This Couple Traded a $20,000 Wedding for a Global Adventure—And Said “I Do” in Morocco

For many couples, wedding planning begins with excitement and ends with sticker shock. That was exactly the case for Keontha and Rashad Dawkins, whose dream ceremony quickly turned into a financial reality check.

“We sat down and thought, ‘What are we really getting for that much money?’” Keontha told Because of Them We Can (BOTWC). After calculating that their special day would cost well over $20,000, the Dawkins decided to do something unconventional—ditch the one-day celebration and use the money to see the world with their children.

Instead of investing in centerpieces, catering, and a venue, they invested in memories. The couple booked a two-week family trip across four countries—London, Barcelona, Morocco, and Paris—and made sure their three children were at the heart of it all.

“Our three kids were the only approval we needed and who mattered,” Keontha said. “So a trip it was.” (BOTWC)

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A Wedding That Spanned Continents

Keontha and Rashad first met in 2015 through Facebook, a digital connection that would later lead them around the globe. As they planned their adventure, they knew they wanted their ceremony to reflect the values that mattered most—family, love, and cultural appreciation.

“We chose to get married in Morocco because we love the culture,” Keontha shared. “It just felt like a fairytale, and we truly felt like royalty.”

The couple exchanged vows in the stunning desert landscapes of Marrakech, surrounded by breathtaking architecture and vibrant traditions. From there, they journeyed to Paris, where they capped off their travels with what they lovingly called their honeymoon.

According to Travel + Leisure, more couples are skipping traditional weddings in favor of “experience-based ceremonies” that combine travel, intimacy, and adventure. The Dawkins’ story fits right into this growing trend—proof that love doesn’t need a ballroom to be unforgettable.

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Family Reactions and a Trip of a Lifetime

When the Dawkins first shared their plans with family, the response was… skeptical.

“When we told them we wanted to get married in Africa while traveling the world, they said, ‘Yeah right—now stop playing and tell us what church it’s at,’” Keontha laughed.

But once the journey began, any doubts faded. Their three children got the experience of a lifetime—exploring new countries, meeting kids who spoke different languages, and discovering that love and curiosity are universal.

“My kids loved it,” Keontha said. “They played with kids who spoke different languages and had fun just being kids.”

As Good Morning America has noted in stories about family travel, shared adventures like these often strengthen family bonds and teach children empathy, resilience, and global awareness—lessons that last far beyond any wedding day.

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Redefining What Love Looks Like

In a world where weddings have become increasingly expensive—the Knot 2024 Real Weddings Study reported that the average U.S. wedding costs over $30,000—the Dawkins’ decision offers a refreshing perspective.

Rather than pouring resources into a single night, they chose to build something enduring: a shared story, full of laughter, adventure, and love across borders.

Now, back home, they’re already dreaming about how to celebrate their first anniversary—though if their past choices are any indication, it’ll be far from ordinary.

“We don’t know what we’ll do yet,” Rashad said, “but whatever it is, it’ll be money well spent.”

And honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.