Best Destination Wedding Packages to Save Big Money
Say ‘I do’ in style with unforgettable venues and dreamy amenities. Discover your dream wedding location in this roundup of top destination wedding packages from the experts at Vacationeeze.
You’ve probably heard that having a destination wedding can save you money.
As of 2023, the average wedding in the United States costs about $30,000, so how much can you save by hosting a destination wedding in Mexico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic, for example?
When it comes to your big day, we love finding ways to save money while ensuring you have stunning, memorable events that take into account even the smallest details.
There’s a sweet spot of a destination wedding venue where you can throw an incredible celebration while maximizing your savings on your special day.
Why trust us? Our expert team is top-rated from the Knot and Wedding Wire, and we’ve planned hundreds of weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean over the past 35 years.
What is an “average” destination wedding?
There’s no such thing as a “normal” or “standard” when it comes to a destination wedding. We’ve seen it all – from chartering a ship around Tahiti with 150 people to intimate beach weddings in Montego Bay with a dozen guests to 2 people eloping on the sandy shores of Saint Martin.
But to give you a sense of things, here’s what our slate of 2023 destination weddings looks like:
- Location: 80% located in Cancun and Riveria Maya, Mexico
- Guest list: 37 rooms or about 75 people
- Room price: $1,200 per person for a resort stay
- Stay duration: 4 nights
- Wedding price: $15,000 for wedding events (typically a welcome party, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception)
Why Mexico for your destination wedding?
Mexico has so much to offer when it comes to beautiful white sand beaches and stunning sunset views, but it’s an ideal choice for inclusive weddings as well. There’s a reason why 80% of our clients host their weddings in Cancun or Riviera Maya, Mexico.
And that’s not to say there aren’t incredibly dreamy resorts around the Caribbean and abroad that make for amazing destination wedding venues.
But when you factor in the ease of your guests’ travel, resort quality, room prices, event costs, venue options, photography, music and entertainment, and wedding package prices, Mexico often steals our couple’s hearts and tugs at their budgets, too.
There’s also one very important factor that separates a destination wedding from any other trip. You need a wedding team you trust can pull off multiple events, from a tropical-themed welcome party with a tequila tasting to a ceremony and reception in warm neutral tones and a fireworks show to top off the night.
The best wedding teams in Mexico know how to nail the details and understand what a discerning couple looks for in planning their dream destination wedding.
All-Inclusive Wedding Package Options to Maximize Savings for Your Destination Wedding
If you’re looking for options for inclusive destination weddings, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven of the best destination wedding packages where you can host an event for 50 wedding guests or even 200+ people (seriously!) and save hundreds or thousands of dollars on your events.
1. Hard Rock Riviera Maya – Modern Enchantment ($4,500)
Take what you’ve heard about Hard Rock and throw it out the window.
Hard Rock resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean are where all-inclusive fun meets luxury.
With 1,264 rooms, Hard Rock Riviera Maya has plenty to offer your friends and family, and for those looking for some time away from kids, they have a separate adults-only area.
Weddings at Hard Rock Riviera Maya are typically about $10,000 to $15,000.
They have a variety of packages and collections, such as the Modern Enchantment package for $4,500.
Some of the package inclusions are:
- A white circular ceremony structure
- 32 acrylic Napoleon chairs
- Six aisle vases adorned with flowers
- 2-tier wedding cake for up to 32 people
- Soloist for wedding ceremony
- Ground fireworks display after the ceremony
- Sparkling wine for 32 people following the ceremony
- Audio system for ceremony
- Comprehensive table decor and place settings starting at $500 per table
- Complimentary honeymoon package
Hard Rock Riviera Maya offers several perks to help couples with their budgeting.
You’ll earn complimentary nights and upgrades depending on how many rooms you have booked.
The generous private function credits are the biggest perk of getting married at Hard Rock Riviera Maya.
For example, if you have 75 people, you’ll earn two private functions for 3 hours each.
If you’re hosting a large wedding with 90+ rooms, you’ll earn two private functions for five hours each for free. Seriously.
2. Generations Riviera Maya – Memorable Moments ($3,499)
Generations Riviera Maya is a family-friendly resort directly next to the adults-only El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale.
The wedding venues here are stunning: From a pier overlooking the ocean to a rooftop deck that will leave your guests breathless.
But the real standout with Generations Riviera Maya is their spectacular wedding team, perhaps the best in Riviera Maya.
“We believe in making weddings affordable without compromising on quality or the overall experience,” said Valeria Martinez, the wedding and events director for Grupo Lomas, who oversees the wedding department at Generations Riviera Maya.
A recently married couple at Generations Riviera Maya purchased the Memorable Moments package for $3,499 and had 50 people at their wedding.
After all the extras for their wedding, including DJ, upgraded linens and chairs, hair, and makeup, the total event price was $9,441.
With 25 rooms booked, the couple saved $6,700, meaning their gorgeous wedding for 50 people only cost them $2,741!
3. Moon Palace Cancun – Complimentary package
With over 2,000 rooms, Moon Palace Cancun is a perfect destination wedding resort, no matter what type of venue you’re looking for or how picky your friends and family are.
Looking for an award-winning golf course? Check.
A nightclub to party well into the morning hours? Check.
A French bistro with 24-hour homemade pastries and treats? Check.
Basketgball, tennis and pickjleball courts, bikes, minigolf, a game room, waterpark, and FlowRider wave simulator? Check. Check. Check.
And when it comes to weddings, Moon Palace Cancun nails all the details.
Their in-house Palace Produdcions team is incredible.
Palace focuses on organic, sustainable, and locally sourced products.
From tropical flowers grown in their greenhouse to a celebrated pastry chef designing incredible wedding cakes, the Palace Productions team can help bring your wedding vision to life, no matter what you’re dreaming up.
A recent couple married at Moon Palace Cancun had 108 guests
and splurged on items like a welcome party with stunning campfire decor.
They arrived by horse and carriage for their ceremony and had drone photography to capture the event.
During their reception, they had upgraded linens and table decor, bistro string lights, an infinity dance floor, and a fireworks show to cap the evening.
The total price of their events was $33,525.
Due to the wedding savings at Moon Palace Cancun, they could take advantage of a $20 per room promotional credit, adding up to nearly $3,000 in savings.
4. Secrets Moxche – Beyond Memorable ($9,499)
Secrets Moxche is one of the newest all-inclusive resorts in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
It’s also quickly becoming one of the most popular destination weddings due to its sleek decor, stunning pools, spacious rooms, and spectacular wedding venues.
With 485 luxury suites, Secrets Moxche feels more intimate for an adults-only wedding.
We’re obsessed with the venue options at Secrets Moxche, from the breathtaking views on the rooftop to the poolside setup.
We also adore the Secrets Moxche wedding team and on-site wedding coordinator, who deliver elevated, luxurious destination weddings with couples’ budgets in mind.
Carolina Villalobos, the wedding manager at Secrets Moxche, told us, “The easiest way to take a realistic approach to your décor is scale.”
She continued, “Consider your centerpieces; if you love a wedding with many lush centerpieces down long farm tables, you can choose to make them either fewer or smaller.”
Their team understands how to bring Pinterest mood boards and Instagram inspiration to life while being cost conscious.
They can do that partly because of the terrific wedding packages offered at Secrets Moxche.
Example Package:
The Beyond Memorable package offered at Secrets Moxche is one of the most popular and comprehensive packages offered at any resort in Mexico.
Here’s a breakdown from a recent wedding at Secrets Moxche with 50 people:
- Plated rehearsal dinner
- Rooftop ceremony with flowers, decor, aisle runner, flowers, guitarist, upgraded wooden chairs
- Arch for the sweetheart table
- Upgraded wood tables and chairs
- A mix of medium and tall centerpieces
- Upgraded chargers and serveware
- Bistro string lighting
- Photography package
The total price for this wedding, including the Beyond Memorable package, was $31,906.
Because of the Beyond Memorable package, the couple was able to enjoy a discount that saved thousands of dollars because many items come standard included in the package, such as standard white linens, a 1-hour welcome cocktail party, bouquet, boutonniere for the wedding couple, wedding gazebo drapery, and much more.
5. Dreams Playa Mujeres – Paramount Wedding Package ($7,399)
If you’re looking for a resort similar to Secrets Moxche but want to include kids, Dreams Playa Mujeres is a stunning resort to host your destination wedding.
Located about 20 minutes north of Cancun’s hotel zone, Dreams Playa Mujeres sits on a white sand beach that provides a dreamy backdrop for your wedding day.
With about 500 luxurious suites, Dreams Playa Mujeres won’t feel too big or too small for your wedding festivities.
A fun bonus: Dreams is located directly next to the adults-only Secrets Playa Mujeres, meaning adults staying at Dreams can access all the amenities, restaurants, bars, and the nightclub at Secrets.
Your guests will have so much fun at Dreams Playa Mujeres.
For adults, there’s a beautiful spa and discounted greens fees at the Greg Norman signature Playa Mujeres Golf Club.
And for the kids (and kids at heart), there are two infinity pools, two children’s pools, a waterpark with waterslides, six outdoor hot tubs, and a lazy river (exclusive to Preferred Club guests).
The wedding benefits and packages at Dreams Playa Mujeres are similar to Secrets Moxche, which means you can unlock similar savings.
Example Package
We’re particularly obsessed with the Paramount wedding package at Dreams Playa Mujeres.
You can host your wedding in the exclusive Preferred Club Paramount suite, a spacious oceanview terrace.
The package includes:
- A rehearsal cocktail party
- Wedding ceremony
- Cocktail hour
- Reception in the 4,591 sq foot suite and terrace
- Upgraded bouquet and boutonniere
- Sound system
- Hair and makeup for the wedding couple
- Basic ceremony decor
- Natural floral centerpiece
- Live music for the ceremony
- 60 photos included taken from the rehearsal cocktail and the day of the ceremony
If you’re hosting a wedding of 60 people or less, the Paramount Package is a fantastic wedding package that includes many of the key items you’d want for your special day.
6. Azul Riviera Cancun – Ultimate Memorable Moments ($9,999)
One of our favorite family-friendly resorts is Azul Riviera Cancun, located only about 20 minutes from Cancun airport.
Azul Riviera Cancun has 435 suites, six restaurants, six pools, and seven bars, making this a truly elevated, family-friendly resort.
Adults will love Le Chique – a culinary experience that turns food into art that was recently named one of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America.
When it comes to accommodations at Azul Riviera Cancun, you’ll have plenty of options.
Adults looking for an escape from kids will love the Swim Up Junior Suite, a spacious suite in the Adults-Only section complete with an underwater chaise lounge in the swim-up pool right outside your suite.
Parents will love the family suite, one of the few resorts that offer a family-friendly room that can accommodate two adults and three children.
Have babies as part of your wedding party? No problem! Azul has you covered with their toddler-inclusive amenities ranging from pack-n-play to bottle warmers to toddler bathrobes.
When it comes to weddings, this is where Azul really shines, especially for couples looking to spare no details but to save their budget.
Example Package
The most popular wedding package at Azul Riviera Cancun is the Ultimate Memorable Moments Wedding Package.
This package is comparable to (but not to be confused with!) the Beyond Memorable at Secrets and Dreams. It’s comprehensive, luxurious, and provides the most flexibility for your special day.
A couple recently hosted their destination wedding at Azul Riviera Cancun with 80 guests at the Zavas Gazebo, which cost them $24,290 total.
Here’s what that included:
- Welcome cocktail party
- Ceremony with the Memorable Moments decor collection
- Cocktail hour
- Dinner reception with Memorable Moments decor collection tables
- Open bar
- String lights
- Two-tier cake
- 4 hours DJ
- Photography and Videography
- Honeymoon breakfast in bed
- Honeymoon candlelight dinner
Because of the package incentives, the couple earned $3,600 in credits plus 3 room value credits, likely equaling another $3,600.
The savings at Azul Riviera Cancun are incredible, and their team is remarkable.
They’ve expertly managed large events (200+ guests!) for us and have even customized the wedding events so that one of our couples had a private pool party with foam and a DJ!
7. Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya – Always & Forever ($950)
We’re really excited about this one!
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is one of the newest resorts near Cancun that opened in the summer of 2023.
Ignore what you’ve heard and any preconceived notions about Margaritaville, and imagine an adults-only paradise that perfectly blends luxury, relaxation, and fun.
We’re talking world-class dining, stunning suites, the first-ever beachfront LandShark Brewery, and a 10,000-square-foot spa!
Oh, and did we mention they have pickleball courts if you want to keep up with your game? Winner buys the margaritas (just kidding, they’re included!)
This intimate adults-only resort is not only packed with fun but is also a terrific wedding venue where you can stretch your budget further.
During one of the first weeks open, a couple hosted their wedding with 70 guests and spent $10,479.
Example Inclusions
Here are some of the items the couple chose for their wedding:
- Basic ceremony decor
- Semi-private dinner reception
- Personalized menus
- Complimentary “getting ready” room
- Honeymoon breakfast in bed
- Candlelit dinner on the beach
- Bohemian decor during the ceremony
- White paper lanterns and string lights
- Upgraded chairs (for the complete boho chic look!)
- Upgraded BBQ menu and set up
The couple saved ~$3,000 through the package incentives for room value credits, meaning the total price for their wedding of 70 people was just over $7,000!
Pro-Tip: If you’re flexible on your wedding date (Monday to Thursday), you may unlock additional perks, so it’s definitely something to consider!
Recap: Best destination wedding packages to save you big money
Remember: when planning your destination wedding, it’s your dream and your special day. If you’ve dreamt of getting to exchange vows in a tropical paradise, one of these resorts, with expert wedding planners and staff, will make your destination wedding dreams come true!
So, even if you’ve never visited your venue before (and that’s very common!), there are experts who can help you bring your vision to life.
The value of your budget stretches further in destinations like Mexico, so something that may be off the table at home may be possible in a tropical locale.
Best of all, you can easily extend your stay after the wedding for a luxurious honeymoon in Mexico, where you can enjoy a variety of activities from snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports, as well as indulge in luxury spa sessions and massage treatments. Mexico truly has it all!
We hope sharing some of the best destination wedding package inspiration showed you that you can have a luxurious celebration that fits within your budget and will be a memorable time away surrounded by loved ones.
