Last Updated on September 5, 2025 by Precious Richardson
5 Affordable Destination Wedding Resort Brands That Still Feel Luxe (2026 Edition)
If you’re exploring affordable destination wedding resort brands, you don’t have to sacrifice style or experience. Dreams, Secrets, Hyatt Ziva & Zilara, Paradisus, and Majestic are known for wedding packages that feel polished and romantic, without the premium price tag. These brands consistently deliver strong inclusions, beautiful venues, and guest-friendly perks, making them top choices for couples planning destination weddings in 2026.
If you’ve been following our affordable destination wedding series, you know we’ve already answered one of the biggest questions couples ask: Are destination weddings cheaper in 2026? (spoiler: they can be!). While I don’t love mixing the word “cheap” with the word “wedding,” I do understand the desire to find cost-saving avenues that don’t compromise on experience. That’s why this series looks at affordability from multiple angles, including our guide to the 7 Affordable Destination Wedding Locations that deliver the most value.
Now, it’s time to zoom in even further, because the resort brand you choose matters just as much as the destination. Certain affordable destination wedding resort brands consistently create celebrations that feel elevated, personal, and unforgettable. Here are five that prove affordable doesn’t have to mean basic.
1. Dreams Resorts & Spas
Best for: Family-friendly weddings with guests of all ages.
Why it feels luxe: Dreams Resorts are known for oceanfront settings, elegant wedding venues, and elevated dining experiences. Their resorts strike a welcoming balance—large enough to offer variety yet still approachable for groups.
Why it’s affordable: Wedding packages come loaded with inclusions—ceremony décor, flowers, cake, and cocktail hour—so couples don’t need to spend heavily on upgrades. Many Dreams properties also offer complimentary wedding packages with qualifying room bookings.
Wedding experience potential: From barefoot beach ceremonies to rooftop receptions overlooking the ocean, Dreams Resorts let you personalize your wedding in ways that feel special—without overspending.
Resorts We Love: Dreams Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya), Dreams Tulum (Tulum – Ask us about unadvertised specials we have access to!), Dreams Onyx (Punta Cana).
2. Secrets Resorts & Spas
Best for: Adults-only weddings focused on romance and sophistication.
Why it feels luxe: As the adults-only sister brand to Dreams, Secrets Resorts provide chic, romantic atmospheres with infinity pools, candlelit dining, and spa-level service.
Why it’s affordable: With resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, pricing stays competitive. Wedding packages are flexible, so you can start with strong basics and add only what matters most to you.
Wedding experience potential: Imagine a secluded beach ceremony, a sunset cocktail hour by the pool, or a ballroom reception that feels both polished and timeless. Secrets Resorts create a romantic, upscale atmosphere at a price that still makes sense.
Resorts We Love: Secrets Akumal (Riviera Maya), Secrets Moxché (Playa del Carmen), Secrets Wild Orchid (Montego Bay), Secrets Cap Cana (Punta Cana).
3. Hyatt Ziva & Zilara
Best for: Couples seeking modern luxury with strong group perks.
Why it feels luxe: Hyatt Ziva (family-friendly) and Hyatt Zilara (adults-only) deliver sleek architecture, beachfront infinity pools, and gourmet dining. They’re polished without feeling over the top.
Why it’s affordable: Wedding packages bundle essentials beautifully, and group bookings often unlock private events or upgrades. This makes it easier to maximize value while still offering a modern, upscale experience.
Wedding experience potential: Ziva is ideal for families traveling with children, while Zilara offers an adults-only escape. Both allow for beachfront ceremonies paired with receptions that feel stylish, contemporary, and memorable.
Resorts We Love: Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.
4. Majestic Resorts
Best for: Couples who want affordable luxury in the Dominican Republic or Mexico.
Why it feels luxe: Majestic Resorts feature spacious suites (many with jacuzzis), elegant design, and expansive beachfronts. Their style blends classic Caribbean energy with a polished, romantic atmosphere.
Why it’s affordable: Wedding packages include generous décor and event basics, and group booking perks keep overall costs manageable. Pricing falls below ultra-luxury competitors while still feeling elevated.
Wedding experience potential: Picture a gazebo ceremony framed by turquoise water, followed by a lively reception full of Caribbean flavor. Majestic weddings often feel more expansive than their price tag suggests.
Resorts We Love: Majestic Colonial (Punta Cana), Majestic Elegance (Costa Mujeres), Majestic Mirage (Punta Cana).
5. Paradisus by Meliá
Best for: Eco-conscious couples and those drawn to contemporary design.
Why it feels luxe: Paradisus Resorts are known for their modern style, lush gardens, and culinary focus. They create an intimate yet sophisticated vibe that appeals to couples seeking something fresh and chic.
Why it’s affordable: Positioned as accessible luxury, Paradisus offers wedding packages that balance strong inclusions with customizable upgrades. Couples can stay within budget while tailoring the experience to their vision.
Wedding experience potential: From jungle garden ceremonies to rooftop cocktail hours and sunset beach receptions, Paradisus weddings feel intentional and stylish, without overspending.
Resorts We Love: Paradisus Playa del Carmen, Paradisus Palma Real (Punta Cana), Paradisus Los Cabos.
Looking for a quick way to compare the top affordable destination wedding resort brands? Save this Pinterest graphic for easy reference as you explore which one fits your vision.
Pin it to your wedding board and come back to it anytime!
Final Thoughts
Affordable destination weddings don’t have to feel “cheap.” With the right resort brand, you can create a guest experience that feels polished, romantic, and truly unforgettable—all while keeping your investment in balance.
These five resort brands—Dreams, Secrets, Hyatt Ziva/Zilara, Majestic, and Paradisus—consistently prove that couples don’t have to compromise on style or experience to plan a wedding that works within their budget.
Affordable Resort Brands – FAQs
Q: Which resort brand has the most affordable wedding packages?
A: Dreams Resorts & Spas consistently deliver some of the most affordable destination wedding packages. Many Dreams locations include ceremony décor, flowers, cake, and even cocktail hour at a bundled rate. Some Dreams properties also offer complimentary weddings when you book a qualifying number of guest rooms—making them one of the best value resort brands for couples.
Q: What’s the difference between Dreams and Secrets for weddings?
A: Both are part of the same family of resort brands, but Dreams is family-friendly while Secrets is adults-only. If you’re inviting children or planning a multigenerational event, Dreams is a better fit. For couples who envision an adults-only celebration with a romantic, sophisticated vibe, Secrets offers chic venues at a similar price point.
Q: Are Hyatt Ziva and Zilara good resort brands for destination weddings?
A: Yes—Hyatt Ziva (family-friendly) and Hyatt Zilara (adults-only) are among the most popular resort brands for couples. They’re praised for polished design, beachfront settings, and strong group perks. Their wedding packages bundle essentials, while group bookings often unlock private events or upgrades.
Q: Which affordable resort brand feels the most luxurious?
A: Secrets Resorts & Spas and Paradisus by Meliá are two resort brands that often stand out for couples who want a “luxe feel” without the ultra-luxury price tag. Both combine modern design, stylish venues, and memorable guest experiences that feel elevated but remain accessible.
Q: Do Majestic Resorts offer affordable group weddings?
A: Yes—Majestic Resorts are a popular resort brand in the Dominican Republic and Mexico for weddings of 20–50 guests. They combine affordable packages with generous inclusions, spacious suites, and polished resort amenities—making them an ideal choice for groups.
Next in the series: How to Upgrade Your Affordable Wedding for a Luxe Experience Without Blowing the Budget
Catch up on previous posts: 7 Affordable Destination Wedding Locations | Are Destination Weddings Cheaper in 2026?
