How Much Does a Destination Wedding Actually Cost?
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting way to tie the knot, but one of the first questions couples have is: How much is this going to cost us? The answer depends on a few factors, but I’ve got a handy rule of thumb to get you started: Plan to spend between $150-$350 per guest for your destination wedding.
I know—that’s a pretty wide range! But don’t worry, I’ll break it all down so you understand why it varies so much (and why your dream wedding may cost less than you think).
Why the Price Range?
Here’s the counterintuitive truth about destination weddings: the fancier the resort, the less you may spend overall.
Yes, you read that right.
High-end resorts make most of their money from your guests’ room reservations, which means they often throw in more wedding package inclusions to sweeten the deal for you. Budget-friendly resorts, on the other hand, may charge more for the wedding package since they’re not earning as much from accommodations.
Room Blocks and Guest Numbers: The Cost Connection
Another big factor is the number of guests attending. Many resorts offer tiered wedding packages, meaning the more guests who book rooms, the more perks you receive—like complimentary events or even a free room for you. Here’s how this plays out in real numbers:
While the second total is higher, notice you’ve tripled your guest count without doubling your expenses. Plus, a higher-end resort likely comes with more inclusions, like upgraded décor or additional events.
Why Your Money Goes Further
Here’s another secret about destination weddings: you’re paying for way more than just the ceremony and reception.
Typical destination wedding packages often include:
A welcome event the day before, like a private cocktail party.
A post-wedding celebration—hello, champagne catamaran cruise!
Gorgeous settings that eliminate the need for extra décor.
All of this adds up to a full weekend (or more) of festivities with your favorite people. Compare that to the average $30,000 price tag of a traditional wedding that lasts five hours [according to the Knot], and you can see why destination weddings are such an amazing value.
At the end of the day, destination weddings aren’t just about saving money (though they often do). They’re about creating meaningful, immersive experiences for you and your guests. From intimate ceremonies with ocean views to multi-day celebrations filled with laughter and connection, every dollar stretches further and every moment feels more special. Grab the FREE destination wedding workbook to help you plan this big day.
Let’s chat about how to make your destination wedding as dreamy (and affordable) as possible!
