Tips from Cerulean Bay for Choosing the Right Location for Your Dream Beach Wedding

Fiji, Bali, Thailand, Costa Rica, an island in the Caribbean – getting married on a beach will never go out of style! It is so romantic to spend your first moments as newlyweds on the shoreline. Imagine listening to the soothing sounds of crashing waves and feeling the gentle sea breeze as you gaze at each other for the first time as a married couple. There are gorgeous photo opportunities all around, the ambiance is relaxed and laid-back, and perhaps you are even staying at this amazing location for your honeymoon. The natural setting is absolutely stunning and acts as the perfect backdrop for your love story. It’s a space that immerses you in breathtaking scenery with glimmering turquoise waters, sparkly white sand, vibrant florals, and swaying palm trees.

Top 6 Benefits of Exchanging Vows in a Tropical Setting

There are many advantages of having a tropical wedding versus a traditional celebration at home. Not only do they offer magnificent views and photo backdrops that you otherwise would not have, they can also potentially offer a lot in cost savings in addition to that amazing once in a lifetime experience.

Here are the top five reasons for tying the knot in the tropics:

1.      Spectacular Natural Setting

Scenic horizons and an endless ocean are the perfect backdrop for jaw-dropping photos. The ever-changing lighting conditions, from soft, diffused morning light to dreamy, golden sunsets, create visually stunning settings. But it’s not only about the visuals. There is the sound of the crashing waves and the feeling of the sand beneath your feet that create the most romantic and intimate setting, one that actually has a much more calming effect for both the mind and the body. The soothing rhythm of the ocean truly triggers the feelings of peace, tranquility, and love.

2.      Cost Savings

Although the words “destination wedding” sound expensive, they don’t have to. While a traditional wedding in the U.S. can cost upwards of $30,000 on average or more, destination weddings can cost half that or be even cheaper. When it is possible to have a smaller guest list which is willing and able to travel long distance, the savings that are possible can be an attractive alternative for couples who really are dreaming of being married in a far off exotic place. The beach itself is a naturally beautiful venue for which you don’t have to pay. Since the dress code is also more casual, you don’t have to spend as much on a wedding dress and on the groom’s attire. With a smaller guest list, you will end up spending much less on catering and cocktails. Also, many resorts offer packages with many of the decorations, special effects, and services such as DJ’s and photographers included which means you will be spending much less than you would at home where you would have to source these things separately from individual vendors.

3.      The Weather

One of the biggest draws in addition to the location itself is the warm tropical climate – think year-round sunshine and ocean breezes. You can leave the cold weather behind and get married on the warm sand by the ocean, sipping on summer cocktails! An important tip: Do check each location to confirm when each has its rainy season. In the tropics, there is always a rainy season and when it rains, it really can come down. So you definitely need to know what the best months are for a beautiful beach wedding!

4.      An Extraordinary Experience

One of the top reasons for having a ceremony at the beach is because it is truly a unique and memorable experience for the couple and their guests. Nowadays with everyone always being so busy, quality time with the guests is top priority so think exciting excursions, local culture, distinctive entertainment, and unique food flavors. To really complete the experience, be sure to carefully consider tropical tablescapes décor. Your guests will be delighted that the trip and expense to attend the celebration of your love was worth it and they will talk about it for years to come!

5.      Less Stress

Marrying at the beach typically means much less stress and peace of mind because there’s much less to worry about. The guest list is smaller and you’ll spend much less time worrying about an endless list of details regarding the vendors to the venue that you would normally have because your to do list will be so much shorter. When you choose the right wedding package at a good resort, they do so much of the work for you because that is what they do. Part of their job is to help you focus on enjoying your day in paradise. That is not something you get at home with traditional weddings!

6.      Combined Wedding and Honeymoon

Another benefit of destination weddings is that you can have a beach wedding and your honeymoon at the same resort. For most people, the cost of the honeymoon alone is large expense and this way, since you would be traveling for your honeymoon anyway, you can have the whole celebration in one place. For the newlyweds, their dream vacation starts right after the wedding reception. You can even find honeymoon package deals which include extra-romantic amenities if you stay at the same all-inclusive beach resort. Or to put just a little distance between you and your guests, you can also choose to stay at another resort nearby for a whole different vibe and some additional alone time.

Destination

As you are deciding where you want to get married, be sure to ask yourselves “Why there?” because you want to be sure that the location you have been dreaming about truly is the best choice. Unless you already know your destination very well, you will need to carefully research it first. The local economy and cost of things, the crime rate and safety, any potential political unrest, and ease of local travel for tourists are all things to consider. After all, you will have loved ones joining you and their safety and comfort is most important. You will also need to confirm that your chosen destination really is the best one for you based on the following:

• Where it is located compared to where you live. How easy is it to get there?
• Are there non-stop flights or are there multiple connections needed?
• How easy is it for friends and family to get to there based on where they live?
• Does everyone have a valid passport? At last check, these were taking 6 months to get.
• Does your destination have visa entry requirements?

We also recommend having at least 1 or 2 other backup locations to consider in case your first choice ends up not working out for some reason. When destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are put on the State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list after you have started planning for one of those locations, you will need to pivot quickly.

Or when a hurricane or cyclone passes through before your big day, will your chosen venue be OK for you to move forward? How much damage did it sustain, if any? Will they even be open? Many island nations have limited resources compared to the US when it comes to natural disasters and don’t bounce back as quickly after things like severe weather occur.

You will also need to consider what you would like to do before and after your wedding regarding additional activities and excursions. These are important because you will be including these details in your budgeting list.

Budget

Whether you are planning a wedding in your own backyard or on a far-off paradise island, setting a budget is the next planning step after you have conducted your location research. Here is where you will list all expense items per category such as flights and other transportation, hotels, food, music, décor, flowers, photographers, the DJ, and anything else that is important for both of you. Don’t worry about prioritizing as you make the list, just put everything down on paper as you think of them. Then when you think you have included everything, do another mental run-through of the whole list just to be sure. Go through the list with a family member or close friend as well because they might think of something that you have missed.

Once you are sure you have captured everything, then you can prioritize each item in the order of importance. This way you can be sure that the most important things have funds allocated to them first. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs, such as boat tours and other activities, local cultural experiences, permits, gratuities, taxes, and anything else that may come before or after your ceremony and reception.

Guests’ Budget

You also need to figure out what amount you think your guests should spend. Are you as the bride and groom going to contribute anything to cover expenses your guests will incur? Keep in mind that although you might be able to afford a luxury 5-star resort, a lot of your guests might not be able to which means many of them will not be able to attend. Also, consider the time of year and the commitments your guests might have at that same time. Maybe they cannot get away from work for that long or they have other responsibilities that will prevent them from being able to attend. This is why letting your family and friends know as early as possible that you are going to have a destination wedding is so critical.

Depending on how many people you plan to invite, keep in mind that there will be some of them who want to go but won’t be able to. As you move forward with your planning, be sure to let everyone know that there are no expectations for attendance. Putting pressure on people to spend their money to attend your event is not a cool thing to do at all. Most people are usually pretty sensitive when it comes to discussing their available time and private issues like what they can and cannot afford. So it is very important to respect that.

Having said that, be sure to check into every deal and discount for group travel. There are a lot of them out there and your guests who are on tighter budgets will greatly appreciate that. Shop around with different travel agents to see what kind of perks or free upgrades might be available in addition to any great discounts.

Amenities

Good venues feature amenities such as beachside cocktail bars, clean and modern dining facilities, and easy access to restrooms (very important for older guests). There will also be changing areas for the bride and her bridesmaids as well as for the groom and his crew. Other venue amenities might include wonderful local attractions which can significantly add to your guests’ experience.

This is where you can really think about what it is you need and what you can do without. Be very careful to avoid paying for any amenities and services that you will not be using. Examine any wedding package plans so you can be sure that you really do need everything that is included. You can also consider the overall atmosphere that is coming into view as you are proceeding with your planning. You obviously want to have great food and drinks but how big and loud will things end up being? If you are planning on an event which is more intimate and secluded, avoid straying from that away by including any amenities that will take you in the wrong direction. The goal here is to narrow down your options so that the ones that you end up with will truly fit your needs.

If you or any of your family and friends will require special meals or have special food requirements due to food allergies, you will first need to confirm with the venue if they are able to accommodate these requests. This is a topic that is often overlooked because it is rarely an issue to have dietary accommodations made in the US but it is definitely something to consider in foreign countries.

Also, be sure to check for any local regulations regarding noise levels, alcohol consumption, and any required environmental compliance to avoid legal issues. Some countries more strict about these things than others, especially when it comes to alcohol consumption in public.

Local Attractions

While a tropical destination wedding might be just a one day event, you and your guests are likely staying for longer than that which means many of these types of weddings can be multi-day celebrations. So find out how long your guests plan on staying and choose a hotel or resort which offers concierge services or some sort of good visitor services. They can help you to book and arrange a variety of activities and sightseeing options which is a wonderful way to help ensure that your guests have an awesome experience in addition to your special day!

Your Guests

As mentioned earlier, deciding on the number of guests that will work out for everyone is very important. When choosing your venue, make sure it is neither too small nor too large for the number of people attending. You want everyone to be as comfortable as possible without crowding everyone into a place that is too small. You also don’t want your event to be in a place that is so large that you and your guests will look lost in it. Many places will have a maximum capacity and you want to be sure you will fill the space appropriately. Also, pay close attention to things like walkways and stairs as well as restroom locations as you take into account the comfort of older family members or guests with health issues and accessibility needs.

Type of Ceremonies

When it comes to specific types of ceremonies in which you want to include certain traditions or rituals, you need to know that this may limit your choice of venues. As an example, Catholic weddings can only be performed in a Catholic church or at sites that have been blessed by the local bishop. You will not find a Catholic priest in any country who will marry anyone on the sand. But what you can do is look for a Catholic church that overlooks the ocean or that has a wonderful beachside property. Or you can look for a resort that has a Catholic chapel. Some very smart resorts such as the Gran Caribe Resort in Cancun, Mexico have added actual Catholic chapels which have awesome views of the beach. This allows them to tap into the large Catholic wedding market which includes a lot of people who would love to get married on the beach! This is the next best thing for them.

Regarding other religions and beliefs, you will need to confirm with the venue whether or not these are allowed because in some countries, certain traditions and rituals cannot be carried out. Again, this is a topic that is often overlooked as well because the assumption is that since these can be performed in the US, they can be performed elsewhere too. That is not always the case so be sure to do your research.

If you are planning a same-sex wedding, there are hotels and resorts in many different countries which offer customized packages for these occasions. However, be aware that not all destinations are as open as some would like them to be about same-sex weddings or public displays of affection by same-sex couples. They simply are not LGBTQ+-friendly. This includes the Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Jamaica. In some places like Fiji in the South Pacific, same-sex marriage is illegal but celebrations of vows are not. So while you cannot have a legally binding wedding on the beach in Fiji, you can plan organized celebrations of your commitment to each other.

Other Things To Consider

When choosing a location for your destination wedding, you obviously want to choose a resort and venue that will meet your specific event requirements as well as the needs of your guests. So here are a few additional points to consider.

Wedding Planner

If you need help with finding a venue or you discover that there are too many details for you to handle on your own, there are destination wedding specialists available who can assist. These are people who know the ins and outs of both the wedding and travel industries and they can really help to take the stress off your shoulders. Many of them have a lot of experience with organizing weddings in exotic locations and can even assist with getting marriage licenses and any other permits and permissions you might need as well.

The Date & Time For Your Big Day

Although they say there’s never a wrong time to have a tropical wedding, there are a few things to consider to ensure that your day is as close to perfect as possible. As mentioned earlier, make sure you know about rainy seasons versus dry seasons for your destination as this will help you to choose the right time of year for your big day.

Also check to see if there are any local holidays which could interfere with your big day. Most resorts and venues will let you know about any local or national holidays to consider once you let them know the planned date of your wedding. That can greatly affect the availability of the hotel and venue staff, if they are even available at all as everyone might have the day off that day.

Once you have confirmed the date and have reserved it with your venue, choosing the time of day is the next thing to do. While it may seem like a small detail at first, the timing at which you exchange your vows can have a big impact on the outcome of your tropical dream wedding experience. Certain resorts charge extra for sunset or weekend ceremonies so make sure you check their pricing to ensure it fits into your budget.

Here are few tips and guidelines about ceremony timings:

• Morning weddings may not be everyone’s cup of tea but they are a great choice if you want to avoid the hottest part of the day. In the morning, the beach is more tranquil and the temperatures are more mild which means your guests will be more comfortable. You’ll also have more time for a longer reception or to engage in more activities. The threat of daytime showers and thunderstorms is also lower in the mornings.
• Mid-day ceremonies allow you to sleep in a bit more and they do allow more time for you to get ready. This time of day is also great for larger wedding parties as it allows more time for those guests who tend to run late. This timing also allows for a sufficient break between the ceremony and a dinnertime reception.
• Late afternoons means ceremonies taking place from 3pm until 5pm. It also means it can be considerably warmer outside and the threat of a stray shower or storm is larger. But it is a great time for the photography as beach settings at this time day allow for awesome daylight shots. Then as the sun starts to set, you can move onto your dinner reception and a whole lot of celebrating.
• Sunset weddings start about one hour before the sun sets. Nothing beats the romantic glow of the setting sun and the dreamy lighting it creates. This is known as “the golden hour” and it is the perfect time to take gorgeous wedding pictures. If including a sunset is one of your primary goals, check with the venue to confirm the exact timing of it. This is very important because the timing will vary depending on your specific geographical location.
• The Tide – Don’t forget to either check the tidal charts for your destination or to ask the resort or venue about when the tide comes in and out. If possible, choose a time for the ceremony during low tide so the waves will not be crashing as loudly as they will be smaller and farther away. This also allows for more space on the beach.

Marriage License & Laws

There are going to be specific rules of the country where you are getting married that you will need to follow so that your marriage is recognized back home. A marriage license is a legal document that allows you to legally get married in a particular location. It is not the same as a marriage certificate which is issued after you have exchanged vows and shows you are legally married. Having a marriage license issued in the US prior to you being legally married it is not an automatic guarantee that you can simply move forward with getting married in a foreign country. Local laws can vary significantly so make sure you research local license requirements for that country. You are going to want know about things such as mandatory waiting periods, possible residency requirements, maybe needing to have your birth certificates with you (bring copies in addition to the original one), and any possible translations of other required documentation.

As an alternative, you can get legally married at home and then have a symbolic ceremony at your preferred destination. A lot of people do this and by already having your marriage certificate which is legal proof that you are married, it is a great way to avoid any legal hassles.

Visas and Permits

Are all of your guests already living in the US? Are they all US citizens? Or do you have family and friends both in the US and in different countries who are not US citizens? Everyone is going to need to have a valid passport, regardless of where they live. Some may need to get visas or other special permits to travel and some may not. So with this in mind, be sure to send wedding invitations way in advance to guests coming who are from foreign countries because they may need a lot of time to get their passports, visas and other permits so they can travel to your wedding destination.

Health & Safety

Check to see if there are any health precautions for the destination of your choice. While most countries have abandoned the need for Covid vaccines, many do have vaccine requirements for certain diseases either for all incoming visitors or only for people coming from certain countries.

Even if there are no vaccine requirements, periodically check to see if there are any local outbreaks of any viruses or diseases throughout the planning of your big day. It does happen from time to time and while there are no guarantees that everyone will remain perfectly healthy in your wedding destination, knowing about any health risks beforehand and then preparing accordingly is well worth it. This is especially true for any guests who may have any health issues or risks of their own that require certain precautions be taken.

Top-Rated Beach Wedding Locations Around The World

Tropical weddings are awesome and they offer plenty of fun for everyone in attendance. If you are looking for the perfect location, you will be glad to know that there is a wide array of choices around the world.

Caribbean

The Caribbean islands are perfect examples of beach wedding destinations. This region is comprised of thousands of individual islands, both inhabited and uninhabited. Many have incredible views, stunning shorelines, black volcanic beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. The current top-rated destinations include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Aruba, and the Turks and Caicos.

When to go – Set the date of your big day between December and April to avoid the rainy season.

Fiji

Fiji consists of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific. It is thousands of miles away from anywhere and is the epitome of a tropical fantasy. Many of the islands are locally-owned private resorts which offer you true serenity and peaceful luxury. Fiji is full of empty beaches with diverse terrain including jungle waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs, and blue lagoons filled with rainbow-colored fish. There are endless opportunities for snorkeling, sailing, exploring local villages, or simply relaxing by the ocean. The Fijian people are wonderful as they are known for their warmth and hospitality.

When to go – To avoid the rainy season, it is best to visit from May to November.

Thailand

Although often overlooked, wedding celebrations in Thailand are ideal for festive gatherings with a dream honeymoon immediately afterwards. With a wide range of luxury resorts and 5-star hospitality, Thailand is a location that dreams are made of. It is full of lush islands, a rich culture, secluded beaches, and coral reefs. It is also known for food bursting with flavor and a variety of venues that cannot be found anywhere else. These are just a few reasons to consider tying the not here.

When to go – The best time to go is between December and March.

Bali

Bali is magical place, period. It is a land of pristine beaches, green landscapes, rice terraces, mythical cliffside temples, and an exotic culture that is unlike any other. Accommodations are available for all budgets from backpacker beach-huts to super luxurious resorts and retreats. Bali is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. It also has a well-established network of wedding vendors and services and tends to be on the more budget-friendly side.

When to go – The dry season is from April to September but keep in mind that Bali is very touristy. July and August are the busiest months so try to avoid them if possible.

The Maldives

If you have visions of you and your loved one drinking martinis while resting in hammocks in your overwater bungalow, then the Maldives is ideal destination for you. The Maldives has made up of over a thousand islands but less than 200 of them are inhabited. Of these, many of them feature exclusive resorts which are famous for their overwater villas and bungalows. Think butler service, candlelit dinners on a private sandbank, and underwater restaurants. While the Maldives is a journey to get to from the US and tends to be on the more expensive side if you want a luxurious experience, it is totally worth it. These islands are world renowned for their dreamy luxury accommodations which are surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters.

When to go – Any time between November and April.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want a small, private ceremony or grand celebration on the beach, you can tailor your tropical beach wedding to be a dream come true. With this guide and its list of things to consider when looking for the perfect venue, you are already on your way to having the most amazing big day. Just remember, no matter what, that this day is about celebrating you and your love with friends and family. While there may be a few issues that happen along the way and a few things may not go completely as planned, consider it all to be a part of the destination wedding adventure. So take a deep breath, relax, and get ready to make some incredibly memorable moments with your loved ones!

For Your Further Reading:

1. Tropical Wedding Ideas For The Perfect Ceremony At The Beach
2. 10 Tropical Wedding Table Décor Ideas Guaranteed To Wow Your Guests
3. Unique Beach Wedding Favor Ideas for Your Most Memorable Special Occasion
4. DIY Tropical! Project Ideas For Your Outdoor Tropical Retreat!
5. Bring Paradise Home: 20 Tropical Living Room Ideas for Every Budget
6. Inspiring Tropical Lighting Ideas: Create A Cozy & Relaxing Beach Vibe At Home