The Big Debate: Why a Destination Wedding Beats a Local Wedding Every Time

Choosing a wedding venue is the first "big" decision you’ll make as a couple—and it’s often the hardest. Do you stick to the local country club down the street, or do you jet off to a turquoise-watered paradise in the Caribbean or a historic villa in Tuscany?

While local weddings have their charms, more couples in 2026 are opting to trade the traditional "four-hour ballroom event" for an extended "wedding weekend" abroad. At Simply Mary’ed, we’ve seen firsthand how destination weddings transform a stressful planning process into a lifelong memory.

Here are five reasons why a destination wedding is the superior choice for your big day.

 Quality Time vs. The "Table Dash"

At a local wedding, you usually have about four to five hours to celebrate. Most of that time is spent "doing the rounds"—rushing from table to table to say a 30-second "hello" to 200 guests.

The Destination Difference: A destination wedding usually lasts 3–4 days. You’ll have welcome drinks on Friday, a catamaran excursion on Saturday, and the ceremony on Sunday. You actually get to vacation with your favorite people. By the time the "I Do’s" happen, you’ve already spent quality time with everyone.

Built-in "Guest List Grooming"

One of the biggest stressors of a local wedding is the obligation to invite everyone—from your dad’s coworkers to your third cousin you haven’t seen in a decade.

The Destination Difference: A destination wedding naturally filters your guest list to the people who truly matter. It provides a polite "out" for those who aren't in your inner circle, leaving you with an intimate group of people who are genuinely invested in your journey.

More "Wow" for Your Budget

It’s a common myth that destination weddings are more expensive. In reality, many luxury all-inclusive resorts in Mexico or the Dominican Republic offer wedding packages that include decor, cake, flowers, and open bars at a fraction of the "per-head" cost of a New Jersey or New York ballroom.

The Destination Difference: Because your guest count is typically lower and the resorts are designed for events, your dollar goes much further. You can afford the "premium" flowers and the "top-shelf" champagne that might have been out of reach at home.

Stress-Free Planning (Wait, Really?)

Yes, really! Planning a local wedding means hiring 10+ different vendors (florist, caterer, rentals, lighting, etc.) and managing 10+ different contracts.

The Destination Difference: When you work with a specialist like Simply Mary’ed, we streamline the process. Most luxury resorts have dedicated on-site coordinators and curated packages. We handle the travel, the room blocks, and the logistics, so your only "job" is to choose your color palette and show up.

Your Photos Will Be Iconic

Let’s be honest: a ballroom with beige carpets can only look so good.

The Destination Difference: Whether it’s a sunset backdrop in Jamaica or a cliffside ceremony in Amalfi, the natural beauty of a destination wedding provides a cinematic backdrop that no "photo booth" can replicate. Your wedding album won't just be photos; it will be a travel editorial.

Ready to start your journey?

At Simply Mary’ed, we specialize in taking the "overwhelm" out of destination planning. From finding the perfect resort to managing your guest RSVPs, we’re with you every step of the way.

Click here to schedule your free consultation and let’s find your paradise.