Can you actually have a destination wedding for under $5000? It sounds like a stretch, especially when you start Googling resort packages and seeing numbers that make your eyes water. But destination wedding packages under $5000 are more realistic than most people think, you just have to know where to look and what to prioritize.
Hi! We’re Love at First Travel, a Canadian destination wedding travel agent team that helps couples plan weddings abroad without the overwhelm. If you’re trying to figure out how to stretch your budget further or find a resort that actually fits what you’re looking for, we’re here to help. Come say hi on Instagram or reach out whenever you’re ready to chat.
This post was originally published in 2017 but was updated as of February 2026 so YES – it is STILL possible to have a destination wedding for under $5000.
Even if you are not quite ready to reach out, we have a backpocket guide (over 100 pages) that costs less than having your Starbucks coffee delivered. You can grab it here!
Destination Wedding Packages Under $5000
These aren’t all the wedding packages that are under $5000 (not even close!), but our goal here is to educate you (and inspire you!) on what is possible when you choose to get married abroad. Weddings Under $5000 are popular in the Destination Wedding world! All of the packages below are in USD.
Wedding Packages Under $5000 are considered “budget” in the wedding world but I think you can see below that you get a lot more for your money when you leave your hometown. A few important things to note though:
- We don’t like to use the word “impossible” around here, but it’s important to note most of these packages include less than 30 guests. Just like most weddings, the larger your guest list is, the more expensive it’s likely to be.
- These destination wedding packages are less than $ 5,000, but they don’t include wedding costs like your attire, your travel and accommodations, or extra decor items. With that said, there are even more affordable packages than we have listed below (especially if you are okay with having your reception at a resort restaurant instead of a private event).
- Most of our couples get cash back from the airline after their trip (YAY!), which ranges significantly depending on their guest list. But keep in mind that you have to pay for everything upfront before you receive that, so we don’t like to recommend working it into your budget! Ask your travel agent for more details.
For each resort below, we have shared each resort’s best value package (in our opinion). Most of them have a less expensive (or free!) package and a more expensive package.
Why Mexico Is the Most Affordable Destination Wedding Option for Budget-Conscious Couples Coming From Canada
It’s also worth saying upfront, when you start looking at destination wedding packages under $5000, Mexico keeps showing up for a reason. It is not just about pretty beaches and perfect weather. It is about real affordability that actually makes sense for Canadian couples trying to stretch their dollars.
Mexico has more all-inclusive resorts competing for your business than almost anywhere else in the Caribbean. That competition works in your favour. Resorts in Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Puerto Vallarta are constantly offering perks, upgrades, and wedding packages designed to win you over. And because there are so many direct flights from Canadian cities, you are not paying premium prices just to get there.
Compare that to other popular spots where flights are pricier, resort options are limited, and wedding packages often come with higher base costs. Mexico just hits different when you are working with a real budget.
A couple of reasons Mexico tends to come out ahead:
- More resorts means more package options at every price point
- Shorter flights from most Canadian cities keep airfare reasonable
It is not that other destinations are bad. They are beautiful too. While Mexico is the most popular destination wedding location for us, we also have couples choose dreamy destinations like Jamaica, Costa Rica, or the Dominican Republic. But if your goal is a stunning beach wedding without blowing past $5000, Mexico gives you the most room to breathe.
The affordability is real, and so is the experience. That is why so many of our couples end up choosing Mexico when the budget matters just as much as the view.
What a Destination Wedding Package Under $5000 Actually Includes
Most packages under $5000 in Mexico cover the ceremony basics: a symbolic wedding ceremony, an officiant, a simple floral arrangement for the ceremony space, and a small bouquet and boutonniere. Some include a cake, a bottle of sparkling wine for toasting, and a dinner reservation at one of the resort restaurants. A few even throw in a room upgrade or spa credit depending on how many guests are booking rooms.
What you typically will not see included at this price point:
- A private reception venue or cocktail hour (although the options we’ve included below do include a private reception, and some include a cocktail hour, which is partly why they are our favorites).
- Professional photography beyond a basic session
- Hair and makeup services
- Custom decor or upgraded florals
- Live music or a DJ
That does not mean you cannot add those things. It just means they come at an extra cost, and knowing that upfront helps you plan smarter.
The key is reading the fine print before you fall in love with a package. Ask what is actually included, what counts as an upgrade, and whether there are any minimums attached.
5 Real Wedding Packages at Popular Mexico Resorts That Cost Less Than $5000
We believe these inclusions to be accurate at the time of writing but always encourage couples to confirm with the resort in writing what the bulk of what their package includes (many offer things like a room upgrade or spa service, but for the sake of space, we’ve left off those extras in this blog post as they aren’t typically the deciding factor in a destination wedding package under $5000).
Dreams Jade Riviera Cancun
The eternal love package offers a private reception for up to 20 guests and comes in at $4,599 USD.
- On-site wedding coordinator
- Ceremony setup with décor
- Edited video of the ceremony
- Bouquets & boutonnieres (for the wedding couple and up to four members of the wedding party)
- Wedding cake & sparkling wine
- Sound system with music
- Privately hosted cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres and live music
- Private dinner reception for guests
- One natural floral centerpiece for the sweetheart table
- Semi-private rehearsal dinner for ten max
- Hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple on the day of ceremony
- 50 digital photos taken during the ceremony and wedding album
Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun
The refined package offers a private reception for up to 30 guests and comes in at $4,599 USD.
- Dedicated on-site wedding coordinator
- Symbolic ceremony venue (excluding Sky Terraces)
- Bridal bouquet & groom boutonniere
- Ceremony sound system
- Sparkling wine toast
- Private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres
- Private 3-hour reception
- 2-tier Wedding cake
RIU Palace Riviera Maya
Their Royal package includes up to 20 guests for $4,199 USD.
- Upgraded decoration, recorded music and bridal bouquet with matching boutonniere
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
- Minister for symbolic ceremony
- Private dinner at select restaurant or location
Sandos Playacar Beach Resort
Their sweet romance package comes in at just $3,650 USD for 30 people, making it one of the most affordable options on this list of destination wedding packages under $5000.
- Basic ceremony setup
- 1 medium-sized flower medallion
- Sound system and a microphone during the ceremony
- 1 bouquet and 1 boutonnière, or 2 bouquets, or 2 boutonnières
- Private cocktail hour with open bar (duration: 1 hour)
- Private dinner reception with open bar (duration: 3 hours)
- Basic setup and ambient lighting
- Sparkling wine for the wedding toast
- 2 tier custom made wedding cake
- 2 centerpieces
- Sound system with microphone during dinner (duration: 3 hours)
- 1 make-up and 1 hairstyle (excludes trial) at the Sandos Spa
Barcelo Maya Grand Resort
The Strawberry passion package starts at $4,300 USD and includes up to 30 guests.
- Ceremony location
- Master of Ceremonies
- Wedding bouquet
- Wedding boutonniere
- Live music during the ceremony
- A floral centerpiece
- Toast
- Wedding cake
- 3-hour private dinner reception
Want a “no filter” look inside our brains as destination wedding planners?
Our back pocket destination wedding planning guide is over 100 pages and is full of useful REAL-LIFE advice from real destination wedding planners who know the ins and outs of planning a dream wedding abroad. Our guide isn’t just about finding the perfect spot for your ceremony or reception, either – it’s full of tips and tricks that will help you make sure your special day goes off without any hitches (and yes – we include information on budgeting and keeping your guests happy!). Grab your copy here.
A Bonus Tip As You Search For Destination Wedding Packages Under $5000
Many of the resorts we’re sharing are part of larger hotel collections, which means their wedding packages are often standardized across the brand. So if you love the package details but aren’t completely sold on a specific property, there’s flexibility.
For example, we chose to feature Dreams Jade Riviera Cancun (because we love it!), but in most cases the wedding packages at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, or Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort are typically very similar — and in many cases nearly identical — in structure, inclusions, and pricing tiers.
That means if you prefer a different beach, layout, or overall vibe within the same resort family, you can often keep the same wedding package framework and simply swap locations. It gives you room to prioritize atmosphere and guest experience without starting the planning process from scratch.
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