The popularity of destination weddings continues to surge as couples seek exotic locations where they can exchange vows at off-the-beaten path venues. From pristine, sandy beaches to majestic mountaintops, tying the knot has never been more adventurous. This is especially true for millennials, a generation that exhibits a very special passion for travel.
According to Grouptravel.org, almost one out of every four weddings is considered a destination wedding, with most occurring in the continental US. All told American couples plan 350,000 destination weddings each year. Hosting 100,000 annual weddings, Las Vegas, Nevada, tops the list, while Hawaii, California and Florida are also popular locales because the weather is the number one reason for choosing a destination. However, while most couples want fun in the sun, a growing number of people are looking for adventure weddings, ski resort weddings and vineyard weddings. The average cost of a destination wedding in the continental US is $225 per person, which balloons to $404 outside the continental US.
While the Caribbean and Mexico continue to attract their fair share of destination weddings that occur outside the US, the tropical paradise of Belize is also becoming a popular destination. Belize gives couples access to stunning backdrops for photos, a chance to say “I do” at a Maya temple and a hassle-free experience so they can spend more time with family and guests. With numerous activities from which to choose on mainland Belize, newlyweds and attendees can enjoy everything from horseback riding and hiking to spa treatments and top dining options. The picturesque coastline on the Caribbean Sea is a short puddle jumper away where couples can also experience unspoiled coastal activities such as snorkeling or diving in one of the best coral reefs in the world.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a prime location for destination weddings in Belize. Couples can rely on the hotel’s wedding planners for their local expertise and knowledge. They arrange customizable packages with everything from menu planning, photography, legal arrangements, wedding officiants, music and even the honeymoon. The multiple venue spaces at San Ignacio Resort Hotel offer options for parties of all sizes and style. A highlight includes the option for couples to host their wedding ceremony at a Maya Temple, a magical wedding setting and one of the most spectacular ceremony spots in Belize.
“Finding a wedding venue in Belize that offers more than just the event space can be quite challenging,” says San Ignacio Resort Hotel Event Coordinator Michelle Montejo. “At the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, we take care of more than just securing our luxurious Bedran Hall for your big day. We offer customized packages where guests can experience catering services from our award-winning Running W Steakhouse & Restaurant, cozy and charmingly furnished rooms, tours, spa and transfer services. All of these can be booked directly through one person which makes it a hassle-free process for the invited guests and most importantly, the bridal party.”
Bedran Hall, the largest event venue in Western Belize, can hold up to 350 people (banquet style) with 5,700 sq ft of space. Caracol Room can host smaller events and offers large windows with great views of the surrounding property. The pool area can host an al fresco cocktail hour featuring views of the surrounding hillside and even resident wildlife. A rehearsal dinner at the Running W Steakhouse & Restaurant on the hotel patio is a great way to begin the festivities. With a farm-to-table menu and all of the meat sourced from their own Running W Farm, guests will certainly be impressed with the fresh and local cuisine.
Garifuna drummers, a steel band, acoustic guitars, flutes, saxophone or a DJ are just a few of the options available. The couple receives a complimentary room night in the Honeymoon Suite (if the wedding costs are $4000 or greater). The Honeymoon Suite offers a private balcony with jacuzzi, butler service and room attendants use rose petals to tastefully decorate the suite. Guests can enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms during their visit.
The San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a premier full-service Belize resort, located in the Cayo district. The hotel boasts resort-class amenities and accommodations for those seeking to relax and enjoy a beautiful tropical escape, yet offers nearby adventures for guests wanting to explore inland Belize. The luxurious San Ignacio Resort Hotel is centrally located for adventure tours to nearby archaeological parks, caves and nature reserves and provides views of wildlife and the dense rainforest. Belize weather is moderate all year round with the temperature ranging from 73 to 86, while December to May is the dry season. From June to November lower rates are available. To book your destination wedding contact events@sanignaciobelize.com.
By selecting the ideal location, a destination wedding can provide a couple, along with their wedding party and guests, a series of special moments that are hard to duplicate elsewhere. Belize awaits those whose fantasizes become reality.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel will arrange customizable packages with everything from menu planning, photography, legal arrangements, wedding officiants, music and even the honeymoon.
The hotel boasts resort-class amenities and accommodations for those seeking to relax and enjoy a beautiful tropical escape.
