Romantic Weddings Abroad

Why People Choose Romantic Weddings Abroad

Well, there is the obvious: they're romantic. Having your wedding set against a crashing ocean or a beautiful castle for your backdrop is one way to set the mood for the rest of your partnership and create extravagant memories. Not to mention that same romantic mood will easily carry over into the honeymoon without much more traveling required.

There are two reasons a getting married abroad may be less expensive: you're combining your wedding and honeymoon into one, plus you'll be relying heavily on a package deal, which is often a cheaper route. Chances are, you won't have as many guests to feed, either.

Romantic weddings abroad are an easy way to keep your guest list low without hurting any feelings (in some cases). Not everyone can afford the time off or the airfare to an exotic destination. A wedding abroad is also an excellent way to elope.

Planning is not completely up to you. You won't feel the urge to step in on all the decision making if it’s being done as part of a package while you're just eagerly awaiting the big day in another country.

How to Plan Your Wedding Overseas

You won't get away with skipping all the prep work, but you can get by with very little.

Picking the Location

Picking the location is the first step to planning your dream wedding location overseas. Unless you're interested in having your wedding in a specific country for sentimental or historical reasons, choose it based on the atmosphere you'd enjoy most for your big day. Do you and your future spouse enjoy the beach most? The mountains? Want a castle in your wedding pictures? Agree on your backdrop and go from there.

Getting Your Dress There

Getting your dress shipped doesn't have to be stressful or a hassle. Go with a company that offers full insurance with delivery confirmation. That way you won't have to keep up with it—and everything else—when you're on your way to your country of choice. Another option is to carry your dress on to the airline yourself, and have it hung in a coat closet on the plane to keep it as smooth as possible. Once you get it there, whether you choose to have it shipped or you do decide to take it yourself, you're going to want to have it steamed. No one wants a wrinkled wedding dress!

Airfare

It's doubtful that you and your wedding party want to swim the length of an ocean to get to your wedding destination, so you're going to need to find airfare at the best rates possible. Here are a couple of websites to check:

• Orbitz.com, where you can compare prices in different transportation combinations, such as airfare plus car, airfare plus car and hotel, and more.
• Travelocity, which is similar to Orbitz in the choices of travel combinations available.

Also, check Cheap Ticket Links for tips on selecting your airfare.

Tropical beaches are always popular.

Packages and Costs

Choosing a package keeps things simple, stress-free, and allows you the time to bask in the romance of the situation. Here are some sites to check when it comes to finding your ideal wedding package:

• Sandals will see to it that you're pampered. This one caters mainly to beach weddings.
• Chateau Elan Winery & Resort gives you European sophistication. There are multiple locations available.
• Weddings-Abroad is a United Kingdom site that specializes in weddings abroad.
• Destination Weddings take care of your travel, your wedding, your honeymoon, and more.

The Legal Concerns

You don’t want to get tied up in red tape when you tie the knot. Here are some legalities to consider.

Licenses

It could prove difficult to get a marriage license if you're trying to get one abroad. If you hire a wedding coordinator with experience planning weddings abroad, he or she can help you. This is one of those details you'll need to take care of before you leave, or you may find yourself not really married once the ceremony—and honeymoon—are over.

Visas

Depending upon the country you choose for your wedding ceremony, you may need a visa to enter. Check with that country as far in advance as you can so that you will have time to fill out the appropriate documents and be well on your way.

Passports

Regardless of where you're going, you're probably going to need a passport. United States citizens, visit the US Department of State for details on how to get your first passport. Other countries will need to check with their Department of State equivalent for details.

A Final Word

You won't be able to get married abroad with absolutely no planning ahead, but you will be able to significantly cut down on the planning, quite possibly the expense, and probably the stress involved with a wedding. Romantic weddings abroad have a unique appeal for many couples, and even if they can’t have everyone there to celebrate their nuptials, they can have the ceremony taped or webcast to bring everyone along on their exotic getaway.