Everyone loves a little something for free, right? Here's our latest lineup of the best resorts offering complimentary wedding packages. Let's explore these together to see which option works best for your destination wedding dreams!

Royalton Resorts
Includes a personal wedding planner and onsite coordinator, wedding couple VIP welcome and room upgrade, “Getting Ready” refreshments, ceremony location, chairs, and sound system, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, sparkling wine toast, semi-private reception, cake, and more.

Hilton Ziva/Hilton Zilara
Includes pre-planning and onsite wedding concierge, couples massage and romantic dinner, ceremony with alter table linens, folding chairs, and sound system, couples’ bouquets and/or boutonnieres, post-ceremony sparkling wine, wedding cake, special suite décor, and more.

The Fives
Includes personal wedding planner and on-site coordinator, Spa Bridal Suite and Groom’s Room, ceremony welcome drinks, ceremony location with garden chairs and sound system, personal flowers, semi-private dinner for up to 40 people, Sweet Honeymoon Dream package, and more.

Majestic Resorts
Includes a massage for the wedding couple, room upgrades, romantic candle lit dinner and in-suite breakfast for wedding couple, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, post-ceremony Champagne, dinner for up to 60 guests, wedding couple bracelet, and more.

Riu Palace Resorts
Includes ceremony setup, recorded music, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, semi-private reception dinner, wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, romantic room decoration on wedding night, and 10% spa discount.

Hard Rock and Unico Resorts
Includes an event consultant and onsite wedding coordinator, complimentary honeymoon package, ceremony arbor, podium, audio system, and chairs, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, themed one-tier cake, sparkling wine for the ceremony, and more.

Secrets Moxche’
Escape into luxury, just a 10-minute drive from Playa del Carmen's famed 5th Avenue, and indulge in a contemporary experience resort with a bohemian feel! Here, the happy couple can enjoy luxurious amenities, stunning views, an in-room rolling bar, all complete with their signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience. This brand new, adults only resort is already a fan favorite for couples looking for an upscale, unique and inspiring destination wedding location.

El Dorado Seaside Palms
Situated on Kantenah Bay, El Dorado Seaside Suites is divided into two distinct sections: Palms and Infinity – both of which offer a unique vacation experience. The Palms features intimate accommodations, authentic Mexican architecture, lush vegetation and serene coconut plantations - perfect for wedding goers looking for a laid back, boho-chic vibe.  There are instagrammable photo ops throughout this adults only, all-inclusive resort.

Unico 2087
The carefully crafted details and local artful touches make Unico 20º87º the ideal matrimonial backdrop for couples and adult travelers. Known for its exceptional value and service, this property boasts an entirely new standard for inclusion. We think you’ll also find the Anfitrion Service to be especially enticing, which is designed to replace the traditional butler service and to serve as your personal host during your stay.

The Fives Oceanfront
Say hello to The Fives Oceanfront Hotel – where you can relax and recharge your senses on the peaceful shores of Puerto Morelos. This seaside escape will immerse you into the natural beauty of your surroundings and introduce you to new adventures every day. Explore the pristine beaches, cenotes, and some of the best snorkeling and fishing sites in the area – or just lounge on the soft white sands with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Whatever you do, you don't want to miss the private rooftop pool area which turned into a spectacular private wedding venue in the evening! 

Ready to start your exciting destination wedding journey? Then, contact us through the button below to start the process!

​P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!

Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
Los Cabos is a breathtaking option for LGBT destination weddings for its picturesque coastline and mountainous backdrops. Couples are invited to start their forever in a variety of settings, like the property’s beautifully-decorated gazebo or expansive beach. There’s also a number of options to celebrate with a private dinner reception, a wedding cake, music, and so much more.

​Hard Rock Cabo
From the Hard Rock memorabilia and elaborately-decorated suites, to the Rock Spa and Posh Beauty Salon and Boutique – Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos is guaranteed to wash your cares away. Relax on the sandy shores of the Baja Peninsula, or soak up the sun in five of the resort’s refreshing pools. In addition, couples can enjoy their very own personal outdoor hydro-spa tub for a bit of added luxury!

Hard Rock Punta Cana
LGBT couples wishing to wed in the Caribbean will love Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana for its vibrant nightlife and legendary Hard Rock entertainment. Just like all these amazing properties, Hard Rock offers a complimentary wedding package that includes everything you need to pull off the perfect wedding day. It’s also a great option for couples who plan to marry legally prior to their trip, as this resort only performs symbolic ceremonies.

Secrets Cap Cana
This Dominican Republic property is situated in an exclusive community in Cap Cana, bringing the highest level of elegance and luxury to your wedding experience. Known for its incredible sugar-sand beach, sparkling pools and fancy rooms –it's no wonder this one made our top LGBT wedding resorts. Additionally, Secrets Cap Cana offers a variety of romantic packages just for the happy couple.

Ready to start your exciting destination wedding journey? Then, contact us through the button below to start the process!

​P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!

Prefer an upscale and sophisticated atmosphere for your destination wedding? Here are some of our favorite adult-only resorts!

El Dorado Royale  
Picture the style, service and setting you crave with a destination wedding at this gorgeous all-inclusive, adults-only resort. Explore signature wedding collections, beautiful offerings and award-winning cuisine at this one-of-a-kind escape. In addition, El Dorado Royale's lush, tropical scenery make the perfect matrimonial backdrop for your special day. This is a true, authentically Mexican experience your guests will rave about!
 
Unico 20º87º
The carefully crafted details and artful touches make Unico 20º87º one gorgeous setup to exchange vows. Unico’s unique inclusions and atmosphere are taking the all-inclusive world by storm, and wedding guests are loving it! The more guests you have, the more group amenities you earn, making this a great option for larger wedding groups.

El Dorado Maroma
Overlooking picturesque views of a gorgeous beach hat will immediately take your breath away, this resort doesn't fall short from perfection. The Palafitos overwater bungalows at El Dorado Maroma are the very first of its kind in Mexico, settled on one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya. The luxurious accommodations and intimate setting are suitable for anyone looking to tie the knot!

Secrets Wild Orchid
At Secrets Wild Orchid, take time to focus on each other while we work with their full-service wedding coordinators and designers to take care of the rest. Experience the chill and lively vibes of Jamaica at this noteworthy resort!

P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!

Wedding Website
One of the first fun and exciting steps in your planning process is creating a customized wedding website that is designed just for your wedding. Details like the wedding location, booking information, and welcome letter for your guests are great to include so they know what to expect. Keep the website simple and easy to navigate by including just the pertinent information. Too much is overwhelming to guests. The purpose of the wedding website is first and foremost, a place for guests to book into your wedding group, but including some personal information and photos of the two of you really personalizes the experience for guests.
 
Welcome Party
Give your guests a chance to settle in before throwing them into the hustle and bustle of your wedding day. A welcome party is an excellent way to greet your guests and set the tone for your destination wedding. After all, that is why you were looking to get away, isn't it? So, invite your guests to kick back, have a drink, and stay a while.  ​

Welcome Bag
Go the extra mile and put together some welcome bags for your friends and family to pick up at the hotel's front desk upon check- in. Fill the bags with an official itinerary, resort map, water bottles, snacks, small gifts – maybe even a cute welcome note from you and your SO. This gesture will help your guests feel right at home and appreciated. 
 
Be Considerate
Work with your travel agent and wedding coordinators to ensure that not only your wedding is amazing, but the experience for your guests are as well. Be considerate not to book around holidays or dates that would be of conflict for everyone. Also, price is an important factor for most people, so consider coordinating a time of year that appeals to everyone's budget. 
 
Suggest Activities
Make sure to do the research for your guests.  A lot of all-inclusive resorts have activities that run throughout the day, so if you suggest one or two group activities for them to get involved in, they'll have the perfect balance of activity time with the group, and downtime alone, as well.  Your wedding coordinator will be a huge source of information when it comes to lining up fun and unique activities for your wedding guests.

Ready to throw a destination wedding everyone will love? Then, hit the button below to get in touch with one of our experts!​

P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!

Wedding Date: February 2, 2022 ~ Resort:  Azul Beach Negril ~ Photographer: Caribe Photo ~ Bridal Salon: David's Bridal ~ Seamstress: Anniseau

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We chose RTG because when we were looking for travel agents, they never would get back to us and never seemed like they were truly wanting to help us.  Booking with RTG, they were quick to respond and helped us and our guests every step of the way.  They helped us narrow down resorts in the area we wanted and worked with the resort that we chose. Any question or concern, they would answer.
 
What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
Our biggest fears were Covid-19.  When we booked late 2020, we hoped most of the pandemic would be over by 2022.
 
How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
We didn’t pick 2-22-2022 for any specific reason at the time other than we didn’t want to go to Jamaica in the middle of their summer/hurricane season. It turned out it was an awesome date, because we got to get married 2 times, as we legally got married in the U.S. on 2/2/2022 and symbolically on 2/22/2022 on a Twosday.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Our wedding manager, SueAnn, was amazing. She knew what she was doing and most definitely would not let anything go wrong on our day. Working with the wedding planner, Carla, before we arrived in Jamaica was more difficult. The wedding department did not seem to know we were coming on 2/16/22 but thought we were going to be arriving 2/18/2022.  
 
Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress?
I found my wedding dress on a website for $109, brand new with tags from David’s Bridal.  It was a few sizes too small and had lace up around the neck.  I took it to a shop in Amery, WI called Anniseau.  She customized the dress for me and made it fit perfectly!
 
What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
We were very worried, what if someone doesn’t make it? What if one of us can go and the other can’t?  We decided, if one of us couldn’t go, the other was still going and we would’ve had to do a Facetime wedding. Us and 28 guests made it safely to and from Jamaica.
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Everyone loved the resort we chose. The beach, the staff, and the food were amazing. The staff was amazing and made it a more memorable because they got to know us and they were so nice and fun!
 
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 wanted to keep our wedding small and memorable and after a long 2 years of the pandemic, we wanted our guests to have fun and have their own vacation.  We had a dinner for all 30 of us the night before the wedding, as a thank you/welcome dinner.  After the wedding we had told everyone we hadn’t planned a reception but to go eat dinner and we would all meet down on the beach somewhere, and have our “own” party.  Fortunately, by the time we got down to the bonfire event the resort was holding, all our family was sitting on the beach waiting for the bonfire to be lit.  The resort staff asked us if we would like to light the bonfire, so we did together. And they had music entertainment and we got to have our first dance next to the bonfire on the beach with all our family.
 
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
Getting to spend a whole week with our family and friends in paradise.
 
What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
My favorite memory is having my mom walk me down the aisle to my best friend in front of everyone that loves and supports us and the sunshine rays shining through the clouds down on us during our ceremony.
 
In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
Knowing that all information that was needed for them to get to Jamaica was sent and we didn’t have to do anything.
 
What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
I wouldn’t do anything different. Don’t worry about who will and won’t come, invited everyone.  If they want to come, they will make it happen.  We were surprised by the ones that did make it and the ones that didn’t.
 
What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding?
How many people booked and came with us to Jamaica. We had 28 guests.
 
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
Yes, I would definitely recommend!

Wedding Date: December 4, 2020 ~ Resort: The Fives Beach Resort ~ Photographer: Meek Monster Media ~ Bridal Salon: Blue Bridal Boutique

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We ultimately chose Romance Travel Group after our initial conversation with Lisa Ruchti. We were referred by a good friend who had nothing but positive things to say about her experience with Lisa and RTG. I knew immediately that Lisa was our person, and felt confident she would take great care of us and help guide us in our journey of choosing a destination wedding (and this was before the COVID-19 pandemic was even a thought!). 
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We ultimately chose The Fives Beach because we wanted to make sure our guests were met with unparalleled service. We also needed a family-friendly resort but still wanted our adult guests to feel like they were able to escape and let loose. The numerous amenities, special events, and resort service were really what drew us to The Fives. 
 
What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
Initially, I had no reservations or fears about a destination wedding. My husband and I had discussed what we wanted at length and included our family in our decision-making process. And then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened and we were already over 8 months into planning, with another 7 months to go. Understandable, we were a little stressed and uncertain about what this would mean for our December 2020 wedding. Lisa and our resort wedding coordinators kept us reassured throughout the planning process leading up to our wedding. Despite lingering uncertainties out of our control, Lisa and The Fives staff took great care of us and our guests and really made it a seamless process despite being in the midst of a global pandemic.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Our wedding coordinators were wonderful. They began communicating with me very early on about the planning process and provided explicit deadlines to ensure we received what we wanted. They also made sure to go through every detail with us when we arrived at the resort. They were always checking in with us throughout our stay and really made everything easy on the day of our wedding. The only challenge we encountered was having separate rooms available in time on our wedding day so that me and my husband could get ready separately. This seemed to be more of an issue with the resort blocking another room, rather than lack of attention with our coordinators. 
 
Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress?
When searching for a wedding dress I had two mandatory requirements - I wanted a low, open back AND it must be made for a long night of dancing. My mom went dress shopping with me and we went to five different boutiques in one weekend. Realistically, I found this dress at the third boutique we went to and I think both my mom and I knew it was "the one". Unfortunately, we had appointments at two other locations that would charge cancellation fees for our appointment, but it reassured me that my dream dress was back at Blue Bridal Boutique. The dress, and the staff, made me feel like a queen and I was so excited to order the dress. It was comfortable, and perfect for dancing - I even had it altered to wear at our one-year anniversary celebration.
 
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
Most of our guests enjoyed the simplicity of the booking process. Lisa was also very attuned to our guests' needs and always made sure she was readily available for questions. This helped take so much pressure off me and my husband. Lisa and the resort were also very willing to adjust room rates for our guests as prices fluctuated following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Our guests absolutely loved the resort! Most of them were not expecting it to be such a big place! The wildlife (monkeys and a pig!) on-site was one of the coolest aspects that our guests raved about. They also enjoyed the poolside drink and food service which never disappointed! The variety of restaurants was another highly talked about amenity. Everyone really enjoyed their room accommodations, and we only had a few delays with some of our guests not having their room ready upon arrival.
 
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?
Travelling with my wedding dress was honestly very easy! I carried it as one of my carry-ons and the flight staff even stored it upfront for me in a small closet! I feel like travelling with a wedding dress turns you into a "VIP" passenger and people were very congratulatory to me and my husband while traveling. My wedding dress was slim-fitting which probably helped make it easy to carry around. 
 
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 had a traditional reception followed by the reception and dancing one hour later. We opted not to do a cocktail hour since it was an all-inclusive resort and we had a short time period between the wedding and reception. It also gave our guests time to freshen up or change clothes if they wanted to. Having a destination wedding made it easy for people to feel at home. Everything was in one place, and if a guest forgot something, it was easy for them to run to their room quickly. The resort had some amenities that we likely wouldn't have been able to find back in Texas (like having an on-site cigar roller!). Because the resort had a few on-site bars that were open late, we were able to keep the party going with our guests even after the wedding ended! Having our guests close to us during our wedding week was the big bonus - we were able to hang out with everyone much longer than just the 5-6 hours our wedding celebrations.
  
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
Not having to worry about a lot of the little things! With very busy work schedules, me and my husband wanted something that was streamlined. Having a destination wedding really allowed us both to take a back-seat to most of the planning knowing that our coordinators were taking care of all the logistics. We were really able to enjoy our time with each other, as well as our family and guests, with minimal stress.
 
What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
Both me and my husband do not have family close to us. Having all of our guests at the same resort where we could spend quality time before and after the wedding, was truly our greatest memory. The wedding day itself was everything we wanted - great weather, a meaningful ceremony (they were totally willing to do a customized script that we wanted), delicious food (our guests raved about the food), and literally danced all night long until they turned the lights on.
 
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding? 
Absolutely! I do not think we would have had such a great experience had it not been for Lisa and RTG. From the planning, to the travel, and everything in between - I always knew we had someone in our corner who was making things happen. It was also reassuring knowing that RTG travels to all the resorts they recommend to their clients, so they are able to provide an insider's point of view. While the relationships between RTG and the resorts are mutually beneficial, we never felt like we were being persuaded in a direction that was not aligned with our goals and needs.

​​P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!

Wedding date: December 18, 2021 ~ Resort: Azul Beach Negril ~ Photographer: Rebel Rabbit Photography ~ Bridal Salon: Our Shop Bridal ~ Gown Designer: Mikaella Bridal

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We chose Romance Travel Group after reaching out to a few different travel agencies and RTG was the first group that was very communicative and also helped guide us so that it seemed like everything was what we wanted but also that we didn't have to lift a finger. It just felt right as soon as we started talking to our agent.
 
What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We chose a destination wedding because wanted our celebration to be more intimate. We wanted it to be very special with just our favorite people there and it was exactly what we wanted.
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We selected the resort because we wanted a family-friendly resort with beautiful views and gourmet food. Azul Beach was exactly that. It was everything we could have asked for. 
 
Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress?
I had an idea of what I wanted my wedding dress to be but I ended up going with a different one that felt way more flattering on my body. You never really know what you want until you see it on yourself! I went with my mom, my mother-in-law, and three of my bridesmaids. It was the greatest experience to go with all of my favorite people. 
 
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
The booking process was very easy to navigate! Due to COVID our rates actually went down through the resort but our agent coordinated all of that with our guests and gave them refunds or informed those that hadn't paid in full. It was a very easy process during a very difficult time!
 
What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Our biggest fears were that we weren't going to be able to go due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we did end up missing a couple of guests, we just stayed as positive as we could. We planned our wedding in February of 2020 before we knew what the world would look like and we had to postpone for a year. We weren't going to postpone again as long as everyone took the proper precautions and felt comfortable. 
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Our guests loved the all-inclusive resort! They've talked about making it a yearly occurrence. It was exactly what everyone needed during this difficult time.
 
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?
I bought a garment bag off amazon and took my dress and my groom's suit in the bag as my carry on. It wasn't difficult whatsoever, and no one questioned it. I would definitely recommend every bride to buy a garment bag and carry it on so you don't have to worry about it arriving!

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 had a traditional wedding with a cocktail hour, dinner reception, and dance. However, this was a symbolic ceremony. We got legally married in the United States on our dating anniversary about 1 month before our wedding day in Negril. That took off a lot of pressure on the day of.
 
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
The best part of having a destination wedding was the lack of stress! I felt minimal stress throughout the entire process because between RTG and Azul Beach they did it all! It was such a great experience for a wedding.
 
What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
My favorite memory of my wedding experience was being able to bring all of our favorite people together for more than just a night to celebrate our love. We were able to celebrate our marriage for multiple days in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It doesn't get any better than that.
 
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
I would and have recommended Romance Travel Group to anyone who is considering a destination wedding!

Choose your destination - Choosing the right destination is the hardest, but most exciting part! Couples can spend months browsing through travel magazines and websites in search of the perfect destination. Budget often plays a major role as couples consider the cost and convenience of air travel to their destination options. Marriage laws and residency requirements for certain destinations also come into play. With so much to consider, couples often struggle with this initial decision. We understand this, and hope that you'll let our expertise be your guide.

Select your resort - This is another fun step! Often, couples will fall in love with a resort that they've read about and choose it, regardless of its location. There are many things to consider when selecting the resort: Do you want it to be for adults only, or family friendly? Do you want it to be all-inclusive (highly recommended!) or close to the airport? You can be confident in our resort recommendations, knowing that we will only offer resorts with proven track records. Remember, we’ve been to most of these resorts and destinations and you can rely on our experience.

Confirm your wedding date with the resort - Destination weddings take place every day of the week, so finding an available date is not usually a problem if you have some flexibility. The more set you are on a particular date, the earlier you should begin planning. As soon as you have the resort chosen, we will contact the wedding coordinator to secure your date.

Make your room reservation – Soon after we confirm your wedding date with the resort, we will need to book your room. This seals your plans, giving you the assurance that you in fact are going to have a destination wedding! You can take a deep breath and relax knowing that the major decision making is done.

Send Save-The-Date invitations - Usually couples will send a Save-The-Date invitation as soon as their wedding date and location are confirmed. Since we expect to take on the task of travel planning for all of your guests, you'll want to include your personalized website address and our contact information on everything you send out so your guests know who to call to make their room reservations. We will customize each guests' travel arrangements to fit their specific needs. We have some RSVP tricks for you, too!
​
With the resort chosen, your room booked and invites sent, the only thing left to do is plan your wedding day! We will be working directly with the wedding coordinator at the resort to plan the details of your day. Don’t worry! We will introduce you to her. We will continue to oversee the entire planning process, but we will also be assisting guests with their travel plans. We are here for you every step of the way to ensure the most spectacular destination wedding.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with us, below!

If I had a nickel for every time I was asked “do you think airfares will go down,” I’d be a millionaire. We spend hours upon hours looking for the best airfares. We wait weeks just to see if airfares will drop. Sometimes someone will get lucky. But more often, we end up booking an airfare pretty close to the airfare we originally found before we invested our time and energy into trying to beat the rate. So, what’s the secret to getting the best airfares when you’re traveling to Mexico and the Caribbean?

The major airlines (Delta, American, United) release their flight schedules 331 days in advance of travel. This means you can start looking for airfares 331 days prior to your flight home. However, some smaller airlines (Southwest, Jet Blue, Sun Country) only release their flight schedules within 6 months of travel. So, for about 5 months, the major players have less competition, and airfares tend to be higher. We always recommend looking, and of course if you see something good, book it. But if airfares are high, wait until all of the airlines have their schedules released, then get serious about booking.

If you’ve already passed the 6 month mark and airfares are still high, pay closer attention to doing your price checks on Mondays and Tuesdays. We tend to see airfares climb as the week goes on, then drop off after the weekend as Monday rolls around again.

If you’ve been diligent about watching and airfares still are not budging, there is a very good chance that they just won’t. If you are 2-3 months before travel and still haven’t booked, just book it! It is costing you more in time and effort at this point, and any potential savings more than likely won’t make up for your time investment. If you’re 2 months from travel, do yourself a favor… book your flight, and move on to planning the FUN parts of your trip!

Need a little help from the experts? Then, click the button below to inquire with us, today!

[Originally published on  01-01-17]
​
​P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!

The average size destination wedding is about 50 guests... but, who says you have to keep it at that? We say, the more the merrier - and here's why!

1. More rooms means more group perks, aka "freebies" for you!
2. We make sure you get the best value for the  rewards
3. PLUS, more friends and family = more fun!

What’s the #1 question couples ask you?
 
Honestly, it is a tie between two questions…
 
Q1: How many hours/pictures will you photograph and how many will we get back?
 
A1: I take pictures the day before by the pool and before the groom’s dinner & the entire wedding day. I give back between 500-700 edited images in the gallery and the couple have all the printing rights. 
 
Q2: How much time do we need for pictures?
 
A2: To figure out your timeline, we work backwards from your ceremony time. 
 
Generally, it has been the most efficient to time things in 30 minute increments. It builds in good buffers in case a few  things take longer than expected. I take pride in adjusting and making things work out on the fly. Every resort and day is different, so I try to utilize parts of the resort that are shaded during group pictures. I look for places that are beautiful but will also keep everyone semi cool and fresh for the ceremony. Again, it’s a go with the flow decision making process but I always have options ready to go and make the most of every situation. 
 
The timeline below is where the main wedding photos start if you want all the good stuff! I usually show up or go back and forth from the girls’ room to the guys’ room and get a few getting ready candids of each.
 
12:30: Bride Detail shots / Getting in Dress
1:30: First Look
2:00: Bride / Bridesmaids
2:30: Groom / Groomsmen
3:00: Entire Wedding Party
3:30: Family 
4:00: Chill Cool Down
4:30: Ceremony
5:00: Group Picture of Everyone by Beach/Ceremony site.
 
5:15: Usually the best lighting by the beach also less wind. I prioritize a few more group wedding party photos and then send everyone off to enjoy the cocktail hour with the other guests.
 
6:00: Just the Bride and Groom. Best sunset glow and a fun time to be alone with the couple at the beach. It’s fun showing up to the cocktail hour with them and snapping candids with the newly married couple and all of the guests before the dinner.
 
If a bride really loves pictures and likes a strict timeline, I suggest starting all of this an hour before what’s above! So instead of chill time 30 minutes before, allow an hour of chill time. Occasionally resorts run behind and if you’re a planner and want to stay on track without being stressed, start earlier. That way if you’ll have more time before the ceremony where you can hangout, have a cocktail with your friends and be super relaxed! It’s also generally very warm so a longer cool down before you walk down the aisle is always amazing. You can touch up your hair and makeup too. 
 
Q3: When do you fly in and depart?
 
A3: I fly in two days before the wedding and leave the day after. In my package I charge $2,600 + 3 nights stay. The flight is already factored into the $2,600, along with the two days of shooting and edited images. The reason I charge separately for the 3 nights stay is because each resort has different pricing. I like to fly in two days before the wedding to ensure I’m there the day before to scout out the resort, plan where to take the best photos and assess lighting. I’m taking photos from the minute I show up and until I leave to return home. 
 
Q4: Where are the best places to take pictures?
 
A4: Circling back to the above question, typically during the day the beach and ocean are windy and very sunny areas. These spots are best during twilight and sunset! Carve out an hour after your ceremony to use the beach and the pictures are always stunning! During the day after getting ready I like using the shadier parts of the resort where the flowers are lush and landscaping is generally pristine. These are perfect areas to keep us cool and avoiding squinting. 
 
Q5: Do you see any trends with destination weddings happening?
 
A5: Oh yes!
  
- Boho Aesthetic 
- Lighter Blush Neutral Tones
- Hairstyles: Low fishtails brides, beachy wavy hair
- Groom/Groomsmen Linen suits
- Fun pool wear / funny suits / matching
 
Q6: What are your top 3 pieces of advice about choosing to have a destination wedding?
 
A6: First, do what you want as a couple and stand your ground. Family can get really get weird about their opinions right away and that can be sad and discouraging. Talk about your plan together first, be excited about what you really want and let comments slide if people need to express their “not so nice” opinions. Remember that this is your wedding and keep what you both love as your #1 priority when deciding things. 
 
Next, use communication apps! Whats App is amazing. Make different chat groups for your guests in addition to one big chat group for the entire guest list. This is fun so everyone can meet up during the day either at the same pool or bar. It’s a great tool to see if anyone wants to make a dinner reservation or meet up anywhere at night if something fun is going on. Make another chat for the wedding day. I like being in chat groups with the Bride/ Bridesmaids - Grooms / Groomsmen / & entire Wedding Party / Family. This way we can communicate where to be for pictures and if anything is running behind. Make these chat groups before you fly out. It’s also a nice communication tool for anyone flying alone. You can meet people at the airport or possibly know if they are on your shuttle to the resort.
 
Lastly, kind of a loaded answer in general about the resort. When you’re picking a resort think about the size of the resort. Are you ok with a big resort? Do you like the idea of everyone being closer together? Do you like nightlife and entertainment. These were big factors when we chose our spot. We wanted fun entertainment and atmosphere at night and liked the idea of the resort not being super massive so we could gather together easier. Your travel agent will be a huge help with all this!
 
Q7: Are there things couples can do to help make the most of their time with their photographer?
 
A7: Talk and plan as much as you can before getting to the resort! Once you arrive at the resort you will be busy! You’ll be checking in with your wedding coordinator, finding your way around and greeting your guests for a day or two. The last thing you want to worry about is your photographer. Trust that when I arrive my first mission is to check out the resort and plan where pictures will be taking place. The day before I will have the details ready for you and a plan sent to the wedding chat groups.
 
Q8: Do you have a signature shot or pose?
 
A8: I have my go-to candid shots that I love doing with my couples and wedding party! Right away I like to be a jokester and joyful. I love keeping things exciting and try not to do any “posey” stuff right away. If you get people laughing and genuinely having fun, it’s easier to keep the morale of the group going. Spirits are usually up especially for the guys if you can incorporate some drinks, cigars, cheers and fun stuff like that. Transitioning into the more typical poses towards the end is a breeze if things start out fun and not so ordinary. If a bride has a veil I love being creative with that. A destination wedding is unlike any other. People are honestly having such a fun time it’s hard not to love every minute of it. The mood of the wedding party is typically cheery and the best kind of relaxed, at least with all of the awesome people I’ve met so far. 
 
Q9: What is the best time of day for a ceremony? 

A9: I would say an hour or hour and a half before sunset. We need good natural lighting!
 
Q10: Why do you love shooting destination weddings?

A10: I love traveling, the outdoors, and variety. I feel most creative in new spaces and environments. It’s the most refreshing burst of creativity walking into a resort and thinking “how can I show off this beauty”. I want to capture the candid moments from everyone engulfed in it. I love meeting new people and can call a handful of them my friends after each wedding. When the couple looks at their wedding album, I want them to instantly remember how fun it was and let the flood of emotions bring them back to one of the best vacations ever.

When you work with a travel expert, they will literally take care of every detail for both you and your guests from the moment of booking, until you arrive home.  More specifically, you can expect them to:

1. Oversee the entire travel planning process
2. Recommend destinations and resorts that best suit your budget and preferences
3. Manage room blocks and guest questions - so you don't have to!
4. Act as your liaison for getting things done - again - so you don't have to!
5. Manages all things travel related - from research and booking, to airport transportation, and hooking you up with your onsite wedding coordinator