What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We chose a destination wedding because we had attended one in Mexico a little over a year before and had the time of our lives. All of the hanging out by the pool and beach gave their friends and families so much time to bond and make memories and we wanted the same for our guests when it was our turn!
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We selected our resort in particular because it was a newer build and we had stayed at a different location of the Dreams resort chain in the past. We never actually saw our venue until we got there for the wedding weekend, so it was somewhat of a gamble, but we trusted that the service and food would be great just like we had seen at the other Dreams location. Lastly, we found that the prices they were offering for our guests’ nightly stays were reasonable for all that was included, and the resort threw in some extras for things like rehearsal dinner and additional rooms when a certain amount of people booked.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Our wedding coordinator at the resort, Jennyfer, is a miracle worker!!! She was so polished, kind, and amazing at putting together our dream wedding. We were truly blown away. She cranks out weddings with her team almost nightly, sleeps very little because of that, and you would barely be able to tell. She is so attentive to detail and passionate about making everything look and feel great, including the bride on the big day.
 
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
The booking process was online and very easy for our guests to navigate. From what I’ve been told, when any of our friends and families had a specific question they wanted Shelli or Heather’s help with, they were always quick to respond and offer their assistance.
 
What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Most of my big fears were Covid related - specifically that the resort would have to shut down, there would be border closures, or that we would have to last minute postpone and throw everything off. I was also worried about forgetting important items at home. I eased my worries, though, by realizing that nothing productive really ever comes from anxiety and by creating an extensive and detailed packing list that I stuck to while we prepared the week before leaving.
 
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
The wedding we had with the Dreams Team once we arrived was very extensive - probably lasting about an hour and a half long! While it was tiring to go through it all and I was bummed we were missing time with our guests, I knew it was necessary and I really appreciated their willingness to work out and confirm all of the little details with us!
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Our guests seemed to love the all-inclusivity and general charm of the resort. We kept getting comments during and after the weekend about how much fun everyone had just being able to relax and not worry about the cost once they got out there.
 
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 ceremony with cocktail hour, then a plated meal, speeches and dancing. I loved the set-up of that and I would say a difference between what we were able to do and what we would have had at home was that we had a long cocktail hour where people were told they could even go up to their rooms and freshen up if they needed to, and that at the end of the night, everyone could just go right up to their suites and not worry about Uber’s/driving. There was also no driving to different venues for the ceremony versus reception as everything was just a short walk apart.
 
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
The best part of having a destination wedding was how close all of our friends and family members were able to get because of time spent together just hanging out before the big day. Everyone seemed to just make a vacation out of it, which is exactly what we wanted. It’s also so nice as the bride and groom to be able to mingle with guests over the course of a few days and not have to worry about fitting it in all in one evening during a reception!
 
What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
My most favorite memory of the wedding is hard to choose, but I would have to say it was either walking down the aisle towards my best friend or the end of the reception where after what was supposed to be our “last song” (New York, New York by Sinatra), our friends started singing (screaming, really) the words to Mr. Brightside until the DJ finally caved and just turned the song on. Next thing we knew, my new husband and I were hoisted onto shoulders in the air, and it was so much fun. I know it was after our reception’s time was “up,” but I could never thank the resort enough for allowing that moment to happen.
 
In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
Shelli and Heather made the planning so much less stressful for me by handling just about all the logistics of our guests flying in and out plus their lodging at the resort. I’m sure it is a HUGE undertaking to have to handle the flight schedules, airline issues, billing with the resort, etc. so it was amazing to have that off of our shoulders and to have a resource that we could point our guests to when they asked us questions.

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! 

Recommended Resort
Royalton Resorts offer some of the best sky weddings out there! Here, you can also enjoy things like a complimentary anniversary package, discount for added guests, free cocktail hour, and more.

Have any questions for us? Then, just ask! We can't wait to help you plan the perfect wedding in paradise! 
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P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!
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P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!
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Attention brides! We know you've got questions - and that's why we've rounded up our most frequently asked destination wedding questions for ya below. Keep reading for insight from the best in the biz! ​

​Ready to take the plunge and book your destination wedding? Then, click below to get in touch with one of wedding pros! We look forward to making your wedding dreams come true!
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P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!
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Then, click the button below to connect with a wedding specialist, today! 
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P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!
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Is a tropical beach-side wedding in your future? Then, keep scrolling for some expert tips for planning your destination wedding!​

Step 1: Choose a 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.

Step 2: Select a 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.

Step 3: Confirm Your Date 
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.

Step 4: Reserve Your Room
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.

Step 5: Send Save-The-Dates
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.

​Step 6: We'll Handle it From Here!
​You 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, as well as assisting guests with their travel plans. We are here for you every step of the way to ensure the most spectacular destination wedding.
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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!