10 Questions To Ask Before You Book
Booking an all-inclusive resort for your destination wedding might seem straightforward—until hidden fees, poor communication, or rigid timelines catch you off guard. Before signing anything, ask these 10 essential questions to protect your vision, budget, and sanity.
1. Can We Choose Our Ceremony and Reception Locations?
- Are there indoor and outdoor ceremony options?
- Is a rain backup location included in the package?
- Will our reception be private, or held in a public/shared space?
Photographer Insight:
“I’ve had couples assume they were getting a private beach ceremony—only to find out it was right next to a volleyball court and tourists in swimsuits.”
2. Are Outside Vendors Allowed?
- Can we bring our own photographer, videographer, or planner?
- Is there an outside vendor fee? (Often $500–$1,000 CAD or more)
- Can this fee be waived if the vendor is a registered guest?
Read: Why You Should Bring a Canadian Wedding Photographer
Read: Should I Hire the Resort Photographer?
3. What’s Included in the Wedding Package—and What Costs Extra?
- How many hours of photography are included?
- Is the reception private or semi-private?
- Are flowers, décor, and music part of the base package or upgrades?
- What’s the guest cap before extra fees apply?
Ask for a written, itemized breakdown of every detail.
4. How Involved Is the Wedding Coordinator?
- When will we be assigned a planner?
- Will they help with planning before the trip?
- Can we request Zoom calls?
- Will they be present on the wedding day?
Read: When to Start Working with the Resort for Your Destination Wedding
5. What Happens If It Rains (or Worse)?
- What’s the backup plan for each part of the day?
- How/when is the “rain call” made?
- What are your policies for hurricanes or major travel disruptions?
6. Can We Customize the Wedding Timeline?
- What time slots are available for ceremonies and dinners?
- Can we request golden hour portraits or a first look?
- Are there restrictions on the schedule?
Some resorts only allow specific time slots, which may limit your creative plans or ideal light for photography.
Read: Destination Wedding Timelines: How They Differ (and How to Plan Yours Right)
7. What Additional Fees Should We Expect?
Ask about:
- Taxes and service charges
- Setup or “extra guest” fees
- Private event rental fees
- Outside vendor costs
- Corkage and bar upgrades
- Cancellation policies and final payment deadlines
Read: Destination Wedding Budget Guide: What Canadian Couples Should Expect
8. Can We Add Extra Events?
- Can we host a welcome party, bonfire, or rehearsal dinner?
- Are there restrictions or added fees?
- Can we bring in our own DJ, live music, or entertainment?
9. Are You Licensed to Perform Legal Weddings?
- Is the ceremony legal or symbolic?
- What documents are required for a legal wedding?
- Do we need to register the marriage in Canada as well?
Read: How to Legally Get Married Abroad as a Canadian Couple
Tip: Many Canadian couples handle the legal paperwork at home and opt for a symbolic ceremony abroad.
10. How Many Weddings Do You Host Per Day?
- Will we be the only wedding that day?
- How are multiple weddings spaced out?
- Could we share décor, locations, or staff with other couples?
Read: Destination Wedding Horror Story: What Went Wrong at Sandos Playacar
Bonus Tip: Hire a Photographer Who Knows the Drill
Want someone in your corner who knows the questions to ask, how to negotiate timelines, and how to navigate language barriers and resort politics?
Browse Destination-Experienced Canadian Wedding Photographers