shibreezy

Hello! After postponing our Seattle wedding and then finding out the venue recently permanently closed, we are planning a destination beach wedding instead. I feel like I have done countless hours of research but am still struggling to find "the venue." Our goal is September, which is why we have certain limitations on flight duration and room cost to make it more feasible for our guests to join given the < six month notice.

We are already legally married, so just looking to plan a simple vow ceremony for ~30 people on a nice beach and celebrate after.

Here's what we're looking for, if anyone has suggestions!

• < $250/night per room unless all-inclusive, and then up to $350
• < 12 hours from Seattle
• Beachfront hotel/resort
• Small to medium venue (15 - 200 rooms)
• Adults-only is fine if family-friendly hotel/resort(s) nearby
• 60 mins or less from destination airport, if possible

Heads up that we have ruled out Hawaii as wedding packages offered by hotels/resorts seem to cost much more. Open to Mexico and Central America, but wasn't sure if possible to post in both forums - I am new here!

Thank you in advance

RoamsAround

First, September is the peak of Hurricane Season in the Caribbean so factor the possibility of having a major storm upset your travel plans if you go during that time. Make sure you and your guests purchase Trip Insurance with "Hurricane Coverage" if you plan your trip for that time of year.

Second, an under 12 hour flight time from Seattle will limit Caribbean destinations to the northern most islands such as Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and possibly St. Thomas but even then non-stop flights may be difficult to find so you may have to take connecting flights.

Third, while September is Low Season in the Caribbean your $250/night room requirement may be a bit of a challenge. The Dominican Republic is know for have an abundance of moderately priced All Inclusives so I'd start your search there.

Fourth, keep in mind that many Caribbean destinations currently have strict Covid-19 travel restrictions and/or quarantines in place. While these restrictions are beginning to ease no one knows what restrictions, of any, will be in effect on any given island in September. You'll have to research this very carefully before making your final decision.

As you already surmised either the Pacific or Caribbean sides of Mexico will be closer and in many cases will have more resort choices in your price range (especially in Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen) so give them serious consideration. And yes, you can post your question on those forums.

fmpden

Our son and now dil had a terrific on-beach, wedding in Costa Rica on the NW coast. We used the Liberia airport. If interested I can provide more details.

suze

You don't have to buy a "hotel wedding package" to get married in Hawaii. You could do it on your own or at least partially. You don't have to stay at a "resort" if you choose Waikiki. Look at the Moana Surfrider or the Royal Hawaiian. Plus the weather will be good. Hot, likely dry and clear.

I've seen weddings on the beach many times in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Well under your flight time. But September is VERY hot and humid in coastal Mexico, it's the rainiest and hottest month of the year after August!!! Not a time I'd want to be flying in 30 guests or having a ceremony.

suerte! suze

balthy

I'd suggest reconsidering Hawaii. Caribbean is just too far with too many COVID restrictions. There must be places in Hawaii that would fit the requirements. You can have a vow ceremony on the beach subject to getting a permit.

suze

If this is September 2021, are you sure your 30 guests are willing to fly internationally? I know many people not traveling yet because of the extra Covid pandemic restrictions and rules. I do agree about Hawaii being a better choice (ease of getting there, better weather in September) but those islands at least at this time have testing and/or quarantine requirements still in place.

mlgb

Why not do it in Southern California? Maybe Terranea, or somewhere in Orange County such as Laguna Beach.

What you save on COVID Testing and flights you can more than make up with food and lodging. Car rentals at the moment are cheaper from Santa Ana (John Wayne) airport.

https://www.terranea.com/weddings

As for Overseas destination weddings, I know people who are going to Costa Rica and Panama now. But September really isn't a great time for the Caribbean.