Destination Wedding FAQ

Destination Wedding FAQ (Version 3.0)

Originally created by Robyn Pollman
Posting Frequency: as needed
FAQ last updated on July 7, 2008


1.1 — From the Destination and Specialty Wedding Page:

“What is a Destination Wedding? A destination wedding is when you travel to a special place for your wedding. It might be just the two of you (also known as eloping!), or you might include a group of friends and family. It’s an appealing option if you want to do something different, ‘enforce’ a small guest list, hold the wedding at a place equally (in)convenient for far-flung family, or just ‘get away’!” Ten percent of weddings today are now considered “destination weddings”. Scroll down for a list of popular destinations.


1.2 — Do we bring guests along?

As mentioned above, guests are optional. Having guests in attendance will distinguish your “destination wedding” from a traditional elopement.


1.3 — Are destination weddings cheaper than a traditional one?

Not necessarily… It honestly depends on the location you select, the time of year (for certain locations), and the size of your guestlist. Whether or not you pick up the tab for your guests’ travel can also increase (or decrease) the costs significantly. Also, depending upon either what theme and/or location you choose. You could choose a wedding at an all inclusive resort where all the meals and drinks are included in the cost of total vacation price. Many of these resorts have a FREE Wedding Ceremony (flowers, the justice of the peace, wedding cake, decorated wedding area plus many more individual resort features), but keep in mind that you do have to pay the legal fees and stay a certain amount of nights. Other all inclusive resorts offer wedding plans under $1500 with many features such as a private cocktail party and wedding dinner for up to 20 people. This method does save you money, time and nerves. This is also great for groups, everyone traveling pays one set price for the entire vacation. There are no end of vacation bill to pay upon checkout or mystery charges to figure out group wise. Normally a destination wedding can be as affordable or expensive as you want.
Taken from : Weddings On The Go


1.4 — From the Destination and Specialty Wedding Page:

Special advice for those planning a destination wedding: Karen has developed a wonderful page full of destination wedding suggestions and ideas. Topics include “Where should we go?”, “How do we plan?”, “Where to get information”, and more…

I also highly recommend Karen and Scott’s “Planning a Destination Wedding” article. It addresses such questions and topics as “Planning an entire week with guests?”, “How to do invitations (or announcements)?”, “Enclosures for the celebrations back home”, “Reply Cards”, “What about the tux?”, and even “How can I take my pet with me?”.

Lastly, check out the “ten things to know” when getting married outside of the U.S.


1.5 — Can you recommend any books or magazines on the topic?

As a matter of fact, we can… Robyn has compiled a long list of destination wedding-related books to help out! All titles are available for purchase through Amazon.com and half.com — or you can take the cheap ‘n’ easy route at your local library!


1.6a and 1.6b — Announcements, invitations, and “Save the Dates”:

Invitations are only sent to those that you intend to have present at your wedding. Announcements are mailed to everyone else. Invitations should be mailed before the wedding, and announcements after the wedding. If you are having a local reception when you return home, a reception card can be enclosed with the invite and/or announcement. The Summer of 2000 edition of Martha Stewart Weddings (”Fruit and Floral Centerpieces” on the cover) has an article about announcements. It covers engagement, wedding, and newspaper announcements — with wording examples. The article is on page 112-114.

If you’re concerned about letting your guests know about the wedding well in advance of the actual date, you might want to think about sending a “Save the Date” newsletter.

From Tips For Destination Weddings:

“…If you are having guests, consider a “Save the Date” letter. Invitations are supposed to be sent 4-6 weeks before the event. But that is hardly enough time to buy plane tickets. Your guests might also want to ask for time off to better enjoy the special place you’ve chosen! In some areas, accommodations fill up way in advance. For all these reasons, you should consider getting in touch with your guests early. A friendly little form letter with pertinent info (place and date) will do nicely. If you’ve begun to set up accommodations, include that too, along with any other travel info. Otherwise, promise to get back to them later with that information…”

Here’s an example of a personal Save the Date letter. The Summer 2000 “Southern Living Weddings” also had a 3-page article on Save the Dates. Save the Date notices should be mailed 4-6 months before the wedding, and then send all your invites at least 8 weeks prior to the wedding date.

From “The Knot“: “The wording doesn’t have to be anything exceptionally formal. Something like ‘Save the weekend: Jane and John (or We) are getting married on April 24, 1998, in Chicago. Invitations and hotel information will be sent in early March.’ This way, your guests know what to expect, and they’ll get in touch with you if they have questions. Just make sure that everyone who gets this card is someone who will *definitely* be on your final guest list — because once you tell them to save your wedding date, there’s no turning back.”

From Tips For Destination Weddings:

“…Consider using announcements. You don’t see too many announcements mailed these days, because most people use their invitation to ‘announce’ their marriage. But they are a great way to let important people know that you’ve been married! Announcements are very similar in appearance to invitations –just the wording (and the timing) are different. You send these after the wedding takes place. The format generally lists the place of your wedding, so rest assured that recipients will understand why they weren’t invited…” The Knot’s wedding announcement guide is located here, and Today’s Weddings announcement wording guide is located here.

From Wedding Invitation and Announcement Etiquette — the proper wording for a traditional announcement being issued by the bride and groom is this:


Mary Jane Bride
and

George Mark Groom
announce their marriage
on Saturday, the fifth of June
Secluded Beach, Foreign Country

The announcement is issued in the bride’s maiden name. It is assumed that the bride takes on the groom’s name unless a separate at home card is enclosed which makes clear the bride’s preference. Such card would read:


Mary Bride and George Groom
will be at home

after September ninth
1234 Honeymoon Lane
Cincinnati, Ohio 43434
555-123-4567

From The Knot: If the bride’s parents announce the wedding, the wording looks like:


Mr. and Mrs. James McDeal

have the honor to announce
the marriage of their daughter
[or "announce the marriage of their daughter"]
Samantha Regina
to
Edward Michael Gallagher
Sunday, the first of March
Nineteen hundred and ninety-eight
St. Thomas Beckett Church

Mount Prospect, Illinois

And if you want to go strictly by the etiquette book, check out the Crane’s Wedding Bluebook announcement section. They provide two announcement wording examples.

From Tips For Destination Weddings:

“…Should you send an invitation to people you know won’t be able to make the trip? Will it look like you’re just grubbing for a gift, or will it tell them they are an important person to you? Will they feel you expect them to be there, or will they understand it is symbolic? You should probably discuss this with those close to you first…”

A word of warning, however. Make sure if you send an invite to someone that won’t be able to attend…that they really won’t be able to attend… There was a member of the Destination Wedding Message Board (no longer active) who not only had a flood of unexpected RSVP’s returned recently, but also found extra write-ins for children as well. (This only added to the couple’s “extra cost nightmare”.) If you can’t afford to have the guest at your wedding and/or reception (whether it might be due to space, monetary reasons, whatever) — then DON’T send the invite. Send an announcement instead!


1.7 — So it’s ok to have a reception once we’re back home?

From Tips For Destination Weddings: “You can plan something very much like a traditional wedding reception (formal invitations, cakecutting, dancing, even wedding attire) or something more like a party. We had two, one an open house in my hometown, the other a more formal catered party at my husband’s parents’ home. We invited the local people who would have been invited to the wedding had we held it in those towns. We brought our wedding photos to both, and I’d carefully prepared them with good labels and captions.”

For our local reception, we also showed our wedding video for those who could not make it. Here’s an example of our (matching) reception card that was enclosed with our announcement: http://www.whollymatrimony.com/Webrings/receptioncard.jpg

From the Crane’s Wedding Bluebook: “Invitations to a late reception should not be sent with your announcements. Your wedding and your late reception are separate events. They therefore require separate mailings.” It honestly depends on the date of your wedding and (local) reception as to whether or not you should enclose a reception card with the wedding announcement.


1.8 — How do I get my wedding dress there safely?

If you are flying, you can usually make arrangements with your airline in advance. First-class cabins have large “coat closets” that can be used for bridal gown storage. If your plane does not have a first-class area (on airlines such as Southwest), it is highly recommended that you package the dress in a large box and ship it to your destination in advance, carefully packed in tissue to hold its shape. Regardless of the method you choose, look into having your gown pressed at a local cleaners upon your arrival. Your hotel’s concierge and/or wedding coordinator can help with this.


1.9 — Should we tell our friends and family in advance?

That is honestly a question best answered individually — although it is highly recommended that you at least let your parents know in advance. Family dynamics do not always make this possible, or the best choice, however.Just remember that even though your idea of a “dream wedding” does not include 500 of your closest strangers — your parents idea of a “dream wedding” for you just might. Not telling them of your plans in advance could create resentment you’ll never recover from — on both sides. But again, you know your friends and family best, and in the end you should follow your heart. WeddingChannel.com has a good article on the pros and cons of eloping, if you’d like to research this further.


1.10 — What about destination weddings for second marriages?

Here are a few articles to help you deciede where to have a destination wedding when you are getting married for the second time.

Wedding Concierge has a good article on this topic.

Guide to Second Weddings, Second Marriages and Vow Renewals -
Honeymoons By Sunset - Honeymoons By Sunset
Wedding Gazette – Jill Curtis - Wedding Gazette – Jill Curtis


2.1 — Where can we find location suggestions?

Destination Webring List

The “Top 10″ Destination Wedding Spots:
1. Hawaii
2. Las Vegas
3. Florida
4. California
5. Texas
6. Georgia
7. Virginia
8. New York
9. North Carolina
10. Colorado

And here’s a long list of ideas by Karen: Karen’s Bunch O’ Links For Destination Weddings

Destination Weddings Magazine List: http://www.dwhmagazine.com/magazinepage/findprop.cfm


2.2 — Do airlines offer group discounts for weddings?

You’re in luck — American Airlines has a “wedding event travel” discount program! You can contact them at 1-800-221-2255. They also have a Wedding Event Travel page.
Besides American, additional airlines listed are Hawaiian Airlines

Delta, for instance, doesn’t specify that romantics get a break…but does vaguely state on its site: “When your travel plans involve 10 or more passengers on the same flight, Delta Air Lines can easily accommodate your group needs.” (To me that means, call up and negotiate.)

America West (which flies many marryin’ couples in and out of Las Vegas) says: “For groups of 10 or more passengers on the same flight itinerary, you qualify for special pricing from America West Airlines Group & Specialty Travel.”

2.3 — What if we want our wedding on a cruise?

Planning a Cruise Wedding: This will help you find information on getting married while on a cruise with the one that you love

Princess Cruise Wedding: A Princess Wedding — Nautical Nuptials Offer Romantic Start to a Life Together

Weddings on the Queen Mary: Create a Memory Aboard the Historic Queen Mary

Carnival “Fun Ship” Vows: Carnival offers wedding packages to fit every budget
Carnival Weddings in the Virgin Islands: Imagine … exchanging your vows while on your Caribbean cruise in the port of St. Thomas.

Plan a Cruise: You’re considering a Disney Cruise Line® vacation. How do you plan, book and prepare? It’s easy

About.com Cruise Weddings: A cruise wedding is a good way to start a marriage


2.4 — Anything out there about theme park weddings?

WeddingChannel.com has an article on theme park weddings,
CNN Interactive Online also has Destinations Roller Coaster Weddings website.

Weddings in Orlando! And don’t forget to check the Disney World wedding sectionof the FAQ, too…


2.5 — And what about beach weddings?

WeddingChannel.com also has a good beach wedding article.

Check the individual locations-section of the FAQ for information on beach weddings

in Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Florida.


2.6 — Will we need a wedding consultant or coordinator?

That honestly depends on the amount of time you’ll have to put into the research of your destination wedding. If you don’t have the time (or feel qualified) to research the legal requirements that go along with a destination wedding, the vendors in that area, officiant options, where to stay, etc. — then yes, you probably will need to hire a coordinator or consultant. Some hotels, wedding chapels, bed & breakfasts, and “destination packages” provide this service for free, however. Some do not. Travel agents can also act as coordinators. Consultants may base their fee on a percentage scale– and/or offer a flat rate. Some may provide “total service” packages, while others may offer their services à la carte.

As mentioned by Karen, “Don’t assume that just any wedding or travel consultant can automatically meet your needs. A consultant who is wonderful for local couples may not be as adept in helping you long-distance. Luckily, in some locales there are wedding consultants whose primary business is working with couples from out-of-town. They are good about faxing, mailing photos, and taking other special steps to help you. There are also consultants who aren’t limited to any particular wedding location, but regularly handle destination weddings.”


2.7 — What are the logistics and legalities of marrying abroad?

Advice from Confetti: Marrying Aboard… This is a good place to start…

For couples outside the United States that wish to marry in Las Vegas, Nevada: http://www.vegas.com/weddings/legal.html


2.8 — Does anyone know the U.S. legal requirements by state?

This information can vary depending on the source you use, unfortunately. Honestly, your best bet is to settle on a location, and then call the local license bureau for that information. However, here are several lists of requirements by state online:
http://www.1800bride2b.com/articles/marriagelaws_chart.htm
http://www.bridalzine.com/license1.html
http://wwwsecure.law.cornell.edu/topics/Table_Marriage.htm


2.9 — Are there any location-specific message boards out there?
You betcha! Here is a list of related destination wedding message boards :

Las Vegas Weddings — http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=lasvegasbrides&nav=start&prettyurl=%2Flasvegasbrides%2Fstart

Weddings Abroad — http://forums.delphi.com/weddingsabroad/start


2.10 — Enough of vendors! Where do I find personal websites?

You can find a great list of personal sites in the Destination Wedding Webring:http://www.whollymatrimony.com/Webrings/old_webring_sites.html
http://www.ringsurf.com/netring?ring=destination;action=list







[Destination Wedding Ring]

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3.1 — Information on “Disney Fairy Tale Weddings”

Both Disney World (in Florida) and Disneyland (in California) offer “Fairy Tale Wedding” packages. You will get more “bang for your buck” at Disneyland — but what you save in cost, you lose in park size, hotel options, ceremony locations, etc. To research Disney World and Disneyland Fairy Tale Weddings, visit the following sites:
Disneyland Fairy Tale Weddings
Disney World Fairy Tale Weddings
Official Disney Wedding FAQ
Official Disney Wedding Photos
Disney Vow Renewals
The Knot’s Disney Wedding Guide
Unofficial Disney Wedding Guide
Plan a Disney Wedding

Help with Disney World hotel reservations


3.2 — Information on New Orleans and French Quarter weddings

This is the area I have the most expertise in, because our destination wedding took place in the French Quarter at the Le Richelieu Hotel. After over four years of research, here are the best sites I’ve found thus far (including my own, listed first):
So You Wanna Get Hitched in the Big Easy?
Bob Walker’s New Orleans Wedding Guide
New Orleans Net Directory Wedding List
The Knot’s New Orleans “Directory”
Louisiana Marriage License Requirements and Locations


3.3 — Information on Las Vegas weddings

Home of the “original” destination wedding…Las Vegas! Things have really changed concerning Vegas weddings in the last few years. With the additions of hotels/resorts such as the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Venetian, and the Paris Las Vegas — Vegas weddings are no longer limited to small chapel (”quickie”) affairs. The possibilities are endless. Of course old stand-bys like A Little White Wedding Chapel are still around, but now the wedding venue choices in Vegas are as endless as the Strip itself:

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Wedding Guide

Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau

vegas.com Wedding Section

Discovery Online’s live “Vegas wedding cam”

The Knot’s Nevada Marriage License Info

WeddingChannel.com’s Las Vegas Wedding Guide

Open Directory’s Vegas Wedding Chapels List


3.4 — Information on Hawaii weddings

Hawaii is a dream destination wedding location for many couples — especially those on the U.S. west coast. Wedding options range from black beaches, to mountain tops, to taking vows under a waterfall. What more could you want?
Hawaii Wedding Planning Guide
About.com Hawaii Wedding Guide
Obtaining a marriage license in Hawaii
Search Hawaii Wedding & Honeymoon Pages

gohawaii.com’s Wedding Planner

Pacific Rim Weddings - Hawaii & Tahiti

Maui Wedding Guide
Maui Wedding Association
Big Island Wedding Guide
Oahu Wedding Guide
Kauai Wedding Guide
Kauai Wedding Professionals Association


3.5 — Info on weddings in Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland

Several couples are now opting to take off for the beautiful green fields of Ireland:
Ireland wedding requirements
About.com’s “Ireland weddings simplified”

True Guide to Irish Weddings
wed-ireland.com
Marriages in Northern Ireland

You can also choose to say your vows in England, Wales, and Scotland:
Legal Requirements in England and Wales
WeddingGuideUK.com Requirements (England, Wales, Scotland, & Northern Ireland)

Wow Vows: Bath, England
English Castle Weddings
Devon Wedding Directory Legal Requirements


3.6 — Information on weddings in France

Destination weddings in France are somewhat complicated, but possible:
U.S. Embassy Paris Consular - Marriage Requirements
Destination wedding in France
Legal Requirements For France


3.7 — Information on weddings in Gatlinburg, TN

Another popular U.S. destination wedding choice is the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN:

Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce’s site on weddings
Visitor Information Center list of wedding chapels
Marriage license requirements and locations
Tennessee Marriage License Information
Open Directory’s Tennessee Smoky Mountain Weddings


3.8 — Information on weddings in Lake Tahoe and Reno

Lake Tahoe and Reno have several wedding chapels (like Caesar’s) to choose from:
Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Wedding Information
Lake Tahoe Weddings and Honeymoon Central Directory

Lake Tahoe Churches, Chapels, and Clergy
Lake Tahoe Reception Facilities
Weddings at Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Destination Wedding Guide
Lake Tahoe License Fees and Information

Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce Wedding Info
The Knot’s Nevada Marriage License Info


3.9 — Information on weddings in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park makes the perfect destination wedding backdrop:

Year Round Weddings and Marriage Vow Renewals in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Wedding Location Info

Yosemite Wedding Location Photos
Yosemite National Park Service


3.10 — Information on weddings in Jamaica/the Caribbean

If you really want to “run away” from it all, consider the Caribbean, mon:

Bahamas Wedding Info

Nassau, Bahamas Wedding Packages

St. Lucia Tourist Board Wedding Info

Pigeon Island National Landmark, St. Lucia, Weddings

Say “I Do” to the Cayman Islands

Ocho Rios Weddings and Honeymoons

U.S. Virgin Islands Tourist Guide’s Wedding Info

Sandals Weddingmoons

ivillage.com’s “Planning a Jamaican Wedding Abroad”

Caribbean Weddings: A Walk Down the Isle

Open Directory’s Carribean Destination Wedding List


3.11 — Information on weddings in Kenya

Kenya’ Tourist Board’s “Foreign Weddings and Honeymoons in Kenya”
Celebrate your dream wedding in Kenya


3.12 — Information on weddings and civil unions in Vermont

For obvious reasons, Vermont weddings are now in the spotlight, and deservedly so:
Vermont Wedding Legalities

Civil Unions — What’s It All About?

Vermont Wedding Directory

Information on Vermont civil unions, commitment ceremonies, and gay weddings


3.13 — Information on Rocky Mountain weddings in Colorado
A Rocky Mountain background would make for gorgeous wedding photos:

Colorado Marriage License Laws

Denver Marriage License Requirements

Boulder Marriage License Information


3.14 — Information on Black Hills weddings in South Dakota

Another option to consider — getting married in South Dakota’s Black Hills:
Black Hills Wedding Guide

About.com South Dakota Wedding Guide

Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sioux Falls Wedding Section


3.15 — Information on New York City weddings

Start spreading the news…and read about New York City nuptials:
City of New York’s “How Do We Get Married in New York City” FAQ

Wedding Vendors in New York City

Modern Bride’s New York Wedding Website

About.com’s New York Wedding Guide

Empire State Building Valentine’s Weddings

New York City’s Marriage License Info

New York State Marriage License Laws


3.16 — Information on Poconos weddings

The Poconos Mountains aren’t just for honeymooners — now for weddingmooners, too:
It’s very difficult to find non-location specific Poconos wedding sites online. I usually try to refrain from listing specific wedding vendor locations, and instead link to FAQs and tourism wedding sites. However, since that isn’t exactly possible in this instance — and the Poconos Mountains are a popular destination wedding site — I will give you several location ideas to get you started. First make sure to check out the Pocono Mountains Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

Then look around the following websites: Caesars Pocono Resorts, Bischwind Bed & Breakfast Weddings, Cliff Park Inn, The Overlook Inn, The Pine Knob Inn, Black Walnut Bed & Breakfast, Bluestone Country Inn, Crescent Lodge and Country Inn, The Sterling Inn and The French Manor, Stroudsmoor Country Inn, The Settlers Inn, and Mount Airy Lodge.


3.17 — Information on (non-Disney) Florida weddings

You don’t have to wear mouse-ears to tie the knot in Florida:

Dreams Can Come True In Florida

Florida Wedding Directory

About.com’s Florida wedding guide

About.com’s Pensacola, FL wedding guide

About.com’s Jacksonville, FL wedding guide
About.com’s Orlando, FL wedding guide
About.com’s Tampa Bay, FL wedding guide

About.com’s Ft. Lauderdale, FL wedding guide
Florida Marriage License Laws
Wedding Professionals of Central Florida Directory
Orlando Weddings by Just Marry!
Gulf Coast Bridal Online Magazine
Beach Weddings and Vow Renewals
Seaside, Florida for Weddings

Pirate Cruise Weddings in Clearwater, FL

Here are links specific to Key West, Florida:
Best of the Islands - Key West Wedding Services
Key West and Florida Keys Wedding Directory
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Weddings
Key West Weddings and Tropical Parties
Key West Weddings by Cristina
Key West Fantasea Weddings
Floridays Wedding Charters

Dream Chaser Wedding Charters
Mystic Dreams Charters
Schooner Western Union Private Tall Ship Charters

Florida Keys Wedding Info-Net
Florida Keys Wedding Packages
Audubon House Tropical Garden Weddings
Chapel by the Sea Weddings
Dial “M” for Matrimony

Tropical Island Weddings

Florida Keys Weddings on the Ocean

Florida Keys Island Weddings
Key West Weddings Without Worry


4.1 — What about other destination wedding locations?

Didn’t find the particular destination that you were looking for? Try here:
U.S. specific destination wedding links

Non-U.S. destination wedding links

About.com’s “Weddingmoons” guide

About.com’s Venice wedding guide
About.com Mexico wedding guide
Cancun Wedding Legal Requirements
Open Directory’s U.S. Destination Weddings List
Open Directory’s Europe Destination Weddings List
Open Directory’s Asia Destination Weddings List
“Find a Wedding Location” by Beverly Clark
Town & Country Weddings Destination Finder

For California destination weddings — be sure to visit “Here Comes The Guide”:
Here Comes The Guide Online - The Complete Resourse For Special Events


4.2 — How can I link this Destination Wedding FAQ to my website?

Well it’s funny you should ask… We’ve created a graphic & HTML link for you here:

http://www.connect-dots.com/Temp/FAQlink.html (thank you!)

Unless otherwise stated, the contents of this FAQ are © 2006-2008 to “Wholly Matrimony!“. They may not be reprinted, reposted, or circulated without express written permission. Please contact Christine with suggestions, changes, additions, or deletions.