The World’s Top Places for Destination Weddings

Planning a wedding is hard enough in your own home town, but pulling off an event out of town is a true challenge. You barely know your own way around, and now you have dozens if not hundreds of people to account for. But the perks of a destination wedding (and planning one) truly outweigh the negative elements – you experience the romance and mystique of another location while having a wedding/honeymoon/getaway all at the same time.

Many couples choose certain locales because they cater specifically to destination weddings and hosting numerous guests; they are the places that everyone on your list wants to go to and may not have had a chance before, but now have an iron-clad reason to make the trek. Here are the most popular spots for destination weddings – as well as what you can do while you’re there! (Just remember to choose a locale that suits you both; if you love water, a beach wedding is best, but if you would rather have a more rustic affair, opt for the mountains!)

Five of the Best Destination Wedding Planning Picks

· Italy: There’s nothing more romantic than Italian destination weddings. Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan – you name it; this is the ultimate getaway for many couples and their families. But going overseas also has a lot of challenges. As part of your destination wedding planning, you’ll have to ensure that all guests have or acquire a passport well in advance, and you’ll be responsible for finding suitable accommodations and transportation to and from the events. Your guests will want to do a little sightseeing while in town, so creating a list of places to visit and how to get there is a must. Fortunately, there are many destination wedding planning specialists who cater to foreign couples, so use their abilities fully. And the true perk of destination weddings: you can honeymoon right where you got married!

· Hawaii: This tropical island is a mecca for couples who want a relaxed beach wedding with little fuss. And hundreds of thousands of couples flock here to celebrate their nuptials Hawaiian-style. Many airports in the U.S. have direct flights to Honolulu, but if you decide to get married on another island, your guests can easily catch a flight the same or next day, giving them time to explore. And whether you choose to have an impromptu, informal affair or a giant, tropical bash, there are many knowledgeable destination wedding planning companies that can help you decide where to have your event, what to serve, where to spend your honeymoon, and much more.

· The Bahamas: One of the top destination wedding locations, the Bahamas truly evokes the Caribbean spirit in more ways than one. If all of your guests are U.S. citizens, then you’re in the clear (though, based on recent legislation, you are required to have a valid passport to enter). Citizens of other countries are advised to check entry requirements before booking tickets, and you can make it easier on your guests if they are flying from another country by verifying the requirements beforehand. Many couples choose to have their destination weddings take place among the centuries-old cathedrals or fortresses or at the famed city harbor in Nassau. And once the wedding is over, you and your guests can experience the best seafood, golfing, shopping, and casinos available!

· Napa Valley: For couples who love wine and/or the idea of getting married in a vineyard, Napa Valley is a great choice for destination weddings. Proximity to the big city – San Francisco and all of its unique sights – and the pastoral beauty of countless vineyards lure thousands of couples here each year to tie the knot with the help of a destination wedding planning specialist. From Spring to Winter, the change in seasons provides a new and different look to the Napa Valley countryside. Some wineries even host on site and have event planners at your disposal who specialize in destination weddings! And what would be more fun than touring the Wine Country on The Napa Valley Wine Train for your honeymoon?

· Lake Tahoe: For many years, the scenic charms of Lake Tahoe have routinely been voted one of the top spots for destination weddings. And it’s no wonder why this vibrant city appeals to so many different people. There’s biking, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, golfing, and skiing, all right there for you and your guests to enjoy. If you choose a wedding resort, which not only takes care of the accommodations for you and your guests, you’ll be provided with a dedicated destination wedding planning guide who will see to all of the details.

Destination Weddings: a Break from the Norm

Many couples think destination wedding planning is an outrageous expenditure. While this belief is true in some instances, you’re actually saving yourself from many hassles. Wherever you choose to have your ceremony and reception, you’ll be matched with event planners skilled at making sure that the tiniest aspects of destination weddings flow smoothly. And, you’ll also have your honeymoon built in to the cost. The best part you ask?…experiencing a brand new place with your family, friends, and loved ones.

About the Author: In 2006, Cherie Johnson decided to blend her love of weddings with a business model by starting Creative Bride, a one-stop shop for graduation, baby and bridal shower, anniversary, quinceañera, and wedding favors. Cherie’s helpful wedding planning tips have been featured on many websites including Wedding Museum, Little Wedding Guide, and The California Chronicle. Over the past few years, Cherie’s favors and guidance have helped thousands of couples and families make their big events a success. Prior to starting the company, she worked as a professional wedding photographer. Browse Creative Bride’s colorful selection of favors by visiting www.Creative-Bride.com.

Honeymoon Ideas: Favorite Destinations for Lovebirds

The honeymoon is your time to relax and recuperate from frantic wedding preparations. And picking a place that both of you will enjoy is a must. Fortunately, the world presents countless honeymoon ideas that have something for both of you. Here are some of the more popular honeymoon destinations for couples of all types.

For the Couple on a Budget

The newest trend in honeymoon ideas this year is staying at home. In the U.S., for instance, couples are forgoing the expensive costs of acquiring passports, tickets, hotels, rental cars, and food – opting instead to save a few bucks, choose popular honeymoon destinations at home, and remain in their own backyards (so to speak).

St. Augustine, Florida, in particular, is one of the more popular honeymoon destinations that continue to attract visitors due to its year round temperate climate, proximity to beaches, quaint restaurants, and great shopping. Called the Oldest City in America, it was founded in 1565, and is the home of the Fountain of Youth, where visitors can drink its restoring waters. Other highlights of the town are Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas, and the Lightner Museum, all accessible by foot. Cozy honeymoon ideas are horse and carriage rides, theater shows, fishing, and parks, and there are romantic bed and breakfasts aplenty.

Out on the West Coast, there’s another hidden gem – Seattle, Washington. Mild in the summer, but a little chilly in the winter, this city is perfect for couples who are full of fun honeymoon ideas but don’t want to break the bank. There’s the Fish Market, where you can get a delicious meal, and the famous Space Needle. Even if these two honeymoon ideas don’t interest you, there are thousands of popular honeymoon destinations that offer unique experiences. But if you really want to go out of country, consider the benefits of staying at a youth hostel or monastery, which offer comfortable places to sleep at bargain-basement prices.

For the Outdoorsy Types

For the true outdoors couple, even simple honeymoon ideas like hiking or staying in a romantic cabin would be welcome. Odds are that you and your loved one like to travel without all the comforts of home. One of the more popular honeymoon destinations for outdoor lovers is a tour of the Amazon River. Visitors to the region will enjoy strolling along the Rainforest Canopy Walkway, a man-made bridge of wooden slats and ropes which overlooks the forest below, camping along the banks of the Amazon, allowing you to get up close and personal with the native animals and local flora and fauna, and exploring expansive wildlife parks. Should you book as part of a package, a number of hotel options are available, including forest lodges and other rustic accommodations.

Another of the more popular honeymoon destinations for couples who enjoy travelling off the beaten track is an African safari, where locals take visitors out to the more remote areas in order to witness ‘the circle of life’ in action. You’ll see lions, tigers, cheetahs, zebras, and hyenas up close and in their natural habitat. Beautiful, pastoral African lodges add to the charm of the trip; at night, you and your sweetie can sip wine by African moonlight and talk the night away.

For the Thrill Seekers

These honeymoon ideas are not for the faint of heart. For couples who love an edge to their vacations, the following honeymoon ideas are meant just for you. One way to feel the rush is cage-diving with Great Whites off the coast of South Africa. On Seal Island, visitors get to experience the Great White shark in its natural element and watch it hunt the seals that inhabit the island. You’ll be able to dive into the blue Atlantic waters with a professional guide and interact with the sharks up close (protected by a sturdy steel cage of course).

One of the more thrilling, popular honeymoon destinations is Ireland; many companies offer motorcycle tours so you and your loved one can experience the beauty of the ‘Emerald Isle’ in a very unusual way. You’ll accelerate along the craggy cliffs, zigzagging on lonely roads, taking in the fresh Irish air. You’ll stop each night at a cozy B&B for some rest and start again the next day, averaging about five hours of riding time each day.

For the Laid-Back Lovers

Imagine lounging in a comfortable chair with a cold drink in your hand underneath a palm tree. Yes, for you laid-back lovers, your preferred honeymoon ideas center around the beach where you can sample delicious, homemade seafood platters and drink ice-cold tropical drinks while watching sail boats pass by. Though many islands in the Caribbean have resort rooms that are rather expensive, these popular honeymoon destinations are usually more well traveled than the rest.

To ensure that you and your loved one get some alone time, consider travelling to Turks and Caicos, Antigua, or St. Maarten, which are, on average, much more affordable honeymoon ideas and not as touristy. St. Maarten, in particular, is just one side of a dually governed island. It still retains much of its quaint Dutch charm and also features a butterfly farm, excellent hiking opportunities, and a long boardwalk. Many resorts and hotels offer special deals to honeymooners, so you can truly get a package deal at a great price.

For the History Buffs

Some of the more popular honeymoon destinations have become a little too frequently traveled for the serious history buffs. Couples who have a specific time period or country in mind should do a little research before putting their honeymoon ideas into action.

There are a few exciting, recently popular honeymoon destinations however, including the charming Eastern European city of Budapest, which has a number of honeymoon ideas and attractions right in town, such as the remarkable City Park which houses a restaurant, one of the oldest zoos in the world, a circus, an amusement park, swimming pools and medicinal baths, a castle, two museums, the Palace of Art, and Heroes’ Square, a well-known World Heritage Site. About an hour outside of the city is the start of the two centuries old Villany-Siklos wine route, which snakes around the countryside, allowing visitors to sample some of the best red wines in the world.

Another one of the more popular honeymoon destinations is a little closer to home – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With all the attractions close together, you’ll be able to tour the city on foot, getting some great exercise while learning about America’s history. About two and a half hours away is Gettysburg, home to the famed battlefield and the site of Lincoln’s address to the nation. With a number of small hotels in the area, you may want to consider booking a package deal beforehand, so by the time you arrive, the concierge or housekeeper has set the scene with candles, champagne, flowers, and chocolates or other personalized honeymoon ideas.

Make It the Trip of a Lifetime

No matter which popular honeymoon destinations you choose, it should be the trip of a lifetime. It’s one of the most special events you’ll share with your loved one, so take lots of pictures, purchase a memorable souvenir to hang in your new home, and splurge on a leisurely dinner at a great restaurant. The hardest part is coming up with honeymoon ideas and choosing where you want to go; after that, it’s time to enjoy some quality time with your sweetie!

About the Author: In 2006, Cherie Johnson decided to blend her love of weddings with a business model by starting Creative Bride, a one-stop shop for baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, anniversary, and wedding favors. Cherie’s helpful tips have been published on many websites including The Wedding Source, Little Wedding Guide, and The American Chronicle. Over the past few years, Cherie has helped countless couples and families make their big events a success. Prior to starting the company, she worked as a professional wedding photographer. Browse Creative Bride’s colorful selection of favors by visiting www.Creative-Bride.com.