The 10 Most Affordable Places In The World To Have A Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding abroad can seem like an exciting option to tie the knot in a romantic beach setting or unique location. However, the costs of international travel and lodging for guests can really add up. If you're working with a tight budget, finding an affordable location is key. Here are some of the most affordable places you can get married overseas without breaking the bank.

Mexico

Mexico offers gorgeous beach locations at extremely affordable prices compared to other tropical destinations. Many beach towns cater specifically to weddings and can handle all your planning needs. Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the cheapest options, with hotel rooms starting around $100 per night. You can find all-inclusive wedding packages for $2,000-$5,000, including a ceremony location, reception with food and open bar, and on-site coordinator. Cancun and Los Cabos are also popular wedding spots with slightly higher costs but still very reasonable compared to the Caribbean. Opt for an off-season weekday wedding for even better deals. Mexico's proximity to the U.S. also keeps travel costs low for guests.

Brazil

Brazil offers stunning natural scenery at a fraction of the price of European destinations. Rio de Janeiro is one of the cheapest South American cities and an unbeatable spot for a beach wedding. You can expect to pay around $1,500-$3,000 for a basic wedding package there. Head to smaller coastal towns outside Rio like Buzios for even lower costs - simple weddings run $800-$1,500. Brazil's weak currency also means extremely affordable hotels, food, and activities for guests. Visas aren't required for U.S. citizens, saving on paperwork. Opting for an informal ceremony on the beach keeps costs low while taking advantage of Brazil's natural beauty.

Vietnam

With a mix of beaches, mountains, and cities dripping with character, Vietnam delivers remarkable scenery and culture. The beach towns of Nha Trang and Hoi An are two top Vietnam wedding spots. Wedding packages average $2,000-$4,000, which includes a complimentary room for the bride and groom, guaranteed low hotel room rates for guests, and a Western-style sit-down reception. Vietnam's strength is affordability - you'll spend around $50 per night for a nice guestroom. Food and drinks are very inexpensive, with banquet-style meals starting around $10 per person. Visas on arrival are inexpensive and easy to get. You'll benefit from Vietnam's weak currency and low costs of living to plan a memorable wedding without blowing your budget.

Portugal

Portugal offers natural beauty and rich culture at a bargain compared to other European destinations. Along the Algarve coast in southern Portugal, you'll find beautiful beaches, cliffs, and quaint coastal towns serving as idyllic wedding spots. Hotels range $100-200 per night in high season. All-inclusive wedding packages start around $3,000 and include the venue, food, drinks, and on-site coordinator. Lisbon and Porto also make scenic city settings. Opt for an off-season wedding from September to May for mild weather and even lower rates. While not as affordable as Southeast Asia, Portugal still beats most Mediterranean countries on cost. Getting legally married is simple with no waiting period, and no visa is needed for American guests.

Ecuador

Ecuador offers impressive Andean mountain and tropical coastline scenery for your wedding at rock-bottom costs. Tired of cookie-cutter tropical resort weddings? Get married in the colorful hill town of Otavalo just a couple hours from Quito for stunning mountain backdrops. Or head to the coast - towns like Puerto Lopez and Montanita have dreamy black sand beaches and charming inns starting at $50 per night in low season. Find basic wedding packages for $800-$1,500 all-inclusive. Ecuador continues to offer amazing value with cheap flights from the U.S., inexpensive hotels and meals, and no visa required for visits under 90 days. With the right planning, you can pull off a dream Ecuador wedding for under $5,000.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic consistently ranks among the most affordable Caribbean destinations for destination weddings. Popular spots like Punta Cana, Playa Bavaro, and Cabarete offer beach weddings amid tropical scenery. All-inclusive wedding packages start around $3,000 and include the ceremony location, reception with an open bar and buffet meals. Guests can also take advantage of affordable all-inclusive resorts in these areas for as little as $100 per night. Opt for mid-week weddings in the off-season for even better deals. Additionally, there's no language barrier for English-only guests. While not the cheapest option, the Dominican Republic ensures beautiful island surroundings won't break the bank.

Thailand

Thailand delivers amazing value thanks to its convenient location, friendly culture, and inexpensive infrastructure. Beach towns like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi serve as stunning tropical backdrops and cater specifically to destination weddings. Expect all-inclusive wedding packages ranging $2,000-$4,000. You'll receive dedicated wedding planners and use of multiple ceremony and reception venues along with staff, decorations, meals and open bar. Low season falls during the rainy months of June to October when packages can cost thousands less. Hotels average $50-100 per night. For guests, domestic flights are very affordable and getting a visa on arrival is simple. With its low costs and amazing scenery, Thailand is tough to beat for budget weddings abroad.

Greece

The Greek Islands offer picturesque whitewashed villages, gorgeous coastlines, and famously sunny skies at a reasonable price compared to Italy and France. Opt for low-key weddings on quieter islands like Santorini, Mykonos, or Corfu. You can expect packages including the venue, guaranteed room blocks at hotels, and basic amenities for $3,000-$5,000 depending on the island. Santorini especially caters to weddings and has countless charming chapels and villas to choose from. Hotel rooms start around $100-200 on average during high season. Greece allows for civil ceremonies with no residency requirements or long waiting periods. With its naturally scenic backdrops and easier Europe access for American guests, Greece should be high on the list for affordable European weddings.

In conclusion, there are many gorgeous global destinations that offer beautiful settings for destination weddings without the massive price tag. By choosing areas with relatively inexpensive infrastructure like Mexico, Vietnam, Ecuador or Thailand, you can plan a memorable overseas event within a reasonable budget. Factors like low or no visa requirements, affordable accommodations, and dedicated wedding industries also help certain areas deliver better value. With careful research into package pricing, hotel rates, and tourism low seasons, you're sure to find the cheapest place abroad to make your dream destination wedding a reality.