Paradise, but at a budget rate. Yes, it’s possible!
If you and your partner are dreaming about tying the knot in a far-flung, picturesque location, a destination wedding might be perfect. But it’s no secret that life seems to be getting more expensive by the day, and weddings are no exception. That’s why locations offering affordable destination weddings are gaining popularity.
In 2024, the average destination wedding cost is a mind-boggling $41,000! But that high price tag doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of getting married far away from home. Here, we’re sharing some amazing inexpensive destination wedding locations where you can tie the knot for a fraction of that price. These stunning locations are proof that it’s totally possible to have an unforgettable destination wedding without breaking the bank.
In this article:
- How to Plan an Inexpensive Destination Wedding
- Affordable Destination Weddings in Mexico
- Affordable Destination Weddings in the Caribbean
- Affordable Destination Wedding Locations in the US
How to Plan an Inexpensive Destination Wedding
Even in the most expensive locations, there are ways to save money on your destination wedding. Employing these tips at an affordable location will help you stretch your budget even further. If you’re looking for a destination wedding without all the financial stress, check out these tips for planning an inexpensive destination wedding.
Curate a Smaller Guest List
One hallmark of destination weddings is that the guest list tends to be smaller. That’s due to price constraints both for you and your guests, but also because fewer people might be willing to travel. Further, some resorts only welcome adults, which also limits guests. So don’t stress about keeping your guest list very small if you’re trying to pull off an affordable destination wedding. After all, you could always throw a party for your wider circle of friends and family after you get home.
Take Advantage of Off-Season Rates
When it comes to saving money on weddings and travel, off-season rates are your best friend. Even better are shoulder seasons! With a bit of careful planning, you might find locations that offer lower rates and decent weather just before or just after the high season.
Start Planning Early
Not only does a long engagement allow you more time to budget and save money, but it could also help you take advantage of money-saving deals that pop up along the way.
Look for Wedding Package Deals
Many resorts are all-inclusive, which means you might be able to take advantage of inexpensive destination wedding packages that include extras like photography, DJ services, table and chair rentals and an officiant. These potential budget-busters can add up quickly, making an all-inclusive wedding package a more attractive and affordable option than hiring vendors a la carte. Keep in mind that packages often state how many guests you can have at the listed rate, but you can often add to your guest list at a per-person rate.
Have Your Honeymoon in the Same Location as Your Wedding
If you’re having a destination wedding anyway, simply tack on a few extra days after the wedding just for you and your honey to spend together. It’ll be much less expensive than heading off to a different location.
With these money-saving tips in mind, let’s explore some of The Knot’s favorite affordable destination wedding locations.
Affordable Destination Weddings in Mexico
Known for its beautiful beaches and overall affordability, Mexico is one of the top destination wedding locations in the world. While some locations are heavily commercialized, it’s still possible to find secluded resorts and villas off the beaten path, if that’s more your speed.
Couples are drawn to Mexico thanks to the country’s wide variety of settings, from beaches to mountains to colonial towns, year-round warm weather and affordable and convenient flights as compared to many locations. Below, we’ve included some key locations to consider if you’re hoping to have a Mexico destination wedding.
Cozumel
An island off the Eastern coast of Mexico, Cozumel makes a great beach wedding location. It’s a less touristy alternative to Cancun and boasts pleasant weather year-round, with the exception of a slightly rainier June.
Wedding Cost Savings: In Cozumel, you’ll find some smaller, more intimate locations that might offer more flexibility in terms of budget.
Affordable Wedding Venues: Check out Hyatt’s Sunscape Sabor property, which features a 30-person destination wedding package with a dedicated on-site wedding coordinator and semi-private rehearsal dinner for up to 10 guests for a rate of $3,799.
Tulum
With gorgeous sea views as well as a plethora of eco-resorts, the popular city of Tulum sits on the far southeastern tip of Mexico. It’s a perfect location for a couple that wants to embrace the bohemian-chic style, and there are plenty of reasonably priced resorts to choose from. Despite that, couples should be aware that Tulum has exploded in popularity in recent decades, so you’ll likely be competing with lots of other couples. Plan ahead if you’re set on a specific date or time of the year.
Wedding Cost Savings: Tulum offers several reasonably priced resorts, especially in town. Shoulder season savings are a great option since the weather is still pleasant. Check out Tulum in May, July and August for potential savings off high season rates.
Affordable Wedding Venues: Love the natural vibe of this rustic location? Check out Dreams Tulum, which is in close proximity to historic Mayan ruins. Get married with up to 10 guests for as low as $1,149.
At an even lower price point of $899, the intimate and cozy Catalonia Royal Tulum, with its expansive white-sand beach, is another beautiful option.
Puerto Vallarta
In this Pacific coastal town, you’ll find both beaches and mountains to serve as a backdrop for your affordable destination wedding. Treat yourselves and your guests to once-in-a-lifetime activities like a bioluminescence tour or a hike alongside a towering waterfall.
Wedding Cost Savings: This cozy little town offers good vistas of the beach yet is easy on one’s pocket, says Silvia Lupone, a travel expert and owner of Stingray Villa in Cozumel. “The variety of wedding venues from hotel chains to charming local villas facilitates finding something in your price range,” she says.
Affordable Wedding Venues: The Occidental Nuevo Vallarta is one of the best examples of the stunning yet inexpensive destination weddings you’ll find in Puerto Vallarta. This all-inclusive resort features fine dining, beachfront views and plenty of wedding spaces. Here, you could pay less than $3,000 for up to 30 guests.
Riviera Maya/Cancun
This is one of Mexico’s most popular locations for a reason: you’ll find everything here, from luxurious beaches to exciting nightlife and of course, plenty of culture, too. With year-round great weather and plenty of sun, it’s always a great time to visit Cancun. And it just so happens that it’s one of the best inexpensive destination wedding locations, too.
Wedding Cost Savings: Many of the region’s large, popular resorts offer inexpensive deals for weddings, says Lupone.
Affordable Wedding Venues: At a base price of $2,500 for up to 30 guests, Moon Palace Cancun is a beautiful affordable destination wedding spot. You’ll exchange vows seaside, under a dramatic circular wedding arch adorned with tropical greenery and blooms like monstera leaves, palm leaves and birds of paradise.
For a family-centered affair, consider the slightly higher-priced Hilton Cancun. This expansive beachfront property features a waterpark for the kids, and tons of amenities as part of their wedding packages, which start around $5,000.
Playa del Carmen
Situated just south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is a step above the mesmerizing Riviera Maya but is less expensive, Lupone says. A bustling downtown charms, while standard beach activities like snorkeling and diving are abundant. The town’s nightlife is a standout, offering guests plenty of fun outside of your wedding events. For adventurous people, a day hike to Chichen Itza could be in order.
Wedding Cost Savings: Because of its small size, you can find small wedding places and beautiful beaches perfect for cute weddings, Lupone says. Similarly, a lot of the town’s all-inclusive resorts are very reasonably priced in Playa del Carmen, which US News ranked as #5 for affordable spring break destinations.
Affordable Wedding Venues: Hilton’s Playa del Carmen location offers several affordable destination wedding packages, but we love the “Lavish and Opulent” package, which clocks in at $5,199 for up to 20 guests. Here, you’ll have your choice of ceremony locations and a reception that includes a one-hour private cocktail party with an open bar and appetizers, a wedding cake, a three-hour private reception dinner featuring a three-course plated dinner and an open bar.
Affordable Destination Weddings in the Caribbean
Another affordable destination wedding location to look into is the Caribbean, with its white sand beaches, sparkling blue water and beautiful, lush greenery. While there are tons of potential spots for your nuptials, be aware that some Caribbean islands will be considerably more expensive than others. Islands like St. Barts, St. Lucia and the Grenadines are pricey, but you should be able to snag low rates for Caribbean destination weddings in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and even the Bahamas.
Jamaica
With many reasonably priced resort locations that offer wedding packages, like Montego Bay and Negril, Jamaica has always been a popular choice for destination weddings. “Known for its lush landscapes, reggae culture and hospitality, Jamaica offers both beach and garden wedding settings,” Lupone says.
Wedding Cost Savings: Flights to Jamaica from most US locations are affordable and convenient, and many resorts offer all-inclusive packages for couples hoping to find the best inexpensive destination wedding locations.
Affordable Wedding Venues: Couples looking to wed in Jamaica flock to the affordable Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, which offers an all-inclusive wedding package for up to 20 guests for the low price of about $6,000, making it one of the best inexpensive destination weddings out there. A variety of ceremony locations, including a gazebo, ballroom or beachfront await at the Hyatt Ziva.
Lupone also recommends Half Moon in Jamaica. “It’s a classic luxury resort with a variety of wedding venues, including beachfront spots and garden gazebos. It’s known for its personal wedding planners and bespoke packages, making it great for intimate and grand ceremonies.”
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana has become a popular affordable destination wedding location among couples, Lupone says. Boasting sparkling clear ocean water that meets expansive white-sand beaches, and plenty of things to do both day and night, the Dominican Republic is a great option if you’re scouting out the best inexpensive destination weddings.
Wedding Cost Savings: Not only is the region itself relatively inexpensive, it’s chock full of all-inclusive resorts that can be a lifesaver for couples on a tight budget.
Affordable Wedding Venues: Famous for its destination weddings, the Majestic Elegance resort and spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic offers a Majestic package starting at only $1,250. This package includes tons of amenities and extras, like access to the property’s three resorts, your choice of ceremony location, room upgrade, floral arrangements and even a sound system. It’s everything you’d need for a beautiful island wedding—and so much more.
Bahamas
The Bahamas are a popular getaway spot for US- and European-based travelers alike, with its convenient Atlantic location. Great weather year-round (trip insurance should be obtained during hurricane season, though, which runs from September to the end of November) and white sandy beaches are a staple. Nassau and Paradise Island are both popular destination wedding locations, with both small and large resort-style venues.
Wedding Cost Savings: Costs will vary widely in the Bahamas, which can be a pricey place to travel without careful planning. Despite that, its close proximity to the US East Coast can keep travel costs low. Scout out wedding packages at locations we’ve listed below for good values.
Affordable Wedding Venues: At the luxurious Grand Lucayan resort on Grand Bahama island, couples can tie the knot in front of as many as 30 guests with the Storybook Seaside Wedding package. This upscale offering includes extras like roundtrip airport transportation, room upgrades when available, a bouquet and even a photographer, from $3,300.
The hexagonal-shaped property of the Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham is a popular affordable destination wedding spot in the Bahamas. With chic guest rooms and a beachfront pool, this property offers a traditional destination wedding package that starts at under $1,000.
Puerto Rico
For a no-passports-needed destination wedding that feels oh-so-exotic, consider Puerto Rico. This US territory off the southeastern coast of Florida, offers tons of flora and fauna that serve as the backdrop for your ceremony. In the city of San Juan, you’ll find a unique mix of history and culture, but you’ll also find national forests, ancient fortresses and of course, plenty of picturesque beaches.
Wedding Cost Savings: No passports are needed to travel here, and travel costs may be lower than more exotic locations.
Affordable Wedding Venues: The Courtyard Marriott San Juan offers a wedding package starting at just $6,000 for up to 30 guests. With expansive pools, beachfront access, open-air restaurants and clean rooms, this beautiful resort makes a beautiful backdrop for an affordable destination wedding.
Antigua
The Caribbean country of Antigua is situated right where the Atlantic and the Caribbean meet, which means this island is surrounded by stunning beaches and splendid coral reefs. Couples looking for the ultimate beach wedding are sure to love beautiful Antigua, which also boasts nightlife, history, culture and rainforests. There’s something for everyone on this little island, which makes it the perfect destination getaway.
Wedding Cost Savings: Costs vary widely here as well, but, Lupone says, “You can find affordable prices that are still lower than other Caribbean islands [if you opt for] smaller and more private islands.”
Affordable Wedding Venues: Located just 30 minutes from the airport, the stunning Royalton Antigua property offers a comprehensive wedding package for you along with 10 guests at the low price of $1,099. You’ll be pampered from start to finish with your own wedding coordinator, chair and table rentals and even a bouquet and boutonniere. Late check-out allows you to bask in your newlywed status the next day.
Affordable Destination Wedding Locations in the US
Of course, you don’t have to head to far-flung tropical locations to have a destination wedding. There are nearly limitless options among the 50 states, which makes a US destination wedding an appealing choice for many couples. The Knot Marketplace is a great jumping-off point that can help you find your dream location. In addition, these affordable US wedding spots are also worth a glance.
Utah and Nevada
Whether you’re planning a rustic autumn barn wedding or looking for a sprawling horse ranch to serve as the backdrop of your big day, Utah and Nevada are dotted with gorgeous options at affordable rates you won’t find in neighboring California or Colorado. With wonderful weather in fall, winter and spring (we don’t recommend summer, though!), these states offer abundant sunshine, moderate temps and little rain.
Wedding Cost Savings: With plenty of rustic settings like barns, fields and other outdoor sites, couples can potentially save money over renting a large indoor facility. A slightly lower cost of living in both states can lead to savings as well.
Affordable Wedding Venues: With both indoor and outdoor event space on their beautiful, wooded property, Silver Fork Lodge in Brighton, Utah, offers a splendid and affordable wedding package. Or, opt for a small, intimate affair at the fully customizable Simple Affair in Las Vegas, where prices start at around $10,000.
Tennessee
Head west from pricier popular wedding spots like Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina, and opt for beautiful Tennessee wedding that’s affordable. Here, you’ll find hot temps in the summer, but beautiful, mid-60s weather in the less expensive shoulder season, making Tennessee a lovely way to grab discounted rates. Even the winter months would be a gorgeous time to wed.
Wedding Cost Savings: Shoulder-season weather is still great, which allows for the potential to snag lower rates.
Affordable Wedding Venues: Check out the Memphis Botanic Gardens if you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor location that’s affordable. When you exchange vows with this stunning natural landscape in the background, you might be able to skip paying for florals and greenery altogether. Browse these other affordable wedding venues in Nashville.
Arizona
Another state that offers incredible temps almost year-round is Arizona. Here, you’ll find a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to the red rocks of Sedona. Paradise Valley, Tucson and of course, Sedona are popular wedding sites. But you’ll find beautiful natural settings across the state that offer tons of options for an affordable Arizona wedding.
Wedding Cost Savings: Consider an intimate outdoor wedding instead of the state’s larger, more popular venues in order to save money.
Affordable Wedding Venues: For a country club setting that’s less than an hour outside the city of Tucson, check out the Quail Creek Country Club in Green Valley. Here, you’ll find a variety of ceremony and reception spots, both indoors and outdoors. A full suite of amenities, including a dressing room, plenty of catering options and wireless internet will be yours at an affordable rate.
Montana and South Dakota
You’ll experience a destination wedding like no other when you opt to exchange vows in the far northern states of Montana, North Dakota or South Dakota. While we strongly advise skipping these states in the winter months (which comprise at least six months of the year), Big Sky country bursts with color in the beautiful late spring, summer and early fall months.
Wedding Cost Savings: The cost of living is comparatively lower in this region than in neighboring states like Wyoming or Colorado, which means you may be able to find vendors and locations at more affordable rates.
Affordable Wedding Venues: A great example is the Summer Star Ranch in Helena, Montana, which boasts a starting rate of just $3,950 for an outdoor wedding package. With a variety of ceremony spots, an amazing rustic barn and 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains, what more could you ask for?
An even deeper discount can be found at the Crooked K Ranch in Ennis, Montana, which asks only $1,000 for your event. Bring your friends in their RVs and BYOB for this super affordable destination wedding location.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
This beautiful mid-Atlantic locale has no shortage of fantastic venues for a destination wedding in Virginia. From vineyards to breweries, stunning barns and rolling hills, outdoorsy couples can find plenty of inexpensive destination wedding locations in this bucolic countryside. While this region is known for its stunning fall foliage, warm summer days and temperate winters cater to year-round weddings.
Wedding Cost Savings: This is another region where moderate year-round temperatures and an abundance of beautiful outdoor venue possibilities can help you save money by avoiding high-season prices and staying away from expensive indoor venues.
Affordable Wedding Venues: It takes deep pockets to host a wedding in Washington, DC. But head an hour to the west and you’ll find Historic Rosemont Springs, a charming venue in Berryville, Virginia. This hidden gem offers a rustic barn that serves as a backdrop for your big day. Send your guests to Main Street, where an old-world vibe combines with chic salons, farm-to-table eateries and upscale gift shops.
Also check out Faithbrooke Barn and Vineyards in Luray, Virginia, and Backroom Brewery and Sunflower Cottage Herb Farm in Middletown, Virginia.
Pro tip: Use The Knot’s Budget Advisor tool to help estimate costs in US wedding destinations based on what real couples typically spend.
