Planning a destination wedding is about creating an entire experience that is well-curated. It’s not only about choosing a beautiful venue. The way you plan will depend on the location you choose for your wedding celebration.

A wedding in an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, like UNICO 20°87°, flows with ease because everything is under one roof. A celebration at a historic estate like Castell de Sant Marçal in Spain calls for more layered logistics, cultural immersion, and design. And a Cartagena destination wedding brings together history, colonial architecture, and the energy of the city – where music, color, and culture are part of every celebration. Planning here also means making sure guests feel connected, since many will stay across different boutique hotels inside the walled city.

No matter the destination, couples need more than a package. They need location scouting, travel management, concierge services, curated design, culinary experiences, and excursions – all tailored to bring their story to life. That’s why planning looks different in Mexico, Spain, and Cartagena, but always benefits from full-service wedding support.

Mexico: All-Inclusive Resort Weddings at UNICO 20°87°

For many couples in the U.S., Mexico is the top choice for a destination wedding because of its culture and the convenience of direct flights. At all-inclusive venues like UNICO 20°87° in Riviera Maya, everything – lodging, dining, and entertainment – happens in one place, which keeps guests close and the celebration flowing naturally.

But what makes an all-inclusive wedding truly special isn’t the package. It’s how you personalize the experience to fit your story. That’s what Jess and Mike did at UNICO, where food, fun, and curated experiences played a central role in their four-day wedding celebration.

Photography by Martin Wilks

Jess & Mike’s UNICO Wedding Itinerary

• Day 1 – Welcome Party: Guests arrived to private airport transfers and checked into UNICO. That evening, the welcome party took place at La Única Bar, known for its vibrant atmosphere and culinary-inspired cocktails — the perfect start to the weekend.
• Day 2 – Poolside Celebration & Night Out: The morning began with a pool party at Pool 20°87°, filled with music, swim-up bar service, and plenty of time to relax together. In the evening, guests were shuttled to Rosa Negra in Tulum, a restaurant famous for its lively energy, Latin fusion cuisine, and interactive dining experiences. This was a highlight of the weekend, especially since Mike, as a chef, wanted food to be at the center of the celebration.
• Day 3 – The Wedding Day: Ceremony at the resort’s gazebo overlooking the ocean, cocktail hour at Bar Balam, a reception filled with food and dancing, and an after-party that carried the celebration late into the night.
• Day 4 – Farewell Brunch: Guests gathered one last time for a catamaran brunch on the turquoise waters before private transfers returned them to the airport.

What sets Mexico apart is the combination of world-class dining and guest-friendly logistics. Resorts like UNICO are consistently ranked among the best all-inclusive resorts for food in Mexico, while experiences like Rosa Negra allow couples to take guests beyond the resort for unforgettable culinary moments. This balance makes Riviera Maya one of the most compelling choices for couples who want both luxury and flavor at their destination wedding.

Photography by Martin Wilks

What Sets UNICO 20°87° Apart for Food Lovers

Spain: Weddings at Castell de Sant Marçal

Castell de Sant Marçal, just outside Barcelona, is a dream venue for couples who want history, architecture, and timeless European charm as the backdrop for their celebration. Unlike an all-inclusive resort, weddings here require layered planning – from sourcing catering to managing vendors and coordinating guest stays across boutique hotels in the city.

A wedding at Castell de Sant Marçal is about embracing culture. Guests can explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter during the day, sip cava from nearby vineyards, and then gather at the castle for a ceremony surrounded by historic stone walls and gardens. Evening receptions bring a fairytale atmosphere, with candlelit courtyards, live music, and multi-course dining experiences that highlight Catalan cuisine.

Because these events are hosted in a stand-alone estate rather than a resort, logistics are key: private transfers for each guest, catering and bar teams brought in, décor installation over several days, and coordination across multiple vendors. That’s where full-service planning support becomes essential – ensuring every layer of design, logistics, and guest experience comes together smoothly.

Photo courtesy of Castell de Sant Marçal

Why Choose Castell de Sant Marçal

Cartagena: Weddings in Colombia’s Historic Walled City

Cartagena is one of the most distinctive destinations for a wedding abroad. Inside the city’s colonial walls, history, architecture, and culture set the stage for a celebration unlike anything you’ll find in the U.S. Cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, and balconies filled with bougainvillea create a setting that is both elegant and vibrant.
Planning in Cartagena is very different from planning at an all-inclusive resort. Guests usually stay across several boutique hotels, which means logistics and guest support are just as important as the wedding itself. This is where full-service planning – including transportation, concierge support, dinner reservations, and cultural experiences – makes the difference.

A wedding in Cartagena is also a statement. Venues range from colonial mansions to historic convents, each carrying that “old money” feel couples often seek. And when the celebration spills into the streets with live champeta beats, rappers creating verses on the spot, and the city itself buzzing in rhythm with your day, it becomes clear why Cartagena is one of the most sought-after luxury wedding destinations in Latin America.

Photography by Chris J. Evans

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Destination for Your Wedding Abroad

A destination wedding isn’t just about a ceremony abroad — it’s about creating an experience that feels curated, meaningful, and true to your story. Whether you’re planning in Mexico, Spain, or Cartagena, the difference comes down to expertise, logistics, and design that reflect who you are as a couple. With full-service destination wedding support, you can give your guests more than a trip – you can give them an experience they’ll always associate with your love story.

A destination wedding abroad is more than a day. It’s a curated experience where your story, your guests, and the culture of your chosen destination all come together. With the right guidance, you don’t just host a wedding — you create a multi-day celebration that your guests will talk about for years.

✨ Ready to start planning your destination wedding abroad? Let’s talk about your celebration today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Weddings Abroad

How much does a destination wedding abroad cost?

In Mexico and the Caribbean, a three-night wedding for about 50 guests can start around $15,000 if you stick to the basics (ceremony, reception, and food & drink included in the resort’s standard offerings). But the budget quickly changes depending on two key factors: guest count and décor. With minimal decoration, costs can stay closer to the lower range. Add lavish design, entertainment, and curated experiences, and the same 50-guest wedding can easily reach $50,000–$80,000 or more, even at an all-inclusive resort.

In Europe and Cartagena, multi-day destination weddings for 50–70 guests often begin closer to $40,000–$80,000, reflecting the higher costs of historic venues, multi-venue logistics, and customized guest experiences.

Do couples pay for their guests’ travel and accommodations?

Typically, no. Guests cover their own flights and hotel stays. Couples host the wedding events (ceremony, reception, etc.) and often include one additional event – like a welcome dinner or excursion – as a gesture of thanks.

How long should a destination wedding weekend be?

In Mexico and the Caribbean, most resorts require at least a three-night stay, so couples often plan from Thursday to Sunday. This allows time for a welcome party, wedding day, and farewell brunch without requiring too much time off for guests.

In Europe, destination weddings typically require a minimum of five nights. Guests need time to arrive, adjust to the time change, and enjoy the location. Many couples extend celebrations into five to seven days, building in excursions, wine tastings, or cultural activities alongside the wedding events.

What makes planning in Cartagena or Spain different from Mexico resorts?

All-inclusive resorts like UNICO 20°87° simplify logistics since everything is under one roof. Cartagena and Spain, however, require layered planning: transportation between hotels and venues, dining recommendations, and personalized concierge services. That’s why full-service planning support is essential — it ensures guests feel cared for and the celebration flows smoothly.