Most Popular Destination Wedding Locations
Destination weddings offer couples a chance to have a unique wedding in the location of their dreams. A destination wedding will offer couples the opportunity to plan a wedding that is more intimate, mostly because many of their family and friends will not be able to attend a wedding that is so far away from home. It may be easy to decide on having a destination wedding, however, it may be a bit more difficult to pick a location and to plan one.
Here are some of the most popular destination wedding locations.
Just south of the border lies Mexico, one of the more popular destination wedding spots. This area offer warm sunny weather year round, plus couples will have beautiful backdrops and spicy cuisine for their reception. There are many all-inclusive resorts in Mexico that offer beach weddings and the resort will do all of the planning for you.
Popular regions in Mexico for couples to host a destination wedding include Acapulco, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya. Popular resorts for a destination wedding include El Dorado Royale, Paradisus Resorts and Blue Bay Hotels and Resorts.
Island wedding planners await you in Jamaica where they will help plan your wedding on the beautiful beaches, near waterfalls or with the mountains in the background. The beauty of Jamaica is what makes it one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the world.
All-inclusive resorts such as the Sandals Resorts, Iberostar and AM Resorts offer wedding planning with a stay at the resort. This makes it possible for couples to have everything included in a single price, while giving family and wedding guests a convenient place to stay. Before and after the wedding, couples and guests will be able to relax on the sandy beaches, explore local markets and go hiking through the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.
The island of the Dominican Republic offer couples both boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts where they can exchange their vows and continue enjoying the honeymoon long after they say "I do." The southeastern side of the island is one of the more popular spots for couples and their families to gather on the beaches for a tropical wedding. The eastern tip of the island is also popular for couples to host a destination wedding in the enclaves of Punta Cana.
Once you arrive in the Dominican Republic, you will know you made the right decision to get married there, especially once you dig your toes into the powdery sands along the island's 900-mile coastline. Popular destination wedding resorts in the Dominican Republic include Dreams Resorts, Casa de Campo and Melia Caribe Tropical.
Just a short jet ride from the shores of Florida, couples will find paradise in the Bahamas. Considered one of the hottest destinations for couples, the Bahamas offer many romantic destination wedding opportunities. Couples will have more than 700 islands to choose from, including Nassau, Freeport, Paradise and Grand Bahama Island. Many of the Islands offer private resorts, all-inclusive resorts and charter boats that are perfect for a destination wedding location.
Many of the all-inclusive resorts will offer that picture and many other beautiful backdrops for your destination wedding. Popular destination wedding resorts in the Bahamas include the Sandals Resorts - Sandals Royal Bahamanian Spa Resort and Sandals Emerald Bay - the Atlantis Resort and Casino and the One & Only Ocean Club.
No need for passports to plan an island wedding when you have the romantic islands of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. Couples love the hassle-free travel to Hawaii, making it easier for their guests to join them for their destination wedding. The green mountains, romantic waterfalls, intimate lagoons and clear ocean waters are all perfect backdrops for a wedding.
Couples can choose to plan the wedding themselves or use the services of a wedding planner at one of the many resorts located throughout the Hawaiian islands. Popular destination wedding hotels and resorts include Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Kahala Hotel and Resort and Moana Surfrider.
Planning a destination wedding in the United States Virgin Islands is just as easy as planning one within the country. No passports are needed for couples nor their wedding guests. The Virgin Islands consist of three major islands - St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix - all of which offer lush, beautiful backgrounds perfect for any wedding. Plus, once the wedding is over, couples and their guests can enjoy island hopping and exploring all of the smaller islands peppered throughout the waters surrounding the main islands.
Popular destination wedding hotels and resorts in the United States Virgin Islands include the Ritz-Carlton, The Buccaneer, Carambola Golf Club & Beach Resort and Caneel Bay Resort.
No matter what time of year you want to get married, Aruba is the perfect destination wedding location. This island is just south of the hurricane zone, eliminating the worry of a cancelled wedding due to an approaching storm. The island is also home to many all-inclusive resorts, quiet tropical settings and gorgeous sunsets. After the wedding, couples and their guests can spend some time in the sun, on the sandy beaches or in one of the many casinos.
Popular destination wedding hotels and resorts in Aruba include the Hyatt Regency Aruba, the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino and the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.
Some couples love the idea of planning a destination wedding aboard a cruise line. These weddings bring the hotel and amenities with the wedding party, while offering multiple wedding options. Wedding options include secluded sections of the boat, in the boat's chapel and at the many ports of call made while taking a cruise vacation. Plus, the reception hall will go with you once you depart from your ceremony site.
Popular cruise lines for destination weddings include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess and Norwegian Cruise Line.
For couples looking for quiet destination wedding venues, Aspen, Colorado is home to many private cabins and quiet resorts set within gorgeous mountains. Wedding venues in Aspen include near the snow-covered mountains, next to oversized fireplaces and in luxurious ballrooms.
Popular destination wedding venues in Aspen, Colorado include the Aspen Meadows Resort, Hearthstone House, Hotel Lenado and different sites of Frias Properties of Aspen.
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean is a popular destination wedding location where coupes can get married among hillside villas and crystalline waters. These romantic settings can only be found in Amalfi Coast, Italy, where couples can choose a private wedding setting or a larger venue for families to enjoy a more traditional wedding overlooking the Bay of Salerno. Couples can also choose to take a cruise along the many waters of the region, including aboard luxury cruise lines such as Oceania Riviera, Seabourn Quest and Crystal Symphony.
Popular destination wedding venues in Amalfi Coast, Italy include private villas, quaint restaurants and the Cliffside hotels.
Nothing beats what the country regions of Ireland have to offer couples planning a destination wedding. The Emerald Isle offers the perfect, romantic backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot with a little bit of Irish culture and lots of Guinness. The misty hills, quaint villages and historic castles create the perfect backdrop when saying "I do."
Popular destination wedding venues in Ireland include the regions of Dublin, Southwest Ireland and West Ireland. Two of the more popular resorts for weddings are the Ballyfin Demesne Resort and the Bridgehouse Hotel.
A destination wedding is something almost every bride dreams of, but only few actually go through with the planning of one. Make your dreams come true and start planning your destination wedding at one of the many popular locations worldwide. These destinations offer everything from romantic venues to breathtaking backdrops for those looking for a unique wedding venue.
Related: Travel Guide To Paris, France
Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.