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Aerial view of sailboat in turquoise Caribbean waters
Destination Wedding Mexico & The Caribbean  ·  Top Picks & Planning Guide
Love + Leisure Boutique Travel Agency
A guide for the discerning destination couple
Aerial Caribbean beach for venue scouting01
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Love + LeisureVibe & Feel
  • First impression upon arrival and drive-in
  • First impression of the event space
  • First impression of the ceremony space
  • Overall venue condition and appearance
  • Top venue and location options on property
  • Alignment with your theme, décor, and mood
  • Capacity: cocktail, ceremony, dancing, reception
Planning Considerations
  • Available dates in your preferred month
  • Ceremony location options and time slots
  • What is included in the wedding package?
  • Can you hold a rehearsal, and is there a fee?
  • Is the venue coordinator present all day?
  • Any scheduled renovations or construction?
  • Getting-ready suites for bride and groom?
  • Restrictions on outside vendors, décor, candles?
  • Number of weddings hosted on property per day
  • Outside vendor policies and associated fees
  • Adequate natural and artificial lighting?
  • Does the space feel safe and welcoming for guests?
  • Nearby accommodations for your guest room block
  • Transportation logistics and estimated costs
  • Bathroom conditions and accessibility
  • Distance between ceremony and reception space
  • Inclement weather contingency. Request to see it
  • Setup start and end time windows
  • Reception end time and noise curfew
  • Vendor arrival and departure requirements
  • Can you bring your own planner or decorator?
  • Review venue décor and rental inventory
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Love + LeisureFood & Beverage
  • Menu and cake tasting available?
  • Tasting fee and scheduling window?
  • Number of guests included in the tasting
  • Vendor meal options and costs
  • Cake styles and pricing
  • Full menu and bar options with costs
  • Menu substitutions available?
  • Cost of champagne and sparkling toasts
  • Policy on outside liquor or food
  • Special dietary and allergy accommodations
  • Catering style: plated, buffet, or stations
  • Maximum guest count for a plated dinner
Logistics & A/V
  • DJ and audio visual policies and options
  • Communication method and response time
  • Can items be hung from the ceiling?
  • Draping options available on property
  • Security and storage for personal items
  • Floor plans and what furniture can be moved
  • Table, chair, and linen inventory
  • In-house vs. outside catering policy
  • Obtain images and video of every space
Next Steps
  • Request a written proposal and contract
  • Compare against your vision and guest count
  • Align with Love + Leisure on group room blocks
  • Follow up with your planner within 48 hours
  • Share your notes and photos with your partner

Begin Your Journey

Your complimentary consultation is waiting.

Destination wedding budget guide Mexico and Caribbean
Destination Wedding · Investment GuideLove + Leisure
Couple's Investment · Based on 60 Guests

Sample Budget Ranges

Guest room costs paid independently · F&B included in all-inclusive rate · Rates vary by season & room category
Adult All-InclusiveAdult OnlySecrets MoxchePlaya del Carmen, MX Family All-InclusiveAll AgesDreams Playa MujeresCancún, Mexico Adult All-InclusiveBoutique · Adult OnlyGrand Velas BoutiqueLos Cabos, Mexico Family All-InclusiveAll AgesHyatt Ziva Cap CanaDominican Republic
Avg. Rate Per Person/Night (double occupancy)$350–$600+$424–$700+$500–$900+$405–$740+
Wedding Package + Reception (60 guests)*from $12,049from $12,049$8,000–$20,000$5,000–$15,000
Floral & Décor Upgrades$5,000–$15,000$3,500–$10,000$5,000–$14,000$3,000–$9,000
Photography (8 hrs)$4,500–$10,000$3,500–$7,000$4,500–$10,000$3,500–$7,000
Videography$2,500–$5,000$2,000–$4,500$2,500–$6,000$2,000–$4,500
DJ / Entertainment$2,000–$5,000$1,500–$3,500$2,500–$6,000$1,500–$3,500
Outside Wedding Planner$3,500–$8,000$2,500–$6,000$3,500–$8,000$2,500–$6,000
Hair & Makeup$800–$2,500$600–$2,000$800–$2,500$600–$2,000
Outside Vendor Fees$1,000–$3,000$500–$2,000$500–$2,000$0–$1,500
Legal / Document Fees$300–$600$300–$600$300–$600$300–$600
Couple's Estimated Investment$32K–$61K+$26K–$48K+$27K–$69K+$18K–$49K+
*Wedding Package includes private ceremony, cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner & 3-hr private reception with open bar, buffet & wedding cake. Secrets Moxche & Dreams Playa Mujeres reflects the "Beyond Memorable" package (Hyatt Inclusive Collection, verified). Avg. rate shown for reference. Group block rates negotiated separately. Guest room costs paid independently. All figures vary by season, room category, and selections.
Best destination wedding resorts Mexico
Resort Guide · MexicoLove + Leisure
Top Recommended ResortsCurated by Love + Leisure · loveleisuretravel.com

Cancún & Riviera Maya

Adult All-Inclusive
  • Impressions Isla Mujeres
  • Secrets Moxche
  • Le Blanc Spa Resort
  • UNICO 2087
  • Hotel Mousai
Adults 16+
  • Xcaret Arte
  • Atelier Playa Mujeres
Family All-Inclusive
  • Xcaret Mexico
  • AVA Resort Cancún
  • Dreams Playa Mujeres
  • Garza Blanca Cancún
  • Hyatt Ziva Cancún
European Plan
  • Nizuc Resort & Spa
  • Banyan Tree Mayakoba
  • Rosewood Mayakoba
  • Etereo, Auberge Resorts
  • St. Regis Kanai

Los Cabos

Adult All-Inclusive
  • Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
  • Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
  • Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
  • Breathless Cabo San Lucas
Family All-Inclusive
  • Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos
  • Garza Blanca Preserve Cabo
  • Grand Velas Los Cabos
  • Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
European Plan
  • Montage Los Cabos
  • Esperanza, Auberge Resorts
  • Chileno Bay Resort, Auberge Resorts
  • Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
We know these properties personally. Ask us anything.
Best destination wedding resorts Jamaica Dominican Republic
Resort Guide · CaribbeanLove + Leisure
Jamaica & Dominican RepublicCaribbean Collection · Curated by Love + Leisure · loveleisuretravel.com

Jamaica

Family All-Inclusive
  • Hyatt Ziva / Zilara Rose Hall
  • Beaches Negril
  • Moon Palace Jamaica
  • Jewel Grande Montego Bay
Adult All-Inclusive
  • Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
  • Secrets Wild Orchid
  • Sandals Negril
European Plan
  • Round Hill Hotel & Villas

Dominican Republic

Family All-Inclusive
  • Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
  • Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana
  • Zemi Miches, Curio by Hilton
Adult All-Inclusive
  • Sanctuary Cap Cana
  • Secrets Cap Cana
  • Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
  • Secrets Royal Beach
European Plan · AI Add-On Available
  • Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
We know these properties personally. Ask us anything.
Love + Leisure Exclusive

Up to $1,000 in Complimentary Credit
for Your Wedding or Social Group

For new bookings, receive up to $1,000 to be redeemed as you desire. Upgrade, event, or flight credit. For a destination wedding or social group in Mexico or the Caribbean.

75 PAID ROOM NIGHTS $500 CREDIT
100 PAID ROOM NIGHTS $750 CREDIT
125 PAID ROOM NIGHTS $1,000 CREDIT

Terms & conditions apply. Valid for new destination wedding and social group bookings in Mexico or the Caribbean. Reach out today to schedule your complimentary consultation.