The Real Cost of a Destination Wedding in Mexico & the Caribbean
Photo: Ava Cancun
What No One Tells You About Fees, Timing, and Hidden Costs
Getting married at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean is a dream for so many couples. Picture it: ocean views, warm breezes, your favorite people, and a stress-free celebration in paradise.
But here’s the part most people don’t talk about—the cost.
Not just the wedding package price you see online, but the real cost of a destination wedding, including fees, timelines, and details that often surprise couples later in the planning process. Before you choose your resort or sign any paperwork, this is information you absolutely need to know.
I’m here to shed some light.
Why You Can’t Know Your Final Wedding Cost a Year in Advance
One of the most common questions I get is:
“How much will my destination wedding cost?”
The honest answer? You likely won’t know the exact final number until much closer to your wedding date.
Here’s why.
Most all-inclusive resorts don’t finalize wedding pricing until about three months before travel. Around that time, couples complete a detailed wedding planning form covering everything from décor and flowers to welcome parties and reception details.
Then—once you arrive at the resort in the days leading up to your wedding—you finalize the last details and receive your final invoice, which is often paid on site at the resort.
This is completely normal in the destination wedding world, but it catches many couples off guard—especially those who want firm numbers a year or more in advance.
Hidden Fees You Need to Know About
While destination weddings can be incredible value, there are potential fees that couples don’t always anticipate. Let’s break down the most common ones.
1. Outside Vendor Fees
All-inclusive resorts typically have approved, in-house vendors. If you want to bring in an outside photographer, videographer, DJ, or hair and makeup team, there may be a fee.
These fees vary widely:
A few hundred dollars in some cases
$1,000+ per vendor at other resorts
Sometimes a per-vendor fee (yes, per person)
In addition, resorts may require:
Vendor day passes
Multiple day passes for vendor teams
Or even an overnight stay at the resort
Some resorts prohibit outside vendors altogether. If you have a very specific aesthetic or dream vendor in mind, this is something you must ask about early.
2. Guest Stay Requirements & Day Passes
All-inclusive resorts are hotels first—not event venues. Because of this, most resorts require a minimum percentage of your wedding guests to stay on-site.
If guests choose to stay elsewhere:
They’ll usually need a day pass to attend your wedding
Someone must pay for that day pass—you or your guests
I strongly recommend that guests staying off-site cover their own day pass cost. I’ve seen couples take this expense on themselves, only to be shocked by how quickly it adds up—especially for larger weddings.
Make sure:
You understand the resort’s on-site guest requirement
It’s clearly outlined in your contract or room block agreement
3. Taxes, Service Charges & Setup Fees
This is where many couples get tripped up.
Décor catalogues often list prices that do not include taxes or service fees. In the fine print, you may see an additional 15–20% added to everything.
Other potential add-on fees include:
Ceremony or reception location fees
Setup fees for specialty décor (glass aisles, over-water structures, custom installs)
Minimum guest requirements for certain venues
Extra costs if guest minimums aren’t met
That stunning venue you saw on Instagram? It might come with a $2,000 rental fee.
What Really Determines the Cost of Your Wedding
Two factors impact your final cost more than anything else:
1. Guest Count
You can’t price your wedding accurately until you know how many guests are actually attending.
Forty guests vs. eighty guests can double:
Chair rentals
Tables
Florals
Food & beverage
2. Add-Ons & Décor Choices
Every resort offers a base wedding package, but almost everything beyond that is optional:
Floral upgrades
Premium venues
Additional events
Outside vendors
Some couples choose minimal décor and let the scenery shine. Others go all-out with elaborate floral installations. Both are beautiful—but the cost difference is significant.
The package price you see online is rarely the final number.
How to Plan Smart (and Avoid Stress)
Here’s how to protect yourself financially while planning a destination wedding:
Ask These Questions Before You Sign
What is your outside vendor policy?
Are there vendor or day pass fees?
What percentage of guests must stay on-site?
What happens if guests stay elsewhere?
Review Pricing Carefully
Ask for the most recent décor catalogues
If booking far in advance (ex: 2027), assume a ~15% annual price increase
Confirm what prices include—and what they don’t
Decide on Vendors Early
Sometimes paying an outside vendor fee actually saves money, because local vendors price with those fees in mind.
Keep a Contingency Fund
Set aside extra funds for:
Unexpected fees
Last-minute upgrades
“We really want this” moments
This will save you a lot of stress.
The Good News: How Couples Actually Save Money
Destination weddings aren’t just about fees—there are also incredible promotions most couples don’t even know exist.
Complimentary Events
Depending on the resort and promotion, you may earn:
A complimentary wedding ceremony
A welcome party
A cocktail hour
Portions of your reception
These perks are often tied to room bookings and guest count.
Complimentary Room Nights
Many resorts offer:
Every 6th, 8th, or 10th room free
Instead of a free room, couples usually receive the cash value of that room back on their credit card—often totaling thousands of dollars. This money can be used however you want, including covering wedding expenses.
Complimentary Wedding Packages
Some resorts will fully comp the base wedding package once you hit a certain number of rooms or guests.
Why the Right Resort (and the Right Advisor) Matters
Promotions vary wildly by resort. Some offer very little. Others offer massive incentives.
Working with a destination wedding travel specialist who understands:
Resort contracts
Promotions
Wedding logistics
can literally save you thousands of dollars—and help you avoid costly surprises.
Final Thoughts
Destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean aren’t about hidden costs—they’re about understanding the process.
When you know what to expect, plan ahead, and take advantage of promotions, most couples actually come out ahead.
If you need help choosing the right resort or navigating these details, my team and I would love to help.
Until next time—
Happy wedding planning!