Pros and Cons of Destination Weddings

Expense and practicality are two big concerns

Reviewed by Pamela RodriguezFact checked by Vikki VelasquezReviewed by Pamela RodriguezFact checked by Vikki Velasquez

Destination weddings are ceremonies that are hosted away from the couple’s hometown and usually require travel for the wedding party and guests. A destination wedding is something you might consider if you’d like to tie the knot in a memorable place but the choice comes with some pros and cons.

According to a survey from The Knot, 19% of couples chose a destination wedding in 2023. You’ll want to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages if you’re considering one.

Key Takeaways

• A destination wedding takes place in a location away from a couple’s hometown.
• Planning a destination wedding could be less expensive than planning a traditional wedding if it involves a smaller guest list or a smaller reception.
• Using credit card points or miles can help to save money on destination wedding travel costs.
• Coordinating a destination wedding takes careful planning because changing weather conditions or global travel restrictions can affect your ability to follow through with the ceremony.

Destination Wedding Pros

You might consider a destination wedding over a traditional wedding for a few good reasons. The biggest pro is typically the overall experience that a destination wedding can provide.

Get Married in a Dream Location

The first and most obvious pro associated with planning a destination wedding is being able to get married in a setting that’s special or memorable to you and your future spouse.

That might mean exchanging vows in the Caribbean for some couples or tying the knot just a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower for others. You’ll have an opportunity to create memories and capture some stunning wedding photos while you’re at it.

Plan a Smaller Guest List

Destination weddings can offer a more intimate feel if fewer guests are attending. It may not be feasible or realistic for 200 people to attend a wedding in Bali if most of them have jobs or families requiring their attention. The upshot is that you can tailor your guest list to include the people who are most important to you.

Potentially Save Money on Wedding Costs

Getting married can still be expensive even when it’s on a smaller scale. The typical couple spends $33,000 on average to get married in 2024, an increase from $29,000 in 2023. Couples in Rhode Island spend the most with a 2024 average of $49,207. Those in Alaska bring up the rear at an average cost of just $14,444.

The typical destination wedding cost $41,000 on average in 2023, up from $35,600 in 2022.

A traditional wedding might seem like the better way to go at first glance but you might spend less on a destination wedding with careful planning. Choosing an all-inclusive hotel or resort for the ceremony, reception, and honeymoon could make sense.

This reduces the number of venues and vendors you’ll have to book because there may be partner wedding vendors on-site.

Planning a destination wedding in a country that has a favorable exchange rate or a lower cost of living could also help your dollars stretch further, too.

Important

Carefully read through any wedding services contracts associated with a destination wedding so you understand the cancellation and termination policies and when deposits are refundable.

Destination Wedding Cons

Destination weddings have their appeal but they may not be right for every couple. Keep a few important things in mind if you’re thinking about planning a wedding somewhere exotic.

More Planning May Be Required

Planning a wedding in a country you’ve never been to or may have only visited once can add a few wrinkles. You may have to consider things such as the exchange rates for currency, potential language barriers, and marriage license requirements. You’ll also want to consider travel restrictions to determine whether you’ll even be able to visit the destination of your choice.

Guests May Not Attend

An unwritten rule about destination weddings is that it’s perfectly acceptable not to invite certain people if you know they won’t be able to come or would prefer not to.

This doesn’t mean that the people you do invite are guaranteed to show, however. There may be financial or logistical barriers that keep them from attending and this can make your wedding party smaller than you originally planned.

It could take some of the joy out of the day if someone particularly special to you is unable to attend.

There Are No Guarantees

Planning any wedding means taking a chance that the day will work out as expected. A destination wedding can present some unusual risks.

You might be two days into your wedding celebrations when a hurricane or an earthquake forces an evacuation or your new spouse might fall and be bitten by a scorpion while you’re exploring the indigenous flora and fauna.

Purchasing wedding insurance and/or travel insurance can help to protect you financially in a worst-case scenario. Depending on the coverage that’s included, you may be able to recover some of the expenses you paid when planning your destination wedding if it ends up being cut short.

A basic wedding insurance policy can cost anywhere from $75 to $550. Travel insurance can cost an average of $95 for one week of coverage on an international trip.

You might want to consider purchasing one of each type of policy in addition to any travel insurance coverage you may have with your credit card.

Pros

• Get married in a dream location.

• Plan a smaller guest list.

• Potentially save money on wedding costs.

Cons

• More planning may be required.

• Guests may not attend.

• There are no guarantees.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

Some tips can help with the planning process if you think a destination wedding could be right for you.

• Set your wedding budget: Having a budget is important for planning any type of wedding but especially so for destination weddings. Consider the upper limit you can afford to spend and the specific costs for which you’ll have to budget.
• Plan the guest list: Choosing guests for a destination wedding is important because you’ll want to be fairly certain of how many people will actually attend. Think about whom you most want to attend and who is most likely to be able to come.
• Evaluate the destination: You may have a dream place in mind but stop to consider whether it’s the right choice. What will the weather be like when you plan to visit? Are there any travel restrictions to or from that destination? How easy will it be for guests to get there? Can they handle the terrain if any are older or very young? What’s the exchange rate?
• Apply travel points and miles: Consider the best way to use any travel points or miles you’ve accumulated from one or more rewards credit cards so you get maximum value. They may be worth more when you’re booking airfare or hotels than if you use them for rental cars.
• Get the timing right: Traveling to a destination wedding during the off- or shoulder season could be less expensive than during peak season. You’ll also be able to avoid larger tourist crowds if you’re heading to a popular spot.
• Consider travel or wedding insurance: Buying travel and wedding insurance could give you some peace of mind if you’re worried about potentially losing money due to circumstances beyond your control.

Who Should You Invite to a Destination Wedding?

Convincing people to attend gets trickier when you get married outside the place where you and most of your friends and family live. Bear in mind that invitees will have to take more time off work and spend more money to be there if you plan to get married halfway across the world. You should only really invite people who are very close to you.

What Do Guests Pay for Destination Weddings?

Guests are usually expected to pay to get to the wedding and to cover their accommodations if they’ll have to stay overnight or many nights. Each wedding is different and there are no set rules, however.

Is a Destination Wedding Cheaper Than a Traditional One?

That depends on a few factors such as where you get married and how many people are invited. Yes, destination weddings can be cheaper if you end up getting hitched in a less expensive place that’s too far away for distant relatives and acquaintances to attend.

The Bottom Line

Destination weddings can be very romantic and memorable but they aren’t for everyone. You could end up getting married in a beautiful location with only the people you care about most while saving money if all goes according to plan.

Achieving that dream generally requires more planning, however, and it means accepting a greater risk that something could go wrong and asking more from the people you want to invite to enjoy your special day.

Read the original article on Investopedia.