Destination Wedding Trends for 2021: Covid19 addition

We’ve been working on destination wedding trends for 2021: Covid19 addition.  Since we been in business over the last decade and a half some things have stayed the same. Those tried and true visions in regards to our couple’s wish lists. Trends are changing a bit though in regards to what our new destination wedding couples feel these days. Of course mainly due to Covid19 and the entire shut down of travel in 2020.  Let’s look at what couples still traditionally love about planning a destination wedding. Then we’ll explore new destination trends for 2021 that couples can realistically reach for.

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Wedding gazebos are still all the rage in 2021

To Beach or Not to Beach  

It used to be that couples incapsulated their destination wedding in around a tropical, sunny beach wedding. The main thought was if we are going somewhere tropical. Then let’s enjoy a toe in the sand wedding ceremony. It’s not to say this is still not at the forefront of many of our couple’s wedding wishes. However, it’s not at the top of the list anymore. It’s become more of what feels special to a couple in regards to their wedding ceremony and reception vision. Instead of the traditional, it’s all about the beach. This is where an experienced travel agent can be really helpful. Within our company, our agents have travelled extensively giving them a plethora of great ideas to choose from. It’s difficult for a bride to know all the special attributes a particular resort has to offer. We become your eyes and vision for helping you navigate those very special locations.  In other words, those hidden gem spots may be perfect for your wedding vision.

Covid19 Resort Concerns

Other considerations will be how resorts and destinations have dealt with Covid19 needs and concerns. Most resorts have now gone above and beyond to make their resorts safe and enjoyable. Always check with your dedicated destination wedding travel specialist to get the most up to date information. One of my very favourite reception options for 2021 is none other than Beach Palace Cancun. This area offers a rooftop Sky Terrace ceremony and reception. Complete privacy, incredible ocean and lagoon views. Plus your very own private pool,  bar and much more. It’s still a wait and see for what couples will be able to do reception wise in 20201.  However, resorts are already making changes to their ceremony and reception venues. Which will go along way to accommodate present and future social distancing obligations.

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Mexico wedding chapels are still so popular for 2021 weddings

Traditional Vs Non Traditional

Not to say that having your destination wedding in a chapel is not as magical as a more non-traditional approach to your wedding vows. Chapel locations such as the beautiful, mountain top, oceanview chapel at Grand Palladium Vallarta. Or check out the glass-encased oceanview chapel at Panama Jacks Cancun.  It is simply a to die for wedding chapel. However, there are some new amazing trends in new ceremony approaches that you might want to consider. Such as a Mayan Culture-infused wedding ceremony. Hard to say whether or not social distancing measures will still be taking place in 2021 for ceremonies such as these.  Resorts such as the magnificent Grand Velas Riviera Maya offer one type of these amazing new ceremony options.  Featuring a sacred blessing from a Shaman, Mayan song all within an ocean ritual that will leave your guests breathless.

Where to Wed

Was it a recent vacation our couples may have gotten engaged at. Or even a destination our couple’s parents may love. Millennials have also travelled to many of their friend’s destination weddings. Now they want something a little different for their own nuptials. Areas such as Costa Rica are coming up more and more as a destination wedding place of interest. Our South-Asian Destination wedding couples also have enjoyed fabulous wedding venue options in Costa Rica. One of the biggest factors of course will be the Covid19 numbers of countries of choice. We are quite confident with vaccine potential that all countries will be safe to enjoy destination wedding travel by the fall and winter season of 2021.

How About Los Cabos and Huatulco

Los Cabos is also an excellent choice for a different and unique wedding location. Ultra-modern and upscale come to mind to describe the plethora of new five star resorts in a true desert oasis. A particular resort that makes it to the top of my list.  The stunningly beautiful and authentically inspiring Le Blanc Los Cabos. Love the short travel times, especially if you are flying from Western Canada and the US. Limited flights are starting again this 2020 season and I’m sure will be back to normal by 2021. Huatulco is also a fabulous destination wedding location. In addition, it often gets overlooked when couples want an area outside of the touristy areas of Cancun and Riviera Maya. Dreams Huatulco always received a two thumbs up as far as a five star, affordable resort choice, perfectly situated in one of the most authentically beautiful areas of Mexico.
Photo Courtesy of John Williamson Photography

Destination Wedding Fun

So there you have it, some new and exciting trends in 2021 destination weddings. It’s still is all about fabulous things that come with having a destination wedding. An amazing get together in the paradise of your choice. Family and friends gather to enjoy a whirlwind four to seven nights in a sun-filled, fun-filled home away from home. Whether sleek and conventional or excitingly boho and unique, our new Millenials are all about creating their own vision of what will make their wedding magical and memorable. That’s where we come in. We know that 2020 has been a bust for destination weddings. However, we have every confidence in these destination wedding trends for 2021.

More information about these beautiful resorts can be found at:Iberostar Grand Paraiso. 
Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta. Panama Jacks Cancun. Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos.Dreams Huatulco

Liz Moore
Destination Wedding Expert