The Top 5 Destination Wedding Spots

Why get hitched here: Take your pick from 800 miles of super-fine sandy beaches for your nuptials. The Dominican Republic’s most popular destination, Punta Cana, is also home to some of the best beaches in the world. In addition to its long list of all-inclusive resorts offering wedding packages and planners, Punta Cana’s over 20-mile coast is lined with coconut palms and bordered by warm cerulean waters (aka an idyllic ceremony backdrop). For something a little less populated, check out the beaches of the north and northeast coasts. The DR (as it’s casually called) is also the largest producer of cigars in the world, making for easy favors or a fun cigar-rolling station.

When to wed: The nice thing about the DR is that it averages 78 to 82 degrees year-round, making it a warm-weather wedding destination anytime.

When to Wed: Avoid March, aka spring-break season, as well as the hurricane season from June through November.

Why Get Hitched Here: With two breathtaking coasts only a short plane ride away from each other—one on the Pacific, the other on the Caribbean—Costa Rica is the perfect destination for couples who are looking for an unspoiled tropical background for their nuptials but don’t want to sacrifice their modern urban tastes. In fact, this small country truly has something for every couple. Treat your guests to amazing mountaintop views during an outdoor ceremony or reception, or for a truly standout affair, you can even get married on the edge of a volcano! If you’re dreaming of a beach bash, how do sun-baked stretches of white sand sound? Though deforestation once threatened the country’s dense rain forests, several nature preserves, biological reserves and national parks have been established to protect the landscape, and they’re now some of the most naturally stunning places to say “I do” (think: waterfall wedding). Ecotourism is very popular here, making less traditional but equally luxurious eco-lodges and rain forest bungalows another desirable (and romantic) option for couples who want to throw a green wedding.

When to Wed: You’ll want to schedule your wedding during the dry season, from late December through April, except on the Caribbean coast, where it rains throughout the year (the Pacific coast is drier). The temperature and humidity vary with altitude but are much higher along the coasts.

Why Get Hitched Here: Set just off the Yucatan Peninsula, this peaceful island in the Caribbean is framed by one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, surrounded by turquoise waters and home to wildlife-filled nature reserves, which spells P-A-R-A-D-I-S-E for outdoorsy couples looking for a quiet spot (read: away from the tourist crowds) to tie the knot. Expect lush grounds and pristine swaths of sand, plus a range of resorts (including many luxe all-inclusives) with impeccable service and on-site wedding planners and vendors to help you plan your perfect party. Nature-loving couples and their guests will love Cozumel’s Chankanaab National Park, where you can check out a lagoon, botanical gardens and a replica of a Mayan village, and find incredible snorkeling. When the more laid-back guests tire of sipping cocktails and sunning themselves on the beach, they can hit up the shops and restaurants of downtown San Miguel.

When to Wed: High season begins in mid-December and typically lasts through Easter, with the rainy season running from May through mid-October. Although temps may only top out at 90 degrees during the summer, the humidity can make it uncomfortably hot. And beware of spring-break crowds in March and April.

Why Get Hitched Here: Fun in the surf and sun is what Los Cabos—which stretches from the town of Cabo San Lucas to the west over to San Jose del Cabo to the east, along the southernmost coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula—is all about. In between the two is the Corridor, a 20-mile string of cozy hotels, championship golf courses, winding horse trails and white-sand beaches. Lively Cabo San Lucas draws plenty of celebrities, meaning there’s no shortage of uber-exclusive beach clubs and villas, plus plenty of fuss-free all-inclusives, so finding a venue and accommodations for your guests will be a breeze. You can also take a boat ride to a private beach or cove to say your vows (how’s that for special?). Looking for something a little different? Enter your beach ceremony by horse, or make the release of baby sea turtles part of your wedding program. Cabo San Lucas is also home to the region’s iconic giant rock arch at Land’s End, where the deep-blue waters of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez meet for some spectacular waves (kind of like your relationship, no?).

When to Wed: Winter months have the best weather, but are crowded, with sunny, 70-degree days mid-December through Easter. Try April and May, traditionally slower months when the weather’s still good. Avoid spring-break season, which runs from late February through March. Though summer offers the best prices, humidity is uncomfortably high then. Rain is heaviest in June and October, with hurricanes possible through November.