Destination wedding: who pays for what?

Wondering who pays for what in a destination wedding? Learn about the etiquette surrounding guest travel expenses and whether you should cover the costs of your guests' trips to your dream wedding location.

Are you planning to celebrate a destination wedding in Portugal? While the idea is undeniably romantic and dreamy, the logistics (and the costs) can quickly turn into a puzzle, both for you, as a couple, and for your wedding guests. 

One of the biggest questions couples face when planning a destination away from home is: “should we pay for our guests to travel?” 

Pura Evasão
Pura Evasão

The short answer? Not typically! 

Traditionally, guests are expected to cover their travel and accommodations for a destination wedding, just as they would if the wedding were local but required a hotel stay. That said, hosting a destination wedding comes with its own set of etiquette nuances and expectations.

What is the couple expected to cover

As the hosts of the wedding, you are expected to pay for the most common things, such as: 

  • The wedding ceremony, reception, and party, which includes the wedding venue, the officiant, décor, entertainment, and everything else that makes the day truly magical. 
  • For a welcome party or rehearsal dinner, especially for destination weddings, it is common for couples to host a welcome event to greet their guests or even different activities throughout the wedding weekend.
  • Group transportation in case your wedding venue is far away from the hotel or accommodation where most of the guests are staying. In this case, providing transportation to and from the hotel can be a very helpful gesture. 
Edgar Leal Photography
Edgar Leal Photography

When should couples consider covering travel costs?

Even though the most common thing is couples not covering the travel costs, there are still a couple exceptions when they also have the conditions too. 

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to travel. Therefore, if you have family members or friends, who are crucial for you to have them on such an important day and can’t afford the trip themselves, it is okay to quietly offer to help cover their costs. 

Also, if you have are inviting a small amount of guests, for example for a micro-wedding or elopement wedding with fewer than 10-15 guests, you can also opt for covering the flight or accommodation costs, as a way of thanking your inner circle.

Rita Rocha Photography
Rita Rocha Photography

What guests are typically expected to pay for 

On the other hand, there are a few elements that couples expect their guests to pay for, that they should also be aware of: 

  • Travel to the destination, which is one of the biggest expenses and the most common questions: “Do I have to pay for my flight”. In most cases the answer is yes! 

  • Hotel or any other accommodation: usually couples reserve a block of rooms at a discounted group rate, but each guest typically pays for their own stay. 

  • Meals outside of wedding events: any meals that are not part of the wedding itself or other activities that the couple may have prepared are usually up to the guest. 

Lado a Lado Wedding by Mélanie Faria
Lado a Lado Wedding by Mélanie Faria

A destination wedding is already a significant financial investment for the couple, and an exciting commitment for guests. While you're not required to pay for your guests' travel, your role as a host still matters. Clear communication, thoughtful planning, and small gestures of appreciation can make your destination wedding feel like a shared celebration, not a burden.

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