Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by Precious Richardson

Are Destination Weddings Cheaper in 2026? What You Should Know About Destination Wedding Cost

If you’ve found yourself Googling “Are destination weddings cheaper?” — you’re not alone. It’s a question I’ve been hearing tossed around my entire twenty years in the industry. Fast forward to today, and it’s one of the most common questions couples Google as they explore their wedding options.

The answer is: It depends.

Destination weddings can offer significant savings over traditional hometown celebrations and a priceless experience if thoughtfully planned, especially when considering the average cost of a destination wedding. However, there are a few important nuances to understand before making your decision on getting married at your dream destination. Let’s walk through what makes destination weddings more affordable for some, and what to consider to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

What Makes the Wedding Costs of a Destination Wedding Potentially More Affordable

While “cheap” isn’t a word we use with our weddings (experience and intention matter too much!), destination weddings are often more cost-efficient than local weddings, especially when thoughtfully planned.

Here’s why:

1. Smaller Guest Lists

Destination weddings naturally lead to more intimate celebrations. With fewer guests, you’ll spend less on food, beverages, seating, and rentals—which can make a meaningful difference in your overall budget.

For all-inclusive weddings, guest count directly impacts which wedding package is required, along with any added costs for exceeding guest limits. A smaller guest list helps you stay within package parameters and avoid extra per-person charges, giving you more flexibility to enhance the experience without stretching your budget.

2. Built-In Décor

One of the biggest advantages of destination weddings is the setting itself. Whether you’re surrounded by ocean views, lush gardens, or dramatic coastal cliffs, the natural backdrop reduces the need for elaborate florals or rentals.

All-inclusive wedding packages typically include standard décor elements such as ceremony structures, basic floral arrangements, and seating. When used thoughtfully, these inclusions can serve as a strong foundation. With a few strategic enhancements like upgraded florals, personal accents, or custom signage, you can elevate the space in a way that feels unique to your wedding, without overextending your budget.

3. All-Inclusive Options

Say it again: all-inclusive options! One of the biggest value points in destination wedding planning comes from choosing an all-inclusive resort.

Why? Because your guests’ room rates already include meals, drinks, and many on-site activities, the bundled pricing often feels far more manageable when considering the cost of a destination wedding. Most all-inclusive wedding packages combine venue space, basic décor, food, and bar service into one streamlined offering, giving you a clearer picture of what you’re paying for (and usually, more for your money).

On the other hand, weddings hosted at non-all-inclusive properties tend to price more like traditional weddings, itemizing food, beverage, venue fees, and service charges separately, which can increase overall wedding costs. For couples hoping to simplify logistics and stretch their wedding budget, an all-inclusive property often delivers the best overall value.

4. Combined Wedding + Honeymoon

One of the built-in perks of a destination wedding? You’re already in a beautiful location, so many couples choose to turn it into their honeymoon, too, while planning a destination wedding.

Some arrive a few days early to settle in before the festivities begin. Others stay on after their guests leave, extending the celebration with a romantic, post-wedding escape. Whether you enhance your stay with a suite upgrade at the same resort or transfer to a nearby property for a change of scenery, combining your wedding and honeymoon in one trip can reduce both travel time and overall costs.

It’s a practical and memorable way to start your next chapter together.

5. Wedding Date: Travel Season Matters

The time of year you choose to travel can significantly impact the overall cost of your destination wedding. High season typically means higher room rates, increased airfare, and even elevated vendor costs—including florals that may need to be imported or adjusted based on seasonal availability, affecting your wedding expenses.

Opting for shoulder season or off-peak travel dates can help you secure more favorable group rates, avoid inflated pricing, and still enjoy a beautiful wedding experience. Just be sure to balance savings with considerations like weather patterns and resort availability when planning a wedding

What Can Affect the Total Cost of Your Destination Wedding

Of course, like any wedding, the final cost depends on your choices, and there are a few factors that can increase your investment if not managed with care:

Travel costs for you, your guests, and any vendors you’re flying in as part of the overall wedding costs
Legal marriage requirements or additional documentation
Customization or upgrades to packages that start basic but can quickly add up
Exchange rates or import fees, depending on your destination

These elements aren’t deal-breakers, but they do require planning and transparency. That’s where working with an experienced destination wedding planner (hi, that’s me!) makes all the difference.

I help you anticipate hidden costs, weigh options realistically, and stay aligned with both your vision and your budget, without the overwhelm.

The Travel Side of Your Destination Wedding: What to Plan and Budget For

When couples search “Are destination weddings cheaper than traditional weddings?”, they’re often thinking about the wedding day itself. But that’s just one piece of the destination wedding cost puzzle. A destination wedding also includes the journey to get there and the full experience of being there.

Here are key travel-related costs to consider when budgeting:

Airfare and accommodations for yourselves—and possibly your wedding party or key guests
Round-trip transportation between the airport and hotel (we recommend private transfers for your group—it’s all part of the guest experience)
Passports and travel documentation
Luggage fees, attire transport, and extras like welcome bag delivery or pre-shipped items
Pre-wedding travel, including site visits, tastings, or venue tours
Travel protection and guest coordination services, which may be optional but often bring peace of mind

How to Make Sure Your Destination Wedding Is Truly More Affordable

If your goal is to have a destination wedding that costs less than a traditional hometown event, it’s important to look at the full picture—not just the price tag on the wedding package.

Here’s an itemized approach to help keep your destination wedding cost-effective:

Choose the Right Destination

Favor countries or regions with a lower cost of living (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica)
Look for direct flight access to reduce airfare for you and your guests
Research wedding licensing requirements—some locations have higher legal fees than others

Be Strategic About Your Guest List

Keep your group small and intentional
Aim for under the package guest count threshold to avoid add-on fees
Use the smaller guest size to enhance the experience instead of expanding the budget

Select an All-Inclusive Resort

Choose packages that include ceremony setup, reception, food, bar, and basic décor
Look for resorts with complimentary or low-cost wedding packages tied to your room block
Understand what’s included in your destination wedding package and where upgrades might (or might not) be necessary.

Combine Your Wedding and Honeymoon

Stay at the same property after the wedding or upgrade your room for a seamless honeymoon
Save on additional travel costs, time off work, and coordination by staying in one place for your wedding destination

Factor in Total Travel Costs Upfront

Budget for flights, ground transportation, passports, and any pre-wedding site visits
Consider your guests’ travel costs—especially if guest affordability is a priority for your wedding abroad.
Plan airport transfers and group travel thoughtfully (private group transfers can feel luxe without breaking the bank)

Work with a Destination Wedding Expert (That’s Me!)

Avoid hidden costs and resort package pitfalls
Get help comparing destination options based on budget, vision, and travel logistics
Save time and money by relying on experience, not guesswork

A destination wedding can be more affordable than a traditional wedding, but only if it’s planned with intention. With the right choices and a clear strategy, you can maximize your investment and create a guest experience that feels anything but “cheap.”

Remember that Cheaper Isn’t Always Better, but Smart Planning Pays Off

If your goal is to create an incredible guest experience and maximize your wedding investment, a destination wedding may be a beautiful solution. The key is to align your vision with your priorities, whether that’s scenery, guest experience, simplicity, or cost-efficiency.

A destination wedding might not be “cheap,” but it can be less expensive than traditional weddings and save you money in the right scenario. In the end, an overwhelming number of couples deem it absolutely worth it.

Need Help Deciding If a Destination Wedding Makes Financial Sense?

That’s what I’m here for. With nearly 20 years of experience planning destination weddings and managing both travel and event logistics, I help couples like you weigh the pros and cons, so you can feel confident in your decision.

Curious if a destination wedding is the right financial fit for you?
Take our free destination wedding quiz to find your ideal location and next steps!