Destination weddings often get a rep for being super expensive and only available to those who can afford it or want a small wedding or elopement. This is unfortunately a BIG misconception! 

Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in the US in 2022 was $30,000? (X)

And did you know that you can often SAVE money by choosing to do a destination wedding? 

We know! It sounds crazy, but it’s true! Below we’ve outlined a few of some of our favorite destination wedding locations:

PORTUGAL

A small, coastal country in Europe bordering Spain, Portugal offers stunning seaside beaches, ancient manors and culturally rich cities for wedding and reception venues. 

On average, a wedding in Portugal will cost between €15,000 to €25,000 euros. In dollars, that is roughly $16,266 to $27,110. If an elopement sounds more romantic to you than a full wedding, expect the cost to be even more affordable at around €5,000, or $5,420. (X)

A wedding in Portugal also has the added benefit of being close to other European countries perfect for a honeymoon. Since you’d already be there, you can save big on travel costs.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO

The average cost of a wedding in Playa Del Carmen is $5,000-$7,000. Yes, you read that correctly. This average applies to weddings with a guest list of 30-60 people. For more guests, expect to may more, up to or over $15,000. (X)

Oftentimes, these weddings are all inclusive, just like the resorts they are frequently hosted at. This means less stress, more relaxation, less money, and more time to enjoy paradise. 

A wedding and a vacation, all in one? Sign us up!

THAILAND

Last but certainly not least, Thailand is a stunning Asian country perfect for those seeking a unique and affordable wedding experience.

While Phuket, a popular and expensive island town, is known for its extravagant weddings costing over $165,000+, these weddings are out of the norm. An extremely affordable and luxurious wedding is possible and easily accessible, with the average cost for a wedding in Thailand at a 5-star resort being $10,000-$20,000. (X)

While you’ll have to travel for nearly a full day to get to the country, we think it’s worth it to see the stunning oceans, mountains, and cities Thailand (and its surrounding countries!) has to offer.

There are an innumerable number of amazing places to select for a destination wedding, and these are just 3 of our favorite budget-conscious ones. Which would you pick? Let us know in the comments below!