Destination Wedding FAQs: What You Need to Know Before You Say Yes

Q: How far in advance should we start planning?

Ideally, 12–18 months ahead. This gives you the best chance of booking your dream venue, securing a room block for guests, and locking in better pricing before rates rise.

Shorter timelines can work, but the earlier we start, the smoother everything will be — especially for resorts or destinations with limited availability.

Q: Is a destination wedding more affordable than a traditional wedding?

Often, yes — depending on the choices you make. Most destination weddings naturally have smaller guest lists, which cuts down on cost. Many resorts also offer wedding packages that bundle the ceremony, reception, catering, and more, which can be far more cost-effective than coordinating vendors individually.

I help couples understand where to spend, where to save, and how to prioritize what matters most to them.

Q: How do we choose the right destination?

We start by talking about the vibe. Do you want tropical and relaxed? Stylish and modern? Historic and romantic?

Then I help you consider accessibility (flights, passports, customs), legal requirements for marriage, weather patterns, and resort or venue options that fit your style and budget.

You don’t need to know where you want to get married; that’s what I’m here for. I’ll help you discover the options that feel right.

Q: What’s included in a resort wedding package?

It varies by property, but many all-inclusive resorts offer packages that include:

• Ceremony setup and officiant

• Decor and floral basics

• Hair and makeup services

• Photography

• Private cocktail hour or reception dinner

• Wedding coordinator and planning team

• Complimentary nights for the couple

I review each package carefully to ensure it meets your expectations and I’ll let you know where upgrades are worth it or where custom elements may be needed.

Q: How do we handle guest travel?

This is one of the biggest reasons couples work with me.

I help you:

• Select a resort with a range of room categories for guests

• Set up a room block (with perks, when possible)

• Create a custom booking link or landing page

• Communicate key info clearly and early

• Serve as the go-to contact for travel questions

This takes pressure off of you and ensures your guests feel supported from the very beginning.

Q: What if not everyone can come?

That’s totally normal, and honestly, it’s part of what makes destination weddings feel more personal. The guests who attend are usually the people who mean the most to you. The group ends up bonding in ways you wouldn’t expect, and the experience feels more connected and meaningful.

If you want to include others back home, I’ve helped couples plan local celebrations after the wedding or even livestream the ceremony.

Q: Can we honeymoon at the same place?

Absolutely! Many couples do.

I can help plan a “switch” from your wedding room to a more private honeymoon suite, or even a second destination nearby to change the scenery without adding a long travel day.

This makes the transition from celebration to relaxation feel seamless and stress-free.

Ready to Start Planning?

If a destination wedding is something you’ve been thinking about (or even if it just sounds better than managing a 200-person guest list), let’s talk about what’s possible.

I’ll help you choose the right location, coordinate the travel, review your wedding package, and make sure your big day (and the days surrounding it) feel as special and stress-free as they should.

You bring the vision. I’ll bring the logistics.

You can plan a wedding in places that are so beautiful, they don’t need much decorating. I’ve also seen firsthand how a well-planned destination wedding can feel effortless, intimate, and unforgettable — but only if you start with the right information.

If you’re curious about getting married abroad (or just far from home), here are the questions I get asked most often and how I help guide couples through every step.