How to Plan a High-End Destination Wedding for Less Than a Local Venue
As local wedding costs rise to an average of $36,000, many couples are turning to all-inclusive destination weddings as a more affordable, high-end alternative. Expert Marsha-Ann Donaldson of Sandals® Resorts explains that by choosing an all-inclusive model, couples can eliminate hidden fees, reduce the stress of managing multiple vendors, and enjoy built-in luxury—often at a lower total cost than a traditional hometown celebration.
Paid ad. This article is sponsored by Sandals® Resorts.
If you’ve started pricing venues lately, you’ve probably had the same reaction as most 2026 couples:
Wait… a wedding costs how much?
According to the 2026 First Look Report, the average wedding has climbed to $36,000 for the second year in a row, and that’s for a fairly traditional local celebration. Meanwhile, expectations haven’t exactly gone down.
And the gap between rising costs and rising expectations is where things start to feel impossible.
Why Local Weddings Feel So Expensive Right Now
When you tour a local venue, the base price might feel manageable. Then the add-ons start stacking up.
Catering. Bar packages. Rentals. Linens, lighting, florals, transportation, staffing. Before long, you’re juggling 10–15 vendors, and your engagement starts to resemble a project management role.
Add in the fact that 87% of couples say they’ve made wedding planning decisions based on something they saw on social media. Ocean views. Curated décor. That “how is this real?” factor.
And what are couples actually saving to their mood boards?
Ceremonies overlooking the cliffs of Italy. Beachfront vows in Mexico. Celebrations set against the crystal blue waters of Jamaica, the Bahamas, or Saint Lucia.
The inspiration is global. The budget? Very, very local.
Inflation only adds pressure. Quotes shift. Minimums rise. Surprise fees appear. And suddenly, your “simple” wedding comes with a premium-level bill.
But here’s what most couples don’t realize: A destination wedding can cost less than a wedding at a local venue, especially when the format changes.
So how does that shift actually work?
To get the full destination-wedding scoop, we talked to Marsha-Ann Donaldson, Corporate Director of Weddings & Romance for Sandals® Resorts International. She notes, couples today aren’t necessarily asking for more—they’re asking for clarity. In a market where pricing feels unpredictable, knowing what’s included from the start can make all the difference.
Why Destination Weddings Work (It Starts With the Setting)
When it comes to venturing further afield, some of the most sought-after destination wedding locations range from Italy’s countryside to Mexico’s coastal resorts and the islands of the Caribbean.
But what makes destination weddings work isn’t just the travel appeal; it’s what the setting replaces.
At many Caribbean destination weddings, the backdrop does much of the heavy lifting.
If Jamaica’s turquoise waters and cliffside views, the Bahamas’ powder-soft sand, or Saint Lucia’s dramatic coastal backdrops are what you’ve been saving to your mood board, there’s a reason. These locations naturally deliver the kind of atmosphere couples often spend thousands recreating at a local venue.
When the scenery is already elevated, you need fewer rentals. Fewer décor upgrades. Fewer moving pieces. And that simplicity extends beyond aesthetics.
For couples drawn to the Caribbean in particular, all-inclusive resorts offer a structural advantage. Instead of piecing together catering, bar packages, staffing, rentals, and service fees, much of the experience is bundled into one transparent rate.
That’s where Sandals® Resorts comes in.
With 17 locations across eight Caribbean destinations, Sandals® Resorts are designed specifically with weddings in mind, from purpose-built ceremony spaces to curated reception settings.
And unlike many traditional venues, there are no hidden fees hiding in the fine print.
“Once you select your wedding package, there are no service fees, gratuities, or overtime fees. We take all of the stress and extra fees out of the equation and allow you to enjoy your big day,” Donaldson explains.
In a market where local quotes can shift and add-ons quietly multiply, that level of predictability becomes part of the appeal.
It’s also what makes Sandals’ “Your Wedding On Us” offer possible. Stay seven nights or longer in a Club or Butler category room, and your wedding is included through their complimentary Sweetheart Package, covering core elements like your ceremony setting, bouquet, cocktail reception, cake, and even photo and video credits.
Instead of pouring your budget into venue rental and catering alone, you can redirect it toward enhancing the experience.
Side by side with a traditional venue, the difference becomes clear. It’s not just about spending less; it’s about removing the uncertainty that makes local planning feel overwhelming in the first place.
And when pricing becomes simpler, planning often does too.
Sandals’ Built-In Support For You (and Your Guests)
Cost isn’t the only stressor. Coordination is.
From the moment you book at Sandals, you’re paired with a dedicated wedding planning team that manages everything from marriage license guidance to décor details.
Rather than juggling multiple vendors, you work with one centralized team that standardizes quality and eliminates planning fatigue.
“From the moment a couple books their wedding with Sandals Resorts, they are supported by a dedicated wedding planning team to manage all the details… We want our couples to feel relaxed and celebrated,” Donaldson adds.
Which means you’re not just saving money, you’re reclaiming your time.
And that support extends beyond the two of you.
At an all-inclusive resort, your guests aren’t splitting checks for cocktails or coordinating separate hotel stays. Meals, drinks, and activities are included.
Your wedding stops feeling like a tightly scheduled evening and starts feeling like a long weekend everyone can actually enjoy together.
Not just a ceremony, a shared experience.
The Insider Move at Sandals: Where to Splurge
If there’s one place to invest for maximum impact at Sandals® Resorts, it’s the Butler-level suite.
“If you can, splurge on the Butler-level suite. These suites are stunning and come with private pools, soaking tubs, and incredible views, plus a personal butler who handles special requests from the moment you arrive and throughout your honeymoon,” says Donaldson.
It’s the kind of upgrade that feels indulgent. But intentional.
For some couples, that’s the final piece that makes the whole model click.
So…Is It Right for You?
Destination weddings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Travel logistics require thoughtful communication.
But if you’re staring at rising venue quotes, juggling vendor spreadsheets, and wondering how to achieve that Instagram-perfect look without doubling your budget, it may be time to rethink the model.
For couples who want a high-end aesthetic, predictable pricing, fewer vendors to manage, and a celebration that doubles as a vacation, this approach can feel like a smarter way forward.
An all-inclusive destination wedding offers something increasingly rare in 2026: clarity. Less guesswork. Fewer moving pieces. More time to enjoy being engaged.
Luxury doesn’t always mean spending more. Sometimes, it means choosing differently.