Destination wedding venues for every budget
The idea of a destination wedding is appealing for many reasons. Imagine celebrating your wedding in a beautiful holiday location. With a relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere, you can roll straight into your honeymoon after the celebrations. However, for many couples, the potential for lower spending is just as attractive.
According to Easy Weddings’ recent survey, the average wedding in Australia costs around $400* per person. In comparison, destination wedding packages start at around $300 per guest, and if you’re planning a more intimate celebration, the total cost may be even lower.
Of course, there are important things you still need to consider, including flights, accommodation, wedding attire, and post-wedding activities. If you’re looking for a location that suits your style and your budget, keep reading. In this guide, we’ve broken down our top budget-friendly destination wedding venues into three pricing tiers.
Super budget weddings (< 10,000 AUD)
Guest count: 20-50 people
What’s typically included: All the essentials for a ceremony and reception
It is possible to plan a inexpensive destination wedding for under $10,000, though it typically means keeping the guest list small, perhaps around 20 to 50 people. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially for couples seeking a more intimate celebration. These weddings often take place at smaller hotels or resorts, which can offer an exclusive atmosphere. Packages in this price range usually include all the basics for a meaningful ceremony and a modest reception.
Some of our top venues for super affordable weddings:
Peppers Seminyak, Bali – starting from 3,000 AUD
With a central location in Bali’s most vibrant area, Peppers Seminyak still manages to offer a tranquil atmosphere suited for intimate ceremonies and receptions. You can opt for a private celebration with just your partner or your closest loved ones, and enjoy at least one complimentary night in one of the luxurious villas as part of your package.
Warwick Fiji – starting from 7,000 AUD
CREDIT Videoticz Photography
Located in the heart of the Coral Coast, Warwick Fiji offers ceremony and reception packages that include basic decor setup, AV equipment, and open-air spaces. You’ll also have the option to upgrade your reception with extras like live music, photography and videography, larger decor installations, hair and makeup services, or even pre- and post-wedding activities.
Amari Pattaya, Thailand – starting from 2,345 AUD
View this post on Instagram
Celebrate your union for under 5,000 AUD with the Gulf of Thailand as your backdrop. Located on the Northern tip of Pattaya Bay, Amari Pattaya offers a picturesque setting for beachfront ceremonies and receptions. With these affordable packages, you can enjoy a meaningful celebration in a beautiful location. And with so many cool things to do in Pattaya, you can allocate your budget to explore the local attractions.
Mid-tier weddings (10,000 AUD)
Guest count: up to 100 people
What’s included: All the necessities for a ceremony and reception + select premium services
Spending around 10,000 AUD is quite common for medium to large-sized destination weddings. Packages within this price range are typically more comprehensive than super-budget packages, often including services like professional hair and makeup, flower bouquets, or a DJ and live musicians for the reception.
Some of our top venues for mid-tier weddings:
The Samaya Seminyak, Bali – starting from 10,220 AUD
Imagine exchanging vows with Petitenget Beach as your backdrop. At The Samaya, you can host an elegant beachfront wedding and enjoy a complimentary 2-night stay in a luxury villa after all the festivities. The package includes everything you need for a romantic and polished celebration, with optional add-ons like live violin or cello music during the ceremony.
Island Escape by Burasari, Thailand – starting from 10,000 AUD
With its expansive grounds, Island Escape by Burasari offers a variety of ceremony and reception locations. While the celebration may not be extravagantly lavish, the true luxury lies in the privacy. An ode to the name, Island Escape is set on a private island off Phuket, offering a rare level of exclusivity for those wanting an intimate and private setting.
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort – starting from 9062 AUD
CREDIT Yoshi Kawai
Located on Fiji’s largest island, Outrigger offers comprehensive wedding packages with a beachfront ceremony and an optional garden setting for your vow exchange. Meanwhile, the reception is typically held in a stylish restaurant with an outdoor pavilion and two additional function areas, which is ideal for accommodating larger celebrations.
Affordable luxe weddings (>10,000 AUD)
Guest count: over 100 people
What’s included: All the necessities for a ceremony and reception + premium services, usually at a highly-rated venue
Villa Chameleon Bali – starting from 15,500 AUD
Featured in lifestyle and architecture publications, Villa Chameleon offers a luxurious atmosphere in Bali’s rainforest region. Although the price point is slightly higher, you’ll also benefit from the support of a dedicated wedding planner, as well as all the ceremony and reception essentials. The standout features of this venue are the stylish architecture and understated elegance. If you prioritise a tasteful setting, this is definitely the perfect venue for you.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort – starting from 15,910 AUD
At Anantara Bophut, you’ll be spoilt for choice with various ceremony and reception locations, including garden settings to beachfront spots. The resort offers all-inclusive packages to deliver a stress-free wedding experience. On top of the basics, the packages include a wedding cake, photography, hair and makeup for the bride, DJ and live music, and a celebrant.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji – starting from 14,788 AUD
Located on the pristine Savusavu Bay, weddings at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort are enriched with authentic Fijian cultural traditions. While this venue isn’t the most budget-friendly option, it guarantees a comprehensive and unforgettable experience. For your ceremony, you can make a memorable entrance by raft and exit with a Fijian warrior escort. In addition to the unique cultural touches and breathtaking scenery, the package offers excellent value, including meals throughout your stay and other premium services and amenities.
* With a guest list of around 88
