I don’t know about you but I’m a HUGE FAN of a little thing called the destination wedding, for so many reasons. Usually it involves a location that has sand and warm water nearby. Usually it means you don’t have to invite as many people as your mom and in-laws would like you to invite. And usually it means backdrops that will make your pictures more mind-blowing than you ever could have imagined in your wildest dreams.
A destination wedding is my personal favorite type of wedding, mainly because I haven’t had a vacation in way too long and I want anyone reading this to have one and invite me. Just kidding, not really. But anyway – today I’m sharing five intimate destination wedding locations that are so eye-poppingly gorgeous they’ll make your eyes bleed (in a good way) (ok I don’t think eyes bleeding can ever be a good thing but YOU GET ME).
(Quick note: you can check out a ton of intimate wedding setups over at DestinationWeddings.com right now, if you’d rather just get on with it. They let you browse resorts by inspiration categories!)
El Dorado Maroma – Riviera Maya, Mexico
Maroma Beach is where it’s at. If you don’t trust me just ask the Travel Channel, which ranked it one of the top ten best in the world. For your wedding it’s quite perfect because it’s got these super unique thatched huts (read: palapas) where you can have a wonderfully intimate beach ceremony that everyone you know will likely want to replicate the moment they get engaged. Only reason to avoid this location is if you don’t want to deal with jealousy and copycat weddings in your family. :)
Did I mention the suites at this resort have SWIM-UP ACCESS and a little something called INFINITY POOLS??? I believe I’ve sold you on this location, moving along…
Gran Caribe Real – Cancun, Mexico
Tell me, do floor to ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of the Mexican Caribbean appeal to you, when you imagine your wedding ceremony? Then you’ll love the “Our Lady of Guadalupe” Oceanfront Catholic Chapel. Obviously this spot is right on point for the couple seeking a lovely religious ceremony. The religious among us deserve a gorgeous setting (and backdrop for photos) on their wedding day, and that can be hard to find for this set. That’s why I love this location.
Isla Mujeres Palace – Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres Palace is for you if what you desire is a small and private occasion. It’s not touristy here; there’s a really amazing small town vibe going on and many of the beaches are untouched. Who doesn’t LOVE THAT?
I’d like to note that the setup at Isla Mujeres Palace was literally made for your intimate beach wedding – it was custom built for just these types of occasions – and the pictures you’ll get, exchanging vows under a gauzy canopy pocketed by palm trees, will be the kinds of pictures you return to again and again for years to come. You guys know how I feel – pictures are everything. (Aside from the love you share of course.)
Couples Tower Isle – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
First of all, Jamaica. Second of all, WE’RE TALKING JAMAICA, PEOPLE. But I’ll try to be more specific about why I think you should have your wedding there – privacy. If privacy is important to you as a couple, then you should very seriously consider this location for your wedding. You and your honey can wed on the property’s secluded island – and it can be as private as just the two of you, or you can throw in some close friends/relatives. One thing I can tell you for sure is I’ve never heard a couple complain that they regretted having a really private wedding. So there’s some food for thought.
Dreams Los Cabos – Los Cabos, Mexico
So I can’t say enough good things about Los Cabos, that’s the honest truth. I was there recently and my goodness the weather was perfection. <== this is very important to me, and usually determines my like/dislike for a place. So there’s that.
Los Cabos is pretty well known for things like its celebrity crowd, its breathtaking mountain views and its killer spas. But what I’d like to make you more aware of is its truly lovely gazebo beach garden setup – the thing is so perfect for an intimate sunset ceremony, you guys. I cannot recommend it enough.
What do you think of the concept of a destination wedding? Any of you had one, or are planning to have one? Lemme hear your thoughts :)
Alison