How much does a destination wedding cost?
How much does a destination wedding cost?
$10,000 – $35,000 average total cost
$2,500 – $20,000 average wedding package price
Average cost of a destination wedding
The average cost for a destination wedding is $10,000 to $35,000, including costs for travel and accommodations. All-inclusive wedding bundles cost $2,500 to $20,000 for a package that includes a wedding planner, ceremony, and reception for a limited number of guests but does not include airfare or resort stays.
| Average Cost | $25,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $2,500 |
| Maximum Cost | $75,000 |
| Average Range | $10,000 to $35,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.
Destination wedding package prices
Destination weddings package prices are $2,500 to $20,000 for a limited number of guests, with most couples inviting around 20 guests. The package includes the ceremony and reception site, décor, music, catering, and a dedicated wedding coordinator, but does not include travel or accommodation expenses.
Planning a destination wedding using individual vendors instead of a package is more costly and time-consuming but allows for more guests and customized options.
| Package type | Average cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Elopement | $1,000 – $15,000 | Wedding ceremony site with simple décor, wedding officiant, and a honeymoon stay for the couple |
| Small(10-20 guests) | $2,500 – $5,000 | Wedding ceremony and officiant, with a restaurant reception for a small group of guests |
| Mid-size(20-40 guests) | $3,800 – $8,000 | Wedding ceremony and reception with an open bar for 20 to 40 guests, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and a honeymoon stay for the couple |
| Large(40+ guests) | $8,000 – $20,000 | Wedding ceremony and reception with an open bar for 40 or more guests, dedicated wedding coordinator, and honeymoon stay for the couple |
Be sure to confirm if your wedding package includes taxes and gratuities, which can add 10% to 20% to the wedding costs.
Destination wedding cost by location
Destination weddings are increasingly popular with couples who want an intimate wedding in a memorable location. Costs vary by location, with Las Vegas offering the cheapest destination weddings. Aruba and the Dominican Republic are the most affordable foreign locations and Hawaii is the costliest island destination.
| Location | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Aruba | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Bahamas | $9,500 – $20,000 |
| Dominican Republic | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Florida | $6,000 – $24,000 |
| Hawaii | $7,000 – $35,000 |
| Jamaica | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Las Vegas | $1,200 – $12,000 |
| Mexico | $5,000 – $30,000 |
Most foreign countries require you to arrive at least 24 hours before the ceremony to apply for a wedding certificate and present your documentation, including your passports, birth certificates, and proof of divorce or death for previous marriages.
Destination wedding cost breakdown
One of the reasons that destination weddings cost as much or more than a local wedding is that travel and accommodation costs are included in the wedding budget. Some couples cover all of the trip costs for the wedding party and close family members.
Other factors that contribute to the cost of a destination wedding include:
Domestic vs. international destination – Domestic destinations have reduced travel expenses, but international destinations often have better package prices.
Season – Off-season destination weddings offer cheaper accommodations and airfare, as well as less crowded venues and activities.
Number of guests –Destination wedding packages are priced according to the number of guests. Larger parties require more seating and staff, increasing the costs.
Airfare – Airline tickets cost around $1,000 for two round-trip tickets, with some wedding couples covering the cost for the entire wedding party.
Accommodations – A budget-friendly hotel costs $100 to $150 per room per night, while a luxury resort can easily exceed $250 per room per night. Some wedding couples cover part or all of the room expenses for guests, with an average 4-night stay.
Local ground transportation –Depending on the resort amenities, some couples book a limo costing $500 to $1,100 or a shuttle-bus package for $1,200 for off-site excursions.
Additional meals – The couple may choose to cover the cost of meals throughout the trip for their guests. When booking an all-inclusive resort, meals and drinks are included in the room rate.
Activities / sightseeing – Most couples pay for their guests to participate in group activities at the resort or take sightseeing excursions to local tourist attractions.
All-inclusive vs. individual vendor bookings – If you don't purchase an all-inclusive package, you'll need to book these vendors separately:
A wedding planner costs $1,200 to $3,500.
A wedding officiant costs$200 to $1,000.
Wedding catering costs $30 to $150 per guest for a sit-down meal.
Wedding cake costs $3 to $8 per guest, while a cupcake or dessert bar costs $2 to $6 per guest.
A wedding photographer costs $1,600 to $3,600.
A professional videographer costs $500 to $2,300.
A wedding DJ costs $800 to $1,600, while a wedding band costs $2,000 to $8,000.
Wedding flowers cost $500 to $3,500.
Beach wedding cost
Holding your wedding on a public beach requires a permit costing $50 to $350, depending on the destination. In addition to permits, a public beach wedding requires chair and table rentals, which cost $200 to $500. A DIY or rental wedding arch adds $50 to $300 to the total cost.
Mountain wedding cost
Mountain weddings can cost as little as $100 to $200 for permits to hold the ceremony in a public park or as much as $25,000 to $30,000 to host the ceremony and reception at a private mountain resort. Mountain-top elopements are popular, with couples renting a vacation home and marrying on the property.
National Park wedding cost
National park destination weddings cost $50 to $250 for a special use permit. Some parks have strict limits on the number of people that can attend the ceremony, so your wedding costs will be less than other destinations with a larger guest list.
Apply for a permit as early as possible, as parks limit the number of weddings each day and some do not offer permits on holiday weekends or holidays.
City wedding cost
A city wedding costs $50,000 to $75,000 on average for a luxury wedding at a high-end metropolitan resort. More affordable city options include weddings at a museum, library, or park. City weddings are more costly but also more convenient with easy airport access and numerous venues and vendors to choose from.
Destination wedding FAQs
What is a destination wedding?
A destination wedding is a wedding and reception held in a location away from home. Most people think of destination weddings as beach ceremonies on a tropical island, but mountaintop resorts and foreign cities are also popular options.
A destination wedding can be booked as a bundled package for a small number of guests that includes the ceremony and reception, an officiant, and a wedding coordinator. Some couples book a larger or more custom wedding by reserving a wedding venue and hiring their own vendors.
Are destination weddings cheaper?
Destination weddings can cost the same, less, or even more than a local wedding, depending on the wedding size and location. The average cost of a wedding near home is $25,000 to $35,000 for about 100 guests. Destination weddings are smaller with 20 to 40 guests, but travel expenses increase the total price.
Who pays for a destination wedding?
For many destination weddings, the parents and wedding couple contribute to a wedding fund that pays for the venue package, travel expenses, and accommodations for the wedding couple. Some choose to cover costs for their entire wedding party, while others have guests pay for their own travel and stay.
How much do guests pay for a destination wedding?
Attending a destination wedding as a guest can cost as much as $1,000 to $2,000 per guest for airfare or transportation to the destination, accommodations, local ground transportation, and additional meals. Some couples request no wedding gifts to help reduce the cost for their guests.
The wedding fund often covers the costs of sightseeing, planned activities, and local transportation. The wedding couple typically hosts a welcome lunch on arrival day and breakfast on the morning after the wedding.
Planning your destination wedding budget
When planning your destination wedding budget, first see if your family is willing to contribute to a wedding fund. Once you know how much you can spend, select a destination and venue package that fits your budget. Choosing off-season dates and less popular locations can help keep costs down.
Any destination wedding needs the services of a wedding planner to reduce the stress of organizing a wedding from a distance. To choose a wedding planner, consider these suggestions:
Ask for referrals from recent wedding couples.
Read online reviews from Fash and Google.
Talk with several planners and resorts to ensure they are a good fit for your vision and personalities.
Make sure their portfolio matches your vision for the wedding.
Ask for references from past clients.
Get everything in writing.
Questions to ask destination wedding planners
Before hiring a wedding planner, ask these important questions:
How long have you been a wedding planner?
What experience do you have with planning destination weddings?
What is your availability?
How often will we meet through the planning process?
Will you be there on my wedding day?
Are you connected with local vendors or venues or a particular resort?
Can you assist with the legal requirements and paperwork for a destination wedding?