How Do Destination Weddings Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you dreaming of saying “I do” on a white-sand beach, overlooking turquoise waters, or in a tropical garden at a luxury resort? A destination wedding allows couples to celebrate their love in an exotic location, surrounded by family and friends. But how exactly does a destination wedding work?

At Exquisite Vacations Inc., we specialize in planning destination weddings in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and beyond. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how destination weddings work, so you can start planning your dream wedding with confidence.

1. Choosing the Perfect Destination

The first step in planning a destination wedding is selecting the ideal location. Whether you envision a beachfront ceremony in Jamaica, a luxurious resort in Mexico, or a scenic mountain backdrop in Costa Rica, choosing the right destination sets the tone for your wedding.

✅ Things to Consider:

Weather & Seasonality (Avoid hurricane season if choosing the Caribbean)
Resort & Venue Options (All-inclusive vs. boutique hotels)
Guest Travel Logistics (Flight availability & costs)
Marriage Requirements (Legal vs. symbolic ceremonies)

💡 Popular Destination Wedding Locations:

Jamaica: Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios
Mexico: Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos
Caribbean Islands: St. Lucia, Bahamas, Dominican Republic
Costa Rica: Beachfront or rainforest weddings

2. Selecting a Destination Wedding Resort & Package

Most couples opt for an all-inclusive resort that offers wedding packages designed to make the planning process seamless. These packages typically include:

✅ What’s Included in a Wedding Package?

Ceremony & reception venues (beach, garden, gazebo)
Wedding coordinator & planning services
Decorations & floral arrangements
Officiant or celebrant
Bridal bouquet & boutonniere
Wedding cake & champagne toast
Private dinner or reception options

💰 Wedding Package Costs:

Complimentary packages available at select resorts with room bookings
Upgraded wedding packages starting at $999 – $5,000+
Customizable options to match your wedding vision & budget

3. Deciding on a Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony

Destination weddings can be either legal (civil) or symbolic. Understanding the difference is crucial when planning.

💍 Legal Wedding:

Recognized in your home country
Requires legal paperwork, residency periods, and specific documents
Varies by destination (Jamaica requires a notarized birth certificate; Mexico requires blood tests)

💞 Symbolic Wedding:

Not legally binding
Couples complete legal paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony abroad
Most popular choice due to its simplicity

4. Booking Accommodations & Travel for You & Your Guests

Once you’ve selected your resort, it’s time to secure room blocks and travel arrangements for your guests. This is where a destination wedding travel agent like Exquisite Vacations Inc. is invaluable.

✈️ How We Help:

Secure group rates & discounts for your guests
Arrange flights, airport transfers, and excursions
Handle guest RSVPs and special requests
Provide a customized wedding website for travel details

💡 Pro Tip: Book early! Resorts offer better rates & perks when reserving wedding dates 12-18 months in advance.

5. Planning the Wedding Itinerary & Activities

A destination wedding isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a wedding and vacation in one! Many couples plan a wedding itinerary with fun activities for guests.

🎉 Popular Wedding Weekend Itinerary Ideas:

Welcome Cocktail Party 🍹 – Greet guests with a beachfront celebration
Group Excursions 🚤 – Snorkeling, catamaran cruises, zip-lining, or city tours
Rehearsal Dinner 🍽️ – A private beachfront or rooftop dinner
Wedding Ceremony & Reception 💍 – Your big day!
Farewell Brunch 🍳 – A relaxed send-off before guests depart

💡 Pro Tip: Resorts often offer group perks like free rooms, spa credits, and complimentary events when booking a certain number of rooms.

6. Working with an On-Site Wedding Coordinator

Most resorts provide an on-site wedding coordinator who helps execute the details of your big day. They will:

✅ What They Handle:

Venue setup & decorations
Ceremony & reception logistics
Vendor coordination (photographer, DJ, florist, etc.)
Backup plans for weather-related issues

💡 Why You Still Need a Destination Wedding Travel Agent:

We handle the travel logistics while the resort handles the wedding details
We advocate for better wedding perks & upgrades
We assist guests with any travel issues or last-minute changes

7. Saying “I Do” & Enjoying Your Honeymoon!

The best part of a destination wedding is that once the ceremony is over, you’re already in a honeymoon paradise! Many couples extend their stay or move to a different resort for a more intimate honeymoon experience.

🌴 Popular Honeymoon Destinations After a Destination Wedding:

Stay at the same resort but upgrade to a honeymoon suite
Hop to another destination like Bora Bora, the Maldives, or Hawaii
Book a private villa or overwater bungalow for ultimate romance

Why Book Your Destination Wedding with Exquisite Vacations Inc.?

With 20+ years of experience and over 500 destination weddings planned, Exquisite Vacations Inc. takes the stress out of planning. We handle everything from travel arrangements to resort negotiations, ensuring you get the best deals, perks, and a seamless wedding experience.

✨ Benefits of Booking with Us:
✔️ Expert guidance on top destination wedding resorts
✔️ Exclusive group rates & perks for you and your guests
✔️ Assistance with legal requirements & travel logistics
✔️ Personalized wedding website & itinerary planning
✔️ 24/7 support before & during your wedding

💍 Ready to start planning your dream destination wedding? Contact Exquisite Vacations Inc. today for a free consultation!