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bride and groom on their destination wedding

25 Amazing Destination Wedding Ideas

dreams bahia mita surf spa resort wedding bride groom and guests

Level up your wedding game without breaking the bank!

Many resorts offer free wedding packages when you and your wedding squad book your stay with them.

That means enjoying perks like stunning venues, charming décor, expert planners, and delicious food.

And maybe even a sparkling wine toast on the house.🥂

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Perfête | Wedding and Celebration Inspiration (@perfete)

Walk down the aisle on a unique runner; it’ll be like rolling out the red carpet for your love story!

And it’ll add a fun touch to your ceremony.

Plus, I think it’s a fabulous way to take your first step towards happily ever after.

Here are some creative and fun aisle runner ideas:
  • An aisle made up of flowers
  • Custom aisle runner featuring significant dates or quotes
  • A mirror aisle
  • Aisle runner designed with vintage lace or fabric
  • Aisle runner lined with seashells, starfish, or beach-themed motifs
  • Aisle runner personalized with hand-painted designs or abstract art

Unique custom aisle runners can cost you anywhere from $30 – $250 depending on the type you choose.

secrets moxche playa resort

We highly recommend this one.

Why? Imagine the resort being sold out before your guests have a chance to book their rooms! 😱

That’s why you need to block rooms.

Resorts can “block” or “reserve” a group of rooms for your wedding guests.

You can arrange these blocks to ensure that your guests have accommodations, in various room categories, at special group rates.

There are many resorts in Mexico that offer wedding blocks.

Our favorite ones are:
  1. Secrets Moxche
  2. Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos
  3. Breathless Cancun Soul
  4. Fives Beach Hotel & Residences
  5. Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
  6. Dreams Natura Resort & Spa

liquor bar at a wedding

Spice up your reception with a local liquor bar featuring a selection of the destination’s finest.

Some local liquor bar suggestions:
  • Tequila bar in Mexico
  • Rum in Jamaica
  • Sake bar in Japan
  • Ouzo bar in Greece
  • Limoncello along the Amalfi coast

Personalize the liquor glasses to match the spirit and let your guests take them home as wedding souvenirs.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Servicios Náticos de México (@snmmexico)

Organizing a group tour with your peeps is an amazing way to create unforgettable memories.

For example, you can book a catamaran and party on it till the sun goes down!

These private catamarans typically cost you $1,100 for up to 15 people and $2,900 for up to 30 people.

Some of our favorite group tours in Mexico include:
  • Cenote diving expeditions
  • Scuba diving
  • Food tours
  • Yacht excursions
  • Sunset sailing adventures
  • Excursions to Mayan ruins
  • Swimming with whale sharks
  • Catamaran tours
  • Swimming with turtles

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Wedding Invitations | Mel (@inkloveandpaper)

Getting married amidst the vineyards of Tuscany?

Or in a charming castle in Ireland?

Or on a beautiful beach in the Caribbean?

Infuse your wedding invites with the spirit of your destination!

Also check out these 20 BEST destination wedding invitation ideas!

sandos caracol cenote wedding venue

Got Mexico on your mind?

Make a splash on your big day by saying ‘I do’ in a cenote.

Picture crystal-clear waters, ancient limestone walls, and lush greenery…

Mexico boasts some of the best of these natural sinkholes, with resorts like Sandos Caracol and Hacienda Tres Rios offering cenotes as wedding venues.

And with our team’s extensive experience organizing 100s of weddings in Mexico, trust us to turn your dream cenote wedding into a reality.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Mariachi México Premium (@mariachi.mx.premium)

Spice up your wedding with local flair by bringing in entertainment straight from the destination.

What do I mean?

Well, you can book a mariachi band in Mexico.

Or sway to the graceful movements of hula dancers in Hawaii.

Or enjoy music by bagpipers in Scotland.

Or have Taiko drummers announce your first dance in Japan.

bride and groom on a yacht

This one offers a unique and intimate setting that’s hard to beat.

Plus, with limited space available, you can keep the guest list small and cherish the presence of your closest family and friends.

We recommend Paradisus Cancun in Mexico – it offers a beautiful wedding package called All Aboard that includes a golden hour wedding on a yacht.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by 360 Booth (@360boothau)

We personally love the 360 photo booth!

It adds a whole new level of fun and excitement to your wedding!

You and your guests will be able to capture memorable moments from every angle.

Plus, since the booths come with an instant sharing feature, everyone can easily share their fun moments on social media.

The cost of renting a 360 photo booth in Mexico starts at $250 for 2 hours. 

color fest wedding at Iberostar Mexico

Let your locale shine on your big day!

Instead of overshadowing it with a theme, let the destination itself inspire your aesthetic.

For instance, for your Mexican destination wedding, embrace vibrant colors and décor inspired by local art and culture.

Or heading to France’s Provence region? Embrace the lavender fields and go Provencal chic!

Here are 25 creative photo ideas to capture your destination wedding beautifully. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Paradise Weddings | Destination Wedding Planners (@paradiseweddings)

A seating chart helps with guiding guests who are unsure where to sit.

Plus, crafting a fun and thoughtful seating chart like above will add charm to your destination wedding.

Here’s the complete guide to wedding reception seating chart etiquette.

bride walking towards the groom at sandals ochi chapel

We got this idea from a couple of ours!

First Looks are already emotional; why not kick it up a notch with a stunning backdrop?

Whether it’s the beach, a mountain, chapel exteriors, or vineyards, choose a location that represents your destination.

Make every moment count!

people releasing sky lanterns

We were blown away when a couple of ours shared this idea with us recently!

Basically, they wanted guests to write well wishes on paper lanterns and release them into the sky after the ceremony.

How beautiful is that?

That’s the beauty of destination weddings – you can incorporate local customs and traditions into your special day.

For example, you can have a Mayan wedding ceremony in Mexico, or a Maasai wedding in Tanzania.

You can even have an Irish wedding complete with Celtic blessings.

Considering Mexico? Valentin Imperial in the Riviera Maya offers a beautiful Mayan ceremony package.

It’s for $1,799 in addition to the cost of the wedding package you choose.

smores bar

Getting married someplace cold?

Don’t settle for the same old dessert table!

Up the fun factor with a s’mores bar!

Imagine your wedding guests gathered around a cozy fire, toasting marshmallows, and crafting their own ooey-gooey desserts…

Say goodbye to boring wedding favors and hello to local souvenirs!

Think handcrafted pottery, locally sourced jams or spices, fabrics showcasing traditional patterns and artisanal chocolates.

We promise you your guests will love these!

Some popular souvenirs include:
  • Talavera pottery and blankets from Mexico
  • Tea sets from Japan
  • Murano glassware and Venetian masks from Italy
  • Textiles and spices from India
  • Rugs and carpets from Morocco

Check out these 15 island-themed favors for your wedding guests.

mayan ruins venue at occidental xcaret

Tie the knot amidst ancient Mayan ruins.

You’ll be surrounded by centuries of history and breathtaking beauty; it’ll be a wedding day unlike any other.

Where will you find such a venue? Occidental at Xcaret Destination, Mexico!

The resort offers 2,000-year-old Mayan ruins for you to get married at.

And guess what? Our certified wedding specialists can get you wicked deals over here.

paradise weddings app

Technology is transforming how couples plan destination weddings.

Online wedding platforms are offering tools for organizing every detail, from venue selection to accommodations, saving time and effort.

Plus social media and wedding websites are keeping guests updated with real-time travel info and personalized recommendations.

And innovative wedding apps are enabling interactive features like guest RSVPs and live streaming.

Did I mention QR codes for guest photo uploads?! Impressive!

sewing kit

Whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction or any other unexpected situation, when it’s an emergency, it’s an emergency!

Be it for you or for any of your wedding guests.

So prepare a ‘In Case Of Fashion Emergencies’ bag!

This can include:
  • Needles and threads
  • Buttons
  • Garment steamer
  • Stain remover pens
  • Lint rollers
  • Fashion tape 

Your guests will love you for it!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Paradise Weddings | Destination Wedding Planners (@paradiseweddings)

Our destination wedding specialists feel it’s a waste of venue if you don’t really capture its beauty in your wedding photos!

Team up with your photographer to scout out the dreamiest spots at your venue.

You and your wedding guests can snag epic shots this way!

mocktails

Some of your friends and family may be choosing not to drink alcohol (everyone has their own journey).

Offering a mocktail bar ensures there’s something for everyone: delicious cocktails for those who want them and tasty non-alcoholic options too.

We feel it’s a super thoughtful way to cater to all your guests’ preferences.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Emergency Ballet Flats (@rescueflats)

Let’s face it, you and your guests might not be wearing the most comfy shoes out there!

So when it’s time to partyyyy, set up a box packed with comfortable shoes/flip flops.

Trust us, these will be a total hit with the guests!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Y | A Cakes And Catering LLC. (@ya_cakesandcatering)

We love this one! (maybe because we’re a bunch of foodies!)

You can offer interactive food stations at your wedding for an amazing culinary experience.

These can feature local cuisine, like a ceviche bar or a taco stand or an ice cream cart.

mixology-class at grand velas los cabos

This one’s a hit with our couples.

You can organize activities or workshops that you all can enjoy together.

Experiences to spice up your wedding celebration include:
  • Salsa dancing lessons
  • Tequila tastings
  • Cigar rolling lessons
  • Mixology classes
  • Language lessons

The possibilities are fun and endless!

Planning a destination wedding can be tough. Where do you even begin?!

Start with us! 

Our wedding planners have planned 100s of weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean. We can help you too.

Call us today at 877-737-0177 or contact us here for a free consultation.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Hi! I am Niyati, a certified destination wedding specialist from ParadiseWeddings.com. Need help planning your destination wedding? From resort reviews to fashion tips, and everything in between, I have you covered!

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