Destination Wedding Costs: Is It Actually Cheaper Than a Local Wedding?

Destination weddings have a reputation for being expensive, but they can actually cost less than local weddings because the smaller guest list (typically 50-80 versus 150+) dramatically reduces per-head catering and venue costs.

Popular destination wedding costs: Mexico $15,000-$30,000, Caribbean $20,000-$35,000, Hawaii $25,000-$45,000, Italy $30,000-$60,000, Bali $10,000-$25,000. These ranges assume 50-80 guests.

All-inclusive resorts simplify destination wedding planning. Packages typically include: ceremony site, reception venue, basic decor, wedding coordinator, cake, and sometimes photography. Packages run $5,000-$15,000 for 50 guests.

What's NOT typically included in resort packages: premium photography ($2,000-$5,000), videography ($1,500-$3,500), upgraded flowers ($1,000-$3,000), live music ($1,500-$5,000), hair/makeup ($300-$600), and welcome bags/activities ($500-$1,500).

Guest costs to consider: while guests pay their own travel, you're expected to host welcome dinners ($30-$75/person), farewell brunches ($20-$40/person), and activity excursions ($50-$200/person). Budget $100-$300 per guest for hosting activities.

Travel costs for the couple: flights ($500-$2,000 per person depending on destination), extended stay (3-7 nights at $150-$500/night for your room), pre-wedding site visits ($2,000-$5,000 if needed).

The real savings comparison: a 150-guest local wedding at $200/person = $30,000 in catering alone. A 60-guest destination wedding at $150/person = $9,000 in catering. The reduced guest count saves $15,000-$25,000 on food alone.

Legal considerations: some countries require additional paperwork or residency periods for legal marriages. Many couples do a quick courthouse ceremony at home and have the destination celebration as a symbolic ceremony.

Vendor tip: hire local photographers and musicians at your destination. They know the best locations, lighting, and logistics. Importing vendors from home adds travel costs ($2,000-$5,000) with no quality benefit.

The honest trade-off: you'll have fewer guests, which means some people can't or won't attend. This can be a benefit (natural guest-list trimming) or a drawback (important people missing). Be prepared for some hurt feelings and RSVP declines.