Just engaged? Congratulations! Now, the stressful part begins. Though extremely rewarding, planning a wedding can often feel like a full-time job. You want to stay within your wedding budget while incorporating details to complete your dream wedding. And if a destination wedding is what you’re hoping for, you got your work cut out for you.
But don’t despair! Cheap destination weddings are totally attainable. Many beautiful destinations around the world have affordable wedding venues, many of which offer soon-to-be brides and grooms’ wedding packages that won’t break the bank. If you’re hoping to save money on your destination wedding so you can splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, we’re here to help!
We’ve compiled a list of the best affordable destination wedding locations. These destination wedding locations are perfect for any far-flung wedding celebration. Within these stunning locales, we’ve also included several affordable destination wedding venues for your dream wedding.
We hope this list of affordable destination wedding locations makes planning for your special day much easier. With that, let’s get into it!
TL;DR
- Best affordable destination within the US – Savannah, Georgia
- Best affordable destination outside of the US – Belize
- Best affordable destination on the beach – Negril, Jamaica
- Best affordable destination in the mountains – Bozeman, Montana
- Best affordable destination to elope – Las Vegas, Nevada
Best Destination Wedding Locations on a Budget
1. Belize
Belize is among many locations famous for pristine beaches and will surely make your dream wedding a grand affair within your budget. The beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea easily makes the perfect backdrop for wedding pictures. The resorts in the area are also relatively affordable.
Thus, making it an ideal venue for your dream destination wedding. These resorts include the Coco Plum Island Resort, Chabil Mar Villas, and the Xanadu Island Resort. When choosing your destination, consider what the wedding package includes. Does the venue offer flowers, a license, a professional photographer, a wedding cake, a reception venue, or other extras?
Some of these venues offer an all-inclusive experience when it comes to wedding ceremonies, such as the Portofino Beach Resort. Belize Boutique Resort and Spa is also a suitable option if you fancy intimate wedding venues. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the jungle as you take your vows.
See Related: Best Wedding Destinations in the US
2. Sedona, Arizona
If you’re looking for a visually stunning backdrop for your destination wedding ceremony, look no further than Sedona. It is the perfect wedding location on a budget for couples to tie the knot. The view of the deep orange sunset, red rocks, and sweeping mesas is breathtaking.
The Verde Canyon Railroad is one of the options you can consider for a wedding in the Wild West. The views here are quite breathtaking, and you also get to save money because of the affordability.
L’Auberge de Sedona is another ideal destination wedding location. With its incredible location, you can choose from multiple sites on the property for your wedding venue. From a beautiful private garden full of lush greenery to the 180-degree red rock view, you will indeed have the perfect location for your wedding events.
Red Agave Resort is yet another affordable wedding venue you can consider. From the Courthouse Butte trail to Bell Rock, this resort lets you get up close and personal with Sedona’s awe-inspiring sights. Between wedding festivities, you and your loved ones can enjoy the best things to do in Sedona.
See Related: Most Beautiful & Best Vacations in the US
3. Destin, Florida
Florida is a dream wedding location for couples on a budget. Destin Beach is one of the most magnificent beaches on the Florida panhandle and is home to many affordable destination wedding venues. The white sand beaches, the clear blue water, and the beautiful palm trees are just the perfect backdrops for your dream wedding ceremony.
One of the affordable wedding venues here is the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village. The beachfront resort is beautiful and features indoor and outdoor venue options and an on-site wedding planner. If you want an affordable dream wedding, planning off-season is advised.
Henderson Beach State Park is one of Destin’s stunning affordable wedding venues. This wondrous landscape makes the perfect venue for your beach wedding, from the gorgeous white sand beach to the gentle waves softly crashing in the background. Beachfront weddings can host up to 250 guests, while pavilions can host up to 150 guests.
Other incredible budget-friendly Destin wedding venues include Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach and Jetty East. Continue the wedding festivities with your bridal party by going on a snorkeling and dolphin tour or by renting a pontoon boat at Fort Walton Beach.
See Related: Best Places to Get Married in Europe
4. Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica is known for its pristine beaches, ideal for planning a destination wedding. Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach is an absolute tropical paradise. This is where you and your bridal party can snorkel, scuba dive, and explore the coral reefs.
Some of Negril’s most affordable destination wedding locations include the Catcha Falling Star resort. Apart from the stylish rooms, guests can enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the hotel’s private cove. For extreme privacy, couples can book the entire property for their wedding.
If you’re thinking of free wedding packages, Sandals Negril Beach has you covered. This is among the many perks when couples book three nights or more at the resort. Couples are welcome and encouraged to include add-ons and customizations to make it the wedding of their dreams. You should also note that this wedding venue is an adults-only oasis.
The Royalton Negril Beach Resort is yet another venue that offers free wedding packages. They also have a wedding planner you can coordinate with to ensure your wedding goes as planned. Other amazing (and affordable) destination wedding locations in Negril include Azul Beach Resort and Riu Palace Tropical Bay.
See Related: Cheapest Shopping Destinations in the World
5. Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for its world-class resorts, where you’ll find numerous affordable wedding venues. The area also has pristine beaches to host your wedding day and enjoy the natural beauty.
If Waikiki has captured your heart, some venues for affordable destination weddings include The Twin Fin Hotel and DECK at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. Both affordable venues offer beautiful backgrounds of the sea and breathtaking views of the surrounding iconic landmarks, including Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.
For a wedding venue without a rental fee in Oahu, there’s the Wahiawa Botanical Garden. You just need to ensure that you have a permit before planning a destination wedding in this location. While it is incredibly beautiful, you will be limited to only 30 guests (including photographers and your officiant), and no receptions are allowed to be held in the park.
My personal favorite affordable wedding venue on Oahu is Loulu Palm Farm Estate, which is located on the North Shore. My husband and I actually toured this venue for ourselves before we eventually decided to have a courthouse wedding instead (it was 2020, after all). You and your wedding guests will love the secluded location right on the beach. Loulu Palm also offers fun add-ons to your wedding package, like a dance floor, rattan seating areas, and lawn games to make your wedding date memorable, even on a tight budget.
See Related: Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
6. Waitsfield, Vermont
Waitsfield, Vermont is a quiet place perfect for an intimate ceremony. If you want a discreet affair, this is the place for you. The best thing about Waitsfield, apart from its beauty and rich history, is that it is one of the affordable destination wedding locations for your special day.
You will find several affordable wedding venues for your special day. With rivers, barns, and expansive meadows, most of these venues would be the perfect destination for an understated ceremony.
The Lareau Farm Inn is one of the most breathtaking venues for your affordable destination wedding. Situated on the banks of the Mad River, Lareau Farm is set in a classic Vermont farmhouse built in the 1790s and has enough space to accommodate up to 150 guests.
The Skinner Barn is a gorgeous place to tie the knot. You can consider this location your destination wedding location for a quintessential Vermont setting. For a sunny day, the expansive meadows provide adequate space. They also have a hayloft that can come in handy when the weather is not as ideal.
Other pocket-friendly Waitsfield wedding venues include the Mad River Barn, 1824 House Inn + Bar, and the Tucker Hill Inn. Nature enthusiasts will instantly fall in love with the views in these stunning Vermont locations.
7. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe in California is a gorgeous place to tie the knot. The affordable destination wedding locations in the area have a rustic alpine vibe suitable for any wedding ceremony. Lake Tahoe is known for its fantastic natural beauty that will leave you amazed. Not to mention giving you the perfect backdrop for your wedding pictures.
The Tahoe Ridge Resort is a fantastic place to have your affordable destination wedding. The up-close valley and mountain views provide the best backdrop for any wedding photos. While not directly on the lake, the views up on the private ridge are absolutely phenomenal.
An affordable lakeside wedding is certainly possible here. The Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe offers a few fabulous locations on their property for a wedding. The majestic pine trees surrounding the outdoor deck allow you and your guests to enjoy breathtaking views. The stunning Lake Tahoe views make this scenic landscape the perfect destination to tie the knot.
See Related: Best Places to Get Married on the beach
8. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a beautiful place for an affordable dream destination wedding. The Caribbean country is known for its pristine beaches, mountainous terrain, and diverse landscapes.
The Caribbean islands never disappoint, especially with breathtaking venues like the Royalton Bavaro. The picture-perfect tropical background would come in handy for your wedding photos.
Transform your destination wedding into a combo wedding/honeymoon. If you stay at least 14 nights, you can add the luxury complimentary wedding package to your stay for free! It includes ten guests, but you can add up to 40 more guests for an additional fee.
Other affordable wedding venues in the Dominican Republic include Melia Caribe Beach Resort, Majestic Colonial, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Occidental Punta Cana, and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. All these venues offer affordable wedding packages, but the length of your guest list will also be essential in determining how much you’ll be charged. You can also decide to have your dream honeymoon in one of these all-inclusive resorts.
See Related: Best Things to do in Big Bear, California
9. Park City, Utah
Utah will provide you with some breathtaking outdoor and indoor venues at amazing resorts for your wedding ceremony. Park City, known for its world-class ski resorts, will give you an incredible scenic view, an ideal backdrop for your wedding pictures.
There are several affordable destination wedding venues in Park City. A good example of an affordable option is the Park City Peaks Hotel. It’s perfect for an indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception. The hotel offers several packages, some of which work perfectly as destination wedding packages.
The budget-friendly DoubleTree by Hilton Park City – The Yarrow hotel allows you to have that dreamy winter wonderland wedding within your means. This spectacular venue is nestled in the center of Park City. It’s one of the affordable resorts that provide a picturesque landscape for your special day.
If hotel wedding venues aren’t your vibe, no worries. The Park City Mountain ski area features several outdoor venues at various price points to suit the needs of any couple. The venues at Park City Mountain are only available from June to September, with select winter dates, so make sure to contact the venue early if you’d like a winter wedding!
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Utah
10. Outer Banks, North Carolina
If you want a beach wedding, then you must visit the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The venues here are ideal for affordable destination wedding locations. You can book the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk, which tops the wedding wishlist of many couples.
Apart from this sea-facing resort, you can even enjoy a wedding in a more intimate and romantic setting. There are beautiful and affordable venues like Vista Creek on historical Roanoke Island. This venue features incredible views and can accommodate up to 250 guests.
There is also the Sea Ranch Resort which has some fantastic interiors. It’s advisable to book this resort during the off-season to enjoy amazing discounts. The Sea Ranch Resort has the perfect oceanfront setting for your affordable dream wedding, from the exchanging vows ceremony to the reception. Their team of professionals also helps you organize and plan your special day within your budget.
11. Louisiana, New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its vibrant jazz scene, undeniable upbeat vibe, and incredible Mardi Gras festival. But it also makes for a fantastic destination wedding location! If you’re looking to save money but still want a historical location for a sweet wedding, check out The Big Easy.
If your fairytale wedding location is out in nature, a wonderfully affordable option in New Orleans is Paradigm Gardens. This charming location offers couples a great wedding package that includes the venue, tables and chairs, event staff, a customizable farm-to-table menu, and a full bar menu.
The historic Degas House Museum is one of the best affordable wedding venues in the heart of New Orleans. It’s full of Southern charm and is a gorgeous Victorian mansion. The courtyard can accommodate up to 300 guests, while the parlor and gallery rooms can accommodate more intimate ceremonies. Elopement packages are also available.
12. Savannah, Georgia
If you are interested in a traditional wedding ceremony without crossing your budget limit, then Savannah is the place for you to get hitched. This charming town has some magnificent historical mansions that will blow your mind, and the cobblestones streets make for the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.
You’ll get numerous affordable wedding venues at your disposal in Savannah. Book the unique and highly affordable Bethesda Academy. It’s actually a private school but is a historic site located on the marsh and features the most charming little white chapel.
For a rustic-themed venue near the sprawling cotton fields, Dutch Ford Farm won’t disappoint. There are three stunning locations on the property to hold your wedding and reception. They also offer accommodation so you won’t have to worry about where your bridal party will stay.
Forsyth Park Inn is another ideal venue for planning a destination wedding. The courtyard garden can accommodate up to 50 people, making it the best place for a small intimate wedding. The fascinating Spanish moss-draped trees create the perfect backdrop for dreamy photos.
13. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has consistently been ranked as one of the best affordable Caribbean destinations for wedding locations on a budget. The island is incredibly charming and is just a 2.5-hour flight away from the beautiful city of Miami. Most people are attracted by the beautiful aqua-blue water of the sea and the magnificent landscapes.
A fantastic and affordable venue for your beach wedding would be the La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort. Their destination wedding packages include hors d’oeuvres, a specialty welcome drink, sparkling wine, a three-course dinner, a premium open bar, and your choice of an indoor or outdoor venue.
Located in the stunning beachside town of Isabela, Fusion Beach Villas features an oceanfront venue and budget-friendly all-inclusive wedding packages. The Fusion Beach team also specializes in floral design. After your ceremony, apart from enjoying the white sand beaches, there are several activities you can indulge in, like scuba diving or exploring the old town of San Juan.
14. Las Vegas, Nevada
Could there be anything more fun and spontaneous than a Vegas wedding? You may be surprised to find out that there are actually many fabulous hotels in Las Vegas that will host your nuptials for a price that won’t break the bank. Unless you’d like to elope, then there’s always the Little White Chapel.
One wonderful hotel to host your wedding is Mandalay Bay. Your wedding and reception can be held in a suite or in a ballroom. Or, if you’re just having a reception, most of Mandalay Bay’s restaurants offer plated meals, hors d’oeuvres, and liquor packages. Other affordable hotel and restaurant options include The Cosmopolitan, Margaritaville, The Platinum Hotel, and the Paris Wedding Chapels.
If you want to get married off of the strip, you have quite a few options. Bear’s Best Las Vegas is just off the strip and offers couples all-inclusive wedding packages in a country club setting. The Secret Garden is another affordable venue off the strip that features an indoor and outdoor venue and can accommodate up to 300 guests.
15. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is situated on the scenic southern tip of Rhode Island. It is the best getaway for East Coast destination wedding locations on a budget. Apart from picturesque beaches, this ideal destination wedding location provides you with some amazing Gilded Age mansions and beautiful cottages.
You can book one of these amazingly built mansions to get an “old money” feel for your wedding ceremony. With the various venues having affordable wedding packages, you’re bound to get the best within your budget. The Landing Restaurant is a stunning venue with the historic Bowen’s Wharf as the backdrop to your ceremony and reception.
Other inexpensive wedding venues include the Newport Marriott and Queen Anne’s Loft, which are simply amazing. These Newport venues are among the best places o enjoy an elegant seaside wedding.
See Related: Cheap Places to Visit Around the World
16. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Whether you envision your dream wedding taking place in an intimate setting or a luxury resort, you can find your ideal destination wedding location in Riviera Maya. Riviera Maya is an absolutely stunning coastal region on the Caribbean side of Mexico. The main airport servicing Riviera Maya is Cancun, which is awesome because you can always find cheap flights to Cancun from across the US.
Now in terms of wedding venues, you’ll find plenty of affordable resorts right in Cancun. A great option is Moon Palace, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort that offers budget-friendly wedding packages accommodating up to 300 guests. They also offer add-on services like photography, hair and makeup, and videography.
Sandos Playacar is another amazing all-inclusive resort that offers low-cost wedding packages. Sandos Playacar is located in Playa del Carmen, a stunning resort area far more secluded than Cancun. Wedding packages here include everything you need for your dream beach wedding including basic setup, a sound system, a custom wedding cake, and a private dinner reception with an open bar.
17. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Pristine beaches, tropical forests, and the Sierra Madre mountains make for idyllic wedding backdrops for a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Venues in this part of Mexico range from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels. Many resorts in Puerto Vallarta are all-inclusive and offer wedding packages for loving couples looking to tie the knot.
While an all-inclusive wedding package is definitely more expensive than a DIY wedding, the price is worth not having to stress over making sure that every single detail falls in place exactly how you want. Some of the top venues to host a wedding in Puerto Vallarta include Hotel Playa Fiesta, Velas Vallarta, Barceló Puerto Vallarta, and the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is a perfect year-round destination wedding location, but keep the rainy season in mind, which happens from mid-June to October. If your wedding is during whale season (mid-December to March), you and your guests can enjoy this Humpback Whale Research Adventure Tour.
18. Costa Rica
Make your dream of a tropical destination wedding come true in Costa Rica. From all-inclusive resorts to stunning private estates, Costa Rica offers many different wedding locations with stunning backdrops. Not to mention, the average cost of a wedding in Costa Rica is six times less than the average cost of a wedding in the United States.
If you want to go the estate route, there’s no better place than Villa Punto de Vista. The estate has two villas to rent; couples can choose to rent both or just one. The all-inclusive wedding package includes a pre-arrival concierge to assist with planning, on-site staff, a butler, meals for the duration of your stay, and rooms for 8-50 guests (including yourself).
Dreams Las Mareas is an all-inclusive Hyatt property located on its own private beach. This divine resort offers five reasonably-priced wedding packages for your big day. All packages include an on-site wedding coordinator, flowers, a wedding cake, a complimentary room for one member of the wedding couple (based on availability), and late checkout.
If you’re planning for a fully outdoor wedding in Costa Rica, it’s best to avoid the rainy season (also called the Green Season), which is May through November. The rainiest months are typically September and October. However, many resorts and venues will offer discounted rates during the Green Season, so that’s also worth considering.
19. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Most Caribbean islands are the perfect blend between stunning location and affordability. St. Thomas is one of the three largest US Virgin Islands and is a wonderful option for an intimate destination wedding. And when you and your guests aren’t participating in wedding festivities, you can enjoy a private sightseeing tour or charter a private yacht for a day.
One of the best affordable resorts to host a destination wedding at in St. Thomas is the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. The resort offers several all-inclusive wedding packages that are fully customizable and can accommodate up to 20 guests.
Another affordable location in St. Thomas to host your nuptials is Secret Harbour Beach Resort, which offers various beach wedding packages to fit any budget. Packages range from just the bare bones to the “ultimate beach wedding in paradise” package, which can accommodate 50 guests and features full coordination and design services.
20. Bozeman, Montana
A mountain getaway can make for one of the most romantic wedding backdrops and a moment to remember, especially if you and your partner love the outdoors. Montana is an ideal destination wedding location that is both extremely beautiful and affordable.
Throughout the Big Sky and Bozeman areas, couples will find incredible and affordable wedding venues that highlight the great outdoors. Affordable venues include Starlite Bozeman, Buck’s T-4 Lodge, Gallatin River Hideaway Wedding and Event Venues, and Hardscrabble Ranch.
While none of these venues offer all-inclusive wedding packages, almost all of them do offer packages that include tables, chairs, tents, food, and other amenities like wi-fi, so you’ll just need to worry about decor and finding and officiant. Most venues will provide couples with a preferred vendors list which you can use to source anything that isn’t included in your wedding package.
Looking to elope? Big Sky Resort offers a wedding package that includes spa services, lift tickets or a round of golf, dining credit, a wedding cake, and a two-night stay at one of Big Sky’s luxury resorts, the Summit Hotel.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to have a destination wedding?
If you’re working with a tight budget, the easiest way to keep wedding costs down is by trimming your guest list. Only invite those who really mean something to you and your partner. The absolute cheapest way to have a destination wedding is to elope and have one or two people there to be your witness!
What’s the best season for a destination wedding?
Most of these locations are popular for being ideal tourist destinations. Therefore, we recommend you plan your wedding during the low tourist season or shoulder season. A low season also translates to an affordable wedding package for most of these venues.
Who pays for guests’ travel for a destination wedding?
The general rule is that guests pay for their own travel and lodging expenses. You can often get your guests a lower room rate by booking a block of rooms in advance. However, because of these added expenses, don’t expect guests to be overly-generous when it comes to gifts.
Where are the best places outside of the US for affordable destination weddings?
You’ll get the most bang for your buck when it comes to affordable destination weddings outside of the US in the Caribbean. Countries like Belize, Jamaica, Mexico, and Costa Rica offer couples amazing wedding locations at an affordable price point.
Related Resources
- Best Ski Resorts in the US to Visit
- Best Unusual Museums in the United States
- Most Beautiful & Best Running Trails in America
Lock In Your Travel Now
Find Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. As my personal favorite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours websites and airlines across the globe, leaving no stone unturned to help you find the best deal possible. And if you really want to take your savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you'll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. Cover yourself against illness, injury and theft, and protect the arrangements you've made with our flexible travel cancellation insurance. My favorite options for travel insurance are:
Book Your Accommodation
In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more.
Want More Destination Ideas Direct to Your Inbox?
Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey!
Discover the Best Travel Tools
Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year.