How much does a destination wedding actually cost?

The headline number

A 50-guest destination wedding usually runs $15,000–$50,000 for the couple, depending on region and luxury level. Per-guest costs are higher than at home, but the smaller guest count usually nets out lower than a 150-person hometown wedding.

By region (50 guests, 4 nights)

🇲🇽 Mexico (Riviera Maya, Cabo)

• Resort wedding package: $8,000–$25,000
• Couple's lodging (4 nights): $1,200–$4,000
• Flights for couple: $600–$1,200
• Welcome event + farewell brunch: $2,000–$5,000
• Total: $12,000–$35,000

🇮🇹 Italy (Tuscany, Lake Como, Amalfi)

• Villa rental (full week): $8,000–$30,000
• Local planner (required): $5,000–$15,000
• Catering: $200–$400/guest
• Flights for couple: $1,200–$2,500
• Total: $30,000–$80,000

🇬🇷 Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete)

• Venue/villa: $6,000–$20,000
• Catering: $150–$300/guest
• Local planner: $4,000–$10,000
• Total: $20,000–$55,000

🏝️ Caribbean (Jamaica, DR, St. Lucia)

• All-inclusive resort package: $5,000–$15,000
• Often free with X room nights booked by guests
• Total: $8,000–$25,000

What your guests will spend (be honest about this)

The average destination wedding guest spends $1,500–$3,500 per person: flights, 3–4 nights of lodging, ground transport, meals outside wedding events, plus a gift. Expect 30–50% of invited guests to decline. Build your guest count assuming that.

The hidden costs nobody mentions

• Welcome bags + delivery to rooms ($15–$30/bag)
• Hair/makeup trial flight + travel
• Marriage license logistics (some countries require residency)
• Vendor travel fees if you import a photographer
• A second "at-home reception" 30–40% of couples end up throwing

Plan it without 14 group chats

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