Planning a Destination Wedding

Choosing a Location

Now that you know you’d like to get married in a special location, your next step in planning a destination wedding is choosing the ideal spot. Your travel agent can help you find the perfect area. She’s more than likely well versed in planning a destination wedding and will be able to provide helpful advice. She should also be somewhat knowledgeable about the legalities surrounding marriages in other states and countries.

Considerations

When planning a destination wedding, there are several considerations.

• Cost: The first consideration when planning a destination wedding, of course, is cost. Will you and your intended be able to afford the cost of flying to another area, staying in a hotel and paying wedding costs? If money is no object, you’ll want to move on to your other considerations, namely family.

• Family and other guests: Will family members be invited? If you’re not inviting anyone to your wedding, you’ll have to keep in mind that feelings can, and probably will, be hurt. If you do hope to have a gathering of friends and family to witness your nuptials, you’ll have to consider whether this trip is something they can afford. Not everyone can comfortably bear the cost of airfare, hotel, wedding gift and any meals not included in the wedding festivities.

• Wedding Dress: Will you be wearing a formal designer dress or a less formal beach wedding dress? How will you pack it and get it to your destination. You can send it ahead, but then you might risk it getting lost or damaged en route. You can also check it with your luggage, but you’ll have to trust the airline not to lose or misplace your bags. Your best bet is to treat your wedding dress as carry on luggage. This means however, there has to be room enough in the overhead compartment. Discuss this detail with your travel agent who may have a suggestion. She may also be able to make arrangements with the airline for your wedding dress to be hung in the flight attendants cabin. Places famous for destination weddings such as Las Vegas include wedding dress rental in many of their wedding packages. This may be something to look into.

Make it legal.

• Legalities: What is involved in getting married in your chosen location? Will you need a blood test? What types of identification are required? Will your marriage be legal and binding in this country? Thoroughly research this before making any arrangements. The last thing you want is being told at the last minute you can’t get married because your paperwork isn’t in order.

Popular Destination Wedding Locations

Las Vegas – Known for its weddings, Las Vegas has something for everyone. In additions to chapel for every lifestyle and budget, those seeking to get married in Sin City can also enjoy a themed wedding or even a drive through wedding ceremony.

Hawaii – Is there anything more romantic than a wedding on the beach, followed by a Hawaiian honeymoon? Imagine reciting your vows with an ocean sunset as a backdrop.

California Wine Country – Weddings in a Napa or Sonoma Valley vineyard are becoming more commonplace. Centuries of tradition and romance surround this elegant wedding destination. A reception held at a California winery is sure to be talked about for a long time to come.

Caribbean Island – Getting married in front of the tropical green waters of Montego Bay or Nassau is a laid back beach lover’s dream wedding come true. Surely this is the definition of paradise.

Yosemite National Park – Yosemite offers a majestic beauty that could not be manufactured anywhere. With flowing waterfalls, meadows filled with wildflowers, panoramic views and snow-capped mountains, Yosemite offers year-round beauty that cannot be compared.