Destination weddings are a dream event. Couples get to celebrate one of the most special days in their lives surrounded by closest friends and families in a jaw-droppingly beautiful setting. It’s an ideal combination of big event and group vacation, with options for plenty of pre and post-ceremony celebrations. Whether it’s returning to a favorite vacation spot or getting married in a locale they’ve always yearned to visit, a destination wedding creates unique memories both for the wedding couple and for each attending guest. Our groups experts selected four of our most-booked beach destination wedding locations that provide a wide range of options for every couple to help you plan a memorable affair for everyone involved. Plus, we selected two go-to resorts within each destination.
Cancun
Ideal for having it all, one of the best beach wedding spots is Cancun. With its fairly central location, Cancun is easy to get to for both east and west coast travelers. Beautiful beaches, numerous resorts at a variety of price points, and countless activities makes this Mexico favorite an easy choice. Cancun offers gorgeous tropical weather, surreal sunsets, perfect white sand, and vivid cerulean water. And whether your guests are partiers or relaxation seekers (or a combination of both), there’s plenty of ways to keep them occupied in between scheduled wedding events.
Although there are multiple other indoor and outdoor venue options, Hyatt Ziva Cancun’s beautiful, cliffside Sky Gazebo has panoramic views of the Caribbean sea that’s ideal for wedding ceremonies. From beachside to ballroom The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun offers several venues, with multiple locations that take advantage of the resort’s lush surroundings.
Riviera Maya
South of Cancun is another popular choices, the Riviera Maya. Although not far from Cancun, this Yucatan destination is a very different experience. Its long beaches and uninterrupted coastline make for some of the best walking beaches in the Caribbean. The now famous Playa del Carmen boasts a pedestrian thoroughfare, offering blocks of shops, restaurants, and night life ranging from bars to dance clubs. To the south, Tulum is home to a quieter experience alongside the preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city that’s perched above a beach.
From intimate to lavish, the Hilton Playa Del Carmen creates the ideal ambiance with beachside, garden, and infinity deck venue spots. Another wonderful choice is the Royalton Riviera Cancun, with six wedding venues including the gorgeous sky terrace and the ocean view gazebo.
Jamaica
For those who are willing to venture a bit farther south, Jamaica is a fabulous choice with a laidback vibe. Numerous beachfront resorts provide the perfect beach backdrop for the big day. And beyond the breathtaking beaches, guests can explore lush rainforests, swim under waterfalls, taste the world-famous cuisine, and befriend welcoming locals. Jamaica’s easygoing ambiance will help keep away wedding stress to remind the wedding couple that their event is also a vacation to remember.
A proven favorite, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is ideally situated between the Caribbean waters and the mountains and boasts space for up to 1,000 guests within a plethora of venue options. Another tried-and-true option is Moon Palace Jamaica, with gorgeous locales including the Starlight Terrace and beachfront Sun Garden.
Punta Cana
Next on the list is Punta Cana, the eastern most province in the Dominican Republic. One of our favorite beaches in the country, it hosts idyllic, white sand and epic views that make the perfect setting for a romantic sunset ceremony. Punta Cana is famous for being home to some of the world’s best golf courses that cater to every skill level. While some of your guests golf, others can unwind in state-of-the-art spas, explore the underwater world while snorkeling, or just relax on the beach.
The adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana hosts picture-perfect ceremonies against the swaying palm trees of Juanillo Beach, their luxurious oceanfront gazebo, and other opulent options. The castle-like setting of Sanctuary Cap Cana is an all-inclusive, adults-only option with venues located throughout the property for a variety of ceremony preferences.
There’s so much to do when planning a destination wedding and finding the perfect location is just the beginning. Which is why getting some extra guidance is the way to go. Contact your GOGO group specialist to get started.
