The Ultimate Guide to Beach Destination Weddings

Why Get Married on the Beach?

A recent study found that couples who opted for a destination wedding are more satisfied with their nuptials than couples who chose to tie the knot close to home.²

There are countless benefits of having a beach destination wedding, as opposed to a traditional affair in your hometown. Beach destination weddings offer spectacular views and photos, extraordinary savings, and incredible ease-of-mind planning (especially when you work with an expert Specialist). Here are the top five beach wedding benefits:

Cost Savings

The low cost alone is quite an attractive draw for couples considering an international destination wedding. The average cost of a traditional wedding in the U.S. is now over $30,000.¹ The average cost of a destination wedding, on the other hand, is typically under $10,000.

While a tropical wedding on the beach may sound expensive, these luxurious wedding celebrations do not always break the bank. You see, when the wedding venue is the beach, a lot of the work is already done — you are given a naturally beautiful backdrop and instantly-romantic atmosphere. This can mean more savings on otherwise big-ticket items like décor and florals. Also, beach wedding dress code is usually more casual than traditional affairs, which can mean less spent on a wedding dress and other attire. Beachside wedding resorts are well-equipped for destination weddings, with most offering all-inclusive wedding packages that accommodate every style and budget.

Climate

Perhaps the biggest appeal of an island wedding is the year-round warm weather – think palm trees, sunshine, and a tropical ocean breeze at any time of year. This may be a particularly tempting perk for those who live in colder climates, or experience long winters. You can leave those winter blues behind when you say "I do" in the warm sand, sipping on margaritas during cocktail hour! Just keep in mind your chosen locale's rainy season (if it has one); although prices may be at their lowest, inclement weather should still be taken into consideration, especially when getting married outside.

The "Weddingmoon"

Another benefit of tropical beach weddings is that they double as honeymoons for newlyweds. Couples can continue to celebrate with a dream vacation right after exchanging vows. The romantic island vibes make for the perfect place to begin marital bliss, and many couples choose to stay at the same property where they just got hitched. If you choose to work with an all-inclusive beach resort, your honeymoon stay may be included in the wedding package price, and come with extra-romantic amenities. Your resort may also offer the option to stay at a nearby sister property, where you can experience a different vibe away from all your guests.

A Wedding for the Books

Beautiful beach weddings offer a memorable experience for couples and their guests. For the second year in a row, Destination Weddings' couples said that their top reason for having a tropical wedding was to offer an extra unique experience for family and friends.¹ Nowadays, the guest experience is at the forefront of destination wedding couples' minds; think exciting group excursions, unique favors and unforgettable reception entertainment. Trust us, your guests will be talking about your wedding as one of the best they've been to for years to come!

Less Stress

A beach destination wedding typically means peace of mind and much less stress before, during and after the actual wedding date. With the help of a Destination Wedding Specialist (you can work with ours – free of charge!), you can do something that not many couples can: Enjoy your engagement and wedding! The simplified process of jet-setting to paradise and saying your vows on a beautiful beach takes away the pressure of planning a traditional wedding (from venue to vendors) at home.

Types of Beach Wedding Venues and Packages

As you begin to research your options and plan your special day, you'll find there are beach wedding venues and packages for all styles, groups, and budgets. While beach weddings are the epitome of carefree nuptials, they certainly don't limit you to a simple ceremony on the beach. Even those looking for a formal, black-tie affair can have a wedding on or near the beach. Today, beach wedding packages can be completely customized based on a couples' wants and needs.

Different Wedding Venue Options

Where do you envision saying "I do"? With a destination wedding, you can get married on a sky-terrace overlooking the beach, in a breezy, beachfront gazebo, or underneath a beautiful canopy right beside the ocean. Simply share your vision with your Travel Specialist and resort coordinator, and they'll work their magic to make it happen. Many resorts offer intimate, private ceremony locations to keep the occasion extra-special for the couple tying the knot.

Different Types of Beach Wedding Resorts

A beach wedding can offer up plenty of fun for dozens of your friends and family members. It can also serve as the perfect, romantic getaway for just you and your soon-to-be-spouse. If you desire an intimate affair on a tucked away, untouched beach, you may consider an adults-only beach wedding resort. If you have children, or will have children attending the wedding, rest assured that many beach wedding resorts are family-friendly. In fact, 50% of destination weddings have children in attendance. Whatever your style and preferences, you can certainly find beach wedding packages to fit your exact vision.

All-Inclusive Options

Like many couples choosing a destination wedding, you may be looking for an all-inclusive event. All-inclusive destination wedding packages can vary—and be customized—depending on your needs. If your budget is tight, you can opt for a small wedding package that includes the venue, ceremony officiant, and a champagne toast for two. If you're looking for the works, you can find an elaborate package that offers floral arrangements, a dinner reception, DJ, cake, and tropical decor. Through Destination Weddings, all, all-inclusive beach wedding packages include the services of a Certified Destination Wedding Specialist who will work with you to finalize the big-day details long before your arrival.

All-inclusive destination wedding packages are generally the most affordable route when planning a beach wedding. Destination wedding packages at all-inclusive beach resorts can be free for couples, or start as low as $500. Most packages will include simple ceremony décor (you don't need much when you have a tropical beach backdrop), a wedding cake, basic florals and romantic amenities for the couple throughout their stay. No matter which tropical island or area you choose, your venue is sure to have a variety of custom wedding packages to accommodate your group size and budget.