Destination Wedding Advice

Everyone planning a wedding ultimately wants one thing: a pleasantly memorable event. In recent years, destination weddings have become the answer to having a unique wedding in a gorgeous setting that produces cherished memories for both the bride and groom.

When planning a destination wedding, there are a few things that you must carefully consider to ensure a smooth day.

Location, location, location. Picking the perfect place for your destination wedding is one of the most important parts of planning your big day. Many couples choose a place that is special to them. Maybe a spot where they had their first vacation or the place their parents got married. Most actually choose a locale that will provide a beautiful backdrop to the wedding and will also double as a good honeymoon site. When choosing, keep in mind the time of year the wedding is going to take place. You wouldn't want to plan a sunny, outdoor wedding during the rainy season of your destination and risk gloomy photographs for the wedding album. Also, you have to consider your guest list. While most destination weddings are elopements, some do include guests. If your to-be in-laws are insisting on being there, make sure that it's a place that everyone can afford to travel to and that they can get enough time off from work or other duties to make the trip. To ensure that any guests don't get left behind when traveling abroad, double check that the proper preparations such as passports and vaccinations have been completed in plenty of time. No one should be running around at the last minute to take care of these things and add more stress to the wedding festivities.

Laws of the Land. Wedding rules and regulations vary by state here in the US and also by country everywhere else in the world. Don't plan on just showing up at city hall or any similar government agency expecting a marriage license. Call the agency at least twice before departure and make sure that you have all the paperwork that you need to get your license. In most cases abroad, your passport and birth certificated are needed to issue you a license. And, for those of you getting married for the second or third time, an original copy of the divorce decree from your previous marriage will also need to accompany you. Additionally, some countries and states have "waiting periods" before you can tie the knot on their soil. For instance, the British Virgin Islands requires couples to be on their soil three days prior to their wedding. Be sure to arrange your travel plans to fulfill any waiting period requirements.

Since more and more couples are having destination weddings, they are becoming easier to plan. The internet especially is a wealth of information on agencies and businesses that specialize on getting you married in various locations. Many of these companies have wedding "packages" that range from basic to extravagant to take care of arrangements such as flowers, hotel stays, even musical accompaniment during your ceremony. When using a company like this, check any references or testimonials of past customers that have used them to get hitched. They will be able to give you a better idea of what's offered and the quality of their services.

Whether you decide to marry in Vermont or the Virgin Islands, on the beach or in a ski lodge, it can be a memorable experience if you do your homework.