August 7, 2023 / Destination Elopement Resources
Belize Elopement: A Complete Guide
A Tropical Paradise:
The Complete Guide to a Belize Elopement
It’s always fun to share a destination elopement with you all — they make for some of the most spectacular photos and memorable experiences to share. But I’m especially excited for this particular one, because I happen to think that the location is HIGHLY underrated and is such an incredible opportunity if you’re looking for a less touristy tropical elopement spot.
Aaaaand drum roll please (yes, I know it’s in the title of this blog — bear with me) …it’s BELIZE! With its rich Mayan history and crystal blue waters, a Belize elopement is my absolute favorite recommendation for those who are looking for a more intimate destination with a beautiful culture and people. It has some gorgeous scenery, lots of adventure opportunities (caving, ziplining, snorkeling, and more) and is a much more affordable option for a tropical setting. It gives you that incredibly romantic honeymoon feel without the price tag and tourist craze.
I’m so excited to share this complete guide with you on how to plan the perfect Belize wedding: where to stay, places and ways to explore nearby, and more!
How to plan a Belize Elopement
+ Landscape and wildlife
+ Best time of year
+ Best destinations
+ Venues
+ Places to stay
+ Activities
Belize’s Landscape
There are some obvious draws to a tropical location for your vows — the pristine beaches, jaw-dropping sunsets, and a consistent and perfect warm breeze. But when you choose Belize, you get a few added bonuses that you never thought to ask for. There are a few islands to choose from for the elopement (or to just explore while you’re there), you can witness the second largest barrier reef in the world, and you’ll see some really distinct and memorable wildlife: manatees, giant crabs, lizards, eagle rays, dozens of colorful fish while you’re swimming, and so much more.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Belize
One of the best parts of Belize? It’s an incredible getaway when the coldest months in the U.S. are in full swing! Their dry season is anytime between January and April, which means perfect weather and a nice tan for a souvenir. Belize has a wet season from June to November . It’s much cheaper and less crowded, but definitely expect some frequent tropical rainstorms! Their rain storms can be INTENSE and will require waiting out! A good takeaway? For the perfect balance of weather and crowds, I highly recommend choosing a shoulder month like December or May & definitely avoid September — hurricane season!
Best Destinations for your Belize Elopement
San Pedro
San Pedro, located on the Ambergris Caye, is the most popular town — and for good reason! It’s the perfect blend of nature and nightlife, with some great spots for diving and snorkeling (since it’s so close to the barrier reef) and a thriving downtown with colorful restaurants and beach bars.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is the more budget friendly and has the sweetest motto of “go slow”. It’s ideal for a more relaxing stay with gorgeous Caribbean scenery, great beaches and swimming spots, and some uniquely beautiful geography since the island is split by a channel!
San Ignacio
San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo District, which is a hub for ecotourism! It’s also THE best area for shopping and has a thriving food scene. I love to recommend it as a great base for day trips to the rainforest, where you can explore Mayan temples and caves, or go cave tubing, ziplining, and horseback riding through the jungle. SO much fun!
Venues
In San Pedro, X’tan ha resort is great for larger gatherings, or you can elope with your toes in the water on a sandbar at sunset.
I love the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Caye Caulker for gatherings of about 25-70. OR you could try something a bit more unique and elope on a private boat tour!
For San Ignacio, The San Ignacio Resort Hotel or Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge are great for larger gatherings, or you can head to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest for a hiking elopement.
Places to Stay when Eloping in Belize
San Pedro
+ X’tan Ha Resort has gorgeous white sand beaches and is just a short distance from downtown San Pedro. It also offers some great wedding packages!
+ For a more luxurious option, I love recommending the Victoria House Resort. It’s a short distance from downtown and is known for its elegance, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and amazing service.
+ For a more affordable spot, the Blue Tang Inn is perfect! It’s a small beachfront hotel close to great little dive shops and beach bars, with great amenities and a private beach and pool on site.
Caye Caulker
+ Colinda Cabanas are affordable, close to downtown, and have a great private dock
+ Weezie’s Oceanfront Hotel for a more modern stay that’s just a short distance from downtown with amazing amenities
+ Iguana Reef Inn is a more luxury option, with incredible access to downtown AND a private beach
San Ingnacio
+ The Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge and San Ignacio Resort Hotel are both great options that offer wedding packages!
+ The Lodge at Chaa Creek is incredible — it’s located in a 400-acre private nature reserve and is the oldest jungle lodge in Belize! THE perfect spot for nature lovers.
Activities for your Belize Elopement
San Pedro has lots of unique opportunities for adventure during your stay. You can visit secret beaches, head out on the water for snorkeling, fishing, or a boat tour to a sand bar to watch the sunset or eat and drink to your heart’s content with the many options it offers, like my personal favorite: the Truck Stop (an amazing food truck garden).
In Caye Caulker, you can relax on its many beaches, snorkel in the nearby marine reserve, dive in the blue hole or see it on a scenic flyover tour, and kayak around the island to spot manatees and eagle rays!
San Ignacio has so much to offer if you’re looking for adventure! You can visit Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for hiking, caving and exploring Mayan ruins. You could head to the Xunantunich archaeological site to explore Mayan temples, cave tube, zipline, or visit the remote jungles of Cayo through a jungle pontoon waterfall adventure.
Many of my photos feature iconic mountain views, but I absolutely love a romantic tropical setting for an elopement — and I truly haven’t been anywhere quite like Belize. There’s something so magical about the feel of warm sand under your toes as you walk hand in hand with your loved one, and I’ve loved the opportunities I’ve had to capture those moments in this spectacular place. I hope this guide on a Belize elopement was helpful as you dream up your big day, and that it helps you see past the details and focus on the big picture: you’re promising forever to your favorite person! I’d love to walk alongside you both as you enter this new phase of your life…cheering you on and capturing the memories. Head to the link below if you’d like to start that process!
What was the main reason for choosing Belize as an elopement location over other more popular tropical destinations?