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Travel+Leisure

10 Affordable Wedding Destinations Around the World

Staff Author, Lindsay Paige Stein
6 min read

Want to have a destination wedding without breaking the bank? Here are 10 places to consider.

<p>Art Wager/Getty Images</p>

Art Wager/Getty Images

Whether you envision a sunset beach ceremony or a gorgeous desert backdrop, there’s something magical about being surrounded by those you love in a stunning destination as you say, “I do." If you have always dreamed of saying your vows in a faraway place — but don’t want to break the bank — we have plenty of affordable destination wedding locations in the United States and worldwide. 

Here are some top spots for an affordable destination wedding, plus planning tips.

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Related: 20 Best Destination Wedding Locations Around the World

La Paz, Baja California Sur

<p>infinitahighway/Getty Images</p>

infinitahighway/Getty Images

La Paz in Baja California Sur has become a top destination for bachelor parties, wedding ceremonies, and honeymoons. La Paz is more affordable than destinations like Los Cabos but has many of the same attractions. La Paz offers adventure and relaxation in pristine landscapes, where the beauty of the desert merges with the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez. Highlights include beautiful Balandra Beach, the town of Todos Los Santos, and the Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, built in the second half of the 19th century. The destination has hotels and venues for a range of budgets, like the Baja Club Hotel or Paradero Todos Santos.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

<p>Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure</p>

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

With affordable non-stop flights from most major cities in the U.S. and a range of hotel rates, it’s no wonder why couples seeking a destination wedding on a budget choose San Juan, Puerto Rico. Best of all, no passport is needed to visit. The island is home to historical sites that serve as beautiful backdrops to a ceremony, but the Catedral de San Juan Bautista is by far the most popular due to its awe-inspiring architecture and the fact that it’s thought to be the first church ever constructed in the Americas. Located right across the street, Hotel El Convento is the perfect home base for a destination wedding. Also in San Juan’s chic oceanfront Condado District, La Concha Resort is ideal for large weddings, with seven venues, including the beachfront and the ballroom that can host 580 people.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

<p>capecodphoto/Getty Images</p>

capecodphoto/Getty Images

Cape Cod is always a top contender for a romantic getaway, with its quaint villages, seafood shacks, and beaches. Known for breathtaking views and exceptional service, Red Jacket Beach Resort is the perfect wedding destination for those seeking a more affordable option. The resort offers beautiful venues, rooms, cottages, and amenities, including private beaches, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and various restaurant options.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

<p>Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Getty Images</p>

Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Getty Images

Known as the hub of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is a popular destination wedding pick due to its central location along the East Coast and sweeping 60-mile string of beaches that afford budget-friendly venues and accommodations. Resting along the oceanfront on its own private slice of beach, Kingston Resorts is newly renovated and provides a variety of affordable venue options, including a private ballroom and open-air terrace set atop the new Black Drum Brewing restaurant. This beautifully designed room has innovative features like sliding glass garage doors that open and close to fit each party’s needs. It also features two lush lawns that are perfect for outdoor cocktail receptions.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

<p>Cristian Calderon/Getty Images</p>

Cristian Calderon/Getty Images

Puerto Vallarta’s accessibility from the United States makes it an affordable setting for a destination wedding. A rural fishing village turned into a romantic playground, the city played home to the most famous Hollywood couple of the 20th century, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who fell in love while filming "The Night of the Iguana." Puerto Vallarta offers something for everyone, from incredible snorkeling and diving to a thriving gastronomic scene (the waterfront Malecon Boardwalk is packed with restaurants and bars offering margaritas and guacamole). Have a smaller wedding? Casa Kimberly is the place for you and your guests to stay. The property is a gorgeous nine-suite boutique hotel with two adjacent buildings joined by the Puente del Amor (Bridge of Love).

Pensacola, Florida

<p>Dan Reynolds Photography/Getty Images</p>

Dan Reynolds Photography/Getty Images

With endless ocean views, Pensacola, Florida, offers a picturesque backdrop for any occasion. In Pensacola, you’ll find sugar-sand beaches, unique shopping, and adventure for all ages, so there's something for each of your guests. Sitting on the shoreline of Pensacola Beach, Pier Suite, built in 2020, makes for a gorgeous destination wedding spot overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The venue promises a fast, easy, and stress-free event experience that is transparent in cost and planning.

Camden, Maine

<p>Jon Lovette/Getty Images</p>

Jon Lovette/Getty Images

Camden, Maine, known as the "Jewel of the Midcoast," is located in the heart of coastal Maine, surrounded by mountains and bays. With a bustling downtown and delicious cuisine, thrifty wedding-goers have plenty of activities to choose from. For a luxury retreat that doesn't break the bank, Relais & Chateaux’s Camden Harbour Inn is a romantic setting for any wedding, and the hotel offers all-inclusive packages for any time of the year.

Lexington, Kentucky

<p>alexeys/Getty Images</p>

alexeys/Getty Images

Surrounded by horse country and pastoral landscapes, Lexington, Kentucky, is a romantic destination for an affordable wedding or elopement. Couples can have an intimate ceremony at one of the most iconic courthouse buildings in the U.S., the Historic Lexington Courthouse. Constructed of native Kentucky limestone, the courthouse is an architectural and cultural landmark in the heart of downtown, with a stunning event space on the top floor. For a fairytale wedding, couples can say “I do” at the nearby 110-acre estate and castle, The Kentucky Castle, which offers a range of rates. The property has luxury suites, a farm-to-table restaurant, a ballroom, a swimming pool, and a spa. Love live music? Celebrate the nuptials by singing the night away at The Burl in the historic Distillery District or slow things down with soul music at Tee Dee’s Blues Club.

New York, New York

<p>Alexander Spatari/Getty Images</p>

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

When you think of New York City, you may not think of affordable. However, it is the ultimate destination for micro weddings, which have become increasingly popular for those who prefer an intimate affair. From skyscraping rooftops with fabulous views of New York’s iconic skyline to cozy and customizable event spaces, Arlo Hotels in New York City serves as the perfect home base for those seeking privacy and intimacy amid the hustle and bustle of the city. For example, amid the city’s eclectic shopping, must-see attractions, and top restaurants, Arlo NoMad has a modern atmosphere for an affordable micro wedding.

Alberta, Canada

<p>benedek/Getty Images</p>

benedek/Getty Images

Alberta, Canada, is known for the cities of Calgary and Edmonton and its beautiful landscapes. Here, couples can celebrate their nuptials among the world’s most stunning backdrops, the Canadian Rockies and the Canadian Badlands. On average, venues and vendors in Alberta charge significantly less than in the U.S. (and you can find even lower rates in the winter). Consider a winter wedding at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, an upscale mountain resort with incredible views.

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