June kicks off the wedding season. While those who will soon say their “I do’s” at the altar may be getting the jitters, the countdown begins for couples who will exchange their vows this time next year. Start planning now. Maybe your wildest dream is a destination wedding in some far- flung location like the Maldives. But if you have more imagination than money, that’s not to say you’ll have to settle for some hall close to home. Here are some ideas for budget-friendly destination weddings.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Everything irie! You can’t go wrong at the Hilton Rose Hall on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. HRH offers weddings for free with their “Just For the Two of You” and “Intimate Elegance” package options. For the “Just For the Two of You” package, couples get a complimentary wedding for two with a seven-night stay, including amenities like a ceremony destination (oceanside, in a gazebo or under an aqueduct archway!), bridal bouquet, officiant, wedding cake, sparkling wine, and access to an on-site professional wedding concierge. With rooms at the luxury, all-inclusive hotel starting at $270/night, a couple can have the intimate wedding of their dreams for as little as $1,890 (which covers a seven-day honeymoon at the resort). For those who want their peeps present, the “Intimate Elegance” package also offers a wedding for free with up to 10 guests with the purchase of 25 room nights (as low as $6,750 total). Along with all of the amenities of the “Just for Two” package, the “Intimate Elegance” offering also includes a couple’s massage and a romantic dinner for two. Champagne and rum punch, yeah that works.
Castile, New York
Letchworth State Park in upstate New York is often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Better still, there are waterfalls. The historic Glen Iris Inn is idyllic with that backdrop. The rental fee is $200 for 50 guests. Your guests will love you even more because the rooms start at just $115 a night and they’ll find it as romantic as you do with views of the falls and surrounding gorge.
Ivins, Utah
That legendary red rock landscape there is oh so romantic. The Red Mountain Resort is the spot if you’re looking for a destination that’s big on adventure and wellness. The resort can accommodate weddings from eight to 100 guests and also offers vow renewal and elopement services with packages starting at $500. Wedding services include an on-site wedding planner and officiant, bridal bouquets and boutonnieres, private ceremony indoors or in the Glen Canyon Gazebo, on-site catering and wedding cake baking, spa treatments, photography, Anvi Despacho Ceremony, a traditional Peruvian cleansing ceremony. Outdoorsy couples will love that Zion National Park, Sand Hollow State Park and Snow Canyon State Park are nearby.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
You already know-how beautiful the DR is. Sanctuary Cap Cana will make you feel like that other royal couple, Meghan and Harry. The adults-only, all-inclusive recalls a Spanish castle. For up to 10 guests and a 25-room booking, guests get a complimentary wedding ceremony through the resort’s “Majestic Intimate Elegance” package. The bride and groom can take advantage of free pre-planning services by on-site professionals, a wedding cake, a couple’s massage, discounts on top-shelf liquor, and a complimentary dinner reservation for 12 guests at one of the resort’s gourmet restaurants on the evening of the ceremony. How does a 5-star DR paradise starting at $9,250, including rooms for the couple and their guests sound?
Atlantic Beach, Florida
One Ocean Resort & Spa is oceanfront on Atlantic Beach. There’s plenty to love here, whether you want outdoor wedding space options with covered or uncovered cocktail reception areas or ballrooms if you so desire. You can go intimate or up to 200 people with a custom-designed wedding. Pledge your love to one another barefoot in the sand if that’s how you’d like to roll on the big day. Know too that you’ll get more than just a fantastic view. The food is award winning. Leave the details to the wedding coordinators while you absorb the magic in the air.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo is cool, cultured, with walkable art exhibits, live jazz and elevated cuisine—especially seafood. You two will have plenty of choices. Consider the Paradise package at Grand Solmar at Land’s End Resort & Spa. You’ll be surprised what you get for $2,399. For starters, stunning scenery. It’s set in the secluded cove of Los Cabos’ Land’s End and the backdrop of the majestic Pacific Ocean. Imagine a gazebo decked out in seasonal flowers overlooking the Pacific. The package also offers flexible beauty options. You can pick between one makeup and hairstyle session or one deluxe manicure. The newlyweds will also be able to enjoy a 50-minute couple’s massage at the Sea Cabanas, perched on the slopes of Mount Solmar. While there, enjoy deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking, and of course sailing by the landmark El Arco.