Global Wedding Planner Pathway
The professional pathway for becoming a Certified Destination Wedding Planner
The Gold Standard in Destination Wedding Certification!
From aspiring planners to seasoned professionals, the Global Wedding Planner Pathway is the only stackable program that transforms passion into a prestigious career credential.
Why This Program
Not a hobby. A profession.
The School of Travel & Tourism's Global Wedding Planner Pathway redefines what it means to be a certified Destination Wedding Planner. We offer:
Expert-led training with luxury wedding professionals
Exclusive resort guest speakers from The Palace Company, Sandals Resort, Hyatt Inclusive, and more.
Personalized, high-touch learning cohorts
Mandatory residency capstone to prove global wedding competency
Alumni access, vendor introductions, and expert mentorship
The Pathway Promise
Explorer → Strategist → Architect ensures students progress from foundational awareness → professional mastery → global authority.
The CDWP Credential validates you as:
Culturally aware & globally competent.
Trained professionals, not hobbyists.
Able to deliver luxury experiences at scale.
Equipped for both self-employment and resort/agency careers.
The Global Wedding Planner Pathway Structure:
Explorer - Strategist - Master Planner
EXPLORER - Destination Wedding Specialist (Intensive only | 8 hours | In-person)
Focus: Foundations & Awareness
Introduction to the global destination wedding industry.
Hospitality service excellence (AHLEI micro-credential).
Mood board + design essentials.
Client consultation & service role-play.
Vendor/resort research & partnerships overview.
Capstone: Team-based mini wedding plan (starter portfolio).
Outcome: Students earn the Explorer Certificate and the Explorer Preparedness Badge.
STRATEGIST - Advanced Destination Wedding Planner (2 days a week for 4 weeks | In-person)
Focus: Professional Mastery
Advanced planning & design modules.
Sales, pricing, and profit strategies.
Vendor negotiations & contracts.
Technology integration (wedding CRMs, AI tools).
Portfolio development (students create 3–5 polished portfolio artifacts).
Guest speakers: luxury planners + resort brand managers.
Capstone: Individual client project simulation with faculty evaluation.
Outcome: Students graduate as employable, market-ready Destination Wedding Planners, prepared to launch businesses or work with resorts/venues.
MASTER PLANNER - Certified Destination Wedding Planner (5 days | In-person International Residency)
Focus: Global Competency & Luxury Execution
Immersive residency at a premier international destination (Mexico or the Caribbean).
Hands-on site inspections, vendor walkthroughs, and live design exercises.
Mentorship from luxury planners & resort executives.
Team-based luxury wedding simulation with faculty + vendor evaluation.
Capstone: Individual portfolio defense + global planning presentation.
Outcome: Award of the Certified Destination Wedding Planner (CDWP) credential.
Students join the SOTAT Alumni Network + gain exclusive vendor introductions.
Who Is This For?
Designed for ambitious learners and seasoned professionals.
Aspiring Planners: Gain your first credential and launch your career.
Career Pivots: Transition into weddings and events with a professional pathway.
Established Professionals: Elevate your brand and earn the Certified Destination Wedding Planner (GDWP)
Program Highlights
Stackable micro-credentials at every level
Faculty-led with exclusive resort guest speakers
Capstone residency ensures GDWP credibility
Scholarships and financing are available
Alumni directory, mentorship, and vendor introductions
Program Dates
Spaces are open now and limited to 10 students per cohort, per track. The next cohort dates for Explorer are:
November 15, 2025
January 10, 2026
March 14, 2026
April 11, 2026
