Destination weddings average $6,550 for the wedding package alone, with total costs ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 depending on location and guest count.1 In 2024, the destination wedding industry reached €42.8 billion globally, with 21% of UK weddings taking place abroad.2 For couples seeking an intimate celebration combined with a vacation experience, destination weddings offer compelling value: smaller guest lists translate to lower overall costs despite the exotic setting.
Quick Overview: Destination Wedding Essentials
| Factor | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Average package cost | $6,550 USD (2024)1 |
| Total cost range | $20,000-$80,000 |
| Average guest count | 65 guests |
| Guest decline rate | 30-50% |
| Planning timeline | 12-18 months minimum |
| Guest spending | ~$2,000 per person |
| Top reason for choosing | Climate (90% of couples)2 |
Average Destination Wedding Costs by Location
Costs vary dramatically by destination. Mexico and the Caribbean offer the most affordable options, while European destinations command premium prices.
| Destination | Package Cost (USD) | Package Cost (GBP) | Package Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico (Cancun) | $4,000-$10,000 | £3,200-£8,000 | $6,000-$15,000 |
| Caribbean (Jamaica) | $5,000-$12,000 | £4,000-£9,600 | $7,500-$18,000 |
| Hawaii | $15,000-$40,000 | £12,000-£32,000 | $22,500-$60,000 |
| Italy | $20,000-$50,000 | £16,000-£40,000 | $30,000-$75,000 |
| Greece (Santorini) | $15,000-$35,000 | £12,000-£28,000 | $22,500-$52,500 |
| Bali | $8,000-$20,000 | £6,400-£16,000 | $12,000-$30,000 |
| Fiji | $10,000-$25,000 | £8,000-£20,000 | $15,000-$37,500 |
Note: Package costs typically include venue, ceremony, basic decor, and reception food and drinks. Travel, accommodations, and extras are additional.13
Destination Wedding Planning Timeline
Destination weddings require longer lead times than traditional weddings. Guests need time to request leave, save money, and book travel at reasonable prices.
| Timeframe | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 18+ months | Choose destination, research legal requirements, book venue |
| 15-18 months | Hire photographer, secure room blocks for guests |
| 12-15 months | Send save-the-dates, book other vendors |
| 10-12 months | Book travel for couple, plan welcome activities |
| 8-10 months | Finalize menu, decor, and ceremony details |
| 6-8 months | Send formal invitations (earlier than domestic weddings) |
| 4-6 months | Confirm vendor details, finalize guest count |
| 2-3 months | Final dress fitting, confirm all travel arrangements |
| 1 month | Confirm everything with vendors, pack carefully |
| 1 week | Arrive at destination, handle final details, relax |
The average couple books their destination wedding 9-12 months in advance, though peak season dates at popular resorts fill up 18+ months ahead.1
Choosing Your Destination
Climate Considerations
Climate is the primary factor for 90% of destination wedding couples.2 Consider:
- Peak season offers best weather but highest prices and crowds
- Shoulder season provides good weather with lower costs
- Hurricane/monsoon season carries risks but significant discounts
| Destination | Peak Season | Shoulder Season | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Dec-Apr | May, Nov | Jun-Oct (hurricane) |
| Caribbean | Dec-Apr | May, Nov | Jun-Oct (hurricane) |
| Italy | May-Sep | Apr, Oct | Nov-Mar (cold) |
| Greece | Jun-Sep | May, Oct | Nov-Apr (cold) |
| Bali | Apr-Oct | Nov | Dec-Mar (monsoon) |
| Hawaii | Dec-Mar | Apr-May, Sep-Nov | — |
Travel Requirements
Check what your guests need:
- Passport validity: Most countries require 6+ months remaining
- Visa requirements: Vary by nationality
- Flight accessibility: Direct flights reduce guest burden
- Time zones: Consider jet lag for ceremony timing
Legal Requirements for Destination Weddings
Every country has unique requirements for legally valid marriages. Many couples opt for a legal ceremony at home followed by a symbolic ceremony abroad to avoid complex paperwork.
Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Legal abroad | One ceremony, authentic experience | Complex paperwork, blood tests, waiting periods |
| Legal at home + symbolic abroad | Simpler logistics, no foreign paperwork | Two separate ceremonies |
Requirements by Popular Destination
Mexico:4
- Blood tests and chest X-rays required (14 days before wedding)
- Four witnesses required (two per person)
- Arrive 4+ business days early
- One-year waiting period after divorce
- All documents need apostille and Spanish translation
Italy:5
- Nulla Osta (declaration of no impediment) required
- Documents valid only 6 months
- Civil ceremonies conducted in Italian (translator required)
- Arrive 5-7 days early for US/Australian citizens
- Civil banns posted for two weeks (sometimes waived for non-residents)
Caribbean (Jamaica, Dominican Republic):
- Minimum 24-48 hours in country before ceremony
- Blood tests typically not required
- Fewer document requirements than Mexico/Europe
- Popular for simple legal ceremonies
Guest Considerations
What Couples Typically Cover
- Welcome bags with local treats and itinerary
- Group activities (optional but appreciated)
- Welcome dinner or cocktail party
- Wedding day food and drinks
- Transportation between ceremony and reception
What Guests Typically Cover
- Flights (average $650 per person)1
- Accommodation (average $1,400 for 4-5 nights)1
- Personal expenses and excursions
- Travel insurance
Managing Guest Expectations
Guests spend approximately $2,000 total to attend a destination wedding.1 To be considerate:
- Send save-the-dates 12 months early: Essential for travel planning
- Provide room block information: Negotiate group rates
- Share travel tips: Flight booking advice, packing lists
- Create a wedding website: Centralize all information
- Understand declines: 30-50% decline rate is normal
Regional Considerations
For US Couples
American couples favor Mexico and the Caribbean for proximity and value.1 Top destinations include:
- Cancun: Excellent value, abundant resort options
- Cabo San Lucas: Pacific coast alternative, upscale properties
- Puerto Vallarta: Charming town, diverse venue options
- Jamaica: Caribbean classic with all-inclusive options
- Hawaii: Domestic destination requiring no passport
Dreams Riviera Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, and Hotel Xcaret Mexico ranked as top resort choices in 2024.1
For UK Couples
21% of UK weddings took place abroad in 2024.2 British couples often choose:
- Mediterranean Europe: Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal
- Long-haul luxury: Maldives, Mauritius, Caribbean
- Budget options: Turkey, Cyprus
Post-Brexit considerations: EU destinations may have changed requirements for UK citizens. Confirm visa and stay duration limits. Average UK destination wedding costs £8,500-£11,099, compared to domestic weddings at approximately £18,000.2
For Australian Couples
Australian couples increasingly choose nearby destinations offering significant savings over domestic weddings.3
| Destination | Cost for 50 Guests (AUD) | Per Guest |
|---|---|---|
| Bali | $16,980 | $340 |
| Fiji | $17,800 | $356 |
| Thailand | $17,546-$30,530 | $350-$610 |
| Australia (domestic) | $35,315 | $400 |
Popular choices include Bali (most affordable), Fiji (29% of destination couples), and New Zealand (28%).3 Supply chain pressures increased flower and vendor prices 17% in 2024-2025.6
For Canadian Couples
Canadian couples share similar preferences to Americans, favoring warm-weather escapes:
- Mexico and Caribbean: Short flights from most Canadian cities
- Hawaii: No visa required
- Europe: Popular for summer weddings
- All-inclusive resorts: Budget-friendly, hassle-free
Budget Breakdown: Destination vs. Hometown
Destination weddings can cost less overall due to smaller guest counts, despite higher per-guest expenses.
| Category | Destination Wedding | Traditional Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Average total cost | $39,000 | $35,000 |
| Average guest count | 65 | 120 |
| Cost per guest | $600 | $290 |
| Venue included | Often bundled | Separate cost |
| Catering included | Often bundled | Separate cost |
What May Cost More
- Couple's travel and accommodations
- Site visit expenses (recommended before booking)
- Shipping items to destination
- Vendor travel fees (photographer, planner)
- Guest welcome activities
What May Cost Less
- Fewer guests = lower food and beverage costs
- All-inclusive packages simplify budgeting
- Decor often included in packages
- Combined honeymoon reduces total travel costs
Working with Destination Wedding Vendors
Hiring Local vs. Bringing Your Own
| Vendor Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Consider bringing your own—most important investment |
| Planner | Hire local—essential for logistics and vendor relationships |
| Florist | Hire local—shipping flowers is impractical |
| DJ/Band | Hire local—equipment transport is complex |
| Hair/Makeup | Either—depends on complexity and travel costs |
Most resort wedding teams contact couples 2-6 months before the wedding date, with final details often confirmed just two months prior.7
Questions to Ask Resort Wedding Coordinators
- What's included in the wedding package?
- What are upgrade options and costs?
- How many weddings per day at the resort?
- What happens in case of bad weather?
- Are there restrictions on outside vendors?
- What's the guest room block process?
Communication and Logistics
Creating a Wedding Website
Essential information to include:
- Travel details (airport, airline recommendations)
- Accommodation options and room block codes
- Passport and visa requirements
- Suggested packing list
- Local currency and tipping customs
- Activity options for extended stays
- Contact information for questions
Timeline for Guest Communication
| When | What to Send |
|---|---|
| 12+ months | Save-the-dates with destination announcement |
| 9 months | Room block information and booking deadline |
| 6-8 months | Formal invitations |
| 4 months | Wedding website with full details |
| 2 months | RSVP deadline and final details |
| 2 weeks | Final itinerary and welcome party details |
Travel Insurance
Consider requiring or recommending travel insurance for all guests. Coverage typically includes:
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Medical emergencies abroad
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Flight delays and missed connections
For the couple, wedding insurance should cover:
- Vendor no-shows or cancellations
- Severe weather forcing postponement
- Illness preventing travel
- Lost or damaged wedding attire
Sources and References
Footnotes
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Paradise Weddings. "2024 Statistics for Destination Weddings & 2025 Trends to Watch." 2024. https://paradiseweddings.com/blog/destination-wedding-statistics/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
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Condor Ferries. "50+ Destination Wedding Statistics 2025." 2025. https://www.condorferries.co.uk/destination-wedding-statistics ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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Easy Weddings Australia. "How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?" 2024. https://www.easyweddings.com.au/articles/destination-wedding-cost/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Paradise Weddings. "How to Legally Get Married in Mexico | Your Ultimate Guide 2025." 2025. https://paradiseweddings.com/blog/getting-married-in-mexico/ ↩
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U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy. "Getting Married in Italy?" 2024. https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/ ↩
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Easy Weddings Australia. "How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost? 2025 Update." 2025. https://www.easyweddings.com.au/articles/wedding-flowers-cost/ ↩
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Destify. "Wedding Planning Timelines and Booking Tips." 2024. https://destify.com/blog/wedding-planning-timelines-and-booking-tips/ ↩