After the excitement of your engagement begins to settle, the real question begins to take shape: what kind of wedding feels most like you and your partner? For many couples, the idea of exchanging vows somewhere far from everyday life is undeniably appealing. A destination wedding blends celebration with travel and turning your wedding into a shared experience with friends and family rather than a single-day event.
Planning a ceremony away from home comes with unique challenges and considerations. Before you book flights or start browsing beachfront venues, take some time and consider whether a destination wedding package aligns with your personalities, priorities and guest list. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out on your own — a Sunwing Weddings specialist is there to guide you from the very beginning.
Is a destination wedding right for you? A quick reality check
It’s a great fit if:
- Travel feels exciting, not stressful
- You value experience more than tradition
- You’re comfortable making decisions remotely
Destination weddings come in all sizes and can accommodate a wide range of guest counts, depending on your vision. They can be as intimate as a two-person elopement, as grand as a 200+ guest South Asian celebration, and everything in between. While many couples opt for a smaller guest list to create a more intimate experience, others embrace the opportunity to gather a large group of family and friends in a destination that feels meaningful to them.
Before making decisions, it’s helpful to quietly gauge interest among your must-invite guests. Consider factors like travel costs, work schedules, childcare and comfort with international travel. Having a clear sense of who can realistically attend will help shape everything from venue selection to your overall budget and guest experience.
Why loving travel makes destination wedding planning easy
A destination wedding is as much about the journey as it is about the ceremony. Couples who already love discovering new places often find that hosting their wedding abroad feels natural — almost as if they’re taking a bucket list together, and with their family and friends. That said, you don’t need to be a frequent traveller to have a destination wedding. What matters more is your comfort-level with travel logistics: airports, packing, unfamiliar settings and spending several days away from home. If that sounds exciting rather than stressful, you’re already off to a promising start.
Destination weddings also tend to unfold across several days — welcome dinners, excursions, farewell brunches — which can allow for more meaningful time with guests than a traditional timeline typically allows.
Popular destination wedding locations to consider
Not all destinations offer the same atmosphere, and where you choose to marry will ultimately shape the tone of your wedding weekend. Sun-soaked favourites like Punta Cana, the quietly luxurious coastline of Costa Mujeres and the ever-popular Riviera Maya continue to attract couples for their blend of natural beauty, accessibility and well-established resorts.
How to choose the right resort for your destination wedding
If you’ve stayed at an all-inclusive resort before, you likely have a sense of what matters to you — whether that’s exceptional dining, thoughtful design, lively entertainment or total tranquility. That familiarity can make choosing a venue much easier.
If not, there’s no need to navigate the process alone. Couples working with Sunwing Weddings can rely on their team to handle the research, presenting resort options that align with your preferences, guest experience and overall wedding vision. Resorts vary widely in atmosphere and offerings, and understanding the differences will help you select a location that reflects the tone you want for your wedding weekend — whether relaxed and intimate or vibrant and social.
Are destination weddings cheaper than traditional weddings?
There’s a common perception that destination weddings are automatically less expensive. Sometimes they are — but it largely depends on your vision. A simple ceremony followed by a dinner at an on-site restaurant can be surprisingly cost-effective. On the other hand, a fully private reception with customized food, decor and entertainment may rival the price of a traditional wedding at home. Remember to factor in your own travel expenses and extended stay. Instead of focusing solely on savings, think about overall value: what kind of experience are you creating, and does it feel worth the investment?
How comfortable are you planning a destination wedding virtually?
Technology has made remote wedding planning far more manageable than it once was. From virtual consultations to video walkthroughs, most elements can be coordinated online — and with the guidance of Sunwing Weddings, couples can feel supported throughout the process as experienced planners help oversee the details, coordinate vendors and bring the overall vision to life. This allows you to focus less on logistics and more on the celebration ahead.
Legal vs. symbolic ceremonies: what to know before getting married abroad
Close your eyes and picture the moment you say your vows. Is it barefoot on a quiet stretch of beach? On a terrace overlooking the sea? Beyond aesthetics, consider the practical side of marrying abroad. Legal requirements vary by country and may involve additional paperwork, translations or waiting periods. For that reason, many couples choose to complete the legal ceremony at home and hold a symbolic celebration at their destination.
It’s equally important to research local laws if you’re planning a religious or same-sex ceremony, as regulations differ around the world. Thoughtful preparation ensures your wedding is not only beautiful, but valid and worry-free.
What to wear to a destination wedding
Destination weddings naturally inspire a breezier choice in fashion, but formal celebrations are far from impossible. The key is practicality. Think about climate, terrain and travel constraints. Lightweight fabrics, breathable tailoring and footwear suited for sand, stone or grass can make a significant difference in comfort — for you and your guests. Elegance doesn’t have to mean elaborate; sometimes simplicity feels even more sophisticated against a dramatic natural backdrop.
Destination wedding etiquette: Should guests bring gifts?
Travel requires both time and financial commitment from guests, which often shifts expectations around gift-giving. Many couples choose to prioritize presence over presents, recognizing that the effort to attend is meaningful in itself. If you do plan to create a registry, consider options that ship directly to your home or focus on experiences rather than physical items. The goal is to keep things convenient for everyone involved.
The takeaway:
A destination wedding isn’t just about beautiful scenery — it’s about intention. It invites you to slow down, gather your favourite people in one place, and create memories that extend beyond a single day.
When you book your destination wedding with Sunwing Weddings, you receive 5 hours of consulting services complimentary, and if you book by the end of 2026 you are entered into a contest to win $2,000 towards your wedding attire.
Ask your travel advisor or connect with an experienced wedding consultant at sunwing.ca/weddings — your trusted source of inspiration for destination weddings.
More destination wedding inspiration
Planning your wedding abroad? Explore more stories from ELLE Gourmet:
- A romantic destination wedding with Majestic Resorts: Punta Cana and Costa Mujeres provide the perfect backdrops.
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Celebrate in Style at Princess Hotels & Resorts: From refined adults-only retreats to lively beachfront gatherings, each setting tells its own story.
