11 Alternatives to a “Beach” Destination Wedding

Jun 8

When people think about a “destination wedding” in a hot location like Mexico or Dominican Republic, they will often assume it’s a traditional “beach wedding”. Once you start researching all the different venues, it becomes quite clear that there is such a variety of alternatives. For couples who are opposed to having their toes in the sand while they say “I do”, here are some great options for you!

Gazebo

A gazebo is one of the most popular venues to have your destination wedding ceremony. Gazebos may be located by the beach, hilltop, garden or overlooking a cliff. With such a variety of gazebo designs available, from modern to classic, couples can select their perfect style.

Coral Tide Pick: Dreams Punta Cana

Rooftop

Growing in popularity, are the breathtaking rooftop locations for ceremony or reception. Oftentimes the rooftop venue will have sweeping views of the coast or beach. Rooftop venues offer guests an amazing bird’s eye perspective of the destination, which they would otherwise not see. Many rooftops are also able to provide privacy for your wedding.

Coral Tide Pick: Karisma Resorts

Chapel

Many couples choose to have a religious wedding ceremony in one of the many chapels available in certain tropical locations. As destination weddings become more popular, resorts and venues are increasing options to accommodate a variety of religious faiths. Whether you’re looking for a modern glass chapel, an open air thatched roof chapel or a traditional colonial style chapel, your options are plenty!

Coral Tide PIck: Barcélo Maya

Grass/Garden

Some resorts have sprawling, manicured lawns to have your ceremony or reception. Many of which will offer a garden location overlooking the beach, which provides an alternative to the traditional beach wedding, while still incorporating the ocean view. Some resorts have the most lush, green grass for your wedding!

Coral Tide Pick: Now Jade

Poolside

Poolside venues are popular, especially for destination wedding receptions. Organizing tables around the pool with the correct lighting can provide the most stunning ambiance. Consider having tiny lanterns or candles floating in the pool or string lighting for that extra romance.

Coral Tide Pick: Zoetry Villa Rolandi

Stairwell

There are areas in and around the resort where you would never imagine can be transformed into the most stunning location for your destination wedding. Many resorts are set up architecturally with cascading staircases, which can provide a dramatic effect with the right décor.

Coral Tide Pick: Dreams Riviera Cancun

Tunnel

Tunnels are another surprising area of the resort that can be transformed into a magical venue for your wedding ceremony. The symmetry of the architecture can provide the most spectacular photo opportunities. With these types of locations, décor and flowers often stand out as the star of the show.

Coral Tide Pick: Secrets Akumal

Ruins

There are specific areas of Mexico where you can incorporate the ancient Mayan Tradition into your wedding ceremony. You will not find a more authentic location than the Mayan Ruins! Some resorts have ruins on or near the property that they use for weddings. There are also opportunities to have your wedding off resort.

Coral Tide Pick: Occidental at Xcaret

Cenote

Another unique location is the cenotes or bodies of freshwater located in Mexico. You can even incorporate an ancient Mayan traditional ceremony to match with this mystical and special location. While there are limited cenotes available for weddings, you can always do a cenote underwater trash the dress photo shoot after your wedding instead!

Coral Tide Pick: Sandos Caracol

Pier

Do you imagine your ceremony walk along a pier surrounded by turquoise ocean? Piers can create a memorable walk down the aisle, with your closest family and friends located at the end. Piers are more suitable for smaller, more intimate weddings and they make for beautiful wedding videos!

Coral Tide Pick: Secrets Cozume

Ballroom

Just because you are heading to a tropical location, it doesn’t mean your wedding needs to take place outside. Many resorts have the most beautiful ballrooms available for your wedding. Ballrooms are also a great backup if the weather forecast is calling for rain on your wedding. There’s no need to panic in this case, since ballrooms can be set up to be just as beautiful as an outdoor location.

Coral Tide Pick: Hard Rock Resorts

There are many more options available to fit your unique style and needs. With such a variety of locations for your wedding, it can feel overwhelming to start researching all the different venues by yourself. Contact a Coral Tide Destination Wedding Specialist to get a full list of options! We have visited so many resorts and wedding locations and we are here to help you to find your perfect fit! Contact info@coraltidetravel.com for details.

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