Tropical wedding destinations are a vacation for everyone. They have an effortless charm seldom beaten by cities and rural terrain. Beachside destinations offer couples (and their guests) a blend of natural beauty, relaxing spaces, and a sense of adventure.
You’re doing them a favor! And you are making your wedding weekend unforgettable.
At All In Weddings, we pride ourselves on our locations. However, what couples are looking for varies, and it’s in our best interest to know what the rest of the world has to offer. So, coming from experts, here are some of the most fantastic tropical weddings to consider if you dream of a wedding by the sea.
BaLI
Often referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is part of Indonesia in Southeast Asia. It is a tropical wonder of lush landscapes, serene beaches, and vibrant culture.
Many come for the perfect blend of spiritual heritage, natural escapes, and luxurious resorts. Natural beauty ranges from stunning beach resorts to cliffside venues overlooking the ocean.
Locals speak Indonesian, but English is prevalent in tourist spots.
If you’re looking for warm weather, temperatures range from 79 to 86°F. The wet season runs from October to April.
Typical activities include:
- Temple visits
- Surfing
- Hiking Mount Agung
- Rice terrace tours
- Cultural experiences like traditional Balinese dance performances
One of the main attractions to tropical wedding destinations is the flare for fantastically fresh ingredients. Balinese cuisine is full of flavor with dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, and babi guling (suckling pig). Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and dragon fruit are commonly used in local dishes.
Price Point: $$
Bali offers a broad range of wedding options, from budget to high-end. While luxury resorts and private villas are available and pricier, there are also plenty of affordable options at off-resort wedding venues and local celebrations. Bali is a friendly option for every budget.
BORA BORA
This stunning yet small French Polynesian island is located in the South Pacific. Often called “the pearl of the Pacific,” this tropical destination in a turquoise lagoon epitomizes tropical romance. This picture-perfect paradise is best known for its crystal-clear waters, luxurious resorts, overwater bungalows, and romantic sunset views.
Locals speak French and Tahitian, while English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
The tropical climate temperatures range from 77-86°F year-round. May to October are considered the high season, with more tourists and isolated rain showers. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider December to March, snuggled amid the rainy season.
Bora Bora is about 143 miles northwest of Tahiti. It has Australia to the west, Asia to the northwest, South America to the east, and the United States to the northeast. If you are willing to travel a little farther out, you and your guests can enjoy:
- Snorkeling with rays and sharks
- Boat tours around the lagoon
- Paddleboarding
- Private beach picnics
Your days will be filled with adventure outdoors and at the dining table. The food is fresh seafood, including tuna and mahi-mahi. A local specialty is poisson cru. Similar to ceviche, this raw fish is marinated in coconut milk. You can expect to see (and taste) French-inspired dishes with tropical fruits like coconut and pineapple.
Price Point: $$$$
Bora Bora is considered one of the most exclusive wedding destinations. Overwater accommodations and private island resorts characterize its premium location.
RIVIERA MAYA
The Riviera Maya is a stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline on the eastern side of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Its turquoise waters and rich cultural heritage are noteworthy, and it is closer to the United States.
The Riviera Maya is one of the most popular tropical destinations in the world. It allows tourists to disconnect from nature and indulge in modern amenities and ancient history. This region encompasses several famous towns and beach resorts, including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Akumal.
While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas and resorts.
The Riviera Maya is the warmest of our wedding destinations, with temperatures ranging between 82-90°F year-round, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. Warm as it may be, keeping an eye on rainy months (May to October) and the hurricane season (June to November) will be essential. The best time to plan a wedding is December to April.
Should you find yourself planning a wedding in the Riviera Maya, you and your guests can explore any of the following activities:
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
- Exploring Mayan Ruins
- Adventures like zip-lining through the jungle, swimming in cenotes, or riding ATVs in natural reserves.
- Eco-parks visit to Xcaret, Xel-Há, and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Shopping & Nightlife at Playa del Carmen
- Soft, white sand beaches
- Visiting archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Coba
- Exploring Cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater
The region offers guests a focus on fresh seafood, tacos, and traditional Mexican cuisine. Highlights include tacos al Pastor, ceviche, Cochinita Pibil (slow-cooked pork), fresh fruits, and local sauces.
Our UNICO 20°87° Hotel Collection at Riviera Maya completely embraces and celebrates the region’s wonders. From in-room luxury to outdoor escapes, this all-inclusive beachfront sanctuary is a place to retreat, explore, and indulge.
Price Point: $$
The Riviera Maya can be affordable for the luxury and inclusions provided. Packages are moderately priced and vary depending on customization.
Choose your destination
Still curious for more information? Here’s a closer look at Drew and Ryan’s Wedding day. The happy couple chose the Riviera Maya at our UNICO 20°87 location for their all-inclusive tropical destination wedding.
At UNICO 20°87, our seasoned wedding experts can discuss all the packages available, regardless of your vision or budget.
Final Thoughts
Again, a tropical wedding destination is a vacation for everyone. However, it’ll be important that your destination matches your vision and budget. Determining the kind of wedding and vacation you want is critical before you start planning.
Speak to a wedding expert about your all-inclusive tropical wedding destination!
