What Is Eloping & Is It Right For You?
Category: LoveMay 2nd 2023Back to our Sandals Blog > > >
What is eloping?
Traditionally, eloping was known to be something couples only considered if religious, cultural, or other restrictions prevented them from getting married to the person they truly loved. These couples, typically young, would make plans to skip town, only to return once it was too late for anyone else to intervene. Some chose never to return home at all, and instead began the foundations of a new life with their spouse.
Also read: The stress-free & complete
elopment checklist .
Today, eloping is connected to a much sexier reality: Getting away to an obscure, exotic destination, with no one else but the person you can't wait to spend the rest of your life with. All the while sharing the most intimate experiences, and romance in its purest form. People choose to elope for many reasons, and do it in many unique ways, so within this article we will share some of the most important things you should know before eloping.
In this article on our Sandals Resorts Blog:
Bonus:
The most common reasons for couples to elope
Secret weddings are alluring, but they don't always come out of the blue. Most couples who decide to elope are led to their decision for a number of reasons. From conflicting cultural backgrounds, to the need for flexibility and control, here are some of the most common reasons couples tend to go for elopement weddings.
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Lack of family approval
Most people like to know that their parents are on board before deciding to get married. This isn't always possible, as some parents, and even extended family may not agree with your choice regarding the person that you wish to marry. In this case, it is true what they say - you really can't please everyone. Decide for yourself what you really want, and who you want to spend your life with. Only then will you both be able to decide whether an elopement wedding is right for you.
The high costs of a traditional wedding
From wedding day attire and decor, to renting out a location and arranging catering, traditional weddings can be costly. In some cultures, the parents of the bride or groom contribute to wedding expenses. Some may even cover the cost of the entire wedding. For couples who may not have that option, the cost of a traditional wedding falls squarely on their shoulders. If you prefer not to break the bank for the sake of your happily-ever-after, an elopement wedding might just be in the cards.
Difference in culture or religion
Varied cultural or religious backgrounds rarely stand in the way of love, but this is definitely something to consider as it relates to wedding themes. Some couples prefer not to mix up cultures and themes, but instead choose to embark upon a no frills elopement wedding. It's a bit of a compromise, but this decision tends to cancel out possible friction between families before it happens.
Pregnant bride
Some couples who are expecting prefer to tie the knot before the arrival of their new baby. This may be for religious reasons, or due to pressure from either side of the family, but often this is solely the decision of the couple, who prefer to start their family on a more traditional note. In this case, elopement weddings are a perfect choice.
Preferring an intimate wedding
As magical as weddings often are, the planning can sometimes be a hassle. Some couples prefer to skip all the theatrics, and head to the main event. This often leads them in the direction of an elopement wedding, which involves less fuss, and more intimacy.
Reduced stress
In a perfect world, 'weddings' and 'stress' would never fall in the same category; after all, your wedding is supposed to be the most wonderful day of your life. Reality tends to set in quickly when you start trying to plan an actual wedding. Bells and whistles can amount to stress and anxiety if not properly managed. To avoid all the necessary work that goes into traditional weddings, some couples choose to elope instead.
Flexible options when it comes to the location
For any type of wedding, it is important to consider your guest list before deciding on a location. This is especially so with traditional weddings, as there are various factors to be considered including whether the venue is big enough to accommodate your guest list, whether guests are able to get to this location with ease, and whether there is proper parking. With elopement weddings, most of these details are thrown out the window as the only people you need to be concerned about is yourself, and your soon to be spouse.
Environmentally friendly
If you are interested in planning an eco-wedding you may want to look in the direction of an elopement wedding. You can promote environmental awareness through your wedding, or simply conserve enough by skimping out on some aspects of the traditional wedding, including save the dates cards, flowers, and excessive amounts of food. There are many other ways to be kind to the environment on your wedding day, which you'll be happy to discover just as soon as you start planning your elopement wedding!
Eloping versus a traditional wedding
For some people, a traditional wedding is a dream that must be fulfilled at all costs. To them, the wedding is just as important, if not more important than the marriage itself, in that it sets the tone for what life will be like as a family.
Half the fun for people who opt for the traditional wedding is planning, which can allow family and friends to get involved. At the same time, there can be external pressure from family and friends who wish to influence certain details about the wedding; like who to invite, who will sit where, and what food will be served. Some couples feel the need to consider the input of others; particularly parents who might help fund their wedding. Traditional weddings are often more rigid than elopement weddings because there is a lot to keep in mind before making adjustments.
Elopement weddings on the other hand are less common but are gaining popularity. It is an alternative to the traditional wedding, and these days, it is no longer taboo. The options are endless when it comes to elopement weddings as you can choose to go anywhere you want to tie the knot. All decisions concerning the wedding are left up to you and your partner, and there are no added stressed of having to cater to the needs of others.
Here are some pros and cons...
Elopement wedding
Pros of an elopement wedding
- Easy to organize and flexible
- All aspects of wedding are in your control
- Opportunity to write nontraditional vows
- More private and intimate
- Less people equals less nerves
- Spontaneous and adventurous
Cons of an elopement wedding
- No bridesmaids, grooms men to help with small tasks
- Less gifts as most couples who elope don't sign up for a gift registry
- Leaving people out might cause drama
- You might miss your family
- Your wedding may be more understated as less people are around to share in the excitement
Traditional Wedding
Pros of a traditional wedding
- Great family event
- Super fun in a party scene
- More structured
- More gifts
- Family photos
Cons of a traditional wedding
- Can be more expensive
- May have conflict from family and friends who want to add input
- More planning time and focus on trivial details
- About everyone else
Tip: Weigh your options, and give yourself time to decide if an elopement wedding is right for you.
Planned eloping versus spontaneous eloping
There are two different types of eloping. Planned eloping would mean that a conscious decision is made for you and your partner to get married, but you keep your plans between the two of you. This would include plans for the actual wedding, considerations for the future, and how to handle the reactions of family and friends once you get back. Planned elopement weddings can either be low budget, or luxurious. The sky is the limit!
Spontaneous eloping is not planned, and a little riskier in that not as much thought goes into it, which means small details can be overlooked. There are some pluses though to setting off at a moment's notice to marry the love of your life. You'll sail past wedding planning stresses, and enjoy an unpredictable adventure, which is good if you enjoy a little mystery. Sometimes spontaneous elopement weddings happen when the bride is expecting, and the couple wishes to get married before the baby is born. This of course is a joyous occasion but needn't be the only time when couples consider eloping.
Eloping wedding with friends
It is not uncommon for couples to invite friends to their elopement wedding. Not all people choose to go this route, but those who do often invite a couple of close friends to witness their wedding. This is similar to a destination wedding concept, with the exception that family members are often not included.
Elopement with a baby / kids
It's a little more difficult to get away at a moment's notice if you are a parent. There are several things you need to consider. Will you bring the kids with you, or leave them with family until you get back? How much will it cost to bring them with you, and is it really worth the expense? Most people who elope do so because they do not want the hassle or expense of a big wedding. Of course that doesn't necessarily mean you have to leave the kids behind. All-inclusive resorts like
Small wedding or elopement?
Usually those who choose an elopement wedding are looking for a quiet ceremony that is different from the norm. There is of course, the option of having a small wedding, which would be a similar choice. Both elopement weddings and small wedding can be cost effective, intimate, and relaxed, though elopement weddings up the romance factor by making the entire occasion about just you and your partner with little to no invited guests.
Destination wedding vs quick courthouse wedding
Courthouse weddings are a budget friendly option. They are different from
Picture: Overwater wedding chapel.
Available at
Is an elopement wedding right for you?
Getting married is one of the most important decisions of your life. It is the 'big day', so you should be certain about what you'd like to happen. If you're considering an elopement wedding, it will be just you and your partner every step of the way. There will be no fanfare from family and friends, unless of course you decide to bring some close friend along for the magical ride. There are no bridesmaids or groomsmen, which means you're more or less on your own to face any issues that might arise. On the upside though, some resorts catering to destination weddings offer wedding planners who are on hand to ensure that you have a seamless wedding. If you decide to stay at one of those resorts, rest assured, you're in good hands!
Tip: Sandals is a couple's only resort which caters specifically for love birds. Book a
elopement package and check out any one of their Caribbeanall-inclusive resorts , where love is all you need.
Bonus: Elopement location ideas
There are tons of options when it comes to selecting locations for your elopement wedding. Here are some of the most popular.
1. Forest wedding
Enchanted forest weddings are a new trend for couples who want to be at one with nature. There are quite a few destinations to choose from with cottages that are a great and comfortable escape for love birds. Forest weddings have a bit of a Twilight feel to them, but Bella and Edward are love goals, so that works out perfectly!
2. Cliff wedding
Elopement weddings open the doorway to more unique wedding location options, including cliff-side weddings with stunning views. The better the backdrop, the better the photos! Consult with friends and family, or your wedding planner to find a location that suits you.
3. Beautiful resort wedding
Picture: Overwater Love Nest Suites in
The Caribbean is home to some of the
4. A wedding in the ruins
How about a wedding in the ruins? One Caribbean island offers this option, in addition to other interesting locations. The 'Ruins', are located within Saint Lucia's Pigeon Island National Landmark and are a great backdrop for weddings. It is one of many interesting locations to explore in Saint Lucia.
Tip: Be sure to check out the
Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Beach Resort & Spa in Saint Lucia which is located a two minute walk away from the Pigeon Island National Landmark.
5. Beach wedding
How about a
Things to keep in mind for your elopement wedding
There's hardly anything more romantic than an elopement wedding, but there are some things that are important to take note of.
1. Plan your elopement announcement wisely
Some couples wait until they return from their trip to tell family and friends about their elopement. Often, this results in negative reactions from friends and family who might feel excluded. There is another option though. Some people tell their loved ones in advance, and plan activities before leaving, or once they're back to include everyone. Consider this, as it tends to help with hurt feelings!
2. Think photography
Hire a good photographer or videographer - the memories are worth it. It's a good idea to look into photographers before you get to your destination so you're not left scrambling to find one once you get there. This can help you share the experience with family and friends after the fact.
3. Don't forget the small details
Having an elopement wedding doesn't mean you need to skimp on the details. Plan early to ensure your wedding lives up to your expectations. Decide things like whether you want a wedding cake, so arrangements can be made in advance. Make arrangements for your bouquet if you plan on having one, and ensure your dress and suit fit properly before heading off. Depending on the destination you choose, it may be difficult to find a seamstress or tailor.
Elopement etiquette: how to react to an elopement?
A friend who has decided to elope may have still registered for gifts. If they have not, it might be a good idea to ask if there is anything they need or want ahead of their new adventure. Send a card to express your good wishes. Even though you won't be attending a wedding, this is still a nice practice and allows you to extend warm thoughts to them.
For better or worse
When it comes to getting married, there is no right and wrong way. The same goes for eloping. Take all things into consideration, and make a decision, without the added pressure. Love is a personal feeling, related to the two people involved. Follow your heart and whatever you decide, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons.
Further reading: Learn how to elope in 15 easy steps with the stress-free & complete
elopment checklist or book your ownelopement package at Sandals.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
We bring your dream Sandals Resorts vacation to life!
Hi! I'm Lia Vincent. I have been handling all the ins-and-outs of Sandals Resorts vacations for couples and groups since 2002! I know how unique and special your Sandals Resorts vacation is to you and your guests. My team and I want to make sure your group travel is an extraordinary experience, and one to talk about for ages to come.
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Sandals Resorts Wedding Packages
Your next great adventure begins here. Whether you prefer an intimate elopement or a grand affair, every wedding deserves a week-long celebration with a little something extra. Sandals and Beaches wedding packages offer the best of everything from pre-wedding events to unique wedding day and honeymoon experiences.
Click to read more articles about Sandals Weddings: Sandals Resort Wedding Planning
TWO LOVE BIRDS PACKAGE
Applicable for 2 people.
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
Pre-Wedding Events
• Scents of Love Couples massage*
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
On Your Wedding Day
• Bridal attendant*
• 10 digital images
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Witnesses
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d'oeuvres
- Sparkling wine
- Reception table with white linen and white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Private candlelight dinner with four-course
menu and prosecco*
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
SWEETHEART WEDDING PACKAGE
Applicable for up to 10 people
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services
for the bride and groom (not applicable
to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• $200 credit towards select photography
packages
• $200 credit towards select videography
packages
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid
boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail,
and non-alcoholic beverages
- Reception table with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with white or magenta dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen and white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
This package is complimentary when Bride and Groom stay for 7 nights or longer in Club or Butler categories. This offer is available Monday through Friday, 9am-2pm and is applicable only to 10 persons. This offer does not apply to ReTie the Knot ceremonies. Certain restrictions apply. See terms and conditions
BLISS WEDDING PACKAGE
Applicable for 12 people or more
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid
double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms
travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31.
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding team: event coordination,
setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the
entire group (not applicable to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• 20 digital images
• $200 credit towards select videography
packages
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for 1 member of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for 1 member
of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen & white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection
from the plated menus and a premium bar,
non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a Private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
EPIC WEDDING PACKAGE
Applicable for 52 people or more
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid
double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms
travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31.
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• 2-hour private pre-wedding celebration dinner
• Wedding day treats : frozen fruit kabobs
& small bites with sparkling wine for bride
and groom (in-room while getting ready
on day of wedding)
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the
entire group (not applicable to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• $500 credit towards the Royal Romance
photography package
• $500 credit towards the Ultimate videography
package
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for up to 2 members
of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for up to 2 members
of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Three-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen and whitecushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection
from the plated or buffet menus and a premium
bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
• One sweetheart table to include white linen,
standard place setting & 2 white-cushioned
Chiavari chairs
• Two-hour DJ entertainment
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
in resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
• $100 Credit towards either a private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
RETIE THE KNOT PACKAGE
Applicable for up to 10 people.
Before You Arrive
• ReTie the Knot planning team
• Celebration gift registry and website templates
During Your Stay
• Onsite ReTie the Knot team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for bride
and groom (not applicable to retail items)
• One 5x7 photo print
• One keepsake gift
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid
boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
• ReTie the Knot commemorative certificate
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail,
and non-alcoholic beverages
• Single-tiered white fondant cake
with dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen
& white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
Some of our destination weddings
Sandals Grande, St. Lucia, Large Group, Destination Wedding
I wanted to share (with permission) these gorgeous pictures from a destination wedding 2 weekends ago we had the privilege of being a part of and booked by Lia. She chose this over the water wedding chapel in St. Lucia with friends and family there to help celebrate. I love her flower crown and her dress and how happy she is. Picture perfect. Congratulations Kate and Curtis! We are so happy for you!
Beaches Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Lia was very helpful for us in planning our destination wedding to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We had gone through a few other travel planners first who didn't seem nearly as interested in our needs. We really appreciated the way Lia helped us navigate through some of the complexities, including the local laws of Jamaica and the planning with the resort itself. Even once we got to the resort and ran into a few snags, Lia was able to quickly get those resolved very quickly. We would highly recommend her for anyone planning a destination wedding or any other vacation. Thanks, Lia, for making our destination wedding the most special day of our lives.
Playa Del Carmen, Large Group, Destination Wedding
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you're planning on having a destination wedding, especially with a large group, I would highly recommend using All Inclusive Weddings!
From beginning to end, they help with every step; i.e., finding the venue, creating a custom wedding website, and booking all your guests. Their office manager, Linze, was very responsive, helpful, and so sweet! Everything turned out smoothly and we couldn't be happier!
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Destination Wedding
Stephanie was our incredible travel agent for our destination wedding! She helped with every aspect, quick communication and AMAZING coordination with over 50 different people over 8 states. Stephanie from the beginning, gave options and talked through so many questions I had. I could not have asked for a better right hand woman! 10 out of 10 for Steph, we could not appreciate & trust her more!
Incredible Agent For Our Destination Wedding! 10 Out Of 10 For Steph!
Such an amazing week of memories,laughter & love! Thankful for our people and truly blessed beyond words ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
My husband and I worked with the company's owner, Lia Vincent, and office manager, Linze.
Lia & Linze were both very warm and friendly, and from day one, we could tell cared about us as a couple and our destination wedding success, rather than just seeing us as more clients. I get stressed out easily, so planning my own wedding alone was overwhelming, even though my wedding was 10 months out. I ended up working with Linze, and we pushed up the wedding date with a little less than three months to prepare. I was initially nervous about using a travel agent / wedding planner, but it turned out to be a huge blessing, because it took away a lot of the stress and worry I was experiencing. A bride has so many things to worry about, so having someone else bear the brunt of the work and worry about the nitty-gritty details was a HUGE relief for me.
Why spend hours analyzing vendors and reading reviews, when you can have a pro do it? If you want an intimate wedding, if you want to elope, or if you want a huge all-out, go-into-debt-for-years wedding, and if you're in the market for a wedding travel agent, Lia and Linze should be at the top of your list!
The day of the wedding, everything was so beautiful, and so much better than I could have done on my own. Lia's company finds the best local vendors, so you know you'll get great value in your package, and what's nice is her company offers different packages for different budgets. We worked with and met AMAZING vendors! The reception was so elegant that as soon as I entered the reception, I felt amazement, joy, and relief because being the worrywart and control freak that I sometimes can be, it was hard for me to trust someone to somehow make everything perfect. Lia was able to give us the dream wedding we couldn't have done ourselves. Our family and friends were also amazed, and repeatedly told us how great the wedding, reception, and food were at the resort.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Destination Wedding
I used Stephanie Tindall to help me choose the perfect resort in PV Mexico for where my guests would stay for my destination wedding. She went round and round with me helping me find the perfect location. It had to be nice, trendy, not to outrageously expensive and within a certain mile radius of a marina where my guests needed to go for the wedding. She helped everyone get booked and when things became a little hectic as tracking sometimes can get. She took care of the details. One of my guests had passport issues and she helped talk them through what to do. It was such a relief to have a point of contact for travel related issues so I didn't have to be stressed about it. She did this all with a patient, positive? upbeat and kind attitude through the entire process. I highly recommend her.
Thank you again,
Darby Brown
UNICO, Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding
Unico was wonderful and the perfect place for our wedding! It was quiet and the ceremony was better than expected. We had it on the gazebo and it was away from everything, which was great. The photography was beyond our expectations. We have not received our video yet, but assume it will be just as great. I also used the in house vendor for make up and hair, and was not disappointed. The wedding coordinator, Nazareth, was so sweet and on point. We used the local host quite a bit with WhatsApp, which was quite convenient. Food and drinks were amazing. We were disappointed that 2087 restaurant was down for half of our stay for repairs. We ate at Mi Carisa on our wedding night, which was the perfect choice. Service was also best there. We scheduled 2 tours through the hotel, a sunset cruise and Chichen Itza express. The boat tour was nice. Chichen itza tour was too fast and ok. We really appreciate your recommendations and help booking our wedding and stay. It was wonderful! Thank you again, Juliet and Jason
Hard Rock Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
We just got back from an AMAZING wedding weekend yesterday. I can't begin to thank you enough for your help and support during the entire process. Everyone had a great time. It truly was one of the best days of my life and I can't believe how stress-free it was once I got there. Thank you Thank you!
Secrets Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I have never used a travel agent before Lia. I have always been the "I can do everything cheaper by myself on the internet" type person; most of the time, it works great. When my husband and I decided to have a destination wedding, we were not sure about anything - number of guests, length of stay, etc; we also have very demanding jobs, requiring constant travels up until the week before our wedding. So we thought that a travel agent may be a lifesaver; as it turned out, she was. Lia was endorsed as an expert in destination weddings on the American Express Travel website. Although she lived over a 1,000 miles away, I felt comfortable.
As I am not a "girly" person, wedding planning was not my thing; however, party planning and event coordination are. Lia and I treated this "event" like a business and I loved that about her; I needed someone to be truthful and provide honest advice. As it is with my job, I like corresponding via emails because I can have all the information on hand and in writing at all time; Lia always accommodated that, and always very promptly. I'm not talking about several emails over a few months; I'm talking about over the course of over a year. Lia was there to provide support when I had a hard time reach the wedding coordinator; she was there when I freaked out at the resort regarding my brother's return transportation (as it turned out, my brother spoke with the wrong transportation company); she was organized to be able to provide me with spreadsheet of all guest arrival information; she always submitted my requests to Classic Vacation and the resort promptly. James and I cannot thank Lia enough to make everything go smoothly for the biggest event of our lives. All 48 of us had such a great time that we absolutely see another group vacation in the future.
UNICO 2087, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Read the full details about this destination wedding in our blog post, Mark and Casey Simpsen's Destination Wedding at UNICO 2087. This couple was also featured in the UNICO 2087 Resort blog post, UNICO Destination Wedding, Casey Shelley & Mark Simpsen
Beach Palace Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Lia being referred to me saved me so much wedding planning mental anguish! I had tried with a few other travel agents before I had two different people give me Lia's name, and with each of the previous TAs they had to look into things and call me back (I'm still waiting for those calls). Getting in touch with Lia was a whole new experience, she answered all my initial questions in that first phone call, had so many recommendations, and it was obvious she knew exactly what she was doing. By the time we hung up the first phone call, I had decided on a destination and venue (per Lia's suggestion). She was a God send! A year later, we are still having people talk about what a great trip it was and people are always amazed by what a great turn out we had. We ended up with about 60 people, all booking through Lia and everyone had a flawless experience. One even asked for her name when planning her destination wedding a few months later and was just as pleased! Lia told me a lot through the planning process that I was such a laid-back bride, but it really was because she left me nothing to worry about. She answered any question I had, was always quick to respond to calls and emails, and helped me plan the most perfect wedding ever. I wish I could re-live it all again!!
Cozumel Palace, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Throughout the process we felt completely at ease as she handled some of the most important details of planning for this special time. From her first recommendations of resorts and destinations to her help arranging travel for our closest family and friends we always felt grateful having Lia on our side. We highly recommend Lia Vincent and Palace Resorts for your destination wedding!
Le Blanc Spa Resort, Destination Wedding
I am truly so grateful for you and all of your help! Le Blanc was amazing! NOTHING could have been better, except maybe the weather, but the staff, food, and service were above and beyond! We will definitely go back there!! Love, Love, Love you for all of your help - Can NOT thank you enough!!
Beach Palace, Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
Lia was a phenomenal help from the beginning. She was referred to me by a friend, and I was incredibly thankful that we used her. When we started planning, we became overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.
We met with her for about 45 minutes one afternoon, took her pictures of spaces we had seen online and liked, and gave her a list of our "must-haves", a list of things that would be nice but didn't matter too much, and a list of things we absolutely did NOT want. She kind of thought about things for a minute, and then listed 3 resorts that fit every single one of our needs. She then ran sample pricing from EVERY location our guests would be traveling from so we could figure out what best fit our and our guests' travel budgets. After about a million more questions from me, we finally settled on her initial recommendation, the Beach Palace in Cancun. As we went through the process, any time I had a question, problem, or was just worried about something not being right, she was my go-to person. I'm not kidding, she would answer me in like, less than an hour 99% of the time. She even took my file home one weekend to give me more time to figure something out before she ran credit cards and got it booked. She was a Godsend!
Riu Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Lia with Lia helped us plan our destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We had a total of 11 people and she helped each of them set up their arrangements. From the beginning she was so helpful and always quick to respond. She made the entire process a breeze. She communicated with the wedding coordinator at the Riu Palace and made sure everything was just like we wanted. We did not have any issues at all, thanks to Lia and all of her thorough planning. Each of our guests bragged on her and said how easy it was to work with her. I would recommend Lia for all of your planning needs whether it be just a short vacation or a destination wedding. She knows what she is doing and will make sure all of your questions are answered and that you have the best vacation.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband and I got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico right off the beach. It was pure bliss, and everything I could have ever dreamed of! I may be biased, but destination weddings are certainly the way to go and thanks to our wonderful Travel Agent Lia Vincent at Vincent Vacations, we were able to find the perfect place! I had the opportunity to be able to edit the straight out of camera photos from my wedding! Here is a glimpse of our wedding day in paradise!
Iberostar, Grand Punta Cana, Destination Wedding
We had the most amazing time at our wedding. Our guests are still talking about what an amazing trip it was! Thank you for your help with organizing this unforgettable time for us, we cannot wait to put our pictures in our new frame!
Dreams, Puerto Aventuras Resort, Destination Wedding
Lia, thank you very much for all of your help with our PERFECT wedding vacation!
Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
"It was beautiful! Everybody had a fantastic time!"
The staff was wonderful, the rooms were gorgeous, and the food was AMAZING! Our wedding could not have been more perfect and if you have any brides that want a beautiful wedding on a budget, The Excellence Punta Cana would be my number one recommendation. Emy and Livia were fantastic and everything was just PERFECT! Chris couldn't even believe how wonderful it was.
Thank you again for all of your help!!!
Dreams, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
As soon as Jimmy asked me to marry him, I knew we would want a destination wedding. We love to travel, and we love the beach, so there was no more perfect place to start our lives together than a beach in Mexico!
I am not the wedding planning type, and I knew that with a destination wedding, we could get someone else to plan the details for us. Luckily for me, my friend Lia at Vincent Vacations specializes in Destination Weddings. Lia had taken care of trips for us in the past, and I knew she was the perfect person to help me plan this trip. I was right! She helped me look through destinations, and we found the perfect spot: Dreams in Puerto Vallarta! The package came with a wedding planner, who took care of the details for me. 21 of our friends and family came with us, and everyone loved the resort. Our party ranged in age from 7 to 82, and everyone agreed it was an amazing trip. There were activities for the kids, and plenty of excursions for everyone to choose from. The staff was wonderful, and pampered us from the time we arrived. One of my bridesmaids had a broken foot and was on crutches, and was in a wheelchair some. The hotel staff assisted her anytime she needed it, including carrying her and her wheelchair up and down large flights of stairs. They were amazing! All the rooms are ocean front, with beautiful views. Jimmy and I stayed in the "Preferred" tower, and our room came with a great balcony with a hot tub! Most of our guests stayed in the other tower, but the resort is small enough, this was not a problem at all. They all loved their rooms as well. The wedding planner met with me in advance to work out the last minute details and timing. When our wedding day came, everything went perfectly. We got married on the beach right in front of the ocean. We had a sound system and a dj who played all the songs that we picked out in advance. My Dad is a minister, and he performed the service for us. We had 21 in our wedding party, but it felt like a much bigger wedding because lots of people watched the wedding. You could see people everywhere on their balconies watching, which made us feel like rock stars. We had a Mexican band that played a few songs after the wedding. The wedding came with a photographer and videographer who did amazing job! We took pictures right after the wedding, then we had dinner which also came with the wedding. We had steak and chicken which tasted great. Of course, I also asked them for chips and guacamole. (I love the guacamole in Mexico.) They were happy to oblige. They provided the wedding cake after which was amazing. After the wedding, my husband and I stayed for another 4 days, and it was paradise. I could not have asked for a more beautiful place to get married, or a less stressful way to do it. Thanks Lia and Vincent Vacations for making our special day an amazingly unforgettable experience!
Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Love the pictures one of our brides just shared from her elopement in Jamaica! Thank you for sharing with us! Did you know we book Destination weddings of all sizes? If it's just the 2 of you or a group of 250, give us a call!
Grand Fiesta Americana, Los Cabos, Mexico, Destination Wedding
This was the best and easiest decision we made about our entire wedding! Lia at All Inclusive Weddings is the absolute best, extremely intelligent, hard working, and so caring. She truly makes you feel like you are her only client throughout the entire process. We had about 120 people coming to our Cabo wedding and even had to switch resorts, visitors coming from all different states and even Europe. She was calm, and kept the bride and groom calm! Every detail was taken care of and it was made to be the most perfect wedding!
Finest, Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work to arrange the hotel and transfers for Ashley and Robbie's wedding. It was perfect and everything that she had ever dreamed of! The resort was amazing! We had great food at all the restaurants. The staff went over the top to accommodate any needs that you could have had! Everyone felt safe and the beaches are beautiful. Since it's more private you don't get the crazy vendors walking the beach trying to sell you stuff. Our family loved it so much and we defiantly will be planning another vacation. You will be the first I call if we need help to organize something! Thank you again for everything
We have been in business since 2013, and booking destination weddings since 2002!
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