Destination Wedding – Is It the Right Option for You?
Everybody dreams of a hassle-free wedding but for most couples their wedding day is anything but relaxing. That is why destination weddings have become very popular. A destination wedding allows couples to wed under their own terms. Learn more about destination or location weddings and find out if it is the right option for you.
Destination Wedding – What Is It?
A destination wedding happens when the bride and groom travel to a destination of their choice and get married there. This can mean traveling within your own country or abroad.
Destination weddings are legal. For this reason you will want to verify the necessary documentation or paperwork needed for the local marriage license. It is best to contact a travel consultant who has the experience and knowledge required to plan a destination wedding. He or she will arrange the necessary notarizations, photocopies, passports, birth certificates, divorce decrees and other documents that must be sent ahead to the destination.
The travel consultant will have to work with an on-site wedding coordinator who will take care of the wedding details. The wedding can be held at a resort’s church, gazebo or beach.
Reasons For A Destination Wedding
Couples who opt for a location wedding fall into one of the following groups:
- Those who want to avoid the expense of a big wedding
- Couples who want to avoid the fuss and hassle of a big wedding at home
- People who want to combine a wedding and honeymoon at an exotic location
- Couples in a second marriage
- People who want to get away from it all with only a few close friends and family. The event combines a holiday with their wedding.
Cash Concerns
A destination wedding is usually a very small affair and can cost only a few thousand dollars. This amount would already cover airfare, accommodations, cost of the wedding ceremony and reception, and a weeklong honeymoon. The actual amount will depend on your choice of destination. Just like a traditional wedding, you can choose to spend as much or as little as you want.
When planning a destination or location wedding keep in mind that the travel involved will entail additional expense for your guests, and they may not like it.
You may also have to travel to the venue or the country where you plan to marry in advance of the wedding to comply with legal requirements or to have a firsthand look at the venue. This is an additional expense that you must consider.
Couples have to decide if a location wedding is right for them. Examine your options and explore the possibility of a destination wedding. The experience alone will be unforgettable.