(SPOT.ph) When you’ve spent most of your life feeling the warmth of the sun and wishing the beach were closer to home, then getting married by the ocean is at the top of the list. Just the thought of "destination wedding" brings up images of white sand, clear waters, and a gathering of friends and family with the sunset as your backdrop. Whether you want a quiet affair or a large event that wows your guests, there's a picture-perfect spot for you.
Here are 10 beach resorts around the Philippines to start you off on that journey towards a lifetime of wedded bliss:
El Nido Resorts
El Nido, Palawan
Contact: 0917-584-1576
E-mail: holiday@elnidoresorts.com
www.elnidoresorts.com
Wedding packages start at P160,700 (for three to 10 guests)
Weddings at El Nido Resorts mean tying the knot among limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. El Nido Resorts comprises four sustainable island properties: Miniloc and Lagen Island Resort in El Nido, Apulit Island Resort in Taytay, and Pangulasian Island. Couples can opt for the Elopement package (P134,500), which includes a three-day stay for the pair, flowers, and a 60-minute couple’s massage, among other add-ons; or go all out and and invite 100 guests to the internationally recognized Pangulasian Island. Whether it’s just you and your partner or a larger wedding party, the resort promises exclusivity while you have the ceremony on a private island, hidden cove, or garden chapel. You can even enjoy a sunset cruise after the big day. Among those who have said their vows at the resort are TV host Bianca Gonzalez and basketball player JC Intal, who tied the knot on Lagen Island in December 2014.
Balesin Island Club
Balesin, Polillo, Quezon
Contact: 0917-624-7194
E-mail: eventsandbanquets@balesin.com.ph
www.balesin.com
Wedding packages are available upon request.
This members-only paradise was made for those who aren’t afraid to splurge for the big day (as was already revealed by this article on PEP.ph, which estimates the cost of a wedding at Balesin). The 500-hectare property features seven villages that replicate the feel and look of beach destinations around the world. Couples may opt for the St. Tropez beachfront or Costa del Sol pool area for the ceremony; or the Balesin Spa gardens or Mykonos Cove Deck for the reception, among a range of other outdoor and indoor venues. Balesin was the venue for the weddings of personalities Heart Evangelista and Chiz Escudero in 2015, and Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia in 2018.
Discovery Shores Boracay
Station 1, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact: (02) 720-8888
E-mail: reservations@dsb.discovery.com.ph
www.discoveryshoresboracay.com
Wedding packages start at P35,000 (ceremony) plus P236,000 (reception for 30 people)
Beach fans all over the globe know that Boracay is one of the best—so it’s no surprise that plenty of couples dream of having a wedding on its powdery white sand and right along its dreamy shores, and of course, with that world-famous sunset as the backdrop. Discovery Shores at Station 1 can accommodate up to 70 guests, keeping it a cozy affair as you enjoy cocktails, grilled dishes, or a choice of food stations of ceviche or salpicao, with the light crashing of waves to remind you of the finest sand on your feet and the calming wind in your hair.
Seda Lio
Lio Tourism Estate, Barangay Villa Libertad, El Nido, Palawan
Contact: (02) 956-8888
E-mail: lio@sedahotels.com
lio.sedahotels.com
Wedding packages start at P220,000 (ceremony) plus P270,000 (reception for 50 people)
If you want a wedding by the beach but prefer to have a back-up plan (just in case it rains!), then Seda Lio has what you need. This four-hectare property has 153 rooms and is part of the Lio Tourism Estate, a location that sits five minutes away from the airport (no excuses for those always-late guests!). Their Blissful Paradise package gives you the option of an indoor ceremony at the Narra Function Room; or you can exchange vows by the beach or garden, and they’ll take care of flowers, welcome refreshments, among other basic inclusions. The Endless Happiness reception package provides a two-night stay in one of their suites, a two-layer cake, table centerpieces, plus a gift for the couple. You’ll have to shell out more if you want an outdoor affair, but there’s no need to worry over those last-minute wedding details when you have plenty of comforts within reach.
Zambawood
Fernandez Compound, Purok 1B, Barrio La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales
Contact: 0915-991-4715; 0966-827-3064; 0919-505-5930
E-mail: info@zambawood.com
www.zambawood.com
Wedding packages start at P250,000 (ceremony and reception for 50 guests)
Zambawood boasts a picture-perfect setting for a laid-back beach wedding amidst rows of pine trees in a surf town. The backdrop fits not only those who are looking for a beach house built for relaxation, but would also complement an outdoor boho-chic ceremony or a laid-back affair for an ocean-loving pair. There’s also a meaningful story behind Zambawood, which was inspired by the owner-couple’s son with special needs. The venue features Julyan’s Farm, which is well-loved for its sunflowers; while Julyan’s Coffee Spot employs “PWD baristas and servers for pop-up locations, events, occasions, and other activities,” according to the Zambawood website.
South Palms Resort Panglao
Barangay Bolod, Panglao Island, Bohol
Contact: (038) 502-8288; 0917-716-7609
E-mail: weddings@southpalmsresort.com
www.southpalmsresort.com
Wedding packages start at P25,000 (ceremony)
There’s a certain calm and serenity that’s not easy to hold on to when you’re planning a wedding. Why not try to imagine being surrounded by palm trees as you say your vows and look out towards the infinite ocean; or how about the idea of lounging on a hammock after the festivities—this is what your day could look like at South Palms Resort Panglao. South Palms claims to have the longest beach in Panglao, which they offer to couples should you want to have a prenup shoot at the property. Their wedding packages include an overnight stay in the Premium Beachfront Room and one-hour Swedish massage for the couple; as well as overnight stay in five or seven Deluxe Beachfront Rooms for family or friends. Aren’t you feeling relaxed already?
Kandaya Resort
Barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan, Cebu
Contact: (032) 260-6006; (032) 437-8691
E-mail: info@kandayaresort.com
www.kandayaresort.com
Wedding packages start at P106,900 (ceremony and reception for 30 guests)
Getting away from the city and finding yourself closer to the sea could be just some of the many reasons couples go for a destination wedding. When you want to feel as though you have a whole island to yourself, then Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan (not to be confused with Bantayan Island) might be what you’re looking for. It’s about three hours away from Mactan International Airport, and there are only 40 rooms, suites, and villas throughout the resort. Aside from standard inclusions on their wedding packages, Kandaya Resort also has options for already married couples who want to renew their vows. How about a Bangka sunset cruise with the beau? You can even go on trips to Kalanggaman or go snorkeling on Malapascua Island, if you wish to extend your beach escape.
Amorita Resort
1 Ester A. Lim Drive, Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bohol
Contact: (02) 318-3388
E-mail: inquiries@one-ofcollection.com
www.amoritaresort.com
Wedding packages start at P189,000 (ceremony and reception for 20 guests)
A wedding atop a cliff with Alona Beach right below is what you’ll get when you have your wedding at Amorita Resort. You and your guests can bask in the glow of the sunset, views of Bohol Sea, and the white-sand beach, as you revel in the beginnings of wedded bliss. This boutique luxury resort has 98 rooms and two infinity pools, as well as an in-house PADI dive center if you want to squeeze in some sessions before or after the big day. The wedding package provides airport transfers for the couple, two-night accommodation in a pool villa, and welcome lunch at Saffron Restaurant.
Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay
Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact: (036) 669-5888
E-mail: info.boracay@crimsonhotel.com
crimsonhotel.com/boracay
Wedding packages start at P95,000 (ceremony) plus P295,000 (reception for 50 guests)
Crimson Boracay is one of the latest hotels to open on the island, after launching in March 2018. The property is at Station Zero, away from the busier portions of Boracay. It features 169 guest rooms and 22 villas (as well as one Presidential Villa), so that it can easily accommodate big groups if you’re the type to keep a large guest list. You have a choice between a beachfront ceremony or have one closer to the skies at their events pavilion, which has a beautiful view of the ocean. Included in their wedding packages is a two-night stay at their Suite Seaview Room, which also treats the couple to a champagne breakfast in bed; as well as a 90-minute massage at AUM Spa.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
Contact: (032) 231-0288
E-mail: events.mac@shangri-la.com
www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort
Wedding packages start at P120,000 (ceremony) plus P250,000 (reception for 50 guests)
With its 530 rooms and suites, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa is where you don’t have to worry about accommodating everyone on your guest list (especially if having a “small” wedding isn’t really an option). It’s just 20 minutes away from the airport, so you and your guests won’t have to wait too long before enjoying the resort’s topnotch amenities and stunning beachside views. Can’t decide on the food? Their set and buffet menus feature international, Filipino, and Asian dishes that include Cebu lechon on the carving station; or a live grill station with butterfly prawns. You can also opt for Lartian-style grilling, complete with a range of skewers, steak, and chops for that local touch.
