Should I Have Kids at My Destination Wedding? What to Consider Before You Decide

Asking people whether to include kids at a destination wedding is like asking how to make the perfect rum punch. Everyone’s got their own recipe, and they’ll defend it passionately! Some say the more, the merrier. Others prefer a child-free vibe with bottomless cocktails and no bedtime routines. That’s all good in theory, but when it’s your wedding, and your loved ones are flying across the ocean to celebrate with you, the decision feels a lot more personal.

The truth is that there’s no right answer. Some celebrations are more relaxed with little ones in the mix. Others work better with a grown-up guest list. Both are completely valid, but your decision deserves thoughtful consideration. At Beaches Resorts, we’ve seen it all, from big family bashes to quiet elopements and everything in between. So we’ve put together this guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of having kids at your destination wedding and make the decision that feels right for you.

Pros of Having Kids at Your Destination Wedding

Let’s start with the sunny side, because there are lots of upsides to having kids at your destination wedding. In fact, for many couples, it simply wouldn’t feel right without them there. First off, it keeps things clear. Opening the guest list to children avoids those awkward “are kids allowed?” questions and puts everyone at ease. Parents don’t have to scramble for childcare, and guests can say yes to your invite without sorting out a village of babysitters back home.

There’s also something undeniably special about having little ones at your side. Watching your friends’ or siblings’ kids dancing barefoot at your reception or playing quietly during the ceremony adds a layer of joy and nostalgia that’s hard to replicate. Their presence helps create a more relaxed, down-to-earth vibe, and their quirky moves on the dance floor tend to loosen up even the shyest grown-ups. Destination weddings often bring together several generations in one place, and kids help bridge those age gaps. They become little connectors by starting conversations, stealing hearts, and softening formalities. And let’s not forget the sweet roles they can play in the ceremony, from flower girls tossing petals along the sand to ring bearers grooving to the steel drum band.

When you host your wedding at a Beaches Resort, your crew won’t have to give up the fun to accommodate kids. There are pools, games, kids’ clubs, and island adventures waiting, so your guests can enjoy time together as well as time apart. Isn’t that what a great family celebration is all about?

Potential Challenges of Having Kids at Your Destination Wedding

Now for the flipside. While having kids at your destination wedding can be joyful, it also means a little more planning and patience. Between long flights, time zone changes, and unpredictable nap schedules, even the calmest parent can get rattled, so you’ll need to consider all of this when setting your ceremony time, planning your activities, or building your timeline. That golden sunset vow might not hit the same if your niece is melting down from jet lag in the second row.

Having kids around can also shift the dynamic for the adults. Parents may be more distracted, ducking out to manage tantrums or tag-teaming mealtimes. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth thinking about if you’re hoping for a high-energy party or uninterrupted dinner toasts. And while those impromptu toddler giggles are sweet, there’s always a risk of noise or disruption at moments you hoped would be serene. Some couples are totally okay with that. Others aren’t—and that’s perfectly fair too. It’s always a good idea to take the pulse of your circle and their lifestyle. Maybe your friends are mostly child-free, or this trip is a rare chance to relax without little ones in tow. Every guest list is different.

Of course, there’s also the budget factor. More guests (even little ones) can mean extra seats, meals, activities, and childcare. It’s also important to check that your chosen venue is genuinely equipped for kids, not just ‘tolerant’ of them. Of course, at Beaches Resorts, we’re made for this kind of multi-generational celebration. Our staff are trained to support families and our all-inclusive packages make it easier to manage different needs and ages.

The Best of Both Worlds

Something to remember when making your decision is that kid-friendly doesn’t have to mean kid-centric. You can plan a destination wedding that welcomes children without letting the day revolve around them. It’s all about thoughtful planning and picking a venue that understands how to strike that balance.

The Beaches Resorts team knows how to make kids feel included without interrupting the flow. Our all-inclusive, family-first vibe means spaces are flexible, mealtimes are easy, and there’s tailor-made fun for all ages, whether it’s a splash deck for the little ones or a hangout spot for teens. That kind of setup helps everyone enjoy a wedding weekend with no worries.

Do You Have to Invite Everyone’s Kids?

Not at all. You can absolutely keep your guest list kid-free while still including your own children or just a few close family members like nieces and nephews.
The key is to be clear and consistent. Use gentle but direct wording, like:

“Due to limited space, we’re keeping our celebration adults-only, with the exception of immediate family.”

Or: “While we love your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only affair. We appreciate your understanding.”

That said, if you do want to mix it up, Beaches Resorts’ family-friendly layout makes it easier to invite both adults-only guests and families without either group feeling out of place.

Tips for Handling Kids at a Destination Wedding

If you decide to include children:

• Choose a venue with family-friendly amenities.
• Build in breaks and downtime so little ones aren’t overwhelmed and parents can relax.
• Offer childcare or a kids’ zone during key moments like the ceremony or reception.
• Prepare welcome packs with activities, snacks, or small beach toys to keep them engaged.

If you decide not to include children:

• Be kind but confident in your choice. Let guests know early so they have time to plan.
• Acknowledge the challenge for families and offer alternatives like a post-wedding celebration back home.
• Emphasize the adult-friendly vibe of the event, especially if it’s a rare escape for your guests.

Your Wedding, Your Call

When it comes to kids at your destination wedding, there’s no universal right or wrong—just what feels right for you. At Beaches Resorts, we’re here to support your version of the dream. Whether that means a joyful, multigenerational celebration or a serene, kid-free getaway, we offer the kind of thoughtful planning, friendly faces, and flexible spaces that make everything easier and way more fun.

Ready to plan your destination wedding your way? Visit our inquiry page, fill in the form, and let’s start planning a day that fits your vibe from start to finish.