Destination Wedding Packages: What's Included, What's Not

"What's actually included?" is the first question almost every couple asks about a destination wedding — and it's a smart one. The good news: most of the all-inclusive resorts we work with offer a whole range of wedding packages, from complimentary options to elaborate celebrations, and the inclusions are often more generous than couples expect.

The key is understanding where the package ends and your budget begins, so there are no surprises down the line. Here's the honest breakdown of what's typically included, and what you'll want to plan for separately. (If you're still mapping out the basics, our destination wedding planning guide is the place to start.)

One quick clarification, because it trips people up: your resort stay being all-inclusive — meals, drinks, activities — is a separate thing from your wedding package. We cover the resort side in what's really included at an all-inclusive resort. This article is about the wedding package specifically.

What's Usually Included

Most resort wedding packages — even the complimentary ones — cover the essentials of the ceremony itself, and the inclusions grow as you move up in tier. Here's what commonly comes standard, though it always varies by resort and package level:

• The wedding coordinator. Nearly every package includes the resort's on-site wedding coordinator, who guides you through the planning, liaises with the resort's vendors, and runs the day itself. This alone lifts an enormous amount off your plate.
• The ceremony setup. Your ceremony location, an officiant for a symbolic ceremony, and basic décor — typically an arch or gazebo, chairs, and an aisle.
• Florals for the couple. A bouquet and boutonniere are usually included, with upgrades available.
• Cake and a toast. A wedding cake and a sparkling-wine toast to celebrate the moment.
• Thoughtful extras. Depending on the resort, this can include a room upgrade, a spa treatment, or a special turndown on your wedding night.

Higher-tier packages layer on a private cocktail hour, a plated or buffet reception dinner, upgraded florals and décor, and more coordinator time — which brings us neatly to the parts that aren't automatically included.

Free & Complimentary Packages: Read the Fine Print

A complimentary wedding package is a genuine perk, but it usually comes with conditions. To qualify, the couple often needs to book an upgraded room category and stay a minimum number of nights — frequently around seven — and sometimes to have a set number of guest rooms booked as well.

It's also worth knowing that a complimentary package generally covers the ceremony only, not a private reception. And it doesn't include the legal marriage license fees if you plan to get legally married at your destination, which typically run a few hundred dollars depending on the location.

What's Not Included

Here's where couples get tripped up. A handful of common costs fall outside most packages, so it's smart to budget for them from the very start:

• Photography and videography. Almost always a separate line item, whether as a resort add-on or an outside vendor.
• Entertainment. A DJ, live music, or a band for your reception is typically extra.
• Day passes for off-site guests. If some guests stay at another hotel, most resorts sell day passes (often around $100 per person) so they can attend — but these are usually sold day-of on a first-come basis, limited to a few hours, and not guaranteed if the resort is full. The only sure way for a guest to attend is to stay on-property.
• The private reception. Beyond the complimentary tier, the reception venue, dinner, and bar are their own cost.
• Outside-vendor fees. You can usually bring your own photographer, stylist, or DJ, but expect a vendor fee — often $300 to $1,000 — since the resort's on-site vendors are already vetted and set up.
• Legal marriage license fees. As above, if you want a legally binding marriage rather than a symbolic ceremony.

A Word on Receptions

We're frequently asked whether you can skip the private reception and just book a big dinner reservation instead. Usually not — most resort restaurants can't seat a large group together, since tables for more than about six are rare. A private reception is how you keep everyone celebrating in one place.

Reception costs vary widely based on your guest count, menu, and entertainment, which is exactly why we quote every wedding around your specific resort and headcount rather than a one-size-fits-all number. Our destination wedding calculator is a good place to start ballparking it — and even with a full reception, a destination wedding usually comes in well below the cost of a comparable wedding at home.

Do You Need a Travel Agent and a Wedding Coordinator?

Yes — and they do genuinely different jobs. The resort's wedding coordinator, included in your package, handles the ceremony and reception logistics on the ground. Your travel agent handles everything around it: choosing the right resort, negotiating your group room block, managing guest bookings and contracts, and being your advocate from the first idea to the final send-off. They're complementary, not either-or.

And one point worth making plainly: your room rate through us is identical to booking the resort direct. Our planning fee covers the expertise and coordination — not a markup on your stay.