Choosing a Wedding Destination
One of the first decisions you need to make after you decide to have a destination wedding is which destination is right for you. Are you looking to elope? Or, do you want a larger destination wedding? Whichever you decide, here are some things you need to consider in your destination wedding planning.
• Consider the marriage laws. Some locations in the US as well as some countries require more than just two people who want to get married before they let them say "I do." For example, a couple can go to Arizona, obtain their license and get married with no waiting period. But, if you're planning to elope or have a Wedding in Washington, DC, there is a five-day waiting period to receive your license, and the bride and groom must both be present to apply for a license.
In Massachusetts there is a three-day waiting period, but the couple can obtain a waiver by petitioning the court. And, in Colorado, where couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage if they apply to the County Courthouse, and cousins can marry each other, same-sex partners are not allowed to wed, although same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and civil unions of same-sex partners is legal in Vermont. You get the picture? Even in the U.S. you have to do your research to familiarize yourselves with marriage laws.
• Your budget. Another concern about the location is the cost of the wedding itself. Some locations are just more traditionally affordable than others. Traveling out of the country is going to cost you more in most cases then traveling to just another state. Take into consideration travel expenses (flying or driving) as well as the wedding-related expenses. In some cases it just makes sense to have an inexpensive elopement ceremony and spend the bulk of your wedding costs on the honeymoon.
• Does the location provide wedding planning help to you? If you're eloping that may be simply contacting a wedding officiant and having your ceremony on a public beach or park which allows ceremonies. However, if you're planning on a larger destination wedding ceremony with family and friends, you may need help coordinating everything. If you can spare the money and want fewer headaches, go with a resort which offers wedding planning services.
Click on the following links if you want to learn more about:
the best places to get married
wedding planning
• Consider the marriage laws. Some locations in the US as well as some countries require more than just two people who want to get married before they let them say "I do." For example, a couple can go to Arizona, obtain their license and get married with no waiting period. But, if you're planning to elope or have a Wedding in Washington, DC, there is a five-day waiting period to receive your license, and the bride and groom must both be present to apply for a license.
In Massachusetts there is a three-day waiting period, but the couple can obtain a waiver by petitioning the court. And, in Colorado, where couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage if they apply to the County Courthouse, and cousins can marry each other, same-sex partners are not allowed to wed, although same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and civil unions of same-sex partners is legal in Vermont. You get the picture? Even in the U.S. you have to do your research to familiarize yourselves with marriage laws.
• Your budget. Another concern about the location is the cost of the wedding itself. Some locations are just more traditionally affordable than others. Traveling out of the country is going to cost you more in most cases then traveling to just another state. Take into consideration travel expenses (flying or driving) as well as the wedding-related expenses. In some cases it just makes sense to have an inexpensive elopement ceremony and spend the bulk of your wedding costs on the honeymoon.
• Does the location provide wedding planning help to you? If you're eloping that may be simply contacting a wedding officiant and having your ceremony on a public beach or park which allows ceremonies. However, if you're planning on a larger destination wedding ceremony with family and friends, you may need help coordinating everything. If you can spare the money and want fewer headaches, go with a resort which offers wedding planning services.
Click on the following links if you want to learn more about:
the best places to get married
wedding planning
So I have always wanted my wedding somewhere exotic like Thailand, or Tahiti or some where in the Philippines or Caribbean...I had never thought of all that goes into having a destination wedding, I already had the outfits for everyone and flowers, food, people who would be attending and of course my jewelry (TAHITIAN BLACK PEARLS) and honeymoon.... but I guess there is tons more to it than just deciding to have a destination wedding!
Reply to this