How to Choose the Perfect Venue for the Best Destination Wedding

White sand beaches, gorgeous sunsets, and ocean views. What is most important to you when choosing a destination wedding venue? How do you pick a wedding venue? There are a lot of them. Picking the best destination wedding venue means reviewing a lot of options, listing out locations and amenities, and determining a budget. Follow along while we share our favorite wedding venue tips, especially for Destify weddings. 

Choosing a Destination Wedding Location 

When it comes to destination weddings, the first thing to decide is the country and the location. Are you gathering your closest friends for a trip to the Caribbean? Is Mexico logistically easier? When determining where your destination wedding is going to take place, you’ll need to consider the cost and ease of flights and transportation. If the location fits your budget, and what the travel requirements are (such as visas). Here are some of the best destination wedding locations and our favorite wedding venue tips.  

Mexico Quick Facts 

• Mexico is LGBT-friendly, and able to accommodate same-sex ceremonies and gay-friendly destination weddings.
• There are numerous options for excursions, from snorkeling to exploring Mayan ruins.
• In Cancun and Sayulita, guests will find ample opportunities for shopping.
• There are many options for ceremonies within chapels and Catholic ceremonies.
• From Cancun to Puerto Vallarta, there are many bars, beach clubs, and nightclubs to visit.
• Beaches vary by destination, from the calm waters and white sands of the East Coast to beautiful (but unswimmable) beaches in Los Cabos.
• Beach wedding venues in Mexico are easy to come by, but not all are private.

Caribbean Islands Quick Facts 

• Many of the smaller Caribbean Islands are welcoming and happy to accommodate same-sex destination weddings.
• The smaller islands offer unforgettable catamaran cruises.
• There are endless beaches to explore, with remote locations in St. Lucia, and the famous Nassau Beach in the Bahamas.
• From St. Martin to the Bahamas, guests will find many exciting options for nightlife.
• The smaller the island, perhaps the better the reefs, with numerous scuba diving and snorkeling spots throughout the various destinations.
• Vacationers will find many enticing shopping hubs, especially in the Bahamas, known for duty-free shopping and luxury outlets.

Jamaica Quick Facts 

• Many resorts are near world-class golf courses, designed by many legendary names golf fans will recognize.
• From the 7-mile beach in Negril to the beautiful shores of Montego Bay, guests will find many beautiful beaches for relaxation.
• There are plenty of excursion opportunities available, like a visit to Dunn’s River Falls.
• There is plenty to do for nightlife in Jamaica, from cliffside beach bars to fun oceanfront restaurants.
• Guests can book fun boat trips, from booze cruises to catamaran sunset rides.

Choosing the Best Destination Wedding Venue

Once a general location is determined, you’ll need to pick the actual venue. Hotels and resorts range from more budget-friendly to luxury five-star resorts. The amenities, inclusions, and of course the cost, vary with each venue. It’s important to note what your priorities are when looking at venues. Do you want a beach known for its sunsets? Someplace more secluded? What about the rooftop wedding venues in Cancun? A hotel known for its fine dining? Or something simple? Here are some of Destify’s top venue choices. 

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

Located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta resort is a spacious, all-inclusive resort with a mix of gorgeous beaches and lush gardens. The resort is family-friendly, LGBT+ friendly, and hosts no more than three weddings per day. Here’s a wedding venue tip: always check the number of weddings a venue will host each day. 

Hard Rock Los Cabos

Another one of Destify’s best destination wedding locations is the Hard Rock Los Cabos in Los Cabos, Mexico. The Hard Rock Los Cabos is a large resort, full of activities and amenities. All the rooms at Hard Rock include a private balcony, stocked minibar, air conditioning, and coffee maker. The resort is family-friendly and LGBT+ friendly. The hotel will only accommodate 5 weddings per day, ensuring that all wedding parties get their first choice of ceremony date. The Hard Rock Los Cabos fights the stereotype of small destination weddings, with the ability to accommodate 100-500 wedding guests. If you’re wondering how to pick a wedding venue for a large destination wedding, and looking for a high-activity resort, the Hard Rock Los Cabos may be the perfect choice. 

Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica

Hotel RIU Palace Jamaica in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a medium-sized venue boasting an elevated design in the lobby and bars, and gorgeous infinity pools overlooking the ocean that make it perfect for a modern ceremony. RIU is an adults-only resort, so your little cousins will have to stay home. RIU Palace Jamaica hosts only three weddings a day, making sure to give the right levels of attention and care to each couple. 

Other Considerations for Destination Wedding Venues 

Focusing on the environment, the location, the details, and the budget of the actual destination wedding venue is important, but there are some additional considerations to keep in mind. If you plan on having children at your wedding, your own, or other children that are an important part of your life, you’ll need to remove adult-only resorts and hotels from your possible venue list. If you would prefer no children around at all, bump those resorts to the top of your shortlist. 

Unfortunately, LGBT+ couples will need to confirm if the destination and the specific venue are LGBT+ friendly, safe, and welcoming, but we’re here to help. Destify will work with every couple to find the best destination wedding venue for their vision, and their needs. We’ll provide all of our venue wedding tips to ensure the location is the perfect spot to say “I do!” Destify is making meaningful memories for every couple we work with. 

What Makes the Perfect Destination Wedding Venue?

A destination wedding is a special event that deserves a special venue. But with so many beautiful places in the world to choose from, how do you decide on the perfect place?

There are a few important factors to consider when selecting a destination wedding venue. First, you need to decide on the type of venue you want. Do you envision a beachside ceremony venue or a more formal event in a ballroom? Once you have a general idea of the type of venue you are looking for, you can start narrowing down your options.

Another important factor to consider is the guest list. Will you be inviting only close family and friends, or do you want a large wedding with hundreds of guests? The size of the guest list will help you determine the size and scale of the venue you need.

Lastly, you need to think about your budget. Weddings can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect destination wedding venue for your ceremony. Learn more by following our guide below:

Why destination weddings are gaining popularity

Destination weddings are gaining in popularity as couples look for unique and memorable ways to tie the knot. Destination weddings allow couples to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and have their nuptials in the setting of their dreams. 

With so many romantic locations to choose from, it’s no wonder destination weddings are popular for couples. Whether you dream of a beachfront venue in Mexico or a secluded and private event within a tropical garden, destination weddings offer a variety of venues to fit a range of styles, tastes, and budgets. 

Different types of destination wedding venues

There are a variety of venues available for destination weddings, such as:

Beach Venues: Beach resorts are popular spots to hold a destination wedding. Many resorts offer a variety of packages to fit any budget and provide professional wedding coordinators while saying, “I do” on stunning beach fronts. Plus, there is no limit on guest size on a beach (unless it’s a particularly small and private one).

Garden Venues: For a more romantic atmosphere, a garden venue can be a great pick for a wedding in a tropical destination. Many gardens come with landscaped paths and foliage that provide a great backdrop for wedding photos.

Private Islands: Private islands are luxurious and offer couples the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. We know of some resorts with marked spots like these for guests!

Of course, many other options are available, depending on your budget and aesthetic.

What to look for in a destination wedding venue

When selecting a destination wedding venue, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you want to make sure the venue fits the style of your wedding. Does the location have the right atmosphere and ambiance for your wedding? 

You also want to make sure the venue is able to accommodate the size of your guest list. Can the venue provide enough seating or standing room for your guests? Is there space for a dance floor, bar area, and other necessary features? 

Lastly, you want to make sure the venue matches your budget. Once you have determined these factors, you can start selecting the ideal destination wedding venue for your big day.

How to choose the perfect wedding resort

1. Research resorts: Research the beach resorts that offer all-inclusive wedding packages. Determine what types of amenities and services the resorts provide and what type of wedding packages they offer.

2. Determine your budget: When choosing the perfect beach all-inclusive wedding resort, you will need to consider your budget. All-inclusive resorts can vary in pricing, so finding one that fits your budget is important.

3. Decide how many people to invite: Decide how many people you want to invite to the wedding. This will help you decide what size resort you will need for your wedding.

4. Consider any special requirements: Consider any special requirements that you or any guests may need, such as special dietary restrictions. This will ensure that your guests have a pleasant and comfortable experience while they are attending your wedding.

5. Check reviews: Read reviews that customers have written about the resorts and their wedding packages. This will help you get an idea of the quality of service and amenities that the resort provides

Questions to ask your venue coordinator

Before selecting your destination wedding venue, it’s important to ask your venue coordinator several key questions. You want to ensure the venue provides all the amenities and services to make your day perfect. 

Some key questions to ask include: 

• What is the total cost of the wedding package?
• Does the venue have a backup plan in case of inclement weather? 
• Are there restrictions on decorations, music, etc.? 
• Are there any security services available? 
• Can I bring my own photographer?
• Is there an additional fee for outside vendors or catering? 

Asking these questions can ensure that all your needs will be met during your wedding. 

The benefits of a destination wedding

Destination weddings offer couples a chance to have their nuptials in the setting of their dreams. Not only do these weddings tend to be more affordable than most traditional weddings, but they also tend to be more intimate and memorable. With so many beautiful and romantic venues to choose from, you can create a unique and special atmosphere for your wedding that will be cherished by your guests. 

The true benefits of hosting a destination wedding include the chance to create a truly custom and intimate wedding experience, the potential to save money by having the ceremony and reception in one place, access to a wide range of gorgeous backdrops to exchange vows, the opportunity to explore a new location with your partner and guests, and scenic beauty and relaxation for your honeymoon or longer stay. Whew, that was a lot! 

When planning a destination wedding, selecting the perfect venue to make your special day as unforgettable as possible is important. Consider the type of venue you want, the size of your guest list, and your budget to help you narrow down your selection. Ask the venue coordinator key questions to make sure the venue can accommodate all your needs and desires. With these considerations in mind, you can find your dream destination wedding venue and make your day as special as it should be.

Which Destination Wedding Venue is Right for You?

The day you tie the knot is one of the most important days of your life.

However, that unforgettable event is preceded by months of planning. Decisions to make range from what you’ll wear, what day or time of the year you’d like to have your ceremony, to which excellent all-inclusive resort you’ll be having your destination wedding at (you’ve come to the right place).

One of the most important decisions to make: your wedding venue choice. Wait, you say — a destination wedding venue can’t be that important, can it?

It sure is! You and your partner are the main actors of your wedding day, but your venue is the stage!

Location, location, location. From the beach to the ballroom, there are many possible venue types to host the wedding of your dreams.

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite destination wedding venue types!

A Beautiful Beach

When people hear ‘destination wedding,’ the first thing that comes to mind is a powder sugar-white beach wedding. And rightly so! With locations like Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, ignoring the vast expanses of picturesque coastlines is an outright crime.

A beach venue promises a uniquely tropical wedding experience for the betrothed couple and their guests. With a warm Caribbean breeze like a gentle hug wafting through the ceremony, the sunlight gleaming off of the sky-blue waters — and you standing hand in hand with your soon-to-be spouse on a blanket of pearly sand — it’s no wonder beach venues draw thousands of couples a year to their sandy shores. They simply feel magical. Plus, you can’t get a better backdrop for unforgettable ceremony photos.

If you’d indulge us? We recommend Riu Playacar’s Beach venue. Capable of hosting up to 100 of your guests, this locale sits atop Riviera Maya’s Yucatan Peninsula, an enchanting strip of coastline home to many ancient Mayan archaeological sites.

Furthermore, this fabulous forum marries the local culture with the modern sophistication of the resort architecture to create a truly remarkable setting to host your dream beach wedding.

A Lush Garden Venue

A verdant garden venue unfurls as the perfect environment for nature lovers to wed in tropical harmony.

Destify has partnered with several top brands in stunning natural wonderlands of leafy luxury, whether it be in any of the Caribbean Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic.

Our inside scoop: book your special day in Mexico’s Dreams Tulum for a real green beauty of a destination wedding venue. This extraordinary all-inclusive resort offers their Secret Garden Gazebo. This tucked-away nook of manicured grassland shrouded in the winding flora of Tulum’s jungles is a natural splendor.

Furthermore, with the capacity to host up to 150 of your guests for your ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour, this floral marvel is sure to be the perfect garden for all nature lovers’ happily-ever-afters to blossom.

A Stylish Gazebo

For something a little cozier and formal, gazebos and pavilions offer a tremendous formal platform to tie the knot in style. Quite literally, it’s an elevated venue meant to convey symbolically and visually that your special day is just that, special!

Sunscape Puerto Vallarta offers one of the most striking gazebos out there. Sitting at the tip of a slim stretch of peninsula extending into the gauzy Caribbean Sea, this structure will stand as a one-of-a-kind monument to your special day.

A Scenic Rooftop View

If you can’t decide on that perfect picturesque backdrop to your ‘I do’s’, why not rise above them all? With an eclectic mix of views of the cascading seaside, the flourishing vegetation, and the sweeping sky overhead, you can have it all with a scenic rooftop venue.

Named in honor of the Reggae legend, the Bob Marley Terrace at Montego Bay’s Iberostar Rose Hall Beach resort offers a breathtaking view and an elegantly designed spot for your ceremony. By coordinating the time of your wedding with the resort’s hard-working wedding coordinators, you and your loved ones will be toasting to you and your partner’s eternal love as the brilliant sun sets below the Jamaican water’s horizon.

An Ornate Chapel

For those whose destination wedding day goes hand in hand with a religious ceremony, there are several incredible chapels available for you to immortalize your vows in.

Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres’ Chapel is an ornate spectacle to behold. Known as Nuestra Señora del Rocío, roughly translated to ‘Our Lady of the Dew,’ this exquisite chapel’s glass windows look out at the swaying trees flanking it on all sides, crafting a captivating blend of natural beauty and heavenly decor.

A Sweepingly Classy Ballroom

Elegant. Formal. Accommodating. Ballroom venues are ideal for those who want a classy, sophisticated air to their wedding, from the ceremony to the reception afterward.

Comfortably able to accommodate 350 guests, Secrets Playa Mujeres’ Ballroom is an extravagantly designed space for large groups, comprehensive meals, and joyous dancing, an area Jay Gatsby himself would approve of.

A Taste of Something Truly Unique

If nothing we’ve mentioned has tickled your fancy so far, there are a myriad of diverse and unique wedding venue options that don’t fit into the categories listed above.

Sandos Caracol in Riviera Maya offers couples the distinctive option to be wed in a Cenote. A Cenote is an untamed aquatic cavern whose ceiling limestone has collapsed, opening up the translucent waters below to the vast open skies and tropical sunshine. Thought to be portals to the underworld to the ancient Mayans, these mystical dens offer the chance to tie the knot uniquely in a picture-perfect locale.

Alternatively, look no further than Hilton Rose Hall’s Aqueducts for another superb destination wedding venue. Built in 1761, this ancient structure was used to bring water to the nearby sugar crops and mills. It still stands today as a landmark celebrating the storied history of Jamaica. For those who seek to connect with the local culture and history of their destination weddings home country, the choice to host your ceremony surrounded by these wizened structures cannot be more recommended.

We’ve only just examined the tip of the iceberg of some of these amazing venues offered at our all-inclusive partner resorts. You’ve seen the sets and stages — get ready to put on the performance of a lifetime!

Ready to book the wedding of your dreams at a breathtaking location? Click the button below to view our Destify Top Resorts:

Ready to plan your own wedding? Let’s get a quote from one of our wedding experts!