Looking for a stress-free wedding where just about all you have to do is show up for the “I do’s”? Destination weddings have become the popular alternative to the traditional wedding frenzy of massive guest lists and “to do” lists. You can get married in a beautiful tropical or mountain location where your dearest family and friends can book a vacation to enjoy, while witnessing and celebrating your marriage. If you want a more private affair, there are even “free” weddings that allow you to get married and honeymoon all at a romantic, all-inclusive resort!
Below are some of the “hot spots” known for easily accommodating wonderfully romantic destination weddings.
1. Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia – A gorgeous, very exclusive luxurious resort built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. You may remember seeing it on one of “The Bachelor” episodes.
2. Turks & Caicos Islands – Beaches Resort is the perfect beach location for weddings where you desire couples and families to join you in your celebration — where Sesame St. characters may just show up on the occasion. Parrot Cay Resort was where the celebrity wedding of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner took place.
3. Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica, Bahamas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados – These couples-only, luxury resorts are well known for their exquisite Weddingmoons and No. 1 Honeymoon destinations. They have weddings down to a “T,” since they have up to four weddings a day at their all-inclusive resorts, but the weddings will never be at the same time. You can choose where you want to get married and have total attention from the wedding department on your day! Make it as customized as you want, even though Sandals Resorts offer several attractive wedding packages.
4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Get married on “Lover’s Beach” overlooking the Sea of Cortez on the Baja Peninsula — you may even include mariachi bands and fireworks! Cabo has hosted recent celebrity weddings including Oliver Hudson (brother of Kate) who married Erinn Bartlett.
5. Lake Tahoe, Nevada – This is a great mountain location for a destination wedding among the tall trees and mountains with the lake in the background for those looking for a “cool” wedding place!
6. Walt Disney World – This is truly a “magical” place to get married with many venues close to property hotels, where even Mickey and Minnie can join in the festivities! This is also the No. 1 honeymoon location in the continental United States.
7. Fiji Islands – This destination is a little further to get to but very exotic with it’s over-water bungalow resorts and romantic seclusion. Actors Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott wed on a private island resort in Fiji. This south sea destination is for those really wanting to get away from it all and have a private affair.
Typically, there are two types of destination weddings: 1) Legally-binding Wedding Ceremonies and 2) Symbolic Wedding Ceremonies. Most countries just require legal documentation for legal weddings. Some couples prefer symbolic weddings in Mexico, because they require blood tests to be done there for legal ceremonies.
For more information and help with planning your destination wedding, contact your wedding travel specialist who can be sure your wedding is perfect!
by Sherry Hinnant, Owner, Manager, and Certified Weddingmoon Specialist/Aggieworld Adventures Travel & Tours
photos courtesy of the Respective couples