How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?
Learn More About How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost
A destination wedding is something that many couples daydream about – saying “I do” in a far-away destination, such as a tropical island – and celebrating with their closest friends and family for days. Most often, however, the thought is immediately followed by questions like, “Can we afford it?” and “Is it realistic for our budget?”
Inherently, many assume that destination weddings come with a high price tag. After all, destination weddings often take place in beautiful, out-of-the-box locations and are held at luxurious, top-notch wedding resorts. They can require international travel, on top of several nights of accommodations for both the wedding and honeymoon stay. Yet despite all of this, the costs are considerably low. Today, the average cost of a destination wedding abroad is half the average cost of a traditional, at-home affair.
Let’s get to the specific wedding budget breakdown:
Average cost of a domestic wedding: $30,000
Average cost of a destination wedding: $9,850*
The average cost of a destination wedding can vary year-to-year and place-to-place, but generally speaking, destination weddings are more cost-effective for couples. Based on our customer data, couples who marry abroad spend less than $10,000, on average, for their entire wedding experience. Meanwhile, traditional, local weddings cost closer to $20,000-$30,000 per couple.
For both types of weddings, location can make all the difference in the dollar amount. For example, traditional weddings in New York City can cost upwards of $45,000+ for couples, while a wedding near the Midwest may cost closer to $25,000. Meanwhile, domestic destination weddings – weddings held 200+ miles from home, but still within the United States – cost about $35,000 for couples, according to The Knot’s 2023 Real Weddings Survey. This is largely due to the fact that domestic weddings have a longer guest list, where the couple is paying a per person (or per plate) fee out of their own pocket. With an all-inclusive destination wedding, this hefty cost is covered in the flat (and affordable) package price.
What Do Couples Pay for with a Destination Wedding?
Planning a wedding on a budget can seem difficult, but there are costs associated with a destination wedding that you can prepare for ahead of time.
Many of these are in line with traditional wedding expenses, like the wedding attire and invitations, while others are unique to a destination wedding abroad.
We’ve taken out the guesswork by outlining the average destination wedding cost for international weddings today.
Do Couples Pay for Guests Attending a Destination Wedding?
A common misconception regarding destination weddings is that the couple must pay for guests’ travel.
While you may choose to cover airfare and/or hotel accommodations for a close loved one or two, (perhaps those who could not afford to make the trip otherwise), this is not the expectation.
After all, couples having a traditional wedding don’t typically cover travel costs for out-of-town guests.
Destination Wedding Cost Savings Tips
A destination wedding is a fraction of the price compared to a traditional, close-to-home celebration. In addition to all-inclusive offerings and shorter guest lists, part of that also has to do with the lack of add-on expenses.
When you have a wedding in a beautiful location abroad, the destination speaks for itself. Whether you get married on a beach, surrounded by white sands and palm trees, or say “I do” atop a mountain at sunset, not much else is needed – no fancy decorations, no extravagant aisle runner or canopy.
Destination Wedding
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. We help you create your big day with ease.
What Is It?
If you are recently engaged and dreaming of jet-setting away to say “I do,” you are not alone.
How Does It Work?
As you set out to tie the knot, you may be intrigued by the idea of having a destination wedding.