How to Plan a Small Destination Wedding
- Dale Gallant
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
by Destination Weddings with Globetrot
Dreaming of a tropical ceremony with just your closest loved ones? A small destination wedding can be the perfect way to celebrate your love story in an unforgettable setting—without the stress of a massive guest list. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration for 10 or a micro wedding for two, here's your ultimate guide to planning a small destination wedding with ease and elegance.
💍 Why Choose a Small Destination Wedding?
Small destination weddings are growing in popularity for good reason. They’re intimate, more personal, and often more affordable than traditional weddings. With fewer guests, you can splurge on experiences, invest in quality time, and choose unique destinations that would be hard to accommodate for larger groups.
Top benefits include:
Lower overall costs
More venue flexibility
Intimate guest experience
Easier travel logistics
Better focus on you and your partner
✈️ Step 1: Choose the Perfect Destination
When planning a small wedding abroad, your destination sets the tone. Consider places that offer:
All-inclusive small wedding packages
Easy access for your guests
Marriage legality for foreigners
Top small destination wedding locations:
Mexico – Affordable beach resorts and wedding-friendly regulations
Costa Rica – Eco-luxury venues for adventure-loving couples
Dominican Republic – All-inclusive resorts with intimate ceremony spaces
Jamaica – Lush gardens and laid-back Caribbean vibes
💡 Step 2: Decide on Your Guest List
One of the biggest differences in planning a micro destination wedding is the guest list. These celebrations usually include 2–20 guests.
Tips for keeping your list intimate:
Prioritize immediate family and lifelong friends
Consider hosting a reception party back home later
Make peace with saying “no” – this is about quality over quantity
A smaller guest list can drastically reduce your budget and allow you to elevate your wedding day experience for everyone attending.
🏝️ Step 3: Select the Right Venue or Resort
Not every resort is ideal for smaller weddings. You’ll want a setting that embraces intimacy without feeling oversized or impersonal.
Look for:
Resorts that offer private ceremony spots
Small all-inclusive wedding packages
Options for elopement-style weddings or vow renewals
Personalized service (some resorts include an on-site coordinator)
Some of our favourite small wedding resorts include:
Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres (Mexico) – Stunning backdrops for both families and adults-only options
Dreams Dominicus La Romana (Dominican Republic) – Family-friendly with intimate beach spots
Secrets Papagayo (Costa Rica) – Adults-only with serene natural surroundings
💸 Step 4: Set a Budget (and Stick to It)
A small destination wedding doesn’t have to mean cheap—but it can be affordable. With fewer guests and simplified logistics, your dollars go further.
What to factor in:
Travel and accommodations
Wedding package (venue, officiant, flowers, photographer)
Guest experiences (group excursions, welcome dinner)
Legal paperwork or symbolic ceremony fees
🧳 Step 5: Handle Travel and Booking Early
Start planning at least 9–12 months in advance to ensure the best availability and pricing—especially for flights and resorts. For smaller groups, coordination is easier, but not less important.
A professional travel planner (like Destination Weddings with Globetrot) can:
Present a curated list of resorts
Assist with group booking discounts
Coordinate guest travel and special needs
Provide a personalized wedding website and mobile app for guests
📅 Step 6: Choose Your Wedding Date Wisely
Small destination weddings allow flexibility with timing. Avoid high-season pricing and aim for shoulder seasons (like May-June or September-November) to get better rates and availability.
Also, consider:
Local weather conditions
Holiday or blackout periods
Legal marriage requirements (waiting periods or residency rules)
📝 Step 7: Simplify the Details
Planning a wedding abroad can feel overwhelming—but when it’s small, you have more freedom to focus on meaningful details.
Consider including:
A custom ceremony script
Personal vows or a vow renewal
Unique touches like a private beach dinner or sunset cruise
Simple yet beautiful decor and florals
Use a small destination wedding checklist to stay organized and ensure nothing is missed.
🗣️ Bonus Tip: Communication is Key
Your guests will appreciate clear and consistent communication. Provide a wedding website with:
Travel and hotel details
Wedding itinerary
Dress code and weather tips
RSVP form or booking assistance
Include contact info for your planner or travel advisor in case guests need help with arrangements.
💬 Ready to Plan Your Small Destination Wedding?
Let Destination Weddings with Globetrot help bring your intimate wedding dreams to life. With expert planning, top-rated resort partners, and personalized service, we make destination wedding planning stress-free and unforgettable.
📥 Get Started Today!
📅 Book a consultation: Click Here
🌐 Visit us online: www.destinationweddingswithglobetrot.ca
📄 Or fill out our quick inquiry form: Inquiry Form