Cruise Wedding vs Destination Wedding: Pros and Cons Every Couple Should Know.
Planning a wedding away from home is exciting—but deciding between an all-inclusive resort wedding and a cruise wedding can be tricky. Both offer stunning backdrops, built-in guest experiences, and the chance to combine your big day with what I call a “wedcation”! However, the expertise, flexibility, and even the legal requirements can vary significantly. If you’re dreaming of exchanging vows somewhere extraordinary, understanding the differences between hosting your destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort or on a cruise is the first step to making your choice. In this post, we’ll walk through how an all-inclusive destination wedding works, what to expect from a cruise wedding, and how the two compare in terms of cost, convenience, and guest experience—so you can decide which is better for you: a cruise wedding or a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort!
All-Inclusive Destination Weddings: Relaxation Meets Celebration
An all-inclusive resort wedding is often what couples picture when they think “destination wedding.” Imagine arriving at a gorgeous beachfront property where every detail—from your ceremony location to the food and drinks—is taken care of in one place. These weddings are hosted at resorts that package together your lodging, meals, beverages, activities, and wedding services for one upfront price, making budgeting much easier.
Why Couples Love It
One of the biggest perks of an all-inclusive wedding is simplicity. Your guests book their stay, and once they arrive, everything they need is on-site. No one has to worry about finding restaurants, arranging transportation, or managing multiple invoices—your resort handles it all.
Customization is also a significant draw. Many resorts offer multiple ceremony venues (beachfront, garden, rooftop, overwater pier) and a choice of décor, menus, and entertainment options. You can work with a dedicated wedding coordinator to tailor the experience to your vision, whether that means a barefoot sunset ceremony or a glamorous ballroom reception.
Group perks are another bonus. When you book a certain number of rooms for your guests, many resorts offer complimentary room upgrades, free nights for the couple, or even complimentary events, such as a welcome cocktail party or farewell brunch.
Potential Challenges
While all-inclusive resorts offer a lot of control, your experience can vary depending on the size of the property. Larger resorts can feel crowded, with multiple weddings taking place in a single day. Smaller resorts may be more intimate but offer fewer venue choices.
Additionally, your guest list will be limited to those who can travel to your chosen destination and afford the stay. For most couples, this isn’t a dealbreaker—especially since many guests see it as a built-in vacation—but it’s worth considering if you have older relatives, friends with young kids, or guests with limited vacation time.
Still deciding between a destination or cruise wedding? Schedule a quick consultation to explore which one fits your love story best!
