The Top Hotels for Destination Weddings

It’s the most important day of your life – the day you declare your love to your partner. The person who makes your heart pitter-patter and the person you could never see living your life without. It’s the day you promise to stand by each other forever in front of your nearest and dearest: it’s your wedding day. Ladies,we are sure you’re with us in wanting to make your dream beach wedding a reality. But the planning process can be tricky, so we are here to help. Each of the hotels below are renowned for being exceptional in every sense of the word, and we’ve even indicated budgets so you can either plan… or dream.

Half Moon in Jamaica

Wedding Size: Small to Large
Budget: $$$$

This is the “chateau” of all resorts, with 197 rooms and suites, as well as 31 four-, five-, six-, and seven-bedroom villas laid out over 400 acres of land. The 60-year-old resort is set on 2 miles of white-sand beach, occupies a 68,000 square-foot spa, and an 18-hole golf course (lest we forget the boys). Offering 30 wedding locations within the resort, you can actually create the dream ceremony you’ve always envisioned. Not only that, you are guaranteed to dine like kings and queens on the culinary delights offered at their award-winning restaurant, Sugar Mill. Additional amenities include seven bars, 54 swimming pools, a fitness centre, an equestrian centre, tennis courts, a dolphin lagoon, and, of course, watersports.

If you think this sounds like an enticing destination for your wedding, but the price seems out of reach, you have options. Low season, their rates start at $280/night, and mid-week weddings will run you a lot less than weekend weddings. If you’re thinking of a small wedding, renting a couple of the cottages (all recently renovated) and splitting the cost between friends and family is a great way to get an amazing deal at this beautiful resort. Some of the larger beachside cottages are so grand, you could even get married on your private beach. They also offer all-inclusive rates, though they aren’t advertised so I would think if you’re thinking a small wedding, renting a cottage is the way to go. If budget isn’t an issue, this venue will give you the dream wedding you will never forget.

Four Seasons Maui

Wedding Size: Small to Large
Budget: $$$$$

To begin with, The Four Seasons is a five-star luxury hotel chain that in most places never ceases to impress. The Four Seasons Maui brings the meaning of luxury to a whole new level, and this is why it could not be ignored. Yes, budget-wise, you need one — a big one. But you won’t be disappointed. Located on the secluded Wailea Beach, the resort is large yet not overwhelming. Amenities include three pools, water activities, a spa that includes beachside huts, golf, and five-star dining at the three restaurants, including the famed Spago.

Weddings are in abundance at this resort where happy couples leave the duties in the hands of the uber attentive Four Seasons personal wedding planner. To make it even easier, pre-made packages are offered starting at the $7500 mark and can include everything from the marriage license appointment to guest transportation to music and photography. A key thing to note here is that the Four Seasons only allows for one wedding per day therefore ensuring you’re not competing with the bride at the other end of the beach. No Godzilla competition is key on the most important day of your life.

Papaya Playa Project in Tulum, Mexico

Wedding Size: Small to Medium
Budget: $$$

Are you a bohemian bride? This little boutique hotel located in Tulum, about 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen, is one you should consider for your big day. Located on a beautiful beach, this hotel is a “project” created by Design HotelsTM, who designed this quiet, low-key oasis for guests who enjoy serenity, beauty, and creating special life moments with like-minded people.

If you’re planning a 200-person wedding, this is not the place for you. But if you’re looking to bring down a group of 20 to 30 people to celebrate your special day in a chill vibe, this is the spot. 80 cabanas and casitas (as the rooms are called) are spread out over the property’s 800-metre private beach and all have fantastic ocean views. But don’t expect electricity or any “big city” amenities. This is as rustic as you can get but really, what more do you need when you’re living the perfect bohemian beach wedding?

Gansevoort in Turks & Caicos

Wedding Size: Small to Medium
Budget: $$$$

Are you part of the cool kids? The Gansevoort Hotel in Turks & Caicos will not only satisfy all your urban needs, it will also bring that Caribbean cool feel to your big day that will make every guest envious. Located on Grace Bay Beach, the hotel is rich with aqua-blue water views and silky soft sand, but also decked out in an ultra-modern design. Most rooms look out onto the ocean ensuring that both the wedding couple and their guests have fantastic views of the blue waters. It is after all a vacation for them too. Amenities include a spa, fitness centre, pool overlooking the ocean and any water activity you can possibly think of. Feel like a day out on a boat? They got your back.

The Gansevoort wedding planning team is there to design your perfect wedding offering a personalized service and accommodating whatever your needs are – big or small. Picture walking down the soft sandy beach with the wind in your hair, and the man of your dreams standing at the tip of the ocean. Not a bad visual.

Capella Pedregal in Los Cabos

Wedding Size: Small to Large
Budget: $$$$$

The wow factor at the Capella Pedregal Resort in Los Cabos is over the top. This is Caribbean luxury at its best. Sitting on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, guests must travel through the hotel’s privately owned 300-metre long tunnel to reach the entrance. But once there, you may feel like you’re living a scene out of a movie. The Mexican “south of the border” design feel surrounds you yet oozes luxury at the same time. Views of the ocean are never-ending and the décor is clean and soothing. The hotel offers 96 rooms and suites with an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean and private hotel beach.

If you want a flawless wedding with unforgettable views, this hotel will ensure you get it. Capella offers a service called Yours Truly, making “romance specialists” available to the bride and groom for all their wedding needs. From designing the perfect wedding venue to the culinary experience to ensuring guests are happy, at Capella you will live your ultimate dream wedding.

Sandals Emerald Bay in Bahamas

Wedding Size: Small to Medium
Budget: $$$ (all-inclusive)

Let’s not pretend that we’re all fabulously rich and can afford lavish weddings at one-in-a-lifetime destination resorts. Lucky for us, Sandals Resorts makes luxury vacations available to all at a reasonable all-inclusive price. From Toronto, the Bahamas are only a three-hour flight so we’re including the Sandals Emerald Bay — located on the Great Exuma Island of Bahamas. An adult-only resort with a mile-long beach, this is the ultimate exotic getaway. Sandals is well-known for having outstanding amenities, encouraging their guests to never take a wallet, even emphasizing that tipping is not allowed. With three large pools, seven restaurants, a spa, and unforgettable views, this island resort is an ideal wedding destination that can be well within your budget.

Weddings are very popular at Sandals, making them experts at ensuring your special day is flawless and exactly as you dreamed it. With a personal wedding planner and butler team, how could anything really go wrong? If you are on a strict budget, think of booking off-season or check out Sandals deals because they will often offer a free wedding if staying for more than three nights. The particular beauty of Sandals Emerald Bay is the mile-long beach, which is hard to find in the Bahamas as a whole. It truly is its own little paradise island, ideal for your dream beach wedding.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in the future, where will you be going? Tweet us @ViewTheVibe.

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