A wedding is a joyous occasion celebrating a couple that is ready to take the leap and commit themselves to each other. But it can also be very complicated to execute. Over time, the standards for weddings have somewhat changed. That change has reflected in the sheer amount of energy and planning that a wedding takes.
Booking the ceremony and reception venue(s), paying for a bartender or refreshments, booking a catering service, hiring a DJ or live musical performances, purchasing decorations, buying tickets for transportation and buying cake are just some of the essentials that couples need to consider when planning their special day. It can all add up fairly quickly.
Expensive and luxury options are glamorized and some couples go to extreme lengths (like deep debt) to gain their dream wedding experience. With the cost of wedding planners and all the deposits needed to secure the essentials of a matrimonial celebration, it can feel almost impossible to get the wedding of your dreams for under $5000.
However, feeling impossible does not mean impossible. Here are some great, budget-friendly options for having the destination wedding of your dreams all for under $5000. it is possible to have a luxurious wedding without the monstrous price tag!
Cancun’s Best All-Inclusive Wedding Package Under $5000
The Dreams Jade Resort sits right on the white sand beach in Riviera Maya, Cancun. This Hyatt resort has suites with tropical views, a spa, 24 hour concierge and room service and more. It overlooks serene turquoise waters and is a great location for couples who want a luxe all-inclusive wedding.
All-Inclusive Package Offerings
Couples who want to get married in Cancun can book the resort’s Dreams Ultimate wedding package. This package includes preparational assistance and a ceremony with many embellishments.
Couples will have an on-site wedding coordinator that will ensure the ceremony runs smoothly, even taking care of minute details like getting the couple’s wedding attire ironed. The ceremony will go off without a hitch since the couple can depend on their coordinator and ample package features. Couples will be provided ceremony decor like bouquets and floral table centerpieces and up to 30 chairs.
Other perks include: a sound system for music, newlywed package (bottle of sparkling wine and breakfast in bed with mimosas), a complimentary couples spa treatment and one or two additional free nights on anniversary celebration (with minimum of either four or five paid nights during anniversary date).
Of course, an essential part of a wedding is documenting the ceremony, so this package takes care of that by providing full video coverage. A wedding album will be provided to couples after their wedding, as well as 50 high resolution digital images.
This package has a selling price of $3,799 and couples should aim to book at least one year in advance.
Have an Affordable Destination Wedding in Antigua
Antigua is a Caribbean island and private property that is known for its cozy appeal. Couples can enjoy the intimate setting and its friendly locals on their visit to tie the knot. The Royalton Antigua resort was built in 2020 and has 24/7 room service, eight restaurants, spacious rooms and Casino Royale Antigua.
All-Inclusive Package Offerings
The Royalton Antigua offers the Refined Wedding package which includes a three hour reception, open bar, and plenty of ceremony decor. A personal wedding planner and coordinator, room upgrade for the wedding couple, breakfast in bed after the wedding, sparkling wine toast, a cocktail party, one hour of open bar service, a three hour private reception and a two tier wedding cake.
Couples can book this package online and coordinate with the resort to customize their experience. This wedding package starts at $4,199.
Saint Lucia Has Heavenly Wedding Venues
This island is known for its pristine beaches, lush forests and lively nightlife. St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands and is an extremely romantic destination. Couples will appreciate the adults-only area that the Royalton St. Lucia is in and will reminisce on saying their vows in such a heavenly paradise.
All-Inclusive Package Offerings
The resort has 24/7 room service, nine restaurants, jacuzzi tubs and many other features that couples and their wedding guests can enjoy during their stay.
The refined wedding package in Saint Lucia is similar to the option in Antigua, but it offers a more secluded experience and many venue options. Couples can choose between a beach, garden gazebo, sky terrace or club deck venue for their ceremony. The beach venue has the largest guest capacity (200) with the sky terrace coming in second (150) and the garden gazebo (40) and club deck (30) host the least amount of guests. The sky terrace and beach venues can be booked for wedding ceremonies, receptions and cocktail hours while the garden gazebo and club deck venues are available for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours.
Couples will receive refreshments while preparing for the ceremony, bouquets and boutonnières, sparkling wine toast, a three hour private reception, three hours of standard open bar, a two tier wedding cake and personalized menu cards for their reception and cocktail hour. All of this starts at a cost of $3,999 but can be customized based on the couple’s preferences.
Costa Rica Is a Matrimonial Getaway
Costa Rica is known for beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife and warm weather. It is a biodiverse place that has volcanoes, rivers and jungles that couples can explore on their wedding trip. The Dreams Las Mareas resort is located an hour away from the Liberia airport and is a hidden gem.
All-Inclusive Package Offerings
The Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica is a luxurious getaway that offers a first class wedding package to couples desiring a destination wedding. Couples can create a custom experience for themselves and have access to many online resources, like a wedding coordinator and checklists to keep organized while planning.
The dreams ultimate package includes semi-private rehearsal dinner (10 guests maximum), ceremony decor, wedding cake and sparkling wine, private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres (for up to 30 guests), live music and a wedding album and video of the ceremony for $3,799.