When you think of destination weddings, people dream of faraway places like Bali, Costa Rica, Thailand.
and other places. Those are beautiful romantic wedding destinations, but the truth is that I have found some
Idyllic wedding destinations just around the corner, so to speak. According to the theme of the five-day trip,
have a list of 10 memorable and elegant wedding destinations that will not break your budget, they are easy to reach
and it can be the perfect setting for your perfect wedding. The displayed links to destination weddings are not active due to EZA editorial guidelines. Just add the “www”. and copy and paste into your browser.
What do you not like about Mexico? The warm people and the beautiful beaches make it a close wedding and
honeymoon destination. Getting there is easy and fast; usually only half a day of travel gets an early check-in. Take note of these two romantic wedding resorts: Hacienda De San Antonio in Colima, Mexico. Built as a coffee plantation nearly 200 years ago near the foot of the Volcán de Fuego (an active volcano), this chic 25-suite mini-resort offers couples a rare opportunity to purchase the entire resort for one affordable price. Visit one of the best hotel sites at haciendadesanantonio.com. A beautifully executed Flash site, but a bit slow to load.) My second recommendation, Esperanza Resort Cabo, San Lucas is a one-of-a-kind, 56-room celebrity spotting retreat that includes amenities found only in more expensive hotels. . . The luxurious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable king-size beds, high ceilings, hammocks, artistic candles, and water views that add to the ambiance already present in this elegant setting. Wedding packages from $2000. hoperesort.com.
The Caribbean has its share of stunning islands and one is Saint Lucia. Visit stlucia.org/ and click
the ‘interactive’ map for a tour. Highlights are: Castries/Rodney Bay, Anse Chastanet and Soufrie. dove
Island National Park is also highly recommended for an unforgettable wedding.
Watch out! Monkey Crossing…says a bright yellow sign nailed to a mahogany tree. Where is this you ask? It’s the island of Nevis: another very popular Caribbean wedding destination. This 36-square-mile island sits near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico and just west of Antigua. For more information about Nevis, visit its official site nevisisland.com.
How about a little southern charm? You might consider Kiawah Island in South Carolina or the epitome of southern hospitality, Charleston. Visit the official site of the Charleston Visitors Bureau and click on the icon of the
suitable for wedding planners at charlestoncvb.com.
One of my favorite cities to visit is Key West, Florida. With its coastal setting and New Orleans flair (the party never stops), Key West is a natural destination to plan your wedding. The architecture surrounding Duval Street is like that of any known southern city. Elegant anti-bellum homes have been renovated into quaint bed-and-breakfast inns. And, if you want something more akin to a resort, there are multiple options in vacation rentals and luxury hotels. Key West’s entertainment menu includes fishing and diving excursions, ghost walks and, of course, the famous bars and restaurants along Duvall Street. Learn more at…keywest.com.
Our own heartland has thousands of great wedding and honeymoon venues, but this particular destination always seems to leave lasting impressions: Napa Valley, California, with its rolling hills and gorgeous vineyards. How can you go wrong saying your vows under the branches of a beautiful weeping willow tree? So beautiful, and so much to see. napavalley.org
This might be a bit of a stretch for a five-day trip, but it’s easy and affordable. Set your sights on Maui, Hawaii. Always represented and remembered as a premier destination for weddings, Maui may be stretching your budget a bit, but the lush emerald hills, majestic cloud-fringed mountains, and gorgeous beaches create a wedding and honeymoon setting that will be etched in your memory. his memory for life. For more information… visit maui.com.
Can you keep a secret? A US territory (no passport needed), the US Virgin Islands are famous for their beautiful white-sand beaches and aquamarine water. Any of the three islands (St. Tomas, St. John, St. Croix) that make up this lush tropical setting is perfect for a ‘barefoot in the sand’ beach wedding. Megan’s Bay on St. Thomas, Hawks Nest Bay on St. John, and Hibiscus Beach on St. Croix offer incredible wedding settings. Visit my friend Michelle Smothers at islandweddingservices.com for the perfect wedding experience.
Rounding out my top ten destination wedding recommendations is the island of Puerto Rico, 40 miles west of St. Thomas. Puerto Rico includes just about every amenity wedding couples could ask for and it’s easy and affordable to get there. Choose from a tour of Puerto Rico’s beautiful rainforest, marlin and other charter fishing trips, a night swim in a phosphorescent bay, where your every move illuminates the water with an iridescent glow. There are also countless diving and snorkeling trips available for water enthusiasts. A favorite destination for weddings and honeymoons is Rincon Beach and Resort. Located on the world-famous Playa Rincón, this 4-star resort satisfies every whim and fantasy. For more information on planning your wedding, follow this link…rinconbeach.com/pages/tropical_weddings.html.
