Destination Wedding Deals From Canada

 posted November 7, 2021

RIU Guanacaste, Costa Rica Riu Guanacaste is situated along the shores of Matapalo Beach and surrounded by the majestic mountains of Guanacaste. The beachfront resort offers something for all ages. Test out the exciting slides at the brand-new ‘Splash Water World’ water park, with unlimited complimentary access included in your stay. The property is surrounded by the exotic nature that Costa Rica is famous for and is perfect for animal-lovers, with a sea-turtle hatching taking place seasonally.    May 30, 2022 Package includes roundtrip airfare, airport transfers and 7-nights all-inclusive accommodations From Toronto: $1448 + $180 tax = $1628 BONUS: The 8th adult is complimentary!* BONUS: Save $200 per person!* *When group deposits $500 by November 15th, 2021.

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort This gem of a resort near Playa Del Carmen has a natural setting for your destination wedding. Choose from three unique locations including a cenote, a gorgeous beach gazebo, and a spacious rooftop terrace with ocean view.   March 4, 2022 Package includes roundtrip airfare, airport transfers and 7-nights all-inclusive accommodations From Toronto: $1140 + $468 tax =  $1608 From Calgary: $1350 + $470 tax = $1820

Dreams Onyx, Punta Cana The Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa, previously named Now Onyx Punta Cana, is situated beachfront, approximately 42 km from the Punta Cana airport. Perfect for friends, couples and families, this resort offers Unlimited-Luxury® experience for guests of all ages.   April 12, 2022 Package includes roundtrip airfare, airport transfers and 7-nights all-inclusive accommodations From Toronto: $1095 + $465 tax =  $1560 Bonus: The 6th adult is complimentary! (plus tax)

Dreams Jade, Mayan Riviera A modern resort minutes from the quaint fishing town of Puerto Morelos area of Cancun, Dreams Jade Resort and Spa By AMR Collection offers vacationers a lavish Unlimited-Luxury® experience in an incomparable tropical setting. Enjoy a wide range of luxurious amenities and extras without the wristband, including gourmet and reservation free à la carte dining, unlimited top-shelf spirits, and pool and beach wait service for example.   September 21, 2022 Package includes roundtrip airfare, airport transfers and 7-nights all-inclusive accommodations From Toronto: $1150 + $470 tax =  $1620 From Calgary: $1385 + $485 tax = $1870

Sandos Cancun A policy of only one wedding a day ensure that your special day is yours alone. This ideal setting is kissed by a lagoon on one side and the Caribbean sea on the other. The resort is LGBT friendly and same-sex weddings are now legal in the state of Quintana Roo.   November 18, 2022 Package includes roundtrip airfare, airport transfers and 7-nights all-inclusive accommodations From Toronto: $1560 + $260 tax =  $1820 From Edmonton: $1750 + $250 tax = $2000 BONUS: The 11th adult is complimentary!* BONUS: Save $200 per person!* *When group deposits $500 by November 15th, 2021. Please contact Romantic Planet Vacations for more information at travel@romanticplanet.ca, 1-866-247-8123 or visit www.romanticplanetvacations.com

Tips for Hosting a Safe Wedding in 2021

 The thought that you might not be able to celebrate your nuptials with hugs of congratulations from your loved ones or the ability to pull out the dance moves with your friends at the wedding reception would have never crossed the minds of wedding couples in 2019. But today, we are in a different world. A world that has to adapt because let's face it, love continues no matter the obstacles, and thus, so do weddings. Whether your 2020 wedding has been postponed or you're newly engaged and planning, there are things that can ensure the health and safety of you and your wedding guests while still hosting a wedding during a pandemic. All social gatherings need to adhere to some basic protocols - whether you are planning a local wedding at an indoor banquet facility or outdoors in a backyard or public space or traveling to your favorite destination wedding paradise. Following these tips in planning a wedding in 2021 will be sure to aid you in a successful, and safe, event.

Photo: @jaredladiaweddings

ADHERE TO THE LOCAL LAW

Throughout the pandemic, we've seen different countries, states, provinces and municipalities not only make recommendations on how to be socially responsible when gathering as a group but they have also laid down the law when it comes to events. It's important to stay on top of your local area's rules and regulations as it relates to social gatherings indoors and outdoors as they are ever changing. What are the restrictions on number of people in the group? What are the restrictions with food service? Are face masks required only indoors or also in outdoor spaces?

FORCED MAJEURE CLAUSE

For your financial protection, ensure that there is a clause in the Contract with your venue and vendors that if "the scope of the event is not met" that you get a full refund or option to postpone. This means that if you wanted dancing on the night of your wedding but the local law says otherwise after the Contract is signed, you can cancel or postpone because your dream wedding has been affected. 

PRE-SCREENING

At the least it is recommended to assign a greeter at the entrance to your wedding event who will also take a health questionnaire and temperature scan of each guest upon arrival. A further option to ensure the health and safety of all of your guests is to have them do a Covid-19 test before attending. Many public and private tests are available in different areas. We're also now seeing at some overseas conferences and events they have rapid testing available right at check-in, with results in less than 5-minutes! 

Photos: @destinationweddingsexpert

LIVESTREAM AND STREAMLINED GUEST LIST

When starting the planning process pre-2020 you may have wanted everyone that you both know under one roof to celebrate this joyous occasion but in 2021 and pre-vaccines, you may have to tone this down a little. Ensure the essential guest list is no more than the maximum allowed in your jurisdiction. In some cases it has been set at a maximum of 10 people gathering indoors or 50 people outdoors. Know your limit but also know that this can change over time. For the assurance of your guests, you can also detail in the wedding invitations that all health and safety protocols will be adhered to including the restrictions on the number of guests on the date of the wedding. This potentially means that not all invited guests may be able to attend after-all but that you will continue to keep them updated. You may also want to be intentional with who you don't invite such as the elderly or anyone with compromised immune systems, pre-existing medical conditions or who feels uneasy to travel to attend. Instead, offer these loved ones the opportunity to witness the exchanging of the vows virtually over livestream. Most venues now have this option or you can assign some guests to make this available using their smart-phones. There are many livestream options with Zoom, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Periscope, YouNow, YouTube Live, Google Live Chat and more.  

Photo: @tulleandtinseldc

UNDER NO OBLIGATION

Let's face it. We all know someone who seems to have been self-isolating since March 2020 and continues to order online groceries and who wears full PPE when they step out of their home. We also know that someone who continues to live life to their fullest with zero thought of the pandemic. It's important to recognize that the comfort levels during Covid-19 is a very wide spectrum and nobody should feel obligated to attend your wedding in person, unlike traditional weddings. It's important to ensure that everybody who is attending your wedding feels comfortable in being there. If they currently see everyone and everything as giant germs, they probably shouldn't go.

MASK UP

Not only have face masks been proven to help reduce the spread of the virus and be required by law, they can also be quit fashionable. Most seamstresses can create some custom-matching face masks to the wedding party's attire easily. And why not send some face masks in your wedding invitation or have as your wedding favors. It is predicted that we'll all continue to need face masks into 2021 and even when the vaccine arrives. Local face mask companies have popped up everywhere offering soft, breathable, reusable, affordable and customizable face masks. Check out www.caspermasks.com who can fully customize your wedding face masks for under $10 each.

Photo credit: @petalpowerwales

GLAMMED UP SANITIZATION STATIONS

Who says sanitization stations have to be drab? Incorporate them into the wedding decor set-up plans by having extra flowers on order or other decorations. Be sure that you have an abundance of hand sanitizer stations on-hand throughout the ceremony and reception and that they are easily accessible by all.

Photo: @monarchweddingplanning

SPREAD IT OUT (Not the Virus)

Although many household family members are in close contact with each other every day, the wedding trend during the pandemic is still to have the ceremony chairs socially distanced by 6 feet apart each. Do away with bench or other shared seating for 2021. This is even more important at the wedding reception since this is often held indoors and when face masks need to come off to eat. When circle tables used to fit 8 people, reduce this down to 4. Instead of the traditional mixing of relatives and friends, perhaps keep the table assignments to those living in the same households only. For your single guests, ask them who they'd feel most comfortable in sharing a table with. Aside from the wedding couple, the party at the head table should also be socially distanced to set that example to the rest of your guests. 

CONTACTLESS FOOD

The trend with all-inclusive resorts and banquet facilities now is to offer a meal that has the lowest number of contact with people. For this reason, you'd think that our beloved buffets are no longer but this is on the contrary. You can still offer a buffet-style dinner but they can now be 'assisted buffets' meaning that an employee dishes out the food that each guest prefers, instead of the guests diving in themselves. But the best way to reduce traffic is still to have a sit-down served plated dinner. 

TO DANCE OR NOT TO DANCE

We're seeing a significant reduction in dancing at weddings during the pandemic. But, the life of the parties continue to want to express themselves and there are options to bust a move safely. Why not put down tape on the dance floor in socially distanced circles, squares or designer octagons so individuals or household families can dance together while maintaining distance from one another? Also ensure that you 'biggy-size' the dance floor area so there isn't crowding or act as a deterrent to others who want to participate. When having the father-daughter, son-mother dance, ensure they are in your bubble and wear your face masks for their protection and yours. You may have had a negative test before the event but you've probably been exposed to more people than you realize in the days just prior to the wedding. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Alternatively, instead of dancing, consider other non-traditional entertainment or games that is fun and interactive for the whole group.

Photo: @hallatfauntleroy

SHORT BUT SWEET

Consider shortening the wedding day to reduce exposure time with one another. When the drinking starts and some guests start to quietly sneak away, this might be the time to shut down the whole party. Not only does alcohol reduce inhibitions and increase slobbery drunkeness of affection between friends, it also reduces the immune system. An 11:00 pm curfew for example, would not only reduce the cost of the venue and embarrassing late wedding stories, it would ensure that there has still been enough time to eat, do speeches, cut the cake and dance.

SWEET BUT SHORT

You don't have to have a 10-tier cake on display during pandemic days. You're off the hook on this one this year. Consider a small, intimate cake on display and for use during the cake cutting ceremony while you have the guests portions safely stored in the kitchen. Or if your heart is set, then bring out the tiers only when it's time for cutting. That'll also offer that wow factor!

Photo: meadowsweetcakes

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Many destination weddings are also continuing as planned. With many destinations and resorts re-opened since their closures in the Spring of 2020, they are ready and waiting, and exceptionally well sanitized! Not only did IATA advise that the chances of catching Covid-19 while on a plane is one in 41 million, the transportation companies and resorts are strictly adhering to the health and safety protocols, some say, better than found locally in some cases. Like a local wedding, it's important to note that not everyone can attend your destination wedding. You'll have a reduced group size but you'll also have the opportunity to reconnect closer with loved ones over a weekend or a week, rather than just one day. And let's admit it, we all need a little more reconnection since isolating from our loved ones.

CHANGE THE TRADITIONS

To help limit congestion, consider not tossing the garter and bouquet out onto the dance floor. Not only will this save your guests on the bruises, it'll also save them on sharing their competitive sweat with one another. Perhaps the bouquet can be given to the most deserving bachelorette at the party or someone you know will brighten up their isolation days. Also consider posting a glammed up sign at the front of the receiving line that says something like, "air hugs preferred." This will set the tone and reduce the contact between yourselves and your guests, but still allows you to thank each any every one for attending. You can also scrap this tradition and instead, ensure that you walk around to each table to express your gratitude. 

Laurie Keith founded Romantic Planet Vacations in 2004 and is both a certified destination wedding travel specialist and wedding planner. She has served over 1,000 destination wedding couples over the years and counting.

Local Travel Agent Goes the Extra Mile For Cancelled Destination Wedding Couple

Helen Krasic and Andrew Cordeiro of Etobicoke, Ontario had big plans for their wedding. They were going to fulfill their lifelong dreams of getting married on the beach, surrounded by 50 of their closest friends and families. All plans were underway. The wedding date of September 1^st, 2020 was booked. The flowers, the decorations, and the menu had been carefully selected. The venue at the Royalton Punta Cana deposited via their travel agency, Romantic Planet Vacations. Then, the pandemic hit. 

Like so many Canadian couples, Helen and Andrew’s destination wedding plans were forced to be postponed because of COVID-19. With the combined obstacles of the pandemic itself, worldwide travel restrictions, the Quarantine Act, limited flight options, the engaged couple felt that they had no other choice than to change their wedding plans to 2021.

When their veteran travel advisor and destination wedding specialist, Corinne Wilson-Daly, saw how devastated they were, she decided that she had enough of bad news that she’d take this matter into her own hands. She not only offered her compassionate sympathies to the couple, she offered her own home and suburban backyard in Burlington, Ontario in which to legally wed. “When I called Helen to offer her my backyard for their local wedding ceremony, she cried. She was so happy.”

With the green light from the wedding couple, Corinne connected with colleagues and family including her daughter Amanda Garrett of AMEG Designs to create some monogramed champagne flutes, floral designs and customized face masks. She called upon her wedding officiant friend, Judith Blair, also of Romantic Planet Vacations, to perform the ceremony. Laurie Keith, owner of the travel agency, offered her photography services and husband Jim, a true handy-man, built a beautiful boho-chic wedding backdrop. An intimate wedding cake and some champagne were purchased by Corinne to top off the special occasion.

You’d think this travel advisor had stumbled onto a lucrative new business of local wedding planning and when asked how much she was charging for this service, Corinne humbly said, “nothing. It’s not fair what happened to this wonderful couple. I just want to continue to help them in any way that I can.”

The intimate and local outdoor wedding ceremony was held on Saturday October 10^th, 2020 in Burlington, Ontario in adherence to the COVID-19 health and safety rules. "I'm not going to lie, I had a few joyous tears for the newlywed during their beautiful ceremony." said Corinne.

If you would like more information on this story or to help plan your upcoming destination wedding with Corinne directly, please contact her at Corinne.wilson@romanticplanet.ca

Laurie Keith, Judith Blair, Helen Krasic and Andrew Cordeiro, Corinne Daly-Wilson, Amanda Garrett

Best Catholic Chapels for Destination Weddings

We understand the dilemma that many Catholic brides and grooms face when deciding to book a destination wedding and just how they can combine both a Catholic ceremony with a destination wedding away from home. Many times we are approached by brides of grooms of the Catholic faith asking us how it all works, is it even possible and if so, what are the best resorts that offer on-site Catholic chapels or churches. Here, we dive into finding the answers.

In eyes of the Catholic Church, a marriage is a blessed Sacrament. With a Catholic wedding ceremony,  you are choosing the forming of a covenant to serve God, your faith, your community, and your new husband or wife. The ritual is to take place in the presence of Jesus Christ and witnessed by the minister of the church, a priest or deacon. 

A Catholic Destination Wedding needs to follow the same rules and protocol as a Catholic wedding at home. These include that you meet with your local priest in advance, that the couple attend a parish-approved pre-marriage counseling program, that the sacred scriptures at the ceremony be read by a Catholic priest (which can be your own priest or one at the destination that your priest has met over the phone), and that the venue location also be parish-approved. Please note that Catholic beach ceremonies are not approved by the Catholic church as it is deemed not sacred. 

Below are considered as the best and most awe-inspiring Catholic Destination Wedding Venues;

Jamaica - 
Jamaica has limited options for an onsite catholic ceremony service but there are many churches located throughout this Caribbean island that many Catholic get married at. The resort's wedding coordinator can assist with booking the church and your group's transportation there and back. However, for more convenience, even though they do not have a Catholic chapel on-site, we understand that Iberostar Rosehall is one of the few that will perform catholic ceremonies right there. The most popular resort in Jamaica for a destination wedding with an on-site Catholic chapel however, is the adult-only Sandals Montego Bay.

 

 Another alternative might be the Jewel Runaway Bay (formerly Breezes) with their open-aired oceanfront chapel.

The Lady of Fatima church tends to be our most popular off-site Catholic wedding venues in Ocho Rios for destination wedding brides and grooms.

Hawaii - 

Moving on to the other side of the planet, we take a look at the tropical oasis of Hawaii. Here, one of the cutest and most picturesque oceanfront chapel's in the world has be found at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. Although not an all-inclusive resort, this property boasts 5-star elegance and charm. 

Other alternatives in Hawaii include the Sheraton Keauhou or the Turtle Bay Resort.

One of our personal destination favorites where money-is-no-object and that provides the most unique experience possible, is the "over-water chapel" at the beautiful Intercontinental Bora Bora Thelasso Resort. Here, you can actually see fish swimming underneath the glass-floor as you walk down the isle! In the background is the most picturesque landscape of the rolling mountains on Bora Bora and the turquoise blue ocean. The average cost of a travel package including flights from Los Angeles and a 7 night stay in Bora Bora is around $8,000 per person.

However, if all-inclusive and affordable is what you are looking for, then the Dominican Republic and Mexico are going to be your very best bet. Here, a travel package for you and your weddings guests including flight, airport transfers, 7-nights accommodations and the all-inclusive feature with all meals and drinks, generally is $2,000 and under per person. 

Rooted in Catholic traditions, each of these countries have numerous Catholic destination wedding options to choose from. 

Dominican Republic -

Our personal favorite and top destination wedding resort in Punta Cana for years, is the Barcelo Resorts. This complex is made up of four different resorts and include a golf course, the most expansive beach in the Dominican Republic, a mini-golf course, casino, water park and so much more. Exploring the grounds by golf cart, we stumbled upon one of the most picturesque, tranquil, organic and natural Catholic chapel we've seen. The open-aired structure over-looks a pond setting with flowers and chirping birds and can accommodate larger wedding groups.

Our other top all-inclusive Punta Cana seller for destination wedding groups is the Majestic Colonial and Majestic Elegance Resorts. Although they do not have sharing privileges, they are sister properties situated next door to each other. Their chapel is reserved for Catholic weddings only.

Outside Punta Cana but requires honorable mention and consideration are the Spanish-colonial style chapels at both Cap Cana and Casa Del Campo. When considering the new development at Cap Cana, you can get married at the Catholic Chapel in town but stay at the adult-only Secrets Cap Cana Resort for a luxurious 5-star experience.

The complex of Casa Del Campo is located closer to La Romana and the capital of Santo Domingo. Our favorite 5-star family-friendly resort here is the Dreams La Romana, then bring your friends and family to the historic Catholic Chapel in Casa Del Campo.

And finally we touch on our most popular place for destination weddings - Cancun and the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Cancun is one of the most connected airports in the world, allowing guests from every corner of the globe to gain easy access to your wedding. The resort options are endless from EP to all-inclusive from 3 star to 5 star luxury. Here are our top choices for all-inclusive resorts that are 4-star or higher and offer Catholic Chapels right on-site;

Cancun -

The Royal Cancun is an adult-only luxury resort and shares their oceanfront "Our Lady of Guadeloupe" chapel with their next door family-friendly sister property - the Gran Caribe. It offers a glass-protected and enclosed area with the most beautiful view of the azul Caribbean Sea behind. 

Recognizing the demand for more Catholic Chapels in Cancun, The JW Marriott and Casa Magna Marriott have built a new chapel to accommodate their Catholic destination wedding guests.

Mayan Riviera -

One of our top-sellers in the Mayan Riviera for destination wedding groups is the beautiful 5-star family-friendly all-inclusive resort of Dreams Tulum. Here, it's color Catholic Chapel is portrayed to be a part of a Mexico pueblo (small town).

We also greatly favor the Barcelo Maya, Beach, Caribe, Tropical and Palace Resort complex and like their property in Punta Cana, they also have an on-site Catholic wedding chapel. At this all-inclusive resort you will find the whitest, softest and most expansive beach in the Mayan Riviera. It's open-aired chapel feels spacious and natural.

The all-inclusive Palladium Resort complex also consists of a Catholic Chapel but is designed as a Spanish colonial-style building - a perfect backdrop for wedding photos.

If you are looking for an oceanfront Catholic chapel in the Mayan Riviera, then The Moon Palace all-inclusive resort is going to be the place. This is the largest resort in the Mayan Riviera offering three different resort sections and so many resort amenities including a wave rider, dolphin enclosure and golf course as well as a large variety of restaurants. Combine this with their designer wedding collections and $1500 per room resort credit (which can be used towards your wedding, upgrade in room, spa treatments, golf, tours and more), it makes it most ideal for destination weddings. 

 

The Grand Sirenis is another top value-package all-inclusive recommended resorts where the price sells itself. The Catholic chapel here overlooks the ocean.

Said to have the only Roman Catholic Chapel in the Mayan Riviera, is the upscale and all-inclusive resort of the Valentin Imperial. It's chapel is more modern and contemporary with marble, white and brown hues.

If you're looking for an upscale adult-only resort that has a picturesque Catholic Chapel, then you can find it at the gourmet-inclusive El Dorado Royale Resort. Just steps from the beach, this Spanish-colonial white-washed chapel is the perfect setting for an intimate Catholic destination wedding ceremony.

 

Although not located at a resort, we had the opportunity to explore the Xcaret Eco Theme Park in the Mayan Riviera and was truly amazed and drawn into the mystical and spiritual place that it is. Created as a colonial town among the jungle, cenote caves and ancient Mayan ruins, it's truly the most ideal setting for anyone who is looking for that feeling of be re-connected to nature, history, God or your own spiritual being on your wedding day. 

Xcaret has two Catholic chapels that are both recognized officially by the Catholic Prelature in the state capital, Chetumal. Although enjoyed throughout the day, one of the very best times to wed at Xcaret is in the evening as the buildings and pillars are lit up in a spiritually lifting way. The wedding team at Xcaret ensures that no detail is left undone.  

St. Francis of Assisi Chapel is perched on top of a hill at the end of a windy cobblestone road. It's open aired venue is very spacious and feels like you can touch the sky.

The Chapel of Guadalupe is located in the center of the "puebla" (town). On the outside it appears to be a Spanish colonial-style building but as you enter the giant wooden doors, you feel like you've entered a magical world not known like any other place on Earth. This chapel has been created out of an old cenote cave and this giant 'tree of life' appears over the alter. It feels organic, natural and very spiritual and will definitely be a stunning venue that you and your wedding guests will never forget.

If considering the Xcaret Eco Park for your wedding, you can stay at the Occidental Grand Xcaret all-inclusive resort because they offer free entrance and river transfer into the park for you and your guests.

Romantic Planet Vacations has been serving destination wedding groups since 2004 and has heaps of first-hand knowledge, expertise and experience of these resorts and more worldwide. They have organized destination wedding trips for wedding ceremonies of all religion-types including Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and more, as well as non-legal, civil, symbolic and now renewals. 

We can be contacted at inquiries@romanticplanet.ca or 1-877-247-8123 for your group's destination wedding quote or if you have any questions about these resorts and more. For more information about other resort or destination options, please visit www.romanticplanet.ca

Sincerely;

Laurie Keith

President

Romantic Planet Vacations

laurie@romanticplanet.ca