Looking for advice on a destination wedding possibly in December. Not sure when or where with covid and how things will pan out. Thoughts? Suggestions? How far in advance do people book? Any small resorts?

https://www.facebook.com/nicolaandcodestinationweddings/

The Now resorts do gorgeous weddings! Have facilities just for weddings.

I second this one. My best friend got married at Now Larimar in Dominica republic. It was so beautiful!

I have been to Now Larimar in Punta Cana. They had beautiful beach weddings. The brand is so detailed and everything is pefect

We got married in Hawaii March 2020 on a beach We paid for the marriage licence online 2 months before it was $60 us and then hired Justice of the peace $150. We also hired limo

We booked 6 months out. Now Onyx, Punta Cana. Was fabulous.

If you go to a travel agency they will have a book of all the requirements to get married legally for each destination. Most will recommend getting legally married here and having a symbolic marriage at the destination depending where you pick. I started roughly planning about a year and a half ahead of time, but the schedules for flights weren’t out yet that far in advance. For hotel planning timelines, most are between 1 year to 6 months (minimum) ahead of time, but you won’t actually plan a lot until about 3 months in advance (in my experience anyways)

Just be prepared for extra costs in US dollars on your wedding day. Don’t want to spoil your day with added stress of a bill you didn’t expect.

Former Destination Wedding specialized Travel Agent here - I think there is no precident on timelines with COVID. During normal times, you'd begin planning about 18 months in advance, and ideally booking between 10-14 months in advance. This gives guests time to book time off, save up, etc.
I got married in Cuba and loved it, Paradisus Varadero. Also went to a wedding at the Sol Palmeras ,it was great too - beaches are unbeatable and typically it's the best price.
That said - COVID has things all changed, flight schedules are tumultuous and likely to change many many times between now and then. So - I feel like you won't have a problem finding availability..it's just going to come down to patience with airlines for either changing or cancelling things on you. You'll be likely to see dramatic things such as complete cancellation of a direct flight, change of dates, changes from direct to stopover flights..etc. So be aware that can happen in advance and be ready to roll with the punches

Costa Rica has already opened to international tourists, so likely that's a safe bet.

We got married at The Grove in Las Vegas. We only chose Vegas because it was accessible for our guests (from Newfoundland, B.C., New York, California and Brazil) but didn't want a typical hotel/Elvis wedding. This place fit the bill, was crazy affordable, and you can book a shuttle bus back to the Strip for your guests, then party it up. It was great. If i remember, we booked about 10 months in advance. https://www.the-grove.com/

https://www.facebook.com/oksanatravelsto/ this lady does an incredible job planning weddings!

Ulia Bdrg I was just about type
Oksana Travels , so there you go! Makes 2 recommendations for the poster.

https://www.shelleyssunandsandtravel.ca/contact-us
Dawn with Sun & Sand Travel is great.

you need a covid test before you come back. Make sure they are available or you stuck at your resort.

Providenciales $$$$ but you don’t get hustle Jamaica $$ but you will get hustle

Lisa Ziehr

Many countries are starting to ask for covid testing to get in and Canada requires them to come home. Something to consider depending on how many you're considering inviting. For 2 people it can exceed $600 for testing alone. We're a part of a travel group that advises us on countries now requiring a negative covid before arriving in their country. They are stacking up and many aren't aware