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The Very Best Wedding Blog

Real Wedding:  Alexis & Caleb at Secrets Moxche

1/23/2024

 
Wedding Date: October 14, 2023 ~ Resort: Secrets Moxche ~ Photographer: Jonhy and Rose  ~ Bridal Gown: Emma and Grace Denver ~ Beauty: Zoe Elizabeth ~ Tux Salon: Men's Warehouse
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What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We got engaged in Mexico and had originally planned to get married in Colorado, but the more we started planning, the more overwhelming it felt and it got so expensive so fast! That's when we looked into the idea of going back to Mexico and doing an all-inclusive. We reached out to Romance Travel Group and started talking about the idea of a Mexico wedding. We ended up cancelling our Colorado venue and had the easiest, best time planning our destination wedding. It was the best decision ever! 
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
Abigail ultimately helped us decide on Secrets Moxche. She listened to what we were wanting in a resort and highly recommended Secrets Moxche. We fell in love with the pictures of the cenotes, "Tulum-feel", and the beauty of the resort. It was so unique and unlike anything we'd ever seen. We wanted an adult-only all-inclusive that wasn't too big, but was romantic, modern, and tropical. Abigail nailed it on the head with Secrets Moxche
 
Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?
Some of our guests were unable to make it due to the costs or taking time off of work, but we told everyone beforehand that we understand it is a big ask to have them come to Mexico. We didn't want anyone to feel obligated to come and let them know we would miss them and celebrate when we got back. 


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Romance Travel Group Named Winner of The Knot "Best of Weddings" 2024

1/18/2024

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Romance Travel Group is pleased to announce that they have been selected as a 2024 ­­winner of The Knot Best of Weddings. This accolade represents the top local wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples on The Knot, a digital wedding planning authority and one of the largest wedding Vendor Marketplaces in the US. This is the 8th year Romance Travel Group has been named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings awards. 
 
In its eighteenth annual year, The Knot continues its long-standing tradition of supporting the expertise and outstanding service of local wedding professionals with The Knot Best of Weddings 2024. As a go-to guide of top wedding vendors across the country, this prestigious award honors those vendors on The Knot deemed by couples as trusted, dependable and consistently delivering quality service. 

To determine the winners, The Knot assessed thousands of user reviews for 200,000+ wedding professionals within its Vendor Marketplace across various categories—planners, venues, officiants, musicians, DJs, florists, photographers, caterers, hair and makeup artists, and more—to find the top vendors of the year. Vendors who have received at least 7 reviews on The Knot with an average score of 4.5+ between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 received The Knot Best of Weddings Award. These winners represent the top wedding professionals that best embody what matters to couples in their wedding planning journey.

“We are always thrilled to hear that we've won! " shared Shelli Nornes, owner, founder and CEO of Romance Travel Group. "Our team is extremely dedicated and committed to helping our couples create the most incredible destination weddings. It is an honor to be a part of their big day." 

The Knot supports local wedding professionals through The Knot Vendor Marketplace, where couples can search, compare, and connect to book any of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals across the country all in one place. Each vendor storefront  features insightful reviews, real wedding photos, and details about the vendor and their services. The Knot Best of Weddings award gives couples the confidence to book the best vendors to bring their wedding visions to life. In combination with years of trusted content, The Knot’s innovative technology helps all couples seamlessly plan a wedding that’s authentically them.
 
For more than 25 years, Romance Travel Group has been helping couples discover the joys of a destination wedding. The commitment to and expertise they share with their couples is evident in the hundreds of 5-star reviews they've received. "Destination weddings are what we do. Our couples have our undivided attention from the moment we connect. Our passion for what we do really shines through."

To learn more about Romance Travel Group, visit their website at www.RomanceTravelGroup.com. 

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Top 10 Questions Every Wedding Couple Asks

1/18/2024

 
If you're engaged and considering a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean, you no doubt have questions…. LOTS of questions. Well, you're in the right place. We specialize in making your dream wedding come true at all-inclusive resorts. And for more than 25 years, couples have asked us thousands of questions, and have trusted in our answers. It is pretty overwhelming when you’re at the beginning of the planning process, but we’re here to help. Here are the top 10 questions (and answers!) wedding couples ask us.
Table Of Contents
  • ​1 - How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?
  • 2 - What's Included with the Wedding Package?
  • 3 - What Resorts Do You Recommend?
  • 4 - What Will My Guests Need to Pay?
  • 5 - How Will I Choose the Destination?
  • 6 - Do I Need to Hire a Wedding Planner?
    • Wedding Coordinator
    • Wedding Planner
    • Making the Decision
  • 7 - Can I Have All the Events Like I Would at Home?
  • 8 - What Does Romance Travel Group Do?
  • 9 - What Does the Process Entail?
  • 10 - How Can We Get Started?
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1 - How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?

One of the first questions on every couple's mind is, "How much will our destination wedding cost?" It's a great question and important to consider as you plan your special day.

On average, a destination wedding with about 50 guests typically costs around $15,000. However, it's important to remember that this is an average figure. The actual cost of your wedding can vary significantly based on several factors.
  • Resort Selection: Different resorts offer various pricing packages. Some might be more luxurious and, therefore, more expensive.
  • Wedding Date: Picking a date can affect costs. Peak seasons will be pricier than off-peak times.
  • Destination: The location you choose also plays a role in the overall cost. Some destinations will be more affordable than others.
  • Personal Choices: Lastly, your personal preferences for things like decor, entertainment, and extras will influence the final cost.

Remember, your destination wedding is a unique event, and you have the flexibility to control many aspects of the budget. Our team at Romance Travel Group is here to help guide you through these choices to ensure your wedding is not only beautiful but also fits your budget. 
See our exclusive destination wedding cost calculator

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Romance Travel Group Wins Top "Black Diamond" Award with Hard Rock Resorts

1/7/2024

 
At Romance Travel Group, destination weddings aren’t just part of what we do—they’re everything we do. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve received the coveted "Black Diamond Award" from Hard Rock Resorts—a distinction reserved for the top-producing travel agencies across the globe.

Recognizing Excellence in Destination Weddings
The Black Diamond Award honors elite agencies that demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication, and success in planning unforgettable travel experiences at Hard Rock Resorts. With only a handful of agencies worldwide earning this accolade, the award solidifies Romance Travel Group’s status as a leader in destination wedding planning, particularly in Mexico and the Caribbean.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Black Diamond Award,” said Shelli Nornes, founder of Romance Travel Group. “This recognition reflects the passion and hard work of our entire team. It’s also a testament to the trust our couples place in us to bring their dream weddings to life.”

A Partnership Built on Passion
Our longstanding partnership with the Hard Rock and AIC brand allows us to provide our couples with exclusive perks, insider knowledge, and seamless experiences from planning to “I do.” From beachfront vows to sky terrace celebrations, we know exactly how to match each couple’s vision with the perfect Hard Rock destination.

Our expert travel agents have worked tirelessly to earn this distinction, navigating every detail so couples can focus on what truly matters—celebrating their love with friends and family in an unforgettable setting.

What This Means for Our Couples
Being a Black Diamond agency means our clients enjoy benefits such as:
  • Priority access to top resort venues and wedding dates
  • Exclusive promotions and wedding package enhancements
  • Personalized concierge service from our seasoned travel experts
  • Peace of mind, knowing they’re working with the very best in the business
Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, couples can count on our team to deliver expert guidance, award-winning service, and memories that last a lifetime.

If you're ready to start planning your own Hard Rock wedding experience, schedule a free consultation with us today!
Plan with us!
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Real Wedding: Kaitlyn & Taylor at Dreams Playa Mujeres

1/3/2024

 
​Wedding Date: November 9, 2023 ~ Resort: Dreams Playa Mujeres ~ Photographer: Andrew Meier Photography ~ Bridal Gown: Savvi Bridal ~ Gown Designer: Casablanca ~ Tux Salon: Generation Tux
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Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We chose Romance Travel Group after meeting some of their team members at a local bridal expo. My husband and I had already decided on a destination wedding, yet we were just looking for additional information and location ideas. After having a rough start to the planning process with another travel agent, a meeting with Shelli immediately put us at ease, and we trusted that her team knew what they were doing. The fact that they specialized in destination weddings was a plus, and it helped them help us narrow down resorts based on what we were looking for.

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We were living in NC then, and I was from the Chicago area while my husband is from Ohio. No matter where we held our wedding, people would have to travel, so why not make it a tropical destination where we could spend more than one day with our guests. 

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
Shelli and her team did a great job listening to what we were looking for on our wedding day, along with our group size and budget, to help narrow down resorts. We ended up going with a resort that had the wedding package we were looking for, along with amenities and incentives for booking a certain number of rooms.

Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?
We had a few objections from family and friends about us having a destination wedding. We included why we decided to have a destination wedding on our Q&A page on our wedding website, and we understood from the beginning that only some were going to make it. We had a 2.5-year engagement; by the time a date was set, it was a 1.5-year notice for guests. We tried to be considerate of our guests to be able to plan for time off and save, and this allowed us to save up for our big day, too. The people who wanted to be there would be there, and no matter what, it was a fantastic time.


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Planning an All-Inclusive LGBTQ+ Destination Wedding

1/2/2024

 
LGBTQ+ Destination Wedding
There is nothing more exciting and heartwarming than being part of the journey when two people find their soulmates. Love is love, and it deserves to be cherished and celebrated in the most spectacular ways. And this is exactly what we do. We are Romance Travel Group, and we specialize in planning unforgettable destination weddings for couples in love. With our expertise in all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, we're here to guide you through every step of creating your dream wedding.

Embarking on a destination wedding is an exciting journey filled with unique moments and memories. It offers affordability, extended celebrations with loved ones, stunning photography, and stress-free planning. In this guide, we will help you explore the essentials of an LGBTQ+ destination wedding, from choosing the perfect location to navigating wedding packages.

We highlight why Mexico is a premier choice for LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, considering its affordability, ease of travel, and exceptional resorts. Thinking of another destination? We can help! We also provide insights on choosing the best date and resort, tailoring these choices to your specific needs. Additionally, we dive into understanding and selecting the right wedding packages.

​Most importantly, we stress the value of having an experienced travel agent by your side. At Romance Travel Group, our expertise and dedication ensure that your wedding planning is a joyful and seamless experience. Join us as we guide you through this beautiful journey, ensuring your special day is as remarkable as your love story.

Table Of Contents
Why a Destination Wedding?
  • Affordability Compared to Traditional Weddings
  • Extended Time with Guests
  • Stunning Photography and Lasting Memories
  • Stress-Free Planning with Experts
LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations: Why Mexico is the Best Option
  • Affordability and Value
  • Easy Travel Accessibility
  • Abundance of All-Inclusive Resort Options
  • Genuine Service and Hospitality
Choosing a Date for Your Wedding
  • Selecting Dates with Personal Significance
  • Weather Considerations and Hurricane Season
  • Understanding Peak Season Implications
Selecting the Perfect Resort
  • Family-Friendly vs. Adults-Only Resorts
  • Proximity to the Airport for Convenience
  • Utilizing Romance Travel Group’s Expertise as Resort Matchmakers
  • Considerations for Large Guest Groups
Navigating Wedding Packages
  • Overview of Resort Wedding Packages
  • Starting with Free Wedding Packages
  • Choosing Packages for Large Weddings
The Importance of Hiring a Travel Agent
  • Essential Role in Destination Wedding Planning
  • Personalized Resort Selection and Date Confirmation
  • Handling All Aspects of Travel Coordination
  • Cost-Effective Services with Expert Guidance
Starting Your Wedding Planning Journey
  • Steps to Begin with Romance Travel Group
  • Embarking on Your Planning Journey
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Why a Destination Wedding?

Affordability Compared to Traditional Weddings

​Choosing a destination wedding is about more than just a change of scenery. It's about embracing a unique, cost-effective, and memorable way to celebrate your love. It's about spending quality time with your loved ones in a breathtaking location. And most importantly, it's about starting your journey together in a stress-free, beautifully orchestrated celebration that reflects who you are as a couple. As experts in destination weddings, we understand the magic and allure of celebrating love in stunning settings. If you're an LGBTQ+ couple contemplating a destination wedding, here’s why it could be the perfect choice for you and your partner.
LGBTQ+ Destination Wedding Brides On Beach
LGBTQ+ Destination Wedding Brides Wedding Ceremony

Extended Time with Guests

​A unique advantage of a destination wedding is the opportunity to spend extended time with your guests. Unlike traditional weddings, where interactions might be limited to a few hours, destination weddings create a mini-vacation for you and your guests. Over 3-4 days, you can bond, relax, and celebrate together in a way that a single-day event just can't match. This extended time allows for deeper connections, shared experiences, and the creation of lasting memories with those closest to you.

Stunning Photography and Lasting Memories

​The allure of a destination wedding is partly in its setting. Picture saying "I do" with a tropical sunset as your backdrop or exchanging vows on a pristine white-sand beach. These breathtaking locations provide not just a venue but a canvas for your wedding. The resulting photographs are not just images but windows to relive those moments. Every glance at your wedding album will transport you back to the beauty and emotions of your special day. In essence, the destination adds an unforgettable character to your wedding story. It will have guests raving about your wedding for years to come.

Stress-Free Planning with Experts

​Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with a destination wedding, much of the stress is taken off your shoulders. Resorts specializing in weddings have a team of experts who handle the details, from decor to catering. As part of our service at Romance Travel Group, we work closely with these professionals to ensure every aspect of your wedding aligns with your vision. From confirming the date to the final toast, our team is there to guide you. This means you can focus on what truly matters - celebrating your love and starting your life together in a paradise setting.

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Types of Destination Wedding Packages

1/2/2024

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Curious what wedding packages are available for your destination wedding? Then, keep reading for some insight!

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!

What's a semi-private dinner?  "Semi-private" means a dinner reservation in one of the resort's restaurants, sectioned off for your group, creating a "semi-private" atmosphere. There will be other resort guests in the restaurant with you. "Private" on the other hand, means you choose the venue, menu, decor and entertainment, and only your wedding guests are in attendance. 

Similar Wedding Package Costs

Most resorts have a complimentary wedding package option, making most resorts quite similar in terms of pricing. We typically recommend taking advantage of the free package if there is one, 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. Creating your package like this means you can prioritize the things that matter most to you, without paying for things you really don't want or need.

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. The larger your guest list the more important it is to choose a resort with a great group package. 

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!
YES! I want to learn more!
Originally published on 11/30/2020. Modified on 1/2/2024.
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