A Marriage Made in...Wherever!

IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Destination weddings have increased dramatically in the last few years. There is something incredibly exciting about getting on a plane and leaving the comforts of home behind for the romantic magic of somewhere you’ve chosen together that is unique and meaningful, not to mention what could be a significant decrease in cost compared to getting married at home.

Many destination resorts offer great savings in their group discount programs and most offer a free wedding package if you stay a required amount of nights. Whether your dream is to elope with your fiancé, invite your closest family and friends or make it a grand event with a hundred or more guests, choosing to say “I do” in a foreign country is easier than you may think.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

First and foremost, you should ideally set a date at least a year in advance, especially if you are inviting people. Your guests will need ample time to make plans for a vacation, and you will need the same to plan the details of your big day.  For simple elopements, a year is not necessary.  Keep in mind, communications can be slower when dealing with different time zones and there will be government requirements for a legal ceremony to be recognized in the USA. To save on time and money, you may opt to make your union legal in the States first, then have a symbolic ceremony in your chosen locale.

The options are endless for ceremony locations, no matter if you desire simple or elaborate.  Whether you prefer your toes in the sand, a gazebo, a gorgeous garden, rooftop, chapel, cliff-side, boat, pier, or grand hall, there is definitely a stunning location waiting to be discovered that fulfills your unique vision. In order to compete, most resorts have stepped up their game with well-educated wedding coordinators who will help you plan every personalized detail.  These professionals have weddings down to a science now, as demand is high from sophisticated clients who expect the best.

But, where do you turn for help in narrowing down the right location and resort property that compliments you? Who should help with coordinating all the travel arrangements for you and your guests?   Where do you even begin to start?   

FIND A GOOD TRAVEL AGENCY

You need a good travel agency, with agents who are experts in this niche.  

You want to make sure you find a reputable travel agency that is trained to help you find the best destination, the right resort, negotiate group contracts for room blocks and airfare, facilitate government paperwork and legal requirements and set you up with your personalized wedding coordinator on site.  You also want an agent who will work with all your guests no matter where they live, keep

you updated on everyone’s travel plans, choose quality trip insurance policies, deliver travel documents, and be the person of contact until everyone arrives safely back home.

If you’re tempted to follow the growing trend of “doing it yourself,” you might want to think twice. The biggest complaint we hear over and over is how overwhelming the internet is and that engaged couples simply don’t have the time to deal with it. With hundreds of thousands of options thrown at you, it can be a stressful process trying to navigate through it all.  

So focus on the fun stuff (your dress, cake, flowers, etc.) and leave the headaches to the professionals.  When your plane touches down and your magical journey begins with those you love, you’ll be glad you chose to start your new lives together in paradise.