Say 'I Do' in Paradise: All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Packages in the Caribbean & Mexico

Destination Wedding packages at all-inclusive Resorts cover all elements of your destination wedding journey, from pre-wedding festivities to the honeymoon. Whether you’re opting for a private elopement or a large gathering with 100 guests, there is a package for you.

Let’s look at some typical all-inclusive resort wedding packages and what you need to know..

NOTE: Every resort brand has its specific wedding packages and pricing; this blog aims to give you an idea of what your wedding package option can include as well as the type of pricing you can expect.

Photo courtesy of Palace Resorts

Many all-inclusive resorts offer some type of complimentary wedding package. However, to receive this package, you will usually need to meet specific requirements such as a 3-night minimum stay for a certain number of guests or rooms. You will need to clearly understand the requirements for receiving your complimentary wedding package so you are not disappointed when it comes time to finalize your wedding. A good destination wedding travel agent can help you set up your destination wedding, explain everything in detail to quality for the complimentary package.

What can be Included in a Complimentary Wedding Package:

For the Ceremony:

● Outdoor location for the ceremony

● Minister to perform symbolic ceremony (if required)

● Complimentary wooden pergola & matching wooden ceremony table

● Witness (If required and needed)

● Up to 30 white avant-garde chairs

● Sparkling wine during the ceremony

● Basic audio system

For The Reception:

Semi-private dinner reservation for up to 30 guests in one of the resort restaurants, with standard restaurant decor. The complimentary package does not include a dance floor or any set ups.

When is a complimentary destination wedding package an excellent way to go?

A complimentary wedding package will allow you to customize your wedding completely. Over the years, I’ve advised many of my couples to start with the complimentary package, especially when the other packages include options they did not want.

It is never wise to pay for something you won’t utilize.

This option above was a basic wedding package that the bride and groom was able to customize exactly as they wanted. The bride only added flowers to the ceremony venue and then customized a private cocktail hour and beach party/bon fire reception later on that evening.

Prices & Options For Other Wedding Packages

Wedding Packages For Up to 24 to 28 guests: Price Range: $7,600-$24,500

Compared to the above complimentary wedding package, here is an example of an upgraded package for up to 24 people that is estimated USD $10,000 and $199 per person for additional guests (staying onsite):

In this example, you can have a quality destination wedding while adding a few personal touches. The music and photography will usually be included in this $10K destination package that many couples want.

Overall, I still like the complimentary wedding package vs the $10K package because it is an inclusive base package upon which to build. However, you do need to factor in that it will cost much more than $10K by the time you add the extra elements (DJ/band and photography) and a few touches like bistro lighting, all the table centerpieces, dance floor, music (or musicians) for the wine & cheese hour, etc.

Photo Courtesy of Secrets Resorts

Let’s look at a deluxe wedding package for up to 50 guests.

Wedding Packages For 50-100 Guests: Price Range: $14,000-$30,000

An example of a destination wedding package for up to 50 people usually includes one free night for you and your spouse when celebrating your first anniversary within the same resort chain.

Here is a breakdown of what could be included in this example Wedding Package:

Looking at the inclusions for this package, you can see that it includes many more elements, such as a two-hour welcome cocktail party, hair and makeup, and four hours of standard DJ. So, for the right couple, this is a great package. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for someone with 40 guests or a couple who isn’t planning to have a welcome cocktail or maybe wants a live band instead of a DJ.

Popular FAQs About Most Destination Wedding Packages:

Q1. “Can I substitute items”?

Answer: Most resorts do not allow substitutions (it would be nice if they did), so I advise most clients to go with the wedding package that gives them everything they want and a la carte the rest.

Q2. “What if I want a band instead of a DJ”? Can I just pay the difference”?

Answer: Some resorts may allow this, but if not, select a package that doesn’t include the services of a DJ.

Q3. “Can I substitute the flowers”?

Answer: Generally, yes, but there will be a price difference that will be higher, not lower. Keep in mind what flowers are in season during your wedding date. I always recommend to start with your colors and then chose from the flowers available within your color palet.

Q4. “Can I bring my own photographer/videographer?

Answer: Many resorts have quality professional photographers, but if you would like to bring your own vendor, there will either be an external vendor fee or a minimum night stay requirement—usually, at least three nights are booked at the resort.

Here are a few more tips regarding wedding packages:

● Packages include complimentary venues. It is typical to see sky wedding terraces with a venue rental fee of $1,500. Buying a restaurant at a resort may have a venue rental fee of $5,000. Sunset ceremony times can start at an extra $750. Beach wedding venues may have an extra setup charge. I’m happy to guide you through these details.

● If a resort requires that you pick out a package, find out if you can make a change before signing the contract. Generally, you can change it if it is an upgrade, not a downgrade. So, if there is a lower-cost wedding package, select the cheaper one for your contract.

● Guest inclusions generally refer to those who are booked with the wedding group. Guests staying at a different resort or who booked outside the group may have a separate per-person rate. I advise your guests book within the wedding group to avoid surprise fees.

REMEMBER: every resort brand differs in its pricing and packages. A thriving destination wedding is always planned in these three steps:

1. Choose the best destination resort venue for YOUR wedding - not your mom, your aunt or your best friend.

2. Secure your wedding date and time at least 12 - 18 months in advance.

3. Choose the best wedding package that gets you as close as possible toeverything you want without including anything you don’t want.

4. Work with your Destination Wedding Travel Specialist to help reduce the stress in your Destination Wedding Planning

The right destination wedding package for your wedding is out there. Remember, all resorts are vary and offer different packages. These breakdowns and examples will give you an idea of what suits your style, budget, and guest list and help you create an unforgettable wedding experience that you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

You can use the information in this blog post to help you figure out the best wedding package for your destination wedding, or you can just hit the easy button and schedule a free destination wedding strategy session with me! Click the link below.