Planning A Resort Wedding: All-Inclusive Style

Planning a wedding at an all-inclusive resort can be a simple and inexpensive option. The first step is to decide on a budget, which will determine the location and resort. The next step is to choose a wedding package, which will include the ceremony and travel. The resort's wedding planner will then be able to take care of the details, such as finding a licensed marriage officiant.

Setting a budget

The first step to planning a wedding at an all-inclusive resort is to set a budget. This will determine the location of your wedding, as well as the resort and wedding package you choose.

If you're working with a tight budget, consider a popular location like Mexico, Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, which offer amazing beaches, resorts and activities at affordable prices. You can also save money by obtaining your official marriage certificate at home and then having a licensed marriage officiant marry you in front of your guests at the resort. This way, you avoid extra paperwork and potential additional costs.

On the other hand, if you have a larger budget, you can explore more expensive locations, such as Aruba, St. Thomas and St. Lucia. These destinations may offer more luxurious resorts and wedding packages, but be sure to research the cost of travel and accommodation for you and your guests.

When setting your budget, remember to factor in the cost of the trip and wedding package, as well as any additional expenses such as your wedding attire, travel agent fees and any extra details you may want to include. It's important to be realistic about your budget and what you can afford, as well as prioritising what is most important to you on your special day.

Choosing a resort

When it comes to choosing a resort for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to decide on a location. Popular destinations for weddings include Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, St. Thomas and St. Lucia. The location you choose may depend on your budget, as some places are more expensive than others. For example, Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are great options if you're on a tighter budget, as they have a variety of resorts in every price range.

Once you've decided on a location, it's time to research specific resorts. Consider what type of atmosphere you want for your wedding. Do you want a small, intimate setting or a large, lively celebration? Different resorts will cater to different styles of weddings, so it's important to find one that aligns with your vision.

It's also crucial to think about the amenities and services offered by the resort. Does it have everything you need for your wedding? This includes things like a ceremony and reception space, catering options, accommodation for you and your guests, and any additional activities or facilities you may want.

When choosing a resort, it's a good idea to read reviews and get recommendations from other couples who have had their weddings there. This will give you an idea of the quality of the resort and the level of service you can expect.

Finally, don't forget to consider the legal aspects of getting married at your chosen resort. You may need to obtain your official marriage certificate at home and then have a licensed marriage officiant marry you at the resort. This ensures that you're legally married in your country of residence while still enjoying the beauty of a tropical wedding location.

Planning travel

Once you have decided on a location, you can start to look at travel options. This could include flights, transfers and any other transport you may need while you are there. It is a good idea to book your travel as soon as possible to ensure you get the best deals and that all of your guests can travel together.

You will also need to think about accommodation for you and your guests. Many all-inclusive resorts offer wedding packages that include accommodation, so be sure to ask about this when you are planning your trip.

When planning your travel, it is also important to consider the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen location. You may need to obtain your official marriage certificate at home and then have a licensed marriage officiant marry you in front of your guests. This will ensure that you are legally married in your country of residence without the extra paperwork.

Picking a wedding package

Once a location has been chosen, it's time to find the perfect wedding package. This is where a travel agent and resort wedding planner can be extremely helpful, as they can take care of the details and ensure everything is coordinated according to the couple's wishes. The wedding package should include the cost of the trip and any additional expenses, such as the officiant, food and drinks, and any activities or entertainment.

It is also important to consider the type of ceremony the couple wants. They may choose to obtain their official marriage certificate at home and then have a symbolic ceremony at the resort, or they can work with the resort team to source a licensed marriage officiant who can legally marry them in front of their guests. This option may be more convenient and reduce the amount of paperwork required.

Finally, it is essential to read the fine print and understand exactly what is included in the wedding package. This will help avoid any unexpected costs or surprises on the wedding day.

Legalities of the marriage

When it comes to the legalities of the marriage, there are a few options. You can obtain your official marriage certificate at home, then let your all-inclusive resort team source a licensed marriage officiant who can marry you in front of your guests. This way, you’re legally married in the country of your residence but can still have a wedding in a tropical location without the hassle of extra paperwork. Alternatively, you can plan a legal marriage at your beach wedding.

If you are planning to get married abroad, it is important to research the legal requirements of the country you are getting married in. Some countries may require you to be a resident for a certain period of time before you can get married, or they may have specific requirements for the marriage certificate. It is also important to consider any language barriers and whether you will need an interpreter for the ceremony.

Another option is to have a symbolic ceremony at your beach wedding. This means that the ceremony is not legally binding, and you will need to have a separate legal ceremony either before or after your wedding. This can be a good option if you want to get married in a location that does not recognise same-sex marriages, for example.

It is also important to consider the legal requirements for your wedding party and guests. For example, some countries may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. It is important to communicate these requirements to your guests well in advance of the wedding.

Frequently asked questions