It may be necessary to travel far from home to get married next to crystal blue waters, in front of dramatic sunsets, or in the ancient chapel of a medieval castle. Many couples may be interested in destination weddings because they often include additional elements of excitement, romance, and adventure. Budget, features and amenities, and legal requirements are all factors to consider when selecting the best destination wedding package.
A basic destination wedding package will typically only include the bare essentials for a wedding ceremony. Only an officiant, witnesses, and a location for the wedding ceremony may be included in the most basic packages. Services and other needs, such as wedding flowers, music, photography, accommodations, reception meal, and wedding cake, can be added a la carte from this starting point. A destination wedding package can be as simple or as elaborate as the couple desires, though the cost may rise dramatically as more services are added.
The good news is that areas where destination weddings are popular typically have competitive rates and a variety of package options, making comparison shopping essential for getting a good deal. Tropical islands, such as Hawaii, the Bahamas, or Tahiti, as well as European destinations and cruise ships, are popular destinations. Choosing a general location, such as Maui, provides far more options than selecting a specific location, such as a specific Scottish castle or cruise ship. On the other hand, a specific location can narrow down options significantly for couples who simply want to show up and walk down the aisle without doing much research or comparison shopping.
The availability of accommodations for the couple and any friends or relatives who will be attending is an important factor to consider when choosing a destination wedding package. Many people believe that if a couple is asking guests to travel a long distance, etiquette requires the wedding party to provide accommodations or at the very least provide a list of local accommodations that fit their budgets. Choosing a destination wedding package that includes lodging for the couple and their wedding party can make the process easier for everyone involved.
Before booking a destination wedding package, double-check the marriage license requirements. Popular wedding destinations frequently have lenient residency requirements, as weddings contribute significantly to their tourist economies. Couples may, however, be required to arrive several days prior to the ceremony to complete paperwork and present identifying documents as well as proof of the termination of any previous marriages. Signatures from the couple’s home embassy may be required in some cases. Legal requirements are often well-understood by destination wedding services, and they may even be able to assist couples in obtaining and filling out required paperwork.