When you picture your dream wedding, does it include a white sandy beach, the soothing sound of waves, and your closest family and friends gathered for an intimate celebration? If so, you’re in good company! Destination weddings are more popular than ever, but there’s one question every couple asks: How much does a destination wedding cost?
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The short answer? It depends. But don’t worry, we’ll break it all down for you. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush beach resort in Mexico, a picturesque ceremony in Jamaica, or something more exotic, here’s everything you need to know.

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.

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.

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.
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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.

​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:

​Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to take the next step. Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to dive into planning, Romance Travel Group is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation . You’ll be so glad you did! Your tropical celebration is closer than you think!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tulum, Mexico – December 6-9, 2024

The destination wedding experts at Romance Travel Group have once again been recognized as part of the Top 100 Travel Advisors in North America by Hyatt Inclusive Collection. These outstanding professionals were invited to celebrate this tremendous honor at Confidant Connect Live 2024, hosted at the breathtaking Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club. 

This exclusive fifth-annual event, themed "Our Celebration of You," recognized the unparalleled dedication, expertise, and passion of the industry's finest travel advisors.

Attendees were immersed in the luxurious agenda including:

• Networking opportunities with top Inclusive Collection representatives.
• Workshops and trade shows showcasing the latest in luxury travel offerings.
• The Iconic Ball - a dazzling night to honor the advisors' achievements.

The decorated team at Romance Travel Group consistently leads the industry in crafting exceptional destination wedding experiences for clients. Their recognition at this prestigious event reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in wedding travel planning.

"Partnership is everything. Planning a destination wedding takes a village, and our wedding clients reap the rewards of this recognition and partnership more than anyone," said Shelli Nornes, owner of Romance Travel Group. "We are thrilled to celebrate this success and show our continued support to the Hyatt Inclusive Collection brand."
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For more about planning a destination wedding at one of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, visit Romance Travel Group’s website at www.RomanceTravelGroup.com. 

​Dreaming of a destination wedding that includes all your favorite people? A large guest list might seem intimidating, but with the right plan, it can be an incredible way to celebrate your love. Picture this: the joy of your wedding day paired with the excitement of a tropical getaway. Add in the perks that come with hosting a big group, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for an unforgettable celebration. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan your perfect large destination wedding!

​While small, intimate weddings have their charm, there’s something truly magical about sharing your special day with a crowd of 100 or more loved ones. A large guest list doesn’t just bring extra energy and laughter - it can actually unlock amazing benefits. Here’s the secret: the more rooms your guests book, the more perks you earn! From complimentary events to cash back, a bigger group often means bigger rewards.

​Destination weddings are more than just a day - they’re a shared experience. Your guests won’t just attend your wedding; they’ll make memories alongside you. Imagine a group snorkeling trip, sunset cocktails on a swanky rooftop, or a farewell brunch on the beach. These moments bring your loved ones closer together, making your celebration one they’ll never forget.

Not all resorts are created equal when it comes to accommodating big groups. The key here is to work with a travel expert who knows all the resorts and what they offer, like Romance Travel Group. Here are three standouts that shine for large destination weddings:

Generations Riviera Maya & El Dorado Royale
Sister resorts in Mexico, these properties offer the perfect blend of luxury and convenience for hosting a large wedding. Combine adult-only and family-friendly rooms at both resorts to maximize your group credits, which can be used to enhance your events with extra decor, entertainment, or even gourmet dining.
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Why It’s Perfect:

• Group credits grow with your room block, giving you more perks.
• Free wedding packages with essentials like a coordinator and ceremony setup.
• Stunning backdrops for breathtaking photos and memories.

​Wedding Date: November 2, 2024 ~ Resort: Sandos Cancun ~ Photographer: Romanza

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
 
We knew we could use some help with coordinating the guests' stay and transfers to/from the airport. Our resort recommended we use a travel agency to assist with booking a room block for the resort. Our biggest concern was not being able to keep everyone's information organized and guests being confused on where to stay (we did not want guests staying in resorts other than our own!) I researched several travel agencies/groups and had multiple introductory calls. Romance Travel Group stood out as the obvious choice because of the countless outstanding reviews regarding their friendliness, professionalism, responsiveness, and cost saving. No exaggeration - they are 4.9 stars and above on any site I viewed. I was amazed to learn that their services came at no cost to us; in fact, they helped us save money! Choosing Romance Travel Group was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding and I'm dying to know another couple planning a destination wedding so I can refer them to RTG. 
 
What led you to choose a destination wedding?
 
After researching domestic wedding venues, I began to panic at the idea of spending my entire life's savings (and more) on the event of my dreams. There had to be another way to host a beautiful wedding! My husband and I had been to Cancun before and loved it as a relaxing, scenic, fun destination that isn't too far from the US. We began researching resorts with wedding packages and found that they were infinitely more affordable than options in the US. Finances were the strongest motivation, but we also liked the idea of an entire "wedding weekend" where people could come together. Our families and friends are spread out all over the US, some all over the world, so they would be likely flying and staying in a hotel no matter where we hosted our wedding. Why not make it a beautiful destination?! Not to mention it's easiest to cut down on a guest list with the excuse of a destination wedding. 
 
How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
 
We love Cancun in November. We historically visit that time of year. It's right at the end of the "rainy" season and helps us escape the cold of the midwest before Thanksgiving. We were even more encouraged to have a November wedding because our resort has strict policies around sea turtle nesting season (May-October) in which any outdoor event must end by 9 PM. We wanted an outdoor terrace wedding reception until at least 10 PM so that encouraged us to host the wedding after October ended. The irony of it all is that of the 10 days we stayed in the Cancun area, the only rainy day was our wedding day! Our coordinator helped us pivot and host everything indoors and it was still a beautiful wedding. In hindsight, I would still choose November to have a wedding in Cancun because it's considered a "slower" time for tourists and travel (the locals said Cancun starts getting busy Dec. 15), so I'd like to think it was an ideal time for our guests to be there and have a relatively seamless experience! 
 
Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How did you feel wearing your wedding attire?
 
I found my wedding dress at a secondhand store that supports First Responders. I wasn't expecting to walk away with my dress, my goal was just to get an idea of what I liked, but I ended up finding "the one"! It hadn't been worn before - it was a discontinued dress from a boutique, so it was donated to this shop. I knew I wanted a simple, light, beachy dress but otherwise had no specific inspiration. I tried on heavier, classic ball gowns but I could tell they would be far too dense for a tropical wedding destination. I shopped with my mom and my sister, who gave me extra confidence in my dress because they loved it too. I felt like a true bride in my dress! Regarding extras, I purchased my veil at Azazie's, shapewear from HoneyLove, and heels from DSW! Highly recommend having comfortable shoes (I chose sneakers) for the reception! 
 
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?  
 
Our guests had varied reactions to the booking process. Our friends were very responsive and reacted quickly to our instruction - booking their rooms with our block as early as a year in advance. Our families were a little less attentive and had a more difficult time navigating. We had to learn to be OK with receiving slow, sometimes vague responses from guests. However, it was helpful that the Romance Travel Group team followed up with reminders and were always happy to answer questions that our guests had. It definitely took the weight off of our backs as the wedding couple. 

Wedding Date: October 4, 2024 ~ Resort: The Fives Beach ~ Photographer: Maricarmen Arcos ~ Videographer: Arcos Productions ~ Bridal Salon: Tie The Knot Off The Rack

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?

We chose Romance Travel Group after finding them on social media. We knew nothing about destination weddings, so we loved that this was their expertise! After our intro call, we knew they would be the perfect match to help make our dream destination wedding come true!
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?

After previewing the expansive list of resorts provided by our Travel Agent, The Fives resort hit all the marks. The cost was fair and affordable for our guests, the location was ideal and the variety of wedding venue locations and style of the resort really fit what we were looking for and matched our style.
 
What led you to choose a destination wedding?

We always knew we never wanted a big, traditional wedding. The thought of spending SO much money on one day, just wasn't "us." We initially considered elopement, but decided we wanted to celebrate and have our closest friends and family with us. So, we decided to go with a destination wedding because we were able to create a memorable experience for all of our favorite people.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?

Our experience with our wedding coordinator went well. She was very responsive to emails and responded in a timely manner. There were a few times where I had to ask additional questions to clarify things mentioned in our contract to make sure we were on the same page, but overall she was able to execute our wedding vision well.
 
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?

Our guests had no issues booking their rooms. We included a QR code on our invites which took them right to the booking section of our wedding website. Romance Travel Group did an exceptional job working with our guests and answering any questions or requests that they had.
 
What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?

100% the weather/hurricanes. We booked in early October and a week before a tropical storm had hit the resort. After talking with our Travel Agent, Abby, who was actually at the resort visiting that week, she made us feel safe and comfortable- knowing the resort handles these types of situations very well.
 
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.

The meeting with our day of coordinator went well. We went through our entire contract line by line to make sure everything was ready to go. We also got to tour and look at all the locations we had picked to have our wedding events at.
 
How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding attire? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport?

Traveling with our wedding attire was not bad at all! We bought a travel garment bag that folded up and were able to lay in in the overhead bins of the planes. We got several congratulations at the airport and even a free bottle of champagne from the bar in Nashville!
 
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?

Our wedding consisted of the ceremony, dinner reception and dance. We opted to not have a formal cocktail hour and encouraged our guests to grab a drink from the bars around the resort. Since we went with a destination wedding, we were able to afford a plated dinner vs buffet/family style and enjoy complimentary signature drinks.