Destination Weddings
With your tour guide,
Anne P. Mitchell
| Summary: A destination wedding is a wedding ceremony at a location that requires travel. While this can include the engaged couple eloping, more often than not the destination wedding is attended by several guests, including families and the wedding party. |
A destination wedding is a wedding ceremony at a location that requires travel. While this can include the engaged couple eloping, more often than not the destination wedding is attended by several guests, including families and the wedding party.
Las Vegas is probably the most famous destination wedding location, but they can be held anywhere in the world. Weddings in tropical locations such as Hawaii or the Caribbean are very popular, and you can book niche weddings at ski resorts, nudist resorts, Walt Disney World, or just about anywhere you can think of!
A destination wedding can also combine the wedding ceremony, reception, and honeymoon all in one package. Guests fly out for the ceremony and reception, returning home afterwards. The bride and groom can then stay on and enjoy their honeymoon in the same location. Depending on your budget and the number of guests that can take the time off, you can also hold your bridal shower and/or stag at the destination.
When planning a destination wedding, make sure you have access to the wedding and marriage laws of the location you wish to travel to. Some countries have very strict and specific laws that must be followed in order to obtain a marriage license.
It helps to choose a location you’ve already traveled to, or a place where you have trusted friends or family members to help you look after the details. Working with a wedding planner or trying to make arrangements yourself from a distance can be difficult and frustrating, and you’ll need the assurance of knowing that things will be how you want them to be when you arrive ready to be married.
With a destination wedding, budget is a key factor. If you’re able to pay for all of your guests to get there and stay in a hotel or resort, then you can choose any destination you wish. If you’ll be asking your guests to pay for their own travel and lodging, however, be prepared to scale back if needed. Financial difficulties can put your friends and family in a tight position, since they’ll truly want to be with you on your big day but may not be able to afford it.
Also consider your guests when choosing your destination and hotel. If there are any guests with special needs, such as physical disabilities, illness, or dietary requirements, these will need to be addressed when the reservations are made.
Destination weddings can be very exciting and a lot of fun for everyone involved. Make sure you take the time to plan things well, and things should go smoothly!
