Many people think destination weddings have to be expensive. However, with the right small destination wedding locations and outdoor event spaces for you and your wedding party, that doesn’t have to be the case.
Here are the top small destination wedding locations (including micro wedding venues) we recommend for a small destination wedding budget.
If you’re looking for something with a tropical vibe but don’t want to break the bank, check out The Casa Monica Resort & Spa. With reasonably priced rooms, gorgeous pools, and exquisite architecture for stunning photos, it’s sure to give you the “overseas destination” vibe without even leaving the country (for U.S. residents, at least).
The property is in the oldest city in the United States. It’s surrounded by history and some great restaurants. It’s even within biking distance to the beach if you want to get married at the water and then return to the hotel for the wedding reception.
Whether or not you want an Elvis impersonator to marry you, we can’t deny Las Vegas is one of the more reasonably priced places to get married.
A Special Memory Wedding Chapel has been marrying couples since 1971 and can marry you and your partner for as little as $199 (for a micro wedding).
Or, if you’re looking for something even crazier than getting married by The King, there’s a gun store in Vegas that offers a wedding day package called “The Shotgun Wedding,” where you and your partner can have a whole weapons-inspired ceremony for only $899.
Flights from the U.S. to Cancun, Mexico, are typically very cheap. In terms of wedding venues, you’ll find that Mexico offers a wide choice of resorts.
Our number one option is Moon Palace. This all-inclusive resort offers budget-friendly wedding packages and allows kids to stay free.
Another great choice is the Grand Park Royal for an intimate celebration by the ocean. The property offers hotel rooms with balcony jacuzzis and breathtaking water views.
If you’re looking for something for your wedding party to do or even a reception idea, Cancun Adventures rents sailboats and yachts and also offers a beach wedding venue for an outdoor ceremony!
Known for its pristine beaches, Belize will surely make your destination wedding into a dream wedding — and all within your budget.
Coco Plum Resort is not only reasonably priced but also offers many wedding packages. The all-inclusive resort even assists in helping you arrange for a marriage certificate and can help provide videography, food, music, and other services.
Very similar resorts include Chabil Mar Villas and Xanadu Island Resort. Xanadu’s wedding packages start at $1,800 and include transportation to and from the airport.
If you’re looking for a city wedding without the major city prices, look to Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City and its 360-degree views in the heart of downtown. The hotel’s wedding package includes valet parking, menu tastings before the wedding, a complimentary suite for the couple, and more.
If you’re not a fan of the city but want to get married near Charlotte, check out Pine Island Country Club, right down the street from the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. At Pine Island, luxury meets relaxing, thanks to the gorgeous 18-hole golf course, wedding space for up to 150 guests, and high-quality food and drinks.
Park City, Utah, is known for its world-class ski resorts and incredible scenic views (that provide a stunning backdrop for wedding pictures!). Here, Park City Peaks makes a perfect wedding venue for an indoor/outdoor wedding ceremony and reception.
Even more budget-friendly is The Yarrow by The DoubleTree Hotel for a dreamy winter wonderland wedding within your budget. (Sounds like a win-win to us!)
Even if you’re not staying at the on-site resort, Deer Valley is a great place to check out while you’re in town for your destination wedding, whether you take to the walking trails or the amazing ski slopes.
Not only can holding a destination wedding cost less than a wedding in your area, but it can also reduce emotional stress. Many resorts streamline the wedding planning process through pre-packaged wedding deals, often including wedding planners to take care of all the necessary details.
In most cases, the wedding guests will be responsible for booking and paying for airfare and other transportation, where they’re staying, and other additional expenses, such as food. If you’re looking for cheaper airfare checkout Skyscanner! Sometimes, deals are available for booking multiple rooms at a resort, which might be an option for your wedding party and guests; however, at the end of the day, everyone will have to pay for themselves. Many hotels offer rewards program, if you book at a Hilton Hotel or Resort be sure to check out the Hilton Honors Rewards Program
It is more than okay to decline an invitation to a destination wedding for any reason. It doesn’t mean you’re not happy for the newly engaged couple. People decline for many reasons, including their financial situation, work availability, family troubles, etc. You don’t even have to state a reason. A simple “So sorry! I will not be able to come!” is all you need to say.
If you’re worried that not many people will show up for your destination wedding, it might be a good idea to consider planning something closer to home. Roughly 20–30% of people invited tend to decline destination wedding invitations.
Most destination wedding events (no matter the size) last three to four days. Sometimes, the wedding group stays longer, either before or after the wedding, so everyone can have more fun together and bond.
Budget-friendly, small destination weddings are completely possible, as long as you have a little imagination.
Looking for more destination wedding tips and tricks? The Groom Club is exactly the stop for you, with everything you need to know in order to keep your dream destination wedding within budget.
