Destination Weddings: Are They For You?

Would you like to get married on your honeymoon? Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular with couples who are eager to skip the fuss of a traditional wedding and jump right into the fun. Around the world, you'll find hotels and resorts that offer on-site help to plan your wedding, from details like the wedding license to extras such as music and photos. Whether the special day involves just the two of you or whether you'll be inviting friends and relatives to join in the occasion, a destination wedding can be a way to create wonderful memories.

But first: the down side. Destination weddings aren't for everyone. If you're in love with the idea of a large wedding with all your friends and family, skip this idea. Even with a year of planning, it's just about impossible to get everyone's schedules coordinated for this kind of event.

But many couples are saying "I do" to the idea of destination weddings not only as a way to make the occasion more special, but also as a means of simplifying the whole process. "Just say the word, and we'll take care of everything," explains Ava Burke-Thompson, Director of Guest Services at the Sheraton Grand Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas. "We can arrange for the marriage license; minister, priest or rabbi; the florist and the photographer; the wedding cake and champagne; and the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception."

At resorts like the Sheraton Grand, on site wedding coordinators take care of every last detail, some with just a one day notice. "We do it all the time," says Burke-Thompson. "It's now legally possible to get married in the Bahamas with 24 hours' notice."

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POPULARITY OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Destination weddings have caught on for several reasons. According to hotels and resorts around the world, they're especially popular with:

• couples on a budget who don't want the expense of an elaborate wedding.
• couples who don't want the fuss of a wedding and all that goes with it at home.
• couples on their second marriage looking for something a little different.
• those on their second marriage who'll need to bring along children on the honeymoon. The children's programs at many resorts offer privacy for the couple and a chance to enjoy a vacation with their new family.
• couples who are bringing a small wedding party. Sometimes the bride and groom stay at one resort and the wedding party at a neighboring resort, giving everyone privacy.
• couples who are bringing a sizable wedding party and would like to take over a resort.

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Many small resorts like Florida's Little Palm Island offer groups the option of taking over the entire property. This type of stay must be arranged far in advance. The wedding party has the run of the resort for their stay, with plenty of room to party and play. "Little Palm Island is a really private, secluded getaway for wedding groups," explains Susan Belanski, Director of Sales. "We close off the entire island." When wedding parties take over an entire property like Little Palm Island, regular house rules, such as no guests under age 16, are suspended so wedding parties can invite anyone of their choice.

DETAILS, DETAILS

Before you say "I do," plan to do a little research into the "do"s — and "don't"s — of the local marriage laws. Many countries have loosened their marriage regulations, making it easier for foreigners to tie the knot. Even so, you'll need to do some research.

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"The reason some couples have problems with their overseas wedding is that they are unfamiliar with the marriage laws, rules and regulations of where they want to be wed," explains Ruth Keusch, co-owner of Ottley's Plantation Inn, located in Caribbean federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. In researching your destination wedding, Keusch recommends that couples make sure they learn:

• if their home country will recognize a wedding in the designated country as valid
• the minimum residency period before the marriage can be performed
• what paperwork you'll need to bring from your hometown house of worship if you're planning a religious ceremony
• what proof is required if you're divorced or widowed
• if blood tests are required and, if so, if you can bring them from your home doctor or if must they be performed locally
• if there will be English-speaking staff members available to assist you
• costs and fees
• typical weather during the month of your wedding
• special hotel rates for members of the wedding party
• what previous experience the hotel or resort has in planning foreign weddings

Destination weddings can also lead to another joyous celebration: destination anniversaries. Couples who wed on their honeymoon can revisit the very spot where they married and share the memories of that occasion.

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