A growing number of brides and grooms are choosing to take their vows in an exotic location instead of a local church.  There is just a certain appeal to having your special day in a unique destination such as a tropical paradise, a colorful city that never sleeps, or a private getaway.  By trimming down the guest list to a few friends and family members, a couple can have a beautiful wedding far away for about the same price they would pay to entertain hundreds of guests with a big reception in town. 

Here are a few first-hand destination wedding tips to help you plan:

1.  Be familiar with the area.

It’s best to visit first if possible so you know exactly what it looks like, what the costs are, the condition of the accommodations and the various other details involved in travel.  If you can’t visit the location yourself, be sure to talk to someone who has.  Travel agents are an excellent source of information on destinations.

2.  Save the date.

Give your guests plenty of warning.  Many guests will be able to afford to travel to your wedding if they have time to save and plan for it.  Make sure they know the date, location and if any travel /lodging discounts are available.

3.  Capture the moments. 

Photography and videography are always important – but especially when your wedding is in a unique destination.  Many resorts and wedding venues offer photography as a part of their wedding packages, but these photographers often lack talent and creativity, not to mention you’re working with a total stranger.  Also, communicating with the photographer on site can be challenging if you have questions or issues with the photos.  Consider taking your own photographer along.  It may not be as expensive as you think.  When the wedding day is over and you return back home, you will want great images to show your family and friends.  Your wedding album is a priceless heirloom that will be passed on for generations, so don’t skimp on the memories.

4.  Make sure you’re legal. 

Understand the legalities of getting married in another country/state before you go.  There may be additional fees, residency requirements or other issues.  If there is a wedding planner available at your destination, utilize their knowledge.  They can be a great resource and save you a lot of potential headache.

5.  Use a wedding planner. 

You need someone to be your hands and feet on location before the wedding day.  Many resorts have planners they can recommend to you.  Talk to other brides for referrals.  Find out about their experience with that wedding planner.  Make sure you’re getting a fantastic planner who will work for you and make everything go smoothly.

6.  See if there’s a discount. 

If you are guaranteeing the hotel some guests, there may be discounts available to you.  Resorts will often comp rooms and give amenities for groups, especially if they are staying for several days.  Be sure to ask what kind of bonuses you can get if you bring a group.  It never hurts to ask!
- Tamar London & Tammy Wolfe

Tamar London and Tammy Wolfe own London Wolfe Photography in Altoona, PA.  They have photographed several destination weddings including ones in Las Vegas and Jamaica. They have 14 years of combined experience in photographing weddings.
http://www.londonwolfe.com/
(814) 942-6666
info@londonwolfe.com

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