Estimated cost for an all‑inclusive destination wedding (75 guests) - Travel Expert

Approximate budget ranges for a 75-guest all-inclusive resort wedding in Mexico, Dominican Republic, or similar, with breakdowns and saving tips.

Q: Hello everyone! I’m wondering: how much will a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort cost approximately? (I don’t have a country in mind, but I’m thinking Mexico or Dominican, but am open to wherever but price is definitely a factor). I don’t want any outside vendors or anything fancy. I imagine we’d have a total of 75 guests at the max. If you have any insights, I would so appreciate them 🙂

Direct answer

A basic all-inclusive resort wedding for ~75 guests typically ranges from about $20,000 to $60,000 total. Most couples spend between $25k–$40k when they want a comfortable, no-outside-vendors affair.

Cost breakdown & what’s usually included

  • Resort wedding package (ceremony + small reception): $1,000–$6,000
    • Covers officiant, bouquet/ boutonniere, basic décor, ceremony setup, coordinator, legal paperwork assistance (or symbolic ceremony).
  • Group room nights (guest rooms): $8,000–$30,000
    • All-inclusive room rates vary widely: ~$120–$350+/night/room. For 75 guests assume 40–50 rooms (couples, families) for 3–5 nights.
  • Reception (food & drink) surcharges or per-person event pricing: often included but can run $30–$120/guest for upgraded menus or private venues
  • Upgrades & extras: $1,000–$10,000
    • Things like upgraded décor, private dinner venues, upgraded cake, enhanced photography package, live music/band, fireworks, late-night snacks.
  • Gratuities, taxes, ceremony fees, paperwork: $500–$3,000

Representative price scenarios (75 guests)

  • Budget/simple: $20,000–$28,000
    • Low-season dates, standard room blocks, basic package, symbolic ceremony, minimal extras.
  • Mid-range: $28,000–$40,000
    • Moderate upgrades, nicer room categories for some guests, private reception space, mid-tier photographer.
  • Upscale/all-upgrades: $40,000–$60,000+
    • Private venue buyout, premium décor & entertainment, high-end photography/video, more nights/rooms.

Where Mexico vs. Dominican typically fall

  • Mexico (Riviera Maya, Cancun, Los Cabos): lots of competition—good deals, many resorts specialize in weddings; easier group-management and relatively lower travel cost for U.S. guests.
  • Dominican Republic (Punta Cana): similar all-inclusive value; often slightly lower package costs but factor in flight availability/prices for guests.

Tips to lower costs

  • Choose low or shoulder season dates (avoid holidays).
  • Limit upgrade items (flowers, lighting, band vs DJ).
  • Negotiate a room block rate and look for resort promotions (kids/teens free, complimentary room upgrades, free room for the couple with X room nights sold).
  • Pick a resort that includes as much as possible in the wedding package (photographer, cake, open bar, coordinator).
  • Consider a shorter group stay (3 nights instead of 5) or fewer upgraded rooms.
  • Ask resorts for sample total estimates (room block + wedding package + taxes/gratuities) to compare apples-to-apples.

Quick checklist to get firm quotes

  1. Guest count (75) and expected room nights per guest. 2. Preferred travel month/season. 3. Must-haves (legal ceremony vs symbolic, private reception, photography). 4. Room categories you want to include. 5. Budget ceiling per person or total.

If you want, tell me preferred month/region and whether you need a legal ceremony in-country; I can estimate a more precise total and list resorts that match your price targets.