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."
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.
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.
"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.
Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand Paradise Island
Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley
have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE Lovetripper.com
<A HREF="http://www.lovetripper.com/">, a romantic travel
magazine featuring worldwide destinations.
Copyright 2001 Paris Permenter and John Bigley
