Of all the milestones we reach in life, few are more important than our wedding day. What could be more perfect than a beach wedding, surrounded by sparkling turquoise water, soft white sand and palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze?
If you are considering a destination wedding, these top beach resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean will seamlessly blend your magical day with a dreamy tropical vacation and make it one that you’ll remember and brag about for years to come.
Dreams La Romana Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic
There’s a reason the Dominican Republic is the most visited island in the Caribbean. Its beaches are the very definition of a tropical paradise and travel there is relatively inexpensive. Dreams La Romana, on the southeast coast, offers three different wedding packages, with features like flowers, a wedding cake, discounts on spa treatments, private cocktail hour, dinner for guests, a photographer and live music. Your dialogue with the on-site coordinators begins well in advance and you’re invited to send ideas and photos so that your wedding is tailored to your wishes down to the smallest detail. Golf-loving wedding guests will love the resort’s proximity to championship golf courses, Punta Cana, Saona Island, Catalina Island and Altos de Chavon. Book your first anniversary here and you’ll receive free nights!
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel and Romantic Getaway, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Have an “unforgettable moment in an unbelievable place” when you say “I do” at Villa Premiere. Located on Mexico’s spectacular Pacific Coast, this 80-room, adults-only resort puts the emphasis squarely on romance. Wedding packages at Villa Premiere include the Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond options. The different packages include features like flowers, wine, a private beach ceremony and a two-night honeymoon suite for the bride and groom. Choose from two canapes menus and four different three-course dinner menus—American, Mexican, Mediterranean and vegetarian. Little touches like in-room aromatherapy, personal concierge and proximity to lively and historic downtown Puerto Vallarta round out Villa Premiere as a wedding destination that goes the extra mile.
Villa Amor, Sayulita
This hip town just north of Puerto Vallarta is best known for its world-class surfing, but it’s also a spectacular setting for a destination wedding. Villa Amor comprises 24 oceanfront villas with picturesque views of the coast, hills and quaint fishing village down the road. The friendly staff will not only help with the details of the wedding itself, but also create a group itinerary for guests so they’ll get the most out of their stay. Daily yoga classes, gourmet meals at the “O” restaurant next door and soothing nights in your open-air villa will create the romantic escape necessary for a destination wedding. Send an email, call or fill out the simple online form to get the planning process started.
Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco
Once the playground of the elite Hollywood set, Acapulco is Mexico’s largest beach and balneario resort. In a truly Instagram-worthy location over the cliffs of Punta Diamante, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués has a commanding view of both city and sea. Its cliff-side setting and unique offerings like tequila tastings and chef-led cooking classes make it perfect for a destination wedding. There are no less than five venues available, including two gardens, a charming and secluded corner of the resort, the sunset-view deck and a terrace with breathtaking views of the azure Pacific. The “romance team” helps plan every perfect detail. In addition to wedding packages, the resort offers packages for proposals, honeymoons and anniversaries. Don’t forget to see the La Quebrada cliff divers while you’re in Acapulco!
Sandals Barbados
Famous for its crystal clear turquoise water and immaculate beaches, Barbados is visited by over a million tourists each year. Sandals Barbados, in the St. Lawrence Gap area, features the island’s largest and longest lagoon pool and personal butler service. Instead of preset wedding packages, the resort takes a “create your own wedding” approach and the more you buy, the more perks the resort throws in at no extra cost. Three different locations are available: garden gazebo, European garden and right on the beach. Every wedding includes the ceremony, reception, a manicure for the bride, a foot massage, music, wedding and honeymoon gift registry, photographer and honeymoon dinner. Be sure to check out the wedding lookbooks and start daydreaming your magic day into existence!
Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
On the Coconut Coast of the Dominican Republic, twenty miles of white sand and beautiful, clear water make up Punta Cana. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana emphasizes tranquility and wellness with two wedding options. The complimentary “Gift of Love” package includes the assistance of an on-site wedding coordinator, unpacking service, ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake and perks if the couple return on their anniversary. The “Art of Love” package adds a couple’s massage, tasting menu, rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour, private dinner reception for 25 guests, live music and discounts on spa treatments. The tropical yet modern suites offer assorted amenities like plush bedding, private terraces and plunge pools.
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort and Spa, Puerto Vallarta
Covering 845 acres of lush jungle and pristine beach, Garza Blanca is perched on the edge of sparkling Banderas Bay. When you see their wedding and reception décor, you will think you’ve died and gone to boutique chic heaven. The entire property has sweeping views of Banderas Bay, complemented by the winding pathways and infinity pool along the bay. You’ll get a slice of lush jungle in addition to ocean views—the resort backs up to green foliage as far as the eye can see. Its three ceremony packages include the ceremony, bamboo chuppah or gazebo on the beach, flowers, bouquet and boutonniere, wine and turn-down services. The Jewel and Gemstone packages cover up to 50 guests. Two different reception packages are offered as well; both include a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, three-course dinner, open bar and late snacks. As far as accommodations go—artistic suites are filled with vibrant colors and top notch amenities like soaking tubs, flat screen tvs and wrap-around terraces.
