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Your Guide to All Inclusive Destination Weddings

You are here: Home / Guide to Destination Wedding Packages / Your Guide to All Inclusive Destination Weddings
by Cynthia

All Inclusive destination weddings are extremely popular, but like everything else, they’re not cut out for everyone.  Are you on the fence about booking your wedding at an all-inclusive resort? 

In this post, I’m going to break down all the pros & cons so that you can determine if it’s the best option for you.  I’m also going to give you a list of questions to ask your venue before you sign the dotted line.  And finally, I’ll share a list of some of the most popular and best all-inclusive resorts for a destination wedding.

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Advantages of All Inclusive Destination Weddings
  • Disadvantages of All Inclusive Destination Weddings+−
    • Less Personalized Attention
    • Less Control Over Vendors
    • It’s Not Always the Most Cost Efficient Option
  • Popular Resorts for All Inclusive Destinations Weddings
  • Questions you should ask before you book an all-inclusive destination wedding package

Advantages of All Inclusive Destination Weddings

Credit: Morgan Lynn Photography

An all-inclusive destination wedding is a great option if you’re looking for a fuss-free destination wedding where everything is handled for you.  Most resorts have on-site planners who take care of every detail so you can just relax and enjoy your big day.

All-Inclusive means that everything is included in your package–the room rate, food, drinks, tips, taxes, and a basic ceremony (sometimes a small reception dinner too).  You can pretty much just pack away your wallet because you won’t have to shell out a dime during your stay.

Most all-inclusive resorts have pre-made destination wedding packages so you can just choose your favorite, add any extras you want and their planner will take care of the rest.  Keep in mind that most all-inclusive resorts will allow you to also customize your package if you don’t like what’s included in their premade packages so don’t be afraid to ask.

There are some resorts that even offer free all-inclusive destination wedding packages if you book a minimum number of nights in a premium room category, or guarantee a certain number of guests will book rooms.   If you want the inside scoop on these free destination wedding packages, make sure you read this post:  Are Free Destination Weddings Really Free?

So far, so great, right?

You might have read up until this point and thought to yourself, “this sounds perfect to me, say no more!”  But keep in mind that depending on your budget, expectations, and personality, all inclusive destination weddings might not be the best fit for you.

Disadvantages of All Inclusive Destination Weddings

Less Personalized Attention

Since all inclusive destination weddings are so popular, there are usually other weddings booked on the same day and even at the same time as yours. This is a huge no-no for some couples, especially if you’re the type of person who wants personalized attention on your big day.  With other weddings taking place on the same day, you might feel like just another number instead of getting the personalized attention you rightfully deserve.  You might not even have a totally private ceremony because they’re usually held in semi-public spaces where other resort guests can look on as you exchange vows, even if it’s from a relatively safe distance.

Less Control Over Vendors

All Inclusive destination weddings often include photography, flowers, cake, and other items in their package. This could be fantastic if you don’t want to be bothered and want your planning to be as fuss-free as possible.  But you might find that the resort’s vendors are not up to your standards or they don’t offer the level of services you’ve always dreamed of.  For example, you might want to bring an amazing outside photographer to shoot your wedding, only to learn that your all-inclusive resorts either won’t allow you to or they will charge you what is commonly known as an “outside vendor” fee.

It’s Not Always the Most Cost Efficient Option

Most people have the belief that all-inclusive resorts are always the most cost-effective option but that’s not necessarily the case.  Are you a foodie who loves to explore different local restaurants? Then an all-inclusive resort might not be a good fit for you.  It doesn’t make sense to pay the all-inclusive rate if you’re going to dine and drink at offsite restaurants every day.

Contrary to popular belief, there are instances where you might actually save money by staying at a non-all inclusive resort.

This brings me to my next point…

Some of your guests might get sticker shock when they see the rates and think that an all-inclusive is out of their budget.   The truth is that in most cases, an all-inclusive resort is the best financial option if you’re going to take full advantage of everything that is included (i.e. food/drinks/amenities). But some of your guests might decide that the rate for an all-inclusive resort is too much cash to fork over at once and choose to stay elsewhere.  The problem is that when couples book all inclusive destination weddings, the resort will often charge the couple a hefty guest pass fee for those guests who are not staying on-site. And this can add up to big bucks.

Whether you choose to have a destination wedding at an all-inclusive or non-all-inclusive resort is a matter of personal preference.  All inclusive destination weddings are awesome and the only option for many couples.  So if you’ve decided this is how you want to tie the knot, your next question might be:  “What are the best resorts for all inclusive destination weddings?“

There are many options, but below is a list of the most popular all-inclusive resorts with properties all over the Caribbean and Mexico.

Popular Resorts for All Inclusive Destinations Weddings

Here’s a list of some of the most popular resorts.

  • Sandals
  • Beaches
  • Dreams
  • Riu
  • Palace
  • Royal
  • Excellence
  • Royalton
  • Hard Rock
  • Zoetry
  • Now 
  • Couples
  • Generations
  • Moon Palace

If you want to plan a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, check out this post for a really great list of all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya and Cancun area.

Questions you should ask before you book an all-inclusive destination wedding package

  • Do they have an on-site wedding planner/coordinator and do they assist with legalities, documents, and other marriage requirements?
  • What are the times and locations available for your ceremony and reception?
  • Can you reserve the venue of your choice at the time of booking?  Or will they assign any available venue to you?
  • Can they send you photos of the layout for each ceremony and reception venue?
  • How many people can each ceremony/reception venue accommodate?
  • Is the ceremony in a private area?
  • Is a private reception included in the package?
  • How many ceremonies do they book each day and how far apart are they (time & distance)?
  • What types of packages do they offer? Are the packages pre-set or can you make substitutions or choose elements individually (food, decoration, drinks etc.)?
  • Can you bring outside vendors and if so, is there a fee?
  • Is there a fee for guests staying off-site?
  • Do they have pictures of real weddings they’ve planned?
  • How much deposit do they require and when is the balance due?
  • Is it an adults-only or family-friendly property?
  • What type of liquor does the package include (house brands or premium)?
  • How many rooms does the property have?
  • Can you reserve a block of rooms at a group discount?
  • What is the total room rate per night including taxes?
  • What’s the cancellation policy?
  • How far is the airport and do they offer transfers/transportation?
  • Do they anticipate any construction or renovations during the dates you plan to stay there?
  • If the resort has sister properties, will you have access to the restaurants, pools, and bars at the other properties?

All Inclusive destination weddings can be beautiful, fuss-free, and memorable if planned right and you know what to expect.

Check out my post on different types of destination wedding venue options and the pros/cons of each.

best destination wedding locations - Gran Caribe Real Chapel

Discover the Best Destination Wedding Locations

Have you been searching online for the best destination wedding locations? Ready to pull your hair out? STOP, take a breath and keep reading!  This is an exciting time for you and you’ll have a lot of decisions to make.  But choosing a venue is the first important decision you’ll make and it can become …

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  • How to Make Sure Your Destination Wedding is Legally Binding
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About Cynthia

Cynthia is the founder and editor of Destination Wedding Details.She has over 15 years experience in the Marketing and Event industry and launched Destination Wedding Details in 2010, shortly after planning her own destination wedding. Cynthia uses her experience and genuine passion, to inspire brides who are planning their dream wedding away from home.

Category: Guide to Destination Wedding Packages
Previous Post:The 5 Best Destination Wedding Locations in the Caribbean
Next Post:Best Venues for your Aruba Destination Wedding

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bobby Saint

    at

    You made a good point about all inclusive weddings tending to be a little bit more expensive and may not fit right within the budget of your guests. It is always best to do some research first to check for the rates of the packages. If I were to plan my own wedding, I would definitely take this into account. Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Louise Woodcock

    at

    I have chosen my all inclusive wedding resort. I have spoken with the wedding coordinator as well. I am very excited about it. My date is November 29, 2017
    thank you for your advice and is very helpful

    Reply
  3. orange photographer

    at

    Thanks for finally talking about >All Inclusive Destination Weddings – Destination Wedding Details <Loved it!

    Reply
  4. Jason

    at

    Excellent help!

    Reply
  5. Liza Gutierrez

    at

    Thank you for this site!! I just got engaged and am looking at all of my options. This website was very helpful and resourceful. Thanks!!!!

    Reply
  6. Priscilla

    at

    Just wanted to say THANK YOU for such a thorough and helpful site! I have a great handle on the guest list, wedding details, attire and ring, but the one thing I am finding difficult to wade through are the various kinds of destination weddings and locations – this site is just awesome for that so please know I feel like I’ve stumbled upon a horse shoe : )

    Priscilla

    Reply
    • Cynthia

      at

      Thanks for the lovely comment! Maintaining this site is a lot of hardwork but it’s comments like this that keep me going:)

      Reply

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