Destination Weddings

Top Wedding and Honeymoon Travel Agents

Gigglesoup — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:07:54 GMT

Travel+Leisure has come out with their exhaustive list of "A-List Travel Agents" in their most recent August, 2008 issue. Thought you might like to know which two agents were named as A-List Honeymoon/Wedding Agents:

Joyce Horowitz (Altour)
212-497-7680
joycehorowitz@altour.com

and

Heather O'Brien-Kroll (American Express Travel)
212-421-8240, ext. 44403
heather.a.obrien@aexp.com

You might want to drop them an email if you want to use their services.

Another place you might want to look for a Wedding/Honeymoon Travel Agent is Tripology. It's a similar service to those lending companies where banks compete for your business, only this time, up to 3 travel professionals will compete for your business based on information you provide regarding your travel needs. Tripology has over 6,500 + travel agents in their network. You can reach them by going to this link: Find Destination Wedding Travel Experts to Plan your Trip, Click Here and Get Matched With the Best!

Top Resort Towns for Your Destination Wedding

Gigglesoup — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:15:28 GMT

What are the top 10 resort towns in the United States? Well, according to AOL Travel, those would be:

1. The Hamptons
2. Aspen, Colo.
3. Palm Springs, Calif.
4. Jackson, Wyo.
5. Key West, Fla.
6. Cherry Hills Village, Colo.
7. Hilton Head Island, S.C.
8. Newport Beach, Calif.
9. Lake Geneva, Wis.
10. Sandpoint, Idaho

So, if you're trying to find a resort for your destination wedding, you might want to search in the towns on this list. Why are these resort towns so special? A, they're easily accessible (great if you have any out-of-town guests) and B, they offer the height of luxury. For your wedding purposes, they all have resorts that are well equipped for all types of weddings, from big, grand affairs to intimate gatherings.

Bid on a Wedding Package in Maui

Gigglesoup — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:37:59 GMT

Want to donate to charity, and, at the same time, receive the wedding of your dreams?

If you're a Hilton HHonors member, you can bid your HHonors® points in the new Hilton HHonors Giving Back Auction, where the highest bidder will receive a deluxe Lei Aloha Wedding at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui. The total approximate retail value of the wedding package is $11,000.

Not bad. A fabulous wedding and a donation to charity at the same time. Your accountant will love it!

The bidding for this Maui wedding package begins at 12:01 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, August 6 (that's today), and closes at 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, August 15, 2008. The bidding begins at 100,000 HHonors points, and must be placed in 10,000-point increments.

The point value of the highest bid will then be donated to the winning bidder's favorite Hilton HHonors Giving Back partner. They include, but are not limited to:

Aids Walk Los Angeles
American Red Cross
March of Dimes
Habitat for Humanity
Lance Armstrong Foundation
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
City of Hope
World wildlife Fund US

We're sure there's some charity that suits you.

Oh, and by the way, this auction prize is transferrable.

The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa is located on 40 acres of lush, tropical gardens on Wailea Beach. You'll love the Seaside Chapel, which is situated on its own lagoon by the beach.

You can begin bidding by going to bidding . Remember, this is for Hilton HHonors members only.

Gay Marriage in Massachusetts Now Available to Non-Residents

Gigglesoup — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:53:04 GMT

By now most of you know that gay and lesbian couples can now legally marry in the state of California (see our page on Gay Wedding Venues at our California Wedding blog). For over a month now, Gay and lesbian couples have been flocking to California from all over the United States to marry. Why? Doesn't Massachusetts allow same-sex marriage? Yes, but, while Massachusetts allows same-sex marriage for its residents, California has been the only state to allow gay and lesbian couples from all states to share in the marriage privilege.

That is, until now.

Late July, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a law repealing the 95-year statute that prevented gay and lesbian couples from most states from legally getting married in Massachusetts. To that, we again say "it's about time!"

Why was there such a law in the first place? It was originally put on the books almost a century ago to prevent interracial couples from crossing the border to get married in Massachusetts. It stated that couples couldn't get married in Massachusetts if their home states didn't recognize their marriage.

You see, when the law was enacted, 30 of the then-48 states wouldn't allow interracial couples to legally say "I Do," much like the majority of states today won't allow gay couples now to legally marry.

It seems, though, that the law was never taken off the books, even after gay couples were allowed to legally marry in Massachusetts in 2004. Therefore, when gay couples wanted to get married in Massachusetts, they had to be residents, or hail from a state which allowed same-sex marriage.

But, not anymore! Thanks to Gov. Patrick and the state House and Senate, now gays and lesbians from all states can legally wed in Massachusetts, giving couples in the mid-western and eastern United States a closer venue for their wedding.

Honolulu Wedding Packages for a Lovely Beach Wedding

Gigglesoup — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:33:29 GMT

I have a couple really cool Honolulu Wedding Packages to share with you today:

The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI
Tel: (808) 923-1555

Located 9 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is located on the shore of Kaimana Beach, at the far end of historic Waikiki.

Other than being a beautiful, ocean-front venue for a wedding, the Kaimana property also has some interesting history behind it. In the early 1900s, the site used to be the home of a prominent Honolulu family, and also contained a hau tree, under which sat none other than Robert Louis Stevenson. The original home is gone, replaced by the hotel, but the tree remains.

The Kaimana offers two very affordable wedding packages, one called the "Let's Be Together" wedding package ($1,320), which includes 2 nights ocean front room, and the "Families United by Marriage" wedding package ($1,730), which includes an ocean suite for the whole family. Both packages also include:

>>Ceremony in the Sans Souci Room or the Imperial Lanai
>>Non-denominational minister
>>(2) Fresh flower leis
>>Chilled bottle of champagne for toasting
>>Fresh pineapple welcome amenity

You can call them at 808-921-7016 or email them at hawaiianwedding@kaimana.com. for more information.

Paradise Cove

Located at the Ko Olina Resort on the leeward coast of Oahu, Paradise Cove is one of the largest luau shows in Hawaii, with 12 ocean-front acres.

You have three choices for locations at Paradise Cove: Paradise Cove Beach; Imu Gardens with an ocean backdrop; and The Point, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Waianae Mountains. They offer two wedding packages, Package A for $1,470 and Package B for $1,365. Too bad the beauty of the location didn't inspire a more creative package name than A or B The only difference between the packages is that Package A includes a deluxe Luau package for the wedding couple. Both Packages include:

>>One-way limousine transfer from Waikiki
>>Non-denominational minister or officiant
>>Hawaiian seasonal lei for the wedding couple
>>One tier wedding cake
>>Bottle of champagne or sparkling cider for toasting
>>Two keepsake champagne flutes

The ceremony for both packages is 1 hour. Paradise Cove will also help with your reception, with catering and entertaining. You can get more info by emailing events@paradisecove.com.

For more information on weddings on Hawaii, particularly waterfall weddings and how to plan a Hawaiian wedding, you can also go to our website pages at Weddings on Hawaii and Weddings on Maui .

Elopement Package in Lovingston, Virginia

Gigglesoup — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:03:52 GMT

This week's "elopement package of the week" is the Orchard House B&B, in partnership with BlueRidgeWeddings. The Orchard House is located at

9749 Thomas Nelson Hwy (Rte. 29)
in Lovingston, Virginia

Okay, not only is Virginia for lovers, but you can elope in a town called "Lovingston." Works for me.

Anyway, this elopement package costs $640 and is available Mondays through Thursdays from 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm or sunset and includes the following:

..:: Your wedding ceremony performed just a few miles from the Orchard House B&B in the Blue Ridge Wedding Gazebo with mountain views.

..:: Wedding Officiant or Justice of the Peace.

..:: Digital photos of the two of you at the wedding site and in various mountain and country scenes on the Blue Ridge Wedding property.

..:: CD of 35-55 photos. ..:: All legal documents filed with the Virginia courts

..:: Two nights' lodging in the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast, including daily breakfast.

You can choose to have your elopement ceremony on the weekends at a slightly higher rate. Call 434-263-5350 to inquire. For further information and reservations, contact: Love@blueridgeweddings.com

For more information on eloping in Virginia, please go to Weddings in Virginia

Elopement Package in St. Augustine, Florida

Gigglesoup — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:12:24 GMT

Our "Elopement Ceremony of the Week" focuses on:

The Cedar House Inn
79 Cedar Street
Saint Augustine, FL
info@CedarHouseInn.com
1.800.845.0012 (toll-free)
1.904.829.0079 (local)

The Cedar House Inn Victorian Bed & Breakfast is an 1893 Victorian home in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. Not only will you appreciate the romantic charm of this B&B, but you'll also appreciate the very affordable price for their elopement ceremony:

.: $369 for the bride & groom
.: $499 for the bride and groom and up to eight guests
.: $759 for nine to fourteen guests

This ceremony, which can be performed onthe front porch's Victorian Gazebo, in the garden or in front of the parlor's fireplace, includes:

• Notary services
• Wedding ceremony
• Small wedding cake
• Sparkling wine or non-alcoholic sparkling wine
• Two complimentary champagne glasses

AND a choice of either 2 St. Augustine Scenic Cruise tickets or a horse & carriage ride.

If you want to extend your visit and make The Cedar House Inn Victorian Bed & Breakfast your honeymoon spot, they have a pretty good honeymoon package as well at $159 per night. This also comes with a few goodies, including 2 St. Augustine Sightseeing Trolley tour tickets good for 3 days.

Los Cabos Elopement Package

Gigglesoup — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:48:53 GMT

Elopement Package of the Week:

Marquis Los Cabos
Los Cabos, Mexico

This week's elopement package takes you and your beloved to Los Cabos, Mexico. It may be a little pricier than some of the other elopement packages I've featured on this blog, but, when you think of the money saved by not having a big wedding, and the fact that you're automatically on the honeymoon you would have taken anyway... It's still cheaper than a conventional big wedding and honeymoon.

Okay, do you want luxury? Do you want to be pampered? Do you want your married life to start in paradise? Then this is the package for you:

The Marquis Los Cabos is located only 25 minutes from the Los Cabos airport, between El Dorado and Cabo Real golf courses (for all you golfing couples out there). Each of their 210 suites and 28 casitas features a spectacular ocean view.

The following is just a sampling of what's included in their elopement package:

..:: Pick-up from the airport in a Hummer

..::Suite Marquis or Private Pool Casita with ocean front view

..:: Daily buffet Breakfast

..::Bridal Bouquet

..::Wedding Minister

..::Mexican Wedding Dress and Tuxedo rent

..::Solo Musician

..::E-Video to send to family and friends

..::One dinner in any of their restaurants or in your suite

Okay, now the particulars:

Cost:

Suite Marquis Valid from June 15 -December 15, 2008
Per night per person $740

Private Pool Casita Valid from June 15 -December 15, 2008
Per night per person $820

Prices are in U.S. dollars, with a minimum of 3 nights stay required

There is also a tax of 13% Federal and Local

For more info, you can email them at reservations@marquisloscabos.com

Jenna Bush is Having a Backyard Wedding!

Gigglesoup — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:36:35 GMT

Well, okay, her backyard is the Bush family ranch in Crawford, Texas, so it's not your traditional backyard wedding, but, for those of you having a backyard wedding, you've got good company.

Too often couples think they have to pop for an expensive wedding at some fancy resort. Some even put off their wedding for years while they're saving up for the big event.

Truth is, a backyard wedding can be just as wonderful, and a whole lot cheaper, than going for some glamorous castle/resort/yacht wedding. (Although something tells me the Bush daughter's wedding's not going to be cheap. She is wearing a specially-designed Oscar de la Renta wedding gown, and, last I checked, those don't come cheap).

The point is, if you've got the money and a glamorous resort wedding or destination wedding in some exotic location appeals to you, then go for it. We've got plenty of examples of those places on this blog. But, don't let money stop you from taking those vows. If a backyard wedding's good enough for Jenna Bush, it's good enough for you.

Just FYI, there are many different elopement packages in many different fabulous locations, in the U.S. and abroad, you can check out which are even cheaper than having a backyard wedding. (Let's face it, unless you have a potluck wedding, you still have to pop for the food and drink for your guests.) We have them sprinkled throughout this blog and our website, http://www.locationweddings.net.

Environmentally-Friendly Weddings

Gigglesoup — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:56:32 GMT

Want to know one of the hottest wedding trends this year? Well, yes, destination weddings are one of them, but having a "green" wedding is an idea that is rapidly gaining popularity, as brides and grooms are doing their parts to help the environment.

How can a wedding help the environment? If you plan your wedding and reception properly, you can help reduce your "carbon footprint" on the planet.

The top ways to do this include your choices of wedding flowers and your wedding ring.

Environmentally-Friendly Wedding Flower Choices:

One way to help the environment is to choose seasonal flowers from local nurseries. Not only may this help say you some money, but helps you avoid consuming resources involved in shipping the flowers.

Help the Planet with Your Choice of Wedding Rings:

One way to help the planet is to buy wedding rings made with recycled material. These are rings made from old gold and diamond jewelry, rather than new gold that is being mined today. You might also consider buying "lab grown" diamonds, rather than those which are mined. Synthetic diamonds have improved greatly over the years. Buying synthetic diamonds can help end destructive mining.

You can also buy an antique ring. Buying previously-used items is the ultimate in recycling.

For more ideas on "green weddings" go to Green Weddings.