Destination Wedding Q&A: Caribbean Tips & Sandals Info

When I say ask me anything, I mean it! During a recent live session, I answered real questions about planning a destination wedding, finding the perfect Caribbean resort, and why romance travel deserves more thana last-minute Google search.

If you missed it live, you can catch the replay right here ☝🏼. but if you prefer the highlight reel, I've got you covered below.

Let's break it down…

How to Choose the Right Destination for your Wedding

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to picking the destination wedding location. It all starts with the question:

👉🏼 Is this day mostly about the two of you, or is it more about the guest experience?

Couples who want something ultra-intimate may prefer a quiet island or boutique resort with a dreamy, off-the-beaten-path vibe. If your goal is to get as many friends and family to join as possible, you'll want a destination that's easy to access with lots of room options.

Also important?

Legal vs. symbolic weddings (spoiler: you can do both!)
Travel logistics and budget—not just for you, but for everyone attending
Island vibes and resort culture that reflect your personality as a couple.

Boutique Hotel or All-Inclusive? Here's How to Decide

Both have their charm, but they serve very different needs.

Boutique hotels are great for elopements or intimate groups who value personalized service and don't mind à la carte pricing.
All-inclusive resorts offer predictability and peace of mind—especially when guests are footing their own travel bills.

Think of it this way: The more guests you invite, the more sense it makes to choose an all-inclusive option. You'll avoid surprise bills at checkout, and your guests will thank you.

Why I Recommend Sandals & Beaches (Again and Again)

If you've spent 5 minutes talking to me about weddings, you know I have a soft spot for Sandals Resorts and their sister brand, Beaches Resorts. Here's why:

The price includes nearly everything (even airport transfers and champagne!)
No tipping allowed—seriously, staff won't accept it
Their wedding planning team = absolute pros
They offer exclusive perks for wedding couples, honeymooners, and groups.
Sandals is for adults-only (built for couples), while Beaches is their family-friendly counterpart.

Bonus: I featured their editorial-style wedding magazine in the video. If you're in the D.C. area and want a copy, I'll gladly mail you one—just day the word!

FAQs: Your Destination Wedding Questions, Answered

Here are just a few of the questions we tackled live:

Can I plan a destination wedding close to home? Yes! A beach town a few hours away counts.
How many guests can I bring to a Sandals wedding? It depends on the wedding package, the resort and the time of year.
Can guests stay elsewhere and just come for the wedding? Technically, yes—but they'll need to buy a day pass, and Sandals limits how many non-guests can attend.
How far in advance should I book? Sooner is better, especially during holiday or peak travel seasons.

Romance Travel Beyond the Wedding Day

At HitchedAway, I don't just plany weddings. I'm also your go-to for:

Honeymoons (the ultimate “just us” experience)
Proposals with a passport twist
Babymoons (yes, it's a think—and yes, I plan those too)
Anniversary escapes (milestone or not!)

Why Travel Still Matters (and Always Will)

I wrapped up the video with a little heart talk. Travel isn't just about beautiful beaches and room service (although, yes please!). It's about stepping outside your bubble, seeing how others live, and expanding your worldview.

If you've only ever visited one Caribbean island, I encourage you—go explore more. There's magic in every corner of this region, and I'd love to help you discover it.

Want More Like This?

If you'd like updates like this (and the occasional love note from yours truly), be sure to join the VIP list. No spam—just honest, helpful info to support your travel goals and wedding dreams.

And if you're ready to talk weddings, honeymoons, or just where to go next, schedule a call with me.

Thanks for stopping by—and happy planning! 💛