How Expensive Are Destination Weddings in 2024?

Destination weddings, particularly at all-inclusive resorts, are often perceived as extravagantly expensive. However, this isn’t always the case, especially when compared to traditional weddings. Let’s break down the costs and see why all-inclusive destination weddings can be a financially savvy choice for couples.

Cost Comparison

Traditional Weddings

Traditional weddings in the U.S. can be quite costly. The average wedding cost is often upwards of $30,000. This includes venue rental, catering, decorations, attire, entertainment, photography, and more. Each element is typically sourced from different vendors, leading to higher and sometimes hidden costs.

All-Inclusive Destination Weddings

In contrast, all-inclusive destination weddings bundle most of these elements into one package. These packages often include the ceremony and reception venues, catering, basic décor, entertainment, and sometimes even photography. The pricing is upfront and can be more manageable, with packages at some resorts starting as low as $1,000 to $5,000.

Advantages of All-Inclusive Weddings

1. Budget-Friendly Options: Many resorts offer tiered wedding packages, allowing couples to choose one that fits their budget. The all-inclusive nature means food, drinks, and entertainment are covered, reducing variable costs.
2. Smaller Guest Lists: Destination weddings often have fewer guests, which can significantly lower costs. Intimate gatherings reduce the need for extensive seating, catering, and favors.
3. Built-In Honeymoon: Couples can combine their wedding and honeymoon, saving on travel and accommodation costs. Staying at the wedding destination for the honeymoon is a popular choice.
4. Reduced Planning Stress: Planning a wedding from afar might seem daunting, but all-inclusive resorts have dedicated wedding planners. This service can reduce the stress and time involved in organizing various vendors.
5. Scenic Venues: These weddings offer stunning natural backdrops, which can reduce the need for elaborate decorations. Beachfront ceremonies, lush gardens, and ocean-view receptions create a memorable ambiance with minimal additional cost.

Destify Destination Weddings

But let’s not beat around the bush: if you’re just starting to plan your special day, you want to know much your destination wedding will cost, right?

You’ve come to the right place. We’ve sent thousands of couples to beautiful locations like Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and much more!

We have the insight, passion, and pulse of the coming wedding trends to make sure your destination wedding minimizes costs and maximizes luxury.

Let’s take a look at how expensive your 2024 destination wedding might be!

Destination Weddings Vs Traditional Weddings

Good news! Destination weddings are cheaper than a stateside ceremony.

Destination weddings cost our couples $10,000 to $20,000 on average. This number can increase depending on how swanky of a wedding you want!

The extra amenities, inclusions, and add-ons that a wedding package and/or room have, the more expensive they will be!

Based on 2021 data, traditional stateside weddings cost $28,000 on average.

As well, that $28,000 price tag doesn’t include a honeymoon! Destination weddings are vacations, honeymoons, and decadent big day ceremonies all in one!

And with that difference in price alone, need we go on?

What Do Couples Pay for with a Destination Wedding, Exactly?

Planning your destination wedding budget might seem complicated, but creating a budget for a destination wedding is much simpler than a traditional one.

Unlike a traditional wedding, your expenses for a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort breakdown into a few simple categories: airplane tickets, accommodations, and wedding packages/venues.

Let’s dive into each of these specific categories and look at how much your destination wedding will cost you in 2024!

Average Cost of Airfare to Cancun 2024: $1,000 per couple

Airline ticket prices can range depending on the departing airport, arrival airport, how far out you book your ticket, the time of your flight, and even the season you’re hosting your destination wedding.

On average, 2 roundtrip tickets from any major city in the US will cost couples $1,000.

Let’s break it down a little further:

• Chicago to Cancun(One Way): $250 – $350 per person
• New York City to Cancun(One Way): $315 – $415 per person
• Los Angeles to Cancun(One Way): $250 – $450 per person
• Miami to Cancun(One Way): $235 – $560 per person
• Dallas to Cancun(One Way): $265 – $515 per person

Average Cost of Suites in Cancun 2024: $1,500 per couple for 5 NIghts

Accommodations are another cost that can change depending on factors like time of year, how long you plan on staying after your destination wedding, and which kind of suite you book.

The upshot is that destination weddings are wedding ceremonies and honeymoons rolled up into one price.

Couples often book 5-7 night stays for their destination weddings. Their guest list tends to book average of 3-5 night stays, depending on how long of a vacation they want to give themselves after your big day.

Also, the higher the number of guests that you book for your destination wedding, the more perks will become available to you and your guests!

These can include suite upgrades, extra amenities like a free couples massage at the resort’s spa, and much more.

Therefore, your room’s cost can end up paying for itself!

On average, couples can expect to pay $1,500 for their destination wedding rooms

Average Cost of Destination Wedding Package & Wedding Venue in Cancun 2024: $3,000 per couple

Your destination wedding package will end up being the bulk of your budget.

Working with Destify’s destination wedding experts, we will help you determine which wedding package is right for you.

All-inclusive wedding packages can range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the extras and amenities they come with.

An all-inclusive wedding package will typically reserve your wedding venue and ceremony time, and will include basic necessities like food for your wedding party, alcohol, seating, and decor.

The higher-end wedding packages will come with extras like a 4-hour private reception, premium liquor packages, specialized food stations, and much more.

As well, some venue spaces come with an extra premium price, typically around $1,000. These venues tend to be more luxurious than your average beach or garden space, hence the extra costs associated.

Do Couples Pay for Guests Attending a Destination Wedding?

One of the biggest questions we get about destination wedding guests is about what they are expected to spend versus what the couple will spend.

Destination wedding guests are required to pay for their own airfare and lodging costs. Beyond that, all-inclusive resorts will cover their food, drink, and basic amenity needs.

Destify books transportation to and from the resort for the couples and their guests, so don’t worry about that extra cost!

One way to help your guests save money can be to refrain from asking for a wedding gift. Consider their presence a present! 😉

Destify’s destination wedding experts will help your guests reserve their rooms, ensuring they pick the right suite for their budget!

In general, destination wedding guests tend to pay $1,000-$1,500.

Book Your Destination Wedding Today

Are you ready to make 2024 the year of your low-cost destination wedding?

We’re ready when you are!

We’re here to take the anxiety and confusion out of planning a destination wedding so you enjoy every moment of your destination wedding, from your luxurious suite to saying ‘I Do’ to your sweetheart!

Talk to one of our wedding experts today!