Resort or Off-Site Venue for a Destination Wedding?

Planning a destination wedding and stuck on the big decision: Resort or off-site venue? You’re not alone! Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with your toes in the sand or inside a cliffside villa with views for days, choosing where to host your big day can be a bit overwhelming.

I’ll break it all down with the pros and cons of each so you can confidently plan the wedding of your dreams — wherever that may be!

Resort Weddings: Easy Breezy or Cookie Cutter?

Resort weddings are the easiest choice for many couples planning a destination wedding — and for good reason! This is the route we chose and I am SO glad we did. It made everything so simple and made the planning that much simpler.

✅ Pros:

All-in-one convenience: Accommodation, ceremony, reception, food, and even spa services — all in one place! Less coordinating = less stress (for the most part, don’t get me wrong, there is ALWAYS stress with wedding planning!). Some resorts also offer discounts for site visits.
Wedding packages galore: Most resorts offer customizable packages with planners, decor, and even legal paperwork included (if you decide to do a legal destination wedding rather than a symbolic one) to help manage your overall cost of a destination wedding.
Group perks: Resorts often offser discounts or free nights if you book a block of rooms for your guests. Score!
Rain plan ready: Resorts usually have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Activities for everyone: Guests can relax by the pool, hit the beach, or enjoy excursions without you planning every detail.

❌ Cons:

Less flexibility: Want to bring in your own vendors or design a totally custom setup? Some resorts have strict rules, outside vendor fees, or may not allow outside vendors at all!
Cookie-cutter feel: While pretty, resort weddings can sometimes feel a bit “same-same.” You might see another couple doing the exact same ceremony as you, and the privacy may not be exactly what you want.
Guest list limitations: Some resorts limit your guest list based on package or venue size, with added costs for extra guests.
Hidden fees: That free wedding package? It might not be as free as it sounds once you add in extras like photography or upgraded décor. Some truly are, like these resorts offering free wedding packages in the Riviera Maya, but not all offer these types of packages! They come with caveats (like guest counts) but sometimes it’s worth it!

Off-Site Weddings: Unique Vibes or Extra Work?

Off-site destination weddings — like cliffside villas, private beaches and beach clubs — offer a more unique and personal vibe.

✅ Pros:

One-of-a-kind experience: You’re not bound by resort policies, so your wedding can reflect your exact vision.
More vendor freedom: Bring in your own dream florist, caterer, or live band — especially if you’re working with a local planner.
Support local: Booking off-site often means supporting small businesses and unique venues in the area.
Less touristy: Off-site venues can give you and your guests a more authentic, local experience.

❌ Cons:

More logistics: You’ll likely need to arrange transportation, accommodation, and vendors separately. More moving pieces = more stress (unless you hire an amazing planner!).
Plan B? Maybe not: Outdoor off-site venues may not always have a backup option if it rains. In this case (especially in the Caribbean) there are some months better than others for odds of more favourable weather.
Not always guest-friendly: Remote locations can be harder to get to or less accessible for elderly guests or kids.
DIY everything: Unless you have a full-service planner, you might be sourcing tables, chairs, lighting, and more.

So… Resort or Off-Site?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

Choose a Resort Wedding if…	Choose an Off-Site Wedding if…
You want a stress-free, bundled experience	You want a personalized and unique setting
You’re inviting lots of guests who want convenience	You have a smaller, more adventurous group
You’re on a tighter timeline	You love the idea of a one-of-a-kind celebration
You like having on-site help	You’re okay managing extra details (or hiring a planner!)
You want lots of built-in amenities	You’re okay going off the beaten path

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to destination weddings. It really depends on your style, budget, guest list, and how much time you’re willing to spend planning. Whether you go the easy-breezy resort route or design a unique celebration away from the crowds, the most important thing is that your wedding reflects you.

I’ve got some more tips on how to narrow down the perfect location for your destination wedding – my advice is to not rush this choice, and fully weigh any pros and cons into this decision!

✨ Pro tip: And above all else, don’t make one of the biggest destination wedding mistakes, and be sure to work with a destination wedding travel agent to help you pick your resort or accommodations! From there you can decide if you want to work with the resort or off-site venue(and your travel agent may even have some suggestions for venues!)