5 Top Places to Get Married in the United States

Many couples are planning exotic weddings abroad but there are many wonderful places right here in the United States. Plus, there are no worries about passport regulations and with its varied topography this country offers great sites from hillside to beachside.

The Inn and Spa at Loretto

This venue located in Sante Fe, New Mexico dates back to 1878 and has direct access to a Gothic inspired chapel that is modeled after Paris'Sainte-Chapelle.

A huge plus for the Inn and Spa at Loretto is their Elopement package that starts at $350

And does not make the special day any less grand.

The chapel at Loretto is gorgeous with dramatic 19^th century wooden doors, vaulted ceilings, a spiral staircase and 150- year old stained glass windows.

A fantastic chapel for the ceremony and then the Inn itself is not to be sniffed at. The Inn has 134 rooms and has authentic Sante Fe décor. Couples are welcomed with kiva fireplaces and high-beamed ceilings.

The rooms at the Inn and Spa at Loretto are decorated with hues of deep terracotta red, Navajo gold and black and white.

The romance is completed with soft lighting, flickering candles and fantastic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the chapel or lavender scented gardens.

The Elopement package is inclusive of overnight accommodations and 20 per cent discount at the Spa at Loretto, the Luminaria restaurant or in room dining, full wedding planning services and other delights.

For those couples that choose not to use the chapel for the ceremony can tie the knot on the mountain view rooftop terrace, the garden or the Living Room lounge.

Contact: (0800) 727-5531, www.innatloretto.com

The Plaza

A New York landmark this is the place that a bride with any sense of flair will go for. This is where Eloise was "born", Truman Capote threw his decadent Black and White Ball and where Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway had a cat fight in the "Bride Wars".

The Plaza just drips with 102 years of history and it has to be said luxury.

Recently awarded a AAA diamond status this venue is not for the meek bride.

Its neo classic décor includes balconies with curved railings, stunning murals and elaborate chandeliers.

One of the real hotspots for weddings is the Terrace Room with its Italian renaissance-style figural paintings adorning the ceilings and crystal chandeliers that were made by Charles Winston.

The hotel has a wedding department and no detail is spared in its wedding package from the wedding cake to a separate dressing room for the bride to a pre-wedding personal training session.

The hotel offers 282 guest rooms with 102 suites.

It is recommended that the happy couple spend their wedding night in one of the Terrace Suites with fantastic views of the city skyline.

Terrace Suite rooms start at $2,425 per night

Contact: (888) 240- 7775, www.theplaza.com

The Hawks Cay Resort

This is a great choice as a wedding venue for those who would love the romance of a sunset beachside wedding on a secluded 60-acre key.

The Hawks Cay Resort is situated in Duck Key and delivers picturesque perfect nuptials along the Florida Keys.

At the Hawks Cay Resort the happy couple can choose to have fabulous outdoor and indoor settings that include views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf.

Whatever your desire speak to the Hawks Cay Resort, only recently they catered for a wedding that was Indian themed. Nothing is too much trouble.

The bride and groom will be allocated their own wedding attendant who will liaise with all the key departments of the hotel.

Not only will the happy couple have a great time here so will their guests.

Whilst the bride and groom are preparing for the rest of their lives the guests can kick back and enjoy the water sports such as fishing and diving.

Wedding packages start at $2000 for up to four guests

Rooms start at $149 during the summer

Villas start at $319

Contact: (888) 313-5749, www.hawkscay.com

Paris Las Vegas

What fun saying, "I do" at the top of the Eiffel Tower at the 2,916-room Paris Las Vegas.

This is a wedding ceremony that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

The Paris Las Vegas boasts panoramic views from 460 ft above the Las Vegas Strip.

This venue is ideal for the smaller wedding as the Eiffel Tower only holds 14 people.

Here at the Paris Las Vegas there are two Eiffel Tower wedding packages to choose from and they range from $1,500 to $2,800 and include the customary items including flowers, photos and guitarist.

Should you choose the Deluxe Eiffel Tower wedding package then the newlyweds will also get a 2-night stay in a Le Mans Petite Suite.

Guests can stay in the Red Rooms on the highest floors, which also have sofas shaped like plump puckered lips.

Room rates vary here

Contact: (877) 796-2096, www.parislasvegas.com

Grand Wailea

Many brides would view a wedding in Hawaii as a dream come true. And let's face it, it is. Far- flung, exotic and home based.

The Grand Wailea is set on the southwestern shore on Maui and is fit for a princess, as you would expect from a property that is part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection.

Happy couples can enjoy the New England style seaside chapel that is surrounded by picturesque flowers, gardens, gazebos and a koi pond. As well as gushing over the clock and bell tower with its 17^th century chandeliers and glass stained windows that depict an Hawaiian royal wedding.

The surroundings here are just magnificent and to top it all there is an art collection of works by Warhol, Leger, Picasso and Botero.

Whilst staying at the Grand Wailea it really is a must to dine at the onsite floating seafood restaurant and to treat yourself to a treatment at the Spa Grande.

Wedding packages here start at $4800 and that includes the use of the chapel and gardens, brunch for two and a music accompaniment.

For those who wish to really splash out for their special day then they can also arrange to have a personal wedding assistant, deluxe ocean luxury accommodation on the wedding night, and a casabella for two by the each pool on the wedding day.

Average room rates start at $500 per night

Contact: (0800) 232-4604

Source: Recommend