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Destinations
 2.4 million US weddings per year |
 The average cost of a traditional wedding is over $30,000 |
 24% of US weddings are destination weddings |
 The average cost of a destination wedding is under $10,000 |
The Best Destination Wedding Locations
Did you know that there are 2.4 million US weddings per year? Of these marriages, 24% of them are destination weddings. That's 384,000-480,000 destinations wedding each year, and that number is growing. The average cost of a traditional wedding is over $35,000. This is the wedding day only, not a honeymoon. The average cost of a destination wedding is about $15,000 (including flights, all-inclusive resort for a week, ceremony, reception.)
Before publishing our list of recommended destination wedding locations, we carefully looked at the aspects our couples say are most important when planning a destination wedding. We chose locations based on:
The destinations we have listed here are the ones most frequently chosen by our wedding couples after careful consideration of all the options. Oh, and by the way… thinking about a destination wedding in Florida, California or another US location? Check this out!
- cost - guest cost and wedding cost come into play here, as both are equally important
- all-inclusive resort availability and quality - the all-inclusive resort is a must!
- experience and activities - we want to make sure you and your guests have a fabulous time
- travel time - destinations with long or complicated flight itineraries are best kept for your honeymoon or anniversary trip
- legal marriage requirements - some countries are just easier than others
- weather - all of our destinations are warm and tropical
- safety - we would never recommend a destination that we are not comfortable sending our own family to
The destinations we have listed here are the ones most frequently chosen by our wedding couples after careful consideration of all the options. Oh, and by the way… thinking about a destination wedding in Florida, California or another US location? Check this out!
But What About a Destination Wedding in St. Lucia, Bahamas, Turks or Costa Rica?
To this we say "no problem!" We understand that some couples want something more unique and are willing to make compromises to get it, and we're happy to accommodate! We will help you explore the pros and cons to make sure you choose the best wedding location for your wants and needs.
Destination Wedding Travel Agents
Did you know that there are highly experienced travel agents that only plan destination weddings? Think about it... if you have chest pain, would you want to go to a cardiologist or a general practitioner? A cardiologist, of course! The same applies to wedding planning. You want someone who is an expert, solely focused on destination wedding planning. who is not distracted by all the other vacations she's planning. Our experts at Romance Travel Group give you our undivided attention, ensuring you have everything you need (and a few things you didn't even know you needed!) throughout the planning process. Don't plan your wedding without us!
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Mexico
Year after year, our couples find that Mexico offer the best all-inclusive resorts and the best value for destination weddings. Despite its unfair bad press lately, Mexico is by far the top wedding destination for US-based couples. Over 38 million people visited Mexico in 2022, putting Mexico in the top 10 visited countries in the world. Couples will find that flights to Mexico are numerous, easy and reasonable when compared to most other Caribbean destinations, leaving more room in the guest budget for a higher quality resort. With 5-star properties, world class golf courses, delicious cuisine, World Heritage sites, genuine hospitality and hundreds of miles of pristine beaches, Mexico is often the best choice for destination weddings.
Knowing this, you can expect us to discuss Mexico as a possible destination with you. It is not only the top destination choice for our couples, it is the top destination choice for our personal travels as well. Time and again, we pack up our families and travel to Mexico for work as well as pleasure. We know and love this destination, and highly recommend it.
Our #1 destination for the excellent value and incredible experiences
Mexico is known for its great beaches and genuine hospitality. Flights to Mexico are abundant, making it an easy choice for destination weddings. With so many communities dotting the shoreline, Mexico is sure to have the perfect destination wedding location for every couple. After comparing the outstanding quality and value Mexico has to offer, it might be hard to look elsewhere! Legal Mexican weddings are recognized in the US.
Cancun - Known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and the dramatic contrast of white sand and bright blue water, Cancun is perfect for couples seeking a little bit of everything. It has a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, offering convenience in wedding planning. Cancun is ideal for guests seeking convenience, entertainment, shopping, and beach activities.
Riviera Maya - This area, with its gorgeous beaches and lush jungle, is great for a more relaxed and scenic wedding setting. It's rich in natural beauty and historical sites, such as Mayan ruins, making it ideal for couples who desire a blend of beach relaxation and cultural exploration. There are endless options for resorts ranging from family-friendly to adult-only, and from budget-friendly to high end.
Tulum - Tulum stands out for its eco-chic vibe and Mayan ruins. It's perfect for couples looking for a bohemian and rustic feel in their wedding. Tulum's beautiful beaches, boutique hotels, and yoga retreats offer a more intimate and laid-back setting. The town is also known for its sustainable tourism practices, making it ideal for eco-conscious couples. We'll help you explore a few all-inclusive resorts in the area.
Cabo - Located on the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is famed for its stunning desert landscapes meeting the ocean, luxurious resorts, and top-tier golf courses. It's a fantastic choice for those who want a mix of luxury, natural beauty, and outdoor activities like fishing and desert safaris. Keep in mind that the ocean is too dangerous for swimming in Cabo.
Puerto Vallarta - This destination offers a mix of traditional Mexican charm and beach resort luxury. It's known for its authentic Mexican vibe, with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, and is well-suited for couples looking for a blend of romance, natural beauty, and local culture. Puerto Vallarta has it all... beach, ocean and mountains.
Cancun - Known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and the dramatic contrast of white sand and bright blue water, Cancun is perfect for couples seeking a little bit of everything. It has a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, offering convenience in wedding planning. Cancun is ideal for guests seeking convenience, entertainment, shopping, and beach activities.
Riviera Maya - This area, with its gorgeous beaches and lush jungle, is great for a more relaxed and scenic wedding setting. It's rich in natural beauty and historical sites, such as Mayan ruins, making it ideal for couples who desire a blend of beach relaxation and cultural exploration. There are endless options for resorts ranging from family-friendly to adult-only, and from budget-friendly to high end.
Tulum - Tulum stands out for its eco-chic vibe and Mayan ruins. It's perfect for couples looking for a bohemian and rustic feel in their wedding. Tulum's beautiful beaches, boutique hotels, and yoga retreats offer a more intimate and laid-back setting. The town is also known for its sustainable tourism practices, making it ideal for eco-conscious couples. We'll help you explore a few all-inclusive resorts in the area.
Cabo - Located on the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is famed for its stunning desert landscapes meeting the ocean, luxurious resorts, and top-tier golf courses. It's a fantastic choice for those who want a mix of luxury, natural beauty, and outdoor activities like fishing and desert safaris. Keep in mind that the ocean is too dangerous for swimming in Cabo.
Puerto Vallarta - This destination offers a mix of traditional Mexican charm and beach resort luxury. It's known for its authentic Mexican vibe, with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, and is well-suited for couples looking for a blend of romance, natural beauty, and local culture. Puerto Vallarta has it all... beach, ocean and mountains.
Approximate flight times to the west coast of Mexico New York
Miami
Chicago
Los Angeles  5 hours
4 hours
4 hours
3 hours |
 |
Approximate flight times to the east coast of MexicoNew York
Miami
Chicago
Los Angeles 4 hours
1.5 hours
3.5 hours
5 hours |
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Jamaica
Jamaica has long been a great destination for eloping, destination weddings and honeymoons. When you land in Jamaica, you know you're in Jamaica! The food, language and music are undeniably infused with the Jamaican culture. Choose from three distinct resort areas in Jamaica:
Negril - Known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning seven-mile stretch of white sand beach, Negril is ideal for couples seeking a more relaxed, intimate setting. The natural beauty, including cliffs and clear waters, makes for beautiful wedding photos. It's less commercialized than Montego Bay, offering a more authentic Jamaican experience. Negril is also famous for its breathtaking sunsets, adding a romantic backdrop for evening ceremonies.
Ocho Rios - This area is known for its lush landscapes and natural attractions, like the famous Dunn's River Falls. Ocho Rios provides a more adventurous setting with options for outdoor and water activities, making it perfect for couples who want a mix of relaxation and adventure. Ocho Rios is also a popular cruise ship port, adding a vibrant tourist scene.
Montego Bay - As one of Jamaica's most well-known destinations, Montego Bay is ideal for those seeking a more lively wedding setting. It has a wide range of resorts and amenities, along with a bustling nightlife. Montego Bay is more commercial and touristy, offering a variety of activities and excursions for guests. It’s also conveniently located near the airport, making travel easier for international guests.
It all adds up to one incredibly romantic destination. Jamaica also happens to be one of the easiest destinations to be legally married.
Negril - Known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning seven-mile stretch of white sand beach, Negril is ideal for couples seeking a more relaxed, intimate setting. The natural beauty, including cliffs and clear waters, makes for beautiful wedding photos. It's less commercialized than Montego Bay, offering a more authentic Jamaican experience. Negril is also famous for its breathtaking sunsets, adding a romantic backdrop for evening ceremonies.
Ocho Rios - This area is known for its lush landscapes and natural attractions, like the famous Dunn's River Falls. Ocho Rios provides a more adventurous setting with options for outdoor and water activities, making it perfect for couples who want a mix of relaxation and adventure. Ocho Rios is also a popular cruise ship port, adding a vibrant tourist scene.
Montego Bay - As one of Jamaica's most well-known destinations, Montego Bay is ideal for those seeking a more lively wedding setting. It has a wide range of resorts and amenities, along with a bustling nightlife. Montego Bay is more commercial and touristy, offering a variety of activities and excursions for guests. It’s also conveniently located near the airport, making travel easier for international guests.
It all adds up to one incredibly romantic destination. Jamaica also happens to be one of the easiest destinations to be legally married.
Approximate flight times to JamaicaNew York
Miami
Chicago
Los Angeles 4 hours
2 hours
5 hours
9 hours |
 |
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Dominican Republic
A Dominican Republic wedding can fulfill every dream scenario, from lavish affairs to simple and romantic ceremonies. The island's charming historical quality and friendly people beckon you to choose a Dominican Republic wedding, with its inherently romantic atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. There are two main resort areas our couples choose:
Punta Cana - Known for its long, beautiful beaches and a wide array of all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is a well-established tourist destination. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of lively nightlife, various dining options, and numerous activities such as water sports and golf. This area is ideal for couples looking for a bustling, lively wedding experience with plenty of entertainment options for their guests. The wide range of resorts in Punta Cana can cater to different budgets and tastes, making it a versatile choice for weddings.
Cap Cana - A more exclusive and upscale area within Punta Cana, Cap Cana is known for its luxury resorts, high-end amenities, and the famous Punta Espada golf course. It offers a more secluded and intimate setting, ideal for couples seeking privacy and luxury. The area is well-developed but less crowded, providing a serene and upscale environment for a wedding. Cap Cana is also home to the Juanillo Beach, known for its pristine white sands and clear waters, offering a stunning backdrop for wedding ceremonies.
For a legal wedding, couples need to have their legal documents translated into Spanish. We recommend wedo.com.do. Because of this requirement and the costs associated with it, the Dominican Republic is the most difficult destination to have a legal wedding.
Punta Cana - Known for its long, beautiful beaches and a wide array of all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is a well-established tourist destination. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of lively nightlife, various dining options, and numerous activities such as water sports and golf. This area is ideal for couples looking for a bustling, lively wedding experience with plenty of entertainment options for their guests. The wide range of resorts in Punta Cana can cater to different budgets and tastes, making it a versatile choice for weddings.
Cap Cana - A more exclusive and upscale area within Punta Cana, Cap Cana is known for its luxury resorts, high-end amenities, and the famous Punta Espada golf course. It offers a more secluded and intimate setting, ideal for couples seeking privacy and luxury. The area is well-developed but less crowded, providing a serene and upscale environment for a wedding. Cap Cana is also home to the Juanillo Beach, known for its pristine white sands and clear waters, offering a stunning backdrop for wedding ceremonies.
For a legal wedding, couples need to have their legal documents translated into Spanish. We recommend wedo.com.do. Because of this requirement and the costs associated with it, the Dominican Republic is the most difficult destination to have a legal wedding.
Approximate flight times to Dominican RepublicNew York
Miami
Chicago
Los Angeles 4 hours
2.5 hours
5 hours
9 hours |
 |
