How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?

Do you love the idea of exchanging vows at a stunning villa in Lake Como or on a tropical beach on a remote island in the South Pacific? Then a destination wedding might be the right choice for you—assuming you're comfortable with the cost, that is. Before you book a venue and send your save-the-dates, though, it's important to get familiar with the typical price tag associated with a far-flung ceremony and reception. While it may be well within budget for some couples, many pairs find the final price tag to be too steep, so the decision to have a destination wedding or one close to home ultimately comes down to cost.

So, how much does a destination wedding really cost, and what is it that makes these celebrations more expensive than one held close to home? Are there alternatives to a far-away ceremony and reception that feel just as special? Ahead, we have the answers to these questions and more.

What Is the Average Cost of a Destination Wedding? 

The total cost of a destination wedding varies greatly. Prices depend on location, the number of days, the number of events, the U.S. dollar to local currency exchange rate, the time of year, the number of guests, and more. That said, the average estimated baseline cost of a destination wedding hovers around $35,000, according to our experts. Ahead, we explain how hosting a celebration in different types of destination locales impacts the final price.

Beach Wedding Costs

When determining beach wedding costs, you'll want to consider the venue, the location of the beach destination, whether you want a tent on the beach, and the cost of a backup plan, in case of inclement weather. Since beach ceremonies and receptions are typically outdoors (unless using a tent), things can be a bit more unpredictable due to the weather.

Mountain Wedding Costs

For a mountain wedding, in addition to the typical destination wedding costs you'll want to consider (guest count, venue, location, etc.), one of the biggest costs can be getting things up and down the mountain, especially if you're getting married on a very high mountain or at a ski resort. Getting fresh food and catering supplies and the cake up the mountain might require special transportation, which can increase the overall cost of the wedding. You'll also want to consider how to transport guests to the top of a mountain (for example, if marrying at a ski resort in the summer, the resort may let you use the ski lift—but this may come at an additional cost).

National Park Wedding Costs

Costs for national park destination weddings may be less than a beach wedding or a wedding in a far-flung destination. Permits aren't pricey (they usually hover between $100 and $200) and some national parks have strict limits on the number of people that can attend this type of ceremony—so your costs may naturally be lower since the guest count will be lower. However, keep in mind that you'll likely need to hire a photographer who specializes in national park / outdoor / mountain weddings, and that cost may be hire than a regular wedding photographer.

City Wedding Costs

If you choose to host your destination wedding in a city, assume that most costs will be higher than in non-city locations. Venues, hotel prices, transportation prices, catering—it will all be marked up because you're in an urban hub. The best thing you can do for your budget is plan way in advance and expect to pay one-to-two times the regular cost for vendors.

What Influences the Cost of a Destination Wedding?

A destination wedding has the same essential elements as a local wedding. You’ll want invitations, a dress, rings, a venue, catering, a florist, music, a photographer, cake, and an officiant. Travel, accommodations, group activities, little extras, and a full-service destination wedding planner are the factors that will end up costing more.

However, there are some details of destination weddings that could save you money. Destinations in countries where the currency exchange rate works in your favor will typically end up being less costly because your money will go further.

Who Pays for What for a Destination Wedding?

Customarily, travel and accommodations are the guests' responsibility. Depending on the location, your destination wedding might include airfare, a few nights at a hotel, meals and entertainment aside from the wedding itself, and local transportation. In addition, they may have to shop for suitable clothing for the location, and perhaps take days off from work.

In consideration of these expenses (and the fact that everyone is from out of town), you may want to host extra meals and events like a welcome dinner, cocktail hour, or farewell brunch. You are definitely not required to rent a car for anyone, but coordinating group transportation to and from the various events is a thoughtful touch, especially if alcohol is being served.

If you’d like to welcome your guests with a basket of goodies, a personal note, and a wedding weekend outline, have the hotel deliver to the rooms upon check-in. Fill them with local items like snacks and fruit, wine and bubbly, or any other token you’d like. It's all to say how happy you are that they made the journey to celebrate with you. 

Tips for Saving Money on a Destination Wedding

You've decided on a spectacular wedding location. Now it’s time to read up on some helpful destination wedding planning tips.

Manage your guest list.

The number of guests will influence your decisions on everything, beginning with the venue. If you have your heart set on a remote location or a site with limited space, you’ll have to be a bit stricter with your guest list. If you’re not able to shorten your guest list, consider a destination close to your home city. “We offer what we call ‘local destinations’—venues that are near the couple's home area but may require having guests stay overnight,” says wedding planner Holly Olsen. “Guests feel like they are attending a destination wedding, but they didn’t have to get on a plane.”

Consider your wedding date.

If you have your heart set on a popular destination, avoid the high-season crowds, and book your wedding during a quieter time for the locale. A shoulder-season of spring or fall will have the best prices for your guests' airfare and rooms, and you’ll likely get your preferred dates (and perhaps a better deal) at your venue. 

Set up a wedding website.

Create your wedding website as soon as your venue and dates are confirmed. If you’re not hosting all travel and meals for your guests, offer a myriad of choices and details so they can make their arrangements. List luxury, mid-range, and budget suggestions for hotels and include any pre-arranged hotel room blocks or flight blocks from gateway cities with contact information and booking codes. Provide local transportation options, restaurants, sightseeing spots, details about the hosted events, the average temperatures at the destination, any specialty clothing they need, and the dress code for your wedding.

Send save-the-dates.

Mail your save-the-dates with the wedding details and your website information nine to 12 months in advance to give your guests time to determine whether they can attend. It’s helpful to include start and end dates for your entire weekend.

Consider requesting no gifts.

In light of the expenses your guests might incur to attend the wedding, you may want to mention the phrase “your presence is our present" on your website and invitations. Otherwise, if a guest wants to give you a gift, they should have it delivered to your home before the wedding.