So you want to have a destination wedding.
Get ready to do a lot of research, because there are many factors involved in choosing a successful destination. Determining whether to get married in Fabulous Las Vegas, Europe, or in the Caribbean
is not just a matter of where you think you’ll get the best wedding photos or who has the best all inclusive wedding packages. If you’re traveling overseas, for example, there are legal and logistical requirements to consider. If you’re hosting guestswho are traveling to attend your ceremony and festivities and who might be there for several days, you need to take their comfort and expenditures into account. Only the very bravest souls, those inviting fewer than 10 guests, or those with an enormous amount of time & energy, should consider planning a destination wedding without at least some professional help. This doesn’t however, mean that it’s necessary to use a full service wedding planner unless your wedding is large or complicated. Planners who specialize and destination weddings are often located at the destination itself. These planners are helpful with legal logistics, site information, as well as vendor recommendations. Travel agents will often act as the point person for your guests to help with with their travel arrangements and reservations, saving you a lot of work. We’ll discuss questions to ask when interviewing travel agents in a later in this series.
The Internet offers many sites to help you come up with some possible locations for your wedding and honeymoon. You can also use the web to find experienced destination wedding coordinators or travel agents. Use Google to research potential destinations by entering “destination weddings” along with the name of the country or state that interests you. (for example, type “destination weddings in Scotland” into Google’s search box). This search should pull up several options of both planners and other vendors. Travel sites such as Expedia are also helpful for getting an idea of prices or making travel arrangements.
Before getting your heart completely set on a specific destination, you’ll want to consider many things related to your choice. This is especially true if you are considering something in another country. To guide you, here is a checklist of questions you need to consider about your choice of destination.
• What are the legal and religious requirements for getting married at the desired location?
• What are the residency requirements?
• How difficult will it be for your guests to get there? Is a change of planes necessary?
• Are airfare and lodging affordable for guests?
• Are blood tests or immunizations required for a marriage license?
• Will guests require vaccinations? Can the certifying Dr. be in the U.S.?
• Do documents need to be translated into the native language? Are original documents required?
• What are the necessary documents required to get married at this destination?
• If bride or groom were previously married, must prove of divorce or proof of being a widow or widower be certified?
• Do any required documents need to be sent in advance?
• How long must you wait after your arrival to obtain a marriage license?
• After getting the license, how long is the waiting period?
• Are witnesses necessary? Must they be citizens of that country?
• Are civil ceremonies allowed? Which religious ceremonies are permitted?
• What is the name of a reputable wedding coordinator and travel agent specializing in destination weddings who will help you with bookings for guests and with hiring vendors?
• Can you make at least one site inspection trip?
• Is this someplace you would you like to spend your honeymoon?
• What is the weather like in the season you’re planning to get married?
• How long before your wedding is it suggested that you arrive?
Once you know the answers to these questions you will have an idea of whether the location will work for your wedding plans.
P.S. In our next post, we’ll discuss finding a venue in your desired location.
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