With any type of wedding comes the pressure to choose an amazing venue, but with a destination wedding, the stakes are even higher. You have to decide on the perfect location for your I Do’s before you can even begin to think about anything else. So…where to start?
The most important things to consider when opting for a beach/ destination wedding are your:
Budget
The first step of planning any type of wedding is to set your budget, and when you’re planning a destination wedding, this becomes even more essential. The cost breakdown of a destination wedding (i.e. who pays for what) will be generally the same as a non-destination wedding, but you will have additional expenses to account for, such as travel and hotel costs. Your budget will determine where and when you can travel for your destination wedding
Guest List
You probably already have a ballpark idea of how many guests you want to invite to your wedding. But before you choose your location, it’s important to estimate the final number of guests as close as possible — and to consider the type of guests you’re inviting. Asking 200+ people to travel to a remote Italian village might not be completely feasible, especially if some of your guests are very young or very old. If you’re considering getting married abroad, remember that not everyone on your invite list may have a passport or be willing to apply for one, and this could ultimately affect your guest count.
Seasonality
Depending on where in the world you’re getting hitched, weather and climate could impact your wedding day plans. For example, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November and could affect venues in the Caribbean and along the East Coast. In Hawaii, November through March is considered the rainy season. The summer months in Mexico (June, July, August) are known to be extra hot and humid. Before making your final decision about where to host your destination wedding, read up on the annual climate and weather patterns for each location to see how they align with your wedding date. To avoid weather issues altogether, opt for a location that’s known to have sunny, enjoyable weather year-round — Aruba, Barbados, the Canary Islands, southern California, and Greece are just a few.
The world is your oyster, but not without considering a few important details first! Here are a few of our favourite beachfront weddings that cover all your sandy bases.
Thinking of keeping it small and chilled?
1. Rocky’s Boutique Resort in Koh Samui Thailand
This boutique resort is often voted one of the most romantic hotels in Thailand where the service and welcome will make you feel like family. There are secluded cove beaches to have your wedding, where you can choose between a western or Thai style ceremony conducted by Buddhist monks. The hotel’s small size means it can cater for up to 60 guests or hold a ceremony for just the two of you. You can have a water blessing, a long drum parade, or Thai flower girls and umbrella bearers adding an impact to your entrance down the aisle. If you dream of a sun-drenched wedding on a golden sand beach surrounded by turquoise seas then adds Rocky’s to your shortlist. It’s petite, chic and perfect for an intimate luxury wedding.
Or maybe you’ve always wanted a big blow out beach party?
2.Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
If you’re dreaming of an island destination wedding, head to beautiful no.1 wedding destination, Jamaica and this all-inclusive resort. With so many beach wedding packages to choose from, you can easily plan a wedding to fit your style and budget. And whether you’re looking to wed on the beach or in a garden, there are lots of venues to choose from. With packages for 50+ rooms, there is space for you to share your wedding with as many family and friends as you’d like, and with the more people you bring, the more Bells & Whistles are included. allowing you to pick the perks that mean the most to you. All the things that make Jamaica such a uniquely spectacular destination are at the heart of Sandals Ochi. “Jamaica’s most dramatic luxury adults-only resort has truly arrived”
Looking for a real experience of paradise?
3.The Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas
From The Cloisters to the Versailles Gardens and Terrace, this Bahamas oasis on Paradise Island will provide you with the best of both worlds: a classic beach wedding and worldly escape all in one, capped off with the level of service one expects whenever they lay their head at a Four Seasons.
Embrace the endless photo opportunities on the property before and after your ceremony; end the evening dining and dancing al fresco. Celebrate the most important day of your life in The Ocean Club’s tropical luxury – whether you dream of casual beachside chic or classic elegance framed by sweeping lawns and Versailles-inspired gardens. The stunning outdoor venues can host up to 250 guests. With Four Seasons wedding expertise shaping every detail, we’ll create the ultimate destination wedding on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
Bringing any bride’s fairy tale to life, from the whimsical statues of Cupid and Psyche to the koi fish ponds that crown the top of the stair-stepped garden, every element of the space truly fills you with enchantment.
Feeling something a little bit more bohemian?
If a hip, the creative aesthetic is your thing, then Skylark – described as a “Havana heyday-era bohemian beach resort”- is the perfect place for your wedding. Along with sister hotel Rockhouse, the whimsical pastel-palette resort sits on the white sands and crystal clear waters of Negril’s famed Seven Mile Beach.
Whether you are planning an intimate sunset ceremony or an elaborate weekend affair filling the entire hotel with friends and family, the exceptional and experienced wedding team will be there to help you create a special and memorable occasion tailored just for you. It’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere is perfect for those of you wanting to celebrate your big day in style but also relax to the fullest with their chilled out vibe.
Maybe you’re thinking of renewing your vows & just want it to be the two of you?
5.Velassaru in South Male Atoll, The Maldives
If you and you’re partner have been thinking about sewing your vows and maybe doing things a little bit differently then considering taking a romantic holiday for two, to an exclusive resort with picture-perfect views on the private island of Velassaru, the perfect location for a serene Maldivian wedding. A tropical hideaway in the South Malé Atoll, this luxury island features a stunning turquoise lagoon, as well as one of the region’s most dazzling and pristine beaches.
Velassaru’s exceptional setting makes it the perfect spot for a simple and romantic beach wedding. Make your special day extraordinary by conducting your blessing at a serene beachfront location, right by the water’s edge.
Or maybe something a little closer to home?
6.Polhawn Fort, Cornwall
When the Brits want beaches, where do they head? To Cornwall, of course.
Polhawn Fort, an elusive wedding venue on the cornish coast, is one of those rare, coastal wedding venues that remains entirely unspoilt and wonderfully secluded. This romantic, exclusive use venue comes complete with a private access beach and stunning views across the azure Cornish sea.
Tie the knot in the ancient Fort or opt for a more relaxed affair in the summer house overlooking the bay. An inside wedding can be grand and formal or small and simple. It’s up to you. There are two rooms within the Forts mighty walls where you can tie the knot. For maximum wow factor, there’s The Grand Napoleonic Hall which seats up to 120 guests. The Emperors Room is perfect for small and intimate weddings with up to 30 guests. Receptions can be held in a marquee on the lawn, or indoors as well. The choice is all yours; either way, you’re guaranteed a view to remember.
What if you just truly cannot stand the idea of sand?
Ok so yes a beach wedding is beautiful but we know that many of you will be reading this and recoiling ‘but all that sand!!’ fear not! There are plenty of other options for those of you who have always dreamed of a beachfront wedding but hate the thought of sand your wedding day… not to worry! There a plenty of places that can offer to beach al la sand. Greece is a country full of jaw-droppingly gorgeous beaches oh which some of the most stunning are pebble and grass.
7. Aegean Dream Weddings provide amazing packages for weddings all over the Greek islands, from Skopelos to Skiathos, famously known for being where the Mamma Mia movie was filmed.
The beautiful heritage and picturesque streets, covered by wild pink bougainvillaea, create the absolute perfect background for an ideal wedding day. You have many different options with their packages including charming beachfront wedding ceremonies and reception or a privately chartered traditional boat wedding and reception in a beachfront traditional tavern.
We hope this list has been useful and given you some ideas into all of the wonderful beach and destination weddings options that are out there.
Here are a few more extra tips for you to keep in mind when booking a destination wedding
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your travel dates – six months is the minimum entrance requirement in some parts of the world.
- If you can, visit your venue in advance – nothing beats meeting potential suppliers in person and you can combine your trip with a hair and makeup trial if required.
- Book a space for your gown in the business class coat cupboard of your chosen airline.
- Arrange for your gown to be steamed before the big day.
- If you are tying the knot in tropical climes, check well in advance whether there any medical requirements (vaccinations, malaria tablets etc.).
- Organise specialist destination wedding insurance, just in case.
We can’t wait to see the pictures of all of your dreamy beach weddings and for those of you not opting for a jet away ceremony then these are also great options for your honeymoon!