destination weddings
Destination Weddings – Choosing the Location
The process of choosing a location for your destination wedding is similar to choosing a honeymoon destination. Following, I have outlined a few things you need to determine when deciding on your destination wedding location.
How far do you want to travel?
A destination wedding can take place internationally or domestically. In other words, the term “destination wedding” does not necessarily mean you have to travel outside the country. In fact, your ideal destination may not even require you to leave your state.
Of course, if you decide you want to travel abroad, then the possibility of places to host your wedding is plenteous and this is where a destination wedding specialist in your locale can educate you and help you narrow down your choices as to the best destinations to host your wedding based on the following:
What type of setting do you envision for your wedding?
By figuring out the type of setting you envision for your wedding and the specific things you want to see and do, you and your destination wedding planner can narrow down a list of potential places to host your destination wedding. For example, if your widest dream is to get married underwater in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, your destination wedding specialist can tell you exactly where that is possible and the requirements for such an adventurous wedding.
As for the things you want to see and do, think about activities or shared hobbies you both enjoy the most—surfing, scuba diving, golf, snorkeling, skiing, hiking, spa vacations, etc.? Next, can you imagine not enjoying these things on your destination wedding vacation? By coming to a consensus of the things you both want to see and do, you and your destination wedding planner can further narrow down your options in the land of infinite possibilities.
How many attendants and guests are you planning to invite?
The size of your wedding is very important because it will determine what locations can accommodate your event. The average number of guests that attend a destination wedding is a slightly less than 50. It could be that you already have a specific place in mine. However, if you have a large guest list, the location may not be able to accommodate your wedding size. The rule of thumb with hosting a destination wedding is “less is more”. Destination weddings are often intended to be more intimate than the traditional wedding, in that it primarily comprises of only your closest family and friends.
The questions I have outlined are just a few things for you to determine that will help you narrow down the options of where to have your destination wedding. There are other things to you need to take into consideration that will help you narrow down your options, such as whether you want a religious or civil ceremony.
I will talk more about this in Monday’s blog post. Stay tuned by subscribing to my blog!
{This is a re-post and content has been modified. Originally published on my old blog in 2009}
Read MoreDestination Weddings – Bald Head Island, NC
Fourteen miles of unspoiled pristine beaches, Bald Head Island is one of the hidden treasures of Eastern North Carolina. Located a couple of miles from the Cape Fear River and between there and the Atlantic Ocean, the only access to this island is by a passenger ferry boat or a private yacht.
That’s right! There are no cars on Bald Head Island. The only means of transportation while on the island are golf carts,bikes, and of course “pat and joe” (your feet), making it an ideal place to host both an intimate and eco-conscious destination wedding among your closest family and friends.
As soon as you and your guests arrive onto the island, you will suddenly feel the slow pace of life as you leave your worries all behind you. Just imagine all the memories and the unforgettable time you and your guests will have in this unique little paradise.
Featured in the above photograph is the Bald Head Lighthouse, which is North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse and affectionately referred to by the locals as “Old Baldy”. The lighthouse is the most popular place on the island for outdoor wedding ceremonies. This historic lighthouse is just gorgeous as it is nestled between live oak trees and lush greenery.
What do you do in wedding destination that is unspoiled and has no car pollution?
- Relax and past time on the beaches with your bridesmaids
- Sooth your mind, body, and spirit at Island Retreat Spa and Salon
- Golf seaside at the Bald Head Island Club
- Explore the island by hiking the maritime trail, kayaking the tidal creeks, wind-sailing
- Climb the “Old Baldy” Lighthouse for a complete view of the island
- And of course you can wine, dine, and shop while on the island
Whether you chose to host a destination wedding and/or your honeymoon on Bald Head Island, you truly leave it all behind and enter into your own world of fun, romance, and complete relaxation. I have included a promotional video of Bald Head Island that I found on YouTube to entice you a bit.
Are you enticed and interested in hosting a destination wedding on Bald Head Island?
If so, please contact us and do not forget to subscribe to my blog as I will continue to feature the beauty I have grown to love here in my home state as well as in my travels.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Van Atta Photography, a destination wedding photographer based in Wilmington and Asheville, NC. Please be sure to visit his website and blog.
Read MoreWhy Choose North Carolina for Your Destination Wedding
Photo Courtesy of Chris Van Atta Photography
The obvious reason is that we have the best of two-worlds—majestic mountains in the western region and a beautiful coastline in the eastern region. However, North Carolina also offers many other things in between making it an ideal wedding destination for both Carolina brides and out-of-state destination brides.
The allure of North Carolina is in part because of its southern charm and hospitality, which is the icing on the cake. Of equal appeal, North Carolina is the home to a host of private estates, including historic plantations and venues, vineyards and wineries, botanical gardens, farms for barn weddings, and a few secret jewels that are all perfect for hosting a weekend long of wedding events with your closest family and friends.
I was born and raised here in Eastern North Carolina and through the years have grown to appreciate the beauty of my native, especially our beaches. I have decided to re-launch a blog series where I will introduce you to places to host a destination wedding in North Carolina.
Tomorrow, I will introduce you to an island here on our coast that was once one of our best-kept secrets. However, destination brides are becoming to privy to this treasure. Can you guess what island I am referring too? If so, take a guess by commenting.
Photo Credit: Chris Van Atta Photography, a destination wedding photographer based in Wilmington and Asheville, NC. Please be sure to visit his website and blog.
Read MoreHoneymoon Destinations – Pacuara Lodge in Costa Rica
You are reading correctly, this jewel is situated on 740 acres in the rain forest of Costa Rica on the Pacuara River. It’s away from everything. Let’s see here…
your own private pool with the honeymoon bungalow (Look at that view!),
spa treatments outside while listening to the nature’s music,
romance (What an ambiance!),
and lots of adventure–white water rafting on the Pacuare River, horseback riding, hiking trials, bird watching, swimming, fishing, etc.
Even more, Pacuara Lodge offers eco-friendly bungalows,
made of wood from tree farms and palm thatch collected in the rainforest by our Cabecar Indian neighbors. Each bungalow combines sustainable practices such as solar-heated water and low-impact septic systems with comforts such as orthopedic mattresses and spacious bathrooms.
If you are looking for a honeymoon destination where you can get away from it all, explore nature, and experience a bit of adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world, you should consider this place.
In case you are wondering, they also permit weddings. It is relatively easy to marry in Costa Rica with a little planning ahead of time. The lodge is ideal for couples wanting to elope, or for intimate destination weddings as they can only accommodate up to 38 adults plus children.
Can you see why I want to visit this place so badly? Would you honeymoon or go on a romantic getaway here?
Photos: Pacuare Lodge
Wedding Destinations – Roanoke Island, NC
Debra and Chad’s Wedding Highlights Video in Adrianna’s, Outer Banks North Carolina (7D) from Silvas Photo Video on Vimeo.
I first introduced you to Manteo, NC located on Roanoke Island over the summer, when I featured the Elizabethan Gardens. Hailed as one of the popular wedding destinations in the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island is a beautiful place to host a romantic and intimate destination wedding.
The island offers options to host your wedding reception waterfront at a restaurant like Adrianna’s, at quaint bed and breakfast inns, and of course, you can exchange vows beach side or at the island’s lighthouse.
Are you planning a destination wedding in the Carolinas?
Destination Weddings – Roanoke Island, NC
Debra and Chad’s Wedding Highlights Video in Adrianna’s, Outer Banks North Carolina (7D) from Silvas Photo Video on Vimeo.
I first introduced you to Manteo, NC located on Roanoke Island over the summer, when I featured the Elizabethan Gardens. Hailed as one of the popular wedding destinations in the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island is a beautiful place to host a romantic and intimate destination wedding.
The island offers options to host your wedding reception waterfront at a restaurant like Adrianna’s, at quaint bed and breakfast inns, and of course, you can exchange vows beach side or at the island’s lighthouse.
Are you planning a destination wedding in the Carolinas?
Destination Weddings – Elizabethan Gardens
First up on my list is a treasure located in Manteo, NC which is a town located on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks. The reason I have decided to start with Manteo is that I recently had a bride email to ask if I knew of a place on the coast where she could host a garden wedding. The first place I thought of was Elizabethan Garden.
Photo Source: Elizabethan Garden
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