5 Outside-the-Box All-Inclusive Destination Weddings

The destination wedding industry is booming. A recent study by Research and Markets showed that the industry grew by $7 billion year-over-year in 2023 ($21 billion to $28 billion), and the trend is expected to continue.  By 2027, the industry is expected to be worth over $78 billion. 

While destination weddings continue to be a popular option for couples, the expectations and desires can vary dramatically from client to client. Insiders know selling destination weddings requires flexibility. Some clients are laid-back and just want to have a good time, while other couples are more focused on the wedding itself, and require much higher attention to detail. 

For clients looking for a different take on the all-inclusive experience, here are five outside-the-box destination wedding locations.  

Going green: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Sustainability continues to be an industry talking point in general, and destination weddings are no different. For couples who want a scenic beach resort wedding but with a green angle, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Riviera Maya is a fantastic option. The all-inclusive resort is a model for sustainable tourism, having multiple green certifications and a reputation for eco vacation programs. Couples can embrace nature with the Green Wedding package, which includes live Mayan drum music for the ceremony and a private tree planting activity for the party, as well as a romantic boat ride and a temazcal (sweat lodge) ritual for the couple. The Green Wedding package is an upgrade that can be added to any of the resort’s wedding packages.  

For the cartoon-lover: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts
For the young-at-heart, or simply the SpongeBob super-fan, Karisma has a great alternative to the conventional destination wedding. Karisma Hotels & Resorts offers various wedding packages across their hotels, including a fun-themed option at the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana and Riviera Maya. The all-inclusive resorts marry Karisma’s luxury and comfort with Nickelodeon’s signature silly, messy good times, and the weddings are no different. Characters from shows like or can photobomb wedding pictures, and the ceremony includes the option of a special sliming for two. 

A private elopement: Bungalows Key Largo 
Set in the Florida Keys, Bungalows Key Largo is an all-inclusive adults-only resort that offers a more private, intimate destination wedding experience. Specializing in elopements and buy-outs, the resort boasts a backdrop of romantic, white sand beaches and all the comfort and privacy of cabana-inspired bungalow accommodations. 

Celebrity glam, all-inclusive comfort: Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
Movie lovers can embrace their passion for film with a glam Planet Hollywood Costa Rica wedding. The all-inclusive resort features Hollywood memorabilia for guests to enjoy, as well as décor themed to stardom. Guests can choose between rooftop, gazebo, or beach wedding packages, which include a “Celebrity VIP” welcome for bride and groom. For couples looking for a more low-key celebration, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica also offers an elopement “tie the knot” package, which includes a ceremony (gazebo or beach) and a private dinner on the beach.    

Local culture: Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
For a destination wedding infused with local charm and culture, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is an elegant choice with a wide array of ceremony locations to choose from. There are 12 venues in total, ranging from the traditional seaside beach settings to an adorable chapel. The Secret Graden Gazebo offers additional privacy in an intimate, yet refined, outdoor setting, while the Mexican Plaza gives guests a traditional site with a lot of local flavor—including a mariachi band stage. And with the Maya ruins just minutes away, there’s ample opportunity for exploration and adventure.