico! Then we knew we wanted an adult-only resort with a unique feel. We looked at several chain style resorts but wanted something one of a kind with wonderful food and expansive pools, this led us to UNICO 20 87!

Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Our on-site wedding coordinator Diana was absolutely amazing! She was kind, courteous, and compassionate. She offered suggestions to make our day perfect!

Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress?
Searching for a wedding dress was harder than I expected. I am a very indecisive person and ended up going to 9 different bridal stores before finding my dress at Bridal Aisle Boutique in Osseo, Minnesota! My sister and maid of honor were with me! Once I put the dress on, I knew!

What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Planning a destination wedding is one thing, having COVID get in the way was a whole different playing field! Our guests were checking in all the time wondering if we were still able to travel to Mexico and wondering if our wedding was still on as planned. Thankfully everything worked out in the end and we did not have to change our date, location, or details but COVID definitely added some stress to the wedding process!

Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
We met with Diana the day after we arrived at the resort. She was organized and walked us through everything we needed to know. We still had some decisions to make about music and she was patient with us through the process. She went through all of our details to ensure her notes were accurate then she took us on a tour and showed us exactly where everything would take place.

How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding dress? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport?
Traveling with my dress was a piece of cake. I ordered a trifold garment bag from Amazon that fit both my dress and my husband's suit and we carried it on the plane with us. Flying Delta airlines made it easy as they were only booking 60% capacity on their flights due to COVID so we were able to lay the bag flat in the overhead bin, but they did give me the option to hang it up in first-class too. We wore the stereotypical bride and groom shirts around the airport and heard a lot of congratulations as we walked through. The flight crew on Delta also congratulated us multiple times!

What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
We loved that it gave our family and closest friends a chance to get to know one another while we spent our week in paradise. It was an overall perfect opportunity for the people we love and care about the most to talk, laugh, and relax together.

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
We loved that our guests had the option to ask us questions or if they felt more comfortable they were able to reach out to RTG. It gave them away to ask questions and be reassured without having to "bug" us. Romance Travel Group also made us feel more comfortable about planning a wedding at a resort we had not been to since we did not tour UNICO prior to arriving for our wedding, it was new for us but spoken highly of by RTG which was reassuring.

Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
ABSOLUTELY!

Congratulations, Kelly & Nick!!! 

How do destination wedding vendors work?
 
Typically, your destination wedding resort will provide you with all the vendors you’ll need. However, this isn’t set in stone! If you have a preferred wedding vendor back at home that you’d like to bring in for the big day, it’s totally doable!
 
Is there a vendor cost?
 
As long as the vendor you’re bringing in is staying at the resort for three nights, you will not have to pay extra to use them. However, if you hire a vendor that is local to the resort and they are not on the resort’s vendor list, be prepared to pay hefty “outside vendor fees” that can range anywhere from $500 to $2000 each!
 
What types of vendors do couples bring in?
 
While this can vary, most couples bring in a  hair stylist, make-up artist, photographer, videographer, or DJ (minus all the equipment!)
 
How should I plan my outside vendor’s travel arrangements?
 
Typically, the bride and groom will cover all travel expenses for their outside vendors. But be sure to ask them if they will negotiate travel costs for their services. Consider asking "if we cover your travel expenses, will you take all the photos of our destination wedding?" 
 
How will my vendors plan for the big day?
Not to worry! Your onsite wedding coordinator will make sure your outside vendors are connected with her team and appropriate staff, so they know exactly what to expect.
 
Have additional questions for us? Then, click here to get in touch with a destination wedding specialist, today!

But first – what are the big three?
These gorgeous destinations are hands-down our favorite places to tie the knot! And here’s why:

Mexico: Affordable, accessible, and SO. MANY. RESORTS. Mexico is our most popular place to send couples for many reasons, but the value-added luxury is at the top of the list. Think gourmet dining experiences, authentic details, incredible hospitality and lavish suites.
 
Jamaica: If you’re looking for that laid-back, no worries vibe, Jamaica is where its at. Couples say “I do” here for the world-renowned beaches, adventurous excursions, and exotic property settings.
 
The Dominican Republic: The island's charming historical quality and friendly people will lure you in for a wedding in the Dominican Republic! Couples will need to have their legal documents translated into Spanish here, but that doesn’t stop anyone!
 
There’s more to love!

In addition to each of these destinations’ unique characteristics, all of them offer the same great perks! Here’s a few examples:
 
Easy flights: All of these destinations are easily accessible from major U.S. airport hubs, and have international airports that are close to the resorts.
All-inclusive: There are plenty of fantastic all-inclusive options at all of these destinations, making your wedding budget that much more manageable for you and your guests!
Value: Mexico isn’t the only destination with value! In fact, the DR and Jamaica have a wide-variety of luxurious hotel options at a price you can handle.
 
Do you see yourself tying the knot at one of the big 3’s? If so, fill out this form to let us know and we’ll send you more info!

Let's face it. Who spends 8 hours a day, 5 days a week planning weddings? WE DO! Who gets to travel to all the resorts to test them out, making sure they are up to our standards for a wedding? US! Who knows the resort brands and can easily compare packages, promos and inclusions? RIGHT HERE!

So let us ask you... why wouldn't you want a destination wedding travel agent on your side? Don't skip this essential first step to planning your wedding. Stop typing "destination wedding" into the search box, and instead, type Romance Travel Group!

The Offer
Thinking about a destination wedding? Worried about the cost? Well, fear not! We’ve got a very special offer with your name on it! For a limited time, the bride and groom will enjoy FREE round-trip flights to their destination wedding.
 
Destination Options
The lucky couple will receive complimentary airfare to either Mexico or the Caribbean for their destination wedding.
 
Resort Options
When you book your destination wedding with Romance Travel Group, we'll fly you to your wedding... FOR FREE! Participating resorts include Karisma, Hard Rock, Unico and Royalton resorts.
 
Booking Process
To claim this exclusive offer, visit our destination wedding page for info on next steps, real wedding stories, and more. Then, fill out the form with some of your basic information, and a destination wedding  specialist will reach out to you right away. We look forward to helping you plan your special day in paradise!

How It Works
To qualify, the group must reach a minimum of 80 rooms nights. For example, 20 rooms staying 4 nights equals 80 room nights. All rooms must be booked with Romance Travel Group.  Valid only for new wedding groups at Karisma, Palace, Hard Rock, Unico and Royalton resorts for weddings taking place through 2021. 
 
Additional Info
Hurry! This destination wedding offer doesn’t come along often. Receive FREE round-trip flights to your wedding when you book with Romance Travel Group by September 30, 2020. Simply click here to get started!

Not all wedding packages are created equal – or are they? Keep reading to discover the truth about resort wedding packages.

Do all resorts have wedding packages?
Yes!
 
What is included in a typical wedding package?
In addition to your resort’s all-inclusive benefits, wedding packages can include everything from expert wedding designers and décor, to sound systems, the ceremony officiant, a wedding certificate, a reception dinner, a honeymoon or spa package, and much more!
 
How much do wedding packages cost?
Many resorts have a complimentary wedding package when you stay 7 nights or reach a certain number of guest rooms.  In fact, free wedding packages typically provide all the basics that you need for your wedding day. The free package is a great way to start planning. Looking for something more custom or specific? Well then, say no more – because most resorts also offer premium wedding packages for a small upcharge to match your specific preferences and personality! You can even build your package ala carte if you prefer. 
 
Do wedding packages vary by resort?
Yes and no. While resorts present their wedding packages a little differently, at the end of the day, you’re getting the same goodies for around the same price. In fact, resorts in the same destination are often using the same vendors!! We always say... "don't just a resort by it's wedding package, because what one can do, they ALL can do!"
 
How do I pick the right wedding package?
Since all wedding packages are pretty much the same, we recommend selecting your dream resort first. Once you decide on the perfect place, then you can customize the wedding package of your dreams.
 
How do I know what resort to pick?
This all depends on your preferences! What amenities are important to you? Are you a beach-lover? A foodie? Want something private and adult-only? These are the things you’ll want to add to your wish list when working with your destination wedding specialist.
 
So there you have it – the truth about wedding packages! Ready to start searching for the perfect wedding resort? Then, click here to get in touch with a romance travel expert!