A destination wedding is a when you and your fiancee travel to a special location to have your wedding. If it is just the two of you, it is called eloping. However, destination weddings often involve family and friends. Such weddings are increasingly popular, increasing by 400 percent for American couples between the late 1990s and the mid 2000s. http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TRAVEL/ADVISOR/05/05/destination.weddings/index.html And while it doesn't sound possible, there actually often cheaper than stateside weddings; according to one bridal company, the saving for couples who marry at destination weddings are, on average, more than 40 percent.

Because the planning is often done remotely, destination weddings are often much more complicated, especially if you're planning on going somewhere a little bit exotic, maybe where English isn't the primary language. It's also a lot pricier for the guests. At the same time, if you live in, say, Minneapolis and are planning on getting married in December, a journey to the Spanish Riviera or to Rio de Janeiro can make the perfect change of scenery. It's also a good way to cull the guest list of those people you are inviting primarily because of obligation, and make the event a more personal affair. Or if you just have the urge to do something totally different, a destination wedding can be the perfect option.

If you want to know how to plan a destination wedding, then you're at the right place. The entire destination wedding process, from finding the right guy or gal to actually exchanging vows, can take years, but we'll give you the basic tools to get the planning started in this guide, which won't take you more than 10 or 15 minutes to read.

• A destination wedding is not right for everyone. You should evaluate your situation to determine if a destination wedding is right for you and your fiancée. It can be a good idea if:

1. You want a smaller, more intimate wedding.About.com: Is a Destination Wedding Right for You? - 8 Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding
2. You are okay with the idea that not everyone will be able to attend the wedding.Statesman.com: How to Plan a Destination Wedding Only about 60 percent of guests invited will attend a destination wedding.Washingtonian.com: Destination Weddings at the Beach
3. You are not obsessed with details.Statesman.com: How to Plan a Destination Wedding
4. You are flexible and able to make changes as needed.Statesman.com: How to Plan a Destination Wedding
5. It is your second wedding and you want something different.Lovetripper.com: Destination Weddings: Are They for You?
6. You are on a tight budget and can't afford a large wedding.The Knot: Destination Wedding Basics: Why Marry Away?
7. Most of your guests will have to travel to get the wedding even if you have it at home.Washingtonian.com: Destination Weddings at the Beach
8. You want the freedom to be more creative with your wedding.Washingtonian.com: Destination Weddings at the Beach

• YouTube: Wedding Style: 6 Real Destination Weddings, Pt. 1 (Time: 6:59)
• YouTube: Wedding Style: 6 Real Destination Weddings, Pt. 2 (Time: 5:33)

• Many people already have a location in mind when they start thinking about having a destination wedding. If you do not, start by asking yourself a few questions:

1. Do you want to keep it in the United States? Popular U.S. destinations include Las Vegas and the Poconos.
2. Do you want a tropical location such as Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii?
3. Do you want a European destination such as England or Italy?
4. Do you want to go down under to Australia or over to Africa or Asia?
5. Would you like to go somewhere unique such as:
   1. A cruise ship such as Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line?MSNBC: Best Cruises for Weddings
   2. An all-inclusive resort such as Couples, Sandals or SuperClubs?Budget Travel: Destination Weddings (April 29, 2005)
   3. A Disney-themed wedding at either Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California?
   4. The Mall of America's Chapel of Love?
   5. An African game preserve?

• Once you have an location in mind, evaluate its suitability by asking yourself several additional questions:

1. What will your budget for the wedding be? Typically, destination weddings are cheaper than traditional weddings, but this is not always true. Budget Travel: Destination Weddings (April 29, 2005)
2. Will your family and friends enjoy the location?Statesman.com: How to Plan a Destination Wedding
3. Are there activities for your guests to do at the location besides the wedding?
4. What will the weather be like at the time? Is it hurricane season?Budget Travel: Destination Weddings (April 29, 2005) Will you be able to plan for bad weather should it occur?
5. Would it be difficult for people with physical limitations, such as your grandparents, to travel there?Brides.com: Destination Weddings: Getting Started
6. How expensive will it be for people to travel to the location? Will people that you want to attend be able to afford it?Statesman.com: How to Plan a Destination Wedding
7. Does the location offer accommodations at both the high and low-end of the cost spectrum?Statesman.com: How to Plan a Destination Wedding

• Unless you plan to have a civil ceremony once you return, you will need to research the marriage requirements in any foreign country you are considering for your destination wedding. In general, the United States will recognize any marriage performed elsewhere provided it was a valid marriage. Although many countries have no residency requirements, here are a few that do:

• Aruba: 2 daysThe Wedding Experience: Legal Requirements for Destination Weddings
• Dominica: 2 daysThe Wedding Experience: Legal Requirements for Destination Weddings
• England: 7 daysThe Knot: Marrying in Europe: An Overview
• French Polynesia (Tahiti): 30 daysThe Knot: Asia, Australia, and Africa: Marriage License Requirements

• Grenada: 3 daysThe Wedding Experience: Legal Requirements for Destination Weddings
• Italy: 3 daysThe Wedding Experience: Legal Requirements for Destination Weddings
• Jamaica: 24 hoursThe Knot: Marrying in the Caribbean: An Overview
• Martinique: 1 month
• Mexico: 2 to 4 daysThe Knot: Marrying in Mexico: An Overview

• Spain: 21 days to 2 yearsLifeTips: Destination Weddings Europe Tips
• St. Lucia: 2 days
• St. Maarten: 10 daysThe Knot: Marrying in the Caribbean: An Overview
• Tortola: 3 daysThe Wedding Experience: Legal Requirements for Destination Weddings
• Trinidad & Tobago: 3 days
• Turks and Caicos: 24 hours

• Besides the residency requirements, some countries have a waiting period (either after a divorce or after the marriage license is issued) before a wedding can be performed. You will need to check this out as well. The best way to find out all the requirements necessary is to contact the U.S. Embassy in that country.U.S. Department of State: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions

• • Don't forget to check out Mahalo's travel section for more information about any location you are considering.

• Planning a destination wedding can be a little trickier than planning a regular wedding because you are doing everything long distance. Although you can opt to do everything yourself, there are three options that can make it easier:The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Destination Weddings

1. Hire a wedding consultant.The Knot: 13 Must-read Tips The wedding consultant can be one that lives where the wedding will be held or one that specializes in planning destination weddings.
2. Have the wedding at a hotel or other location that specializes in weddings.
3. Have the wedding at a wedding chapel. They usually offer wedding packages that include items such as flowers, licenses, music, photographers and similar items.The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Destination Weddings

• If at all possible, consider visiting the location and meeting with anyone that you want to hire before the wedding.The Knot: 13 Must-read Tips When you visit, you can also scout out locations and look into activities for your guests. If you can't visit the location, then you should thoroughly research your location and check references before you hire someone.

• • Check out Mahalo's How to Plan a Wedding Reception, How to Hire a Wedding Photographer, How to Hire a Wedding Videographer and How to Choose a Wedding Officiant for more information.

• YouTube: Bride Guide #10 - Susan Breslow on Destination Weddings (Time: 1:18)

• Unless you are planning on eloping, dealing with your guests is going to be one of the most important aspects of your destination wedding. Guests spend, on average, between $750 and $1,100 to attend your wedding, so it is important to make them feel comfortable.DestinationWeddings.com: Destination Wedding Tips & Advice

1. Notify your guests at least one year in advance by sending a save the date card.Brides.com: Destination Weddings: Getting Started
2. Prepare a package for each guest that includes information about the location, maps, contact information, packing suggestions, phrase book and similar information.Brave New Traveler: The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Destination Wedding
3. Create a guide website for your guests. The site can contain information such as where to get a passport, information about the location and anything else you would like your guests to know.
4. Inform guests of what will be expected of them such as appropriate dress (formal or informal).Brave New Traveler: The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Destination Wedding
5. Plan transportation for your guests to and from the airport and any wedding events.Brave New Traveler: The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Destination Wedding
6. Consider planning some special events outside of the wedding for your guests such as a tour or an outdoor excursion.Brave New Traveler: The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Destination Wedding
7. However, don't over plan for your guests.The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Destination Weddings Let them have some free time to explore the location on their own.
8. Welcome your guests to the hotel by placing a gift basket in their room. It can include essential things they might have forgotten or a taste of the local flavor.The Knot: 13 Must-read Tips
9. Check into getting a group discount on hotel rooms and travel reservations. Many major airlines, such as American Airlines, offer wedding travel packages.American Airlines: Wedding Travel Packages

• • Check out Mahalo's How to Get a Passport, How to Renew a Passport and How to Rush a Passport for more information.

• Chances are that many of your friends and relatives will not be able to make the trip to your destination wedding. So, you should have some idea on how to handle the issue.

1. Send wedding announcements to anyone who did not make it to the wedding.DestinationWeddings.com: Destination Wedding Tips & Advice
2. Have your wedding broadcast live online.Starwood Hotels & Resorts: Live Internet Weddings
3. Have a traditional wedding reception back home.The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Destination Weddings
4. Have an informal party to celebrate the wedding when you return that is themed to match your wedding.The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Destination Weddings

• No matter where you are getting married, you will need to get a marriage license. If your destination wedding is in a foreign country, this can involve time and paperwork. According to the U.S. Department of State, marriages performed abroad are legal in the United States if they were legally performed and valid in that location.U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad However, you might need some of the following paperwork to obtain a marriage license:

1. Certified copy of your birth certificate.
2. Proof of citizenship, such as your passport.
3. Certified copy of divorce papers or Proof of Absolute (if divorced).U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
4. Certified copy of death certificate of former spouse (if widowed).
5. Parental consent if one of the parties is under the age of 18.U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
6. A deed pool (if your name has been changed).Special Occasion Travel: Destination Weddings: Weddings in the Caribbean
7. An Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry.U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad

• Some countries may also require other documents. For example, in Costa Rica you need a certified copy of your police record and a negative pregnancy test authenticated by the Consulate for any bride that has been divorced less than a year.The Knot: Marriage Requirements for Costa Rica The best way to find out all the requirements necessary is to contact the U.S. Embassy in that country.U.S. Department of State: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions

• For more information about the license requirements for various countries, check out the any of the following websites:

1. The Knot: Destination Weddings
2. About.com: Wedding Locales & Laws
3. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons: Destination Wedding Requirements
4. Tropical Vacations Travel: Destination Wedding Marriage Requirements
5. Special Occasion Travel: Destination Weddings: Weddings in the Caribbean

• • Check out Mahalo's How to Get a Marriage License for additional information.

• Hauling everything to and from your destination can be a big headache, so you need to plan in advance. Remember, anything that you bring with you, you will have to pack and carry back with you.

1. Pack light and take only the essentials with you.
2. Allow ample room in your luggage for your wedding dress.The Knot: How to Stay Sane A lightweight wedding dress will be easier] to pack.
3. If you are shipping items, allow extra time to guarantee that they arrive (and don't forget to purchase insurance in case they don't).The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Destination Weddings
4. Open a bank account in the same city as your wedding to deposit any cash that guests give you.The Knot: How to Stay Sane
5. Request that guests not bring wedding presents to the destination.Wedding reception etiquette suggests that the parents of the bridal couple should inform guests where to send the gifts.DestinationWeddings.com: Destination Wedding Tips & Advice
6. Ask a family or wedding party member to transport any wedding items, such as your dress or presents, home.

• Having your dream wedding won't turn into a nightmare if you consider all your options. Destination weddings can be a great way to turn your wedding into a vacation for both you and your guests. The trick is to relax, be willing to adjust your plans when necessary and above all have a good time.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Is it Right for You?
• Step 2: Choose the Location
• Step 3: Planning the Wedding
• Step 4: Dealing with Guests
• Step 5: Getting a Marriage License
• Step 6: Attire and Gifts
• Conclusion
• References