11 Ways to Find The Best Locations For a Destination Wedding
Planning the perfect destination wedding starts with finding the best locations. From pristine beaches to lush gardens, choosing the right spot can make your special day unforgettable. As a seasoned destination wedding travel agent, I’ll share eleven ways to discover the best locations for a destination wedding. From insider tips to top resort recommendations, you’ll find everything you need to turn your dream wedding into a reality.
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So, Where Are the Best Locations for Your Destination Wedding?
I get this question a lot. But the problem is that I can’t answer it. There are too many questions that I have to ask before I can really answer that. The answer depends on when you want to go, how many people you expect. The list goes on. So I make sure that I get to know my clients first before I can give them an exact recommendation. If you are looking on your own, choosing the perfect resort to host your wedding group is a big decision. Let’s dive into 11 things you should look for that will make a resort perfect for your special day!
Plus we’ll dive into some of our favorites that fit the bill!
1. Comprehensive Wedding Packages
Resorts that offer wedding packages bundling vendor services make life so much easier. Imagine having every detail of your wedding taken care of in one seamless package. A comprehensive wedding package should include everything you need, from stunning venues and elegant flowers to professional photography and delectable catering.
One example is the Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana. This luxurious all-inclusive resort offers tailored wedding packages that cover all your needs. Here is an example them:
2. Diverse and Stunning Ceremony Locations
Choosing a resort with various ceremony locations that offer different views will give you plenty of venue choices! Imagine saying your vows on a pristine beach with the sound of waves as your soundtrack, or perhaps a chic rooftop wedding with panoramic ocean views is more your style. If you prefer a lush, intimate garden celebration, having these options lets you craft a unique experience that matches your vision. The best part is that you can use a different venue for each part of your wedding celebration!
3. Dedicated Wedding Team
Resorts with a dedicated onsite wedding team are the best way to say goodbye to stress! A dedicated wedding team means that certain employees are solely focused on making your wedding perfect. They will be by your side to handle any remaining details and wedding logistics, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This allows you to focus on what truly matters – enjoying your big day!
Our favorite are, Sandals resorts because they offer exceptional wedding teams that coordinate everything from pre-wedding preparations to the ceremony and reception. Their experienced staff will manage all the logistics, from setting up the venue to coordinating with vendors, so you can relax and savor every moment of your special day. It’s the reason why they are the most-known brand for weddings in the Caribbean.
Learn More: Take a Pre-Planning Wedding Trip to Resorts You Are Deciding on.
4. Group-Friendly Accommodations
When choosing a destination wedding resort, you want to make sure that the resort offers something for everyone, from cozy suites to family-friendly rooms. If children will be at your destination wedding, it’s ideal if the resort you choose has a kids club or at least daily activities for the kids. Pro tip: find a resort with guaranteed bedding and two queen beds for friends sharing a room.
5. Inclusive Amenities and Activities
Find a resort that can keep the fun going for your group with inclusive amenities and activities! Look for places that offer a variety of options to entertain your guests and make your wedding celebration unforgettable. Think spa services for a relaxing pre-wedding pamper session, exciting group excursions like snorkeling or zip-lining for adventure seekers, and themed events that add a unique touch to your festivities.
An excellent example is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. This is always our go-to resort for a Vegas-like atmosphere with a beach! It has a world-class spa, thrilling excursions, and vibrant themed parties. Bowling alleys, movie theaters, water parks…the list keeps going.
6. Accessibility and Logistics
It’s ideal to choose a resort where you and your guests travel no longer than 30-45 minutes after landing. You want them to get to the resort as quickly as possible to give them maximum time to relax and enjoy their time at your resort. This will help make travel a breeze for your guests! Easy access to airports, and straightforward logistics will ensure everyone arrives with a smile.
Learn More: The Most Accessible Caribbean Locations to have an Easy & Legal Destination Wedding
7. Reputation and Reviews
Do your homework and read those reviews! Positive testimonials are a surefire way to know you’re in good hands. With that said, it’s impossible to make everyone happy, so keep that in the back of your mind when you are looking at the reviews.
8. Customization Options
One of the critical factors that can set one resort apart from others you may be considering is the ability to customize your wedding package. You must still make your destination wedding uniquely yours with customizable options. Let your style and personality shine through in every detail, whether a particular theme or a personalized menu.
9. Weather Considerations
Don’t let Mother Nature rain on your parade! A good backup plan and indoor options is key so that your day goes off without a hitch. The resort you choose should have quality backup contingencies for bad weather that still provide the beauty and elegance you hope for in your destination wedding.
For instance, Moon Palace Cancun offers stunning indoor venues that are just as breathtaking as their outdoor locations. Their grand ballrooms and elegant indoor spaces ensure that, rain or shine, your wedding day remains perfect. With these backup options, you can have peace of mind knowing that your special day will be beautiful, no matter the weather.
10. Offer Great Value
This doesn’t mean the lowest price! You are looking for resorts that offer many great options and quality for the money. Your wedding is an investment, but you still want to have great value and quality for your wedding! Let’s make your dream wedding affordable! Look for resorts that offer value for money without skimping on quality.
11. Work with a resort that doesn’t schedule a lot of weddings daily.
As a destination wedding travel agent, I always prefer to book my clients at resorts that only do one destination wedding a day. Having your wedding be the only wedding on the schedule that day ensures that the entire resort wedding staff will be focused on your destination wedding! This exclusivity guarantees personalized attention and a seamless experience.
For example, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is known for its “one wedding per day” policy. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort provides dedicated service, ensuring every detail of your special day is perfect.
Narrow Down Your Locations for a Destination Wedding!
You need to make many decisions when planning a destination wedding, but finding the best resort for your destination wedding will make the rest of your other choices much more effortless. When you discover a resort that can offer you all or at least most of these ten tips, your dream destination wedding will be within reach!
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed and would like to get your destination wedding all figured out, then I encourage you to use this link to schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me today, and let’s see if we can get your destination wedding figured out so that you can focus on the fun of your BIG DAY instead of the stress!