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Weddings under $5000?! Is it possible to get married under $5000?!

If you’ve been thinking about having a destination wedding on a budget, today’s post is for YOU. We get asked all the time “how much do destination weddings cost?” and “is it really possible to have a destination weddings under $5000?” and this post is us asking (as experienced destination wedding travel agents).

This post was originally published in 2017 but was updated as of September 2023 so YES – it is STILL possible to get married abroad 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. We are INSANELY passionate about destination weddings so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions at any time.

About Love at First Travel | Destination Wedding Planners

Super Quick Intro in case you stumbled on this post from Pinterest or Google: We are destination wedding travel agents based in Canada. We have experience in both destination wedding planning and destination wedding travel, and we love what we do! If you are a Canadian looking to plan a destination wedding in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and beyond, learn more about working with us here! We are a small team of three who just so happen to be former Destination Brides – so we understand the struggle of trying to keep to a budget, choose a perfect wedding venue, accommodate all your guests, and deal with the lack of information online!!

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 so I have cut it off at $3800USD so they all come up close to $5000 Canadian or less (based on the exchange rate at the time of writing)

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 my opinion). Most of them have a less expensive (or free!) package and a more expensive package. These packages all include a private reception because we have found that’s what most of our couples want but you can definitely save money if this isn’t a priority for you.

Which Destination Wedding Vibe Are You Feeling?

• Something that is Budget-Friendly and brag-worthy
• A Luxurious Adults-Only Affair
• A Resort that Has “Something for Everyone”
• A Stunning Wedding in a Unique Location
• An Adults-Only PARTY

Something that is Budget-Friendly and Brag-Worthy

While it’s not a luxury resort, we love Sunscape Puerto Vallarta for its charm and price point. This budget-friendly, kid-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, which is great if you want a location where guests can go off and explore.

SUNSCAPE “Love in the Sun” Wedding Package

• Symbolic ceremony
• Dedicated on-site wedding coordinator
• Preparation and ironing of the couple’s wedding attire
• Complimentary room for one member of the wedding couple the night before the wedding (based on availability and upon request)
• Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for wedding couple
• Two boutonnieres and two corsages for wedding party
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine (up to 30 guests)
• Private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres (Silver menu, up to 30 guests)
• Private dinner reception (Silver menu, up to 30 guests)
• One natural floral centerpiece for the sweetheart table
• Special turndown service night of the ceremony
• 15% off spa treatments (spa boutique purchases not included)

Newlywed Package
• Welcome letter
• Fresh fruit
• Bottle of sparkling wine
• Breakfast in bed with mimosas (reservations must be made in advance with concierge)
• Late checkout for couple (based on availability and upon request)

2023/2024 SELLING PRICE $2,699 USD*

A Luxurious Adults Only Wedding

We chose Secrets Akumal for this one, because this AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort can’t be beat. While most of the Secrets resorts are a great option for an adults-only affair, this one has our heart for its unique wedding location options and the fact that you can swim with turtles in their natural habitat right on the beach. It’s magical.

SECRETS “Ultimate” Wedding Package

• Service of judge or minister*
• Semi-private rehearsal dinner for ten max
• Wedding organization and personal touch of on-site wedding coordinator
• Preparation and ironing of couple’s wedding day attire
• Complimentary room for one member of the wedding couple the night before the wedding (based on availability and upon request)
• Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for wedding couple
• Two boutonnieres and two corsages for wedding party
• Sound system with speaker and microphones*
• Hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple on the day of ceremony
• Ceremony décor (30 chairs with white covers, ceremonial table and aisle runner)
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine (up to 30 guests)
• Private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres (Gold menu, up to 30 guests)
• Private dinner reception (Gold menu, up to 30 guests)
• One natural floral centerpiece for the sweetheart table
• One natural floral centerpiece for ceremonial table
• Live music (one set, during cocktail hour)
• Special turndown service night of the wedding
• 15% off spa treatments (spa boutique purchases not included)
• Newlywed Package
  • Welcome letter
  • Fresh fruit
  • Bottle of sparkling wine
  • Breakfast in bed with mimosas (reservations must be made in
    advance with concierge)
• Late checkout for the couple (based on availability and upon request)
• 50 full color photos and wedding album
• Video of ceremony (30 minutes)
• Choice of one couples spa treatment (options to be provided by the resort)
• Free anniversary nights (stay a minimum of five paid nights over first anniversary date and receive two additional nights free, or stay four paid nights over first anniversary date and receive one additional night free)

2023/2024 Selling Price: $3,799 USD

A Resort that Has “Something for Everyone”

Dreams Jade Riviera Cancun is on the “budget side” of a luxury resort chain, and the reason we love it is three-fold: wristband free (so your guests won’t be wearing them in your wedding photos), beautiful wedding locations, and guests who want an adults-only experience have the option of upgrading to their “preferred club” side. This resort truly has something for everyone.

DREAMS “Ultimate” Wedding Package

• Service of judge or minister*
• Semi-private rehearsal dinner for ten max
• Wedding organization and personal touch of on-site wedding coordinator
• Preparation and ironing of couple’s wedding day attire
• Complimentary room for one member of the wedding couple the night before the wedding (based on availability and upon request)
• Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for wedding couple
• Two boutonnieres and two corsages for wedding party
• Sound system with speaker and microphones*
• Hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple for day of ceremony
• Ceremony décor (20 chairs with white covers, ceremonial table and aisle runner)
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine (up to 30 guests)
• Private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres (Gold menu, up to 30 guests)
• Private dinner reception (Gold menu, up to 30 guests)
• One natural floral centerpiece for the sweetheart table
• One natural floral centerpiece for ceremonial table
• Live music (one set, during cocktail hour)
• Special turndown service night of the wedding
• 15% off spa treatments (spa boutique purchases not included)
• Newlywed Package
  • Welcome letter
  • Fresh fruit
  • Bottle of sparkling wine
  • Breakfast in bed with mimosas (reservations must be made in advance with concierge)
  • Late checkout for the couple (based on availability and upon request)
• 50 full color photos and wedding album
• Video of ceremony (30 minutes)
• Choice of one couples spa treatment (options to be provided by resort)
• Free anniversary nights (stay a minimum of five paid nights over first anniversary date and receive two additional nights free, or stay four paid nights over first anniversary date and receive one additional night free

2023/2024 SELLING PRICE $3,799 USD

A Stunning Wedding in a Unique Location

For this one, we have to choose Dreams Las Mareas. With the same wedding packages as Dreams Jade above, this resort is located just 1.5 hours from the Liberia airport so if you and your guests are well-traveled and would prefer a new experience, Costa Rica is the perfect place!

DREAMS “Ultimate” Wedding Package

• Service of judge or minister*
• Semi-private rehearsal dinner for ten max
• Wedding organization and personal touch of on-site wedding coordinator
• Preparation and ironing of couple’s wedding day attire
• Complimentary room for one member of the wedding couple the night before the wedding (based on availability and upon request)
• Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for wedding couple
• Two boutonnieres and two corsages for wedding party
• Sound system with speaker and microphones*
• Hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple for day of ceremony
• Ceremony décor (20 chairs with white covers, ceremonial table and aisle runner)
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine (up to 30 guests)
• Private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres (Gold menu, up to 30 guests)
• Private dinner reception (Gold menu, up to 30 guests)
• One natural floral centerpiece for the sweetheart table
• One natural floral centerpiece for ceremonial table
• Live music (one set, during cocktail hour)
• Special turndown service night of the wedding
• 15% off spa treatments (spa boutique purchases not included)
• Newlywed Package
  • Welcome letter
  • Fresh fruit
  • Bottle of sparkling wine
  • Breakfast in bed with mimosas (reservations must be made in advance with concierge)
  • Late checkout for the couple (based on availability and upon request)
• 50 full color photos and wedding album
• Video of ceremony (30 minutes)
• Choice of one couples spa treatment (options to be provided by resort)
• Free anniversary nights (stay a minimum of five paid nights over first anniversary date and receive two additional nights free, or stay four paid nights over first anniversary date and receive one additional night free

2023/2024 SELLING PRICE $3,799 USD

An Adults-Only PARTY Destination Wedding

If you are imagining a week-long party with your best friends, the answer is Breathless Cabo San Lucas. With a rooftop infinity pool, view of the iconic Cabo San Lucas arch, and steps away from the marina and wandering into town, this resort is PRIMED for your most incredible party yet.

BREATHLESS Eat, Drink, and Be Married Wedding Package

• Service of a judge or minister*
• Symbolic ceremony*
• Dedicated on-site wedding coordinator
• Preparation and ironing of couple’s wedding day attire
• Complimentary room upgrade for wedding couple (based on availability)
• Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for wedding couple
• Two corsages and two boutonnieres for the wedding party
• Sound system with speaker and microphones*
• Hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple for day of ceremony
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine (up to 30 guests)
• Ceremony décor (30 chairs with white covers, ceremonial table and aisle runner)
• Private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres (Platinum menu, up to 30 guests)
• Couple’s designed specialty drink served during cocktail hour (to be planned in advance with wedding coordinator, based on a set selection)
• Private dinner reception (Platinum menu, up to 30 guests)
• One natural floral centerpiece for the ceremonial table
• Special turndown service night of the wedding
• Breakfast in bed with mimosas morning after ceremony (reservations must be made in advance with concierge
• 24 full color photos and wedding album
• Video of the ceremony (30-minute DVD)
• Reserved table and bottle service for wedding party (up to ten) at After Dark one evening of stay
• Couples massage treatment (50 minutes)
• 20% off spa treatments (spa boutique purchases not included)
• Private dinner on the beach (one evening during stay)
• Late checkout for the couple (based on availability and upon request)
• Complimentary access to the spa’s hydrotherapy areas for one member of wedding couple, maid of honor and mothers of couple (one day; day may vary)
• Free anniversary nights (stay a minimum of five paid nights over first anniversary date and receive two additional nights free, or stay four paid nights over first anniversary date and receive one additional night free)

2023/2024 Selling Price: $3,799 USD

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.

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