For those who are concerned about the added stress or cost of a wedding ceremony, elopement is a natural alternative. Many couples relieve themselves of the burden of a traditional wedding by going to a romantic elopement wedding location and having a private ceremony. The economic factor is clear in this case because the wedding destination is also most often the location for the honeymoon and an elopement package makes it all that much easier.
Here are a few elopement destinations inside the US and abroad.
The Southern U.S.
In terms of a destination for your wedding, North Carolina is one of the most underrated. The Outer Banks of the Carolina coast is a popular destination for travelers who love the beach but hate the over-crowding. There are several beaches and seaside resorts from which to choose. You also have many options in planning the actual ceremony. From a catered event to a romantic exchange of vows at sunset, there is something to fit every budget.
The scenic Smokey Mountains of North Carolina also offer many event-planning resources that specialize in elopement. They offer accommodations packages featuring cottages and suites while also encouraging their clients to bring as many guests to the ceremony as they would like. There are numerous wedding chapels in Gatlinburg, TN which has been called the wedding capital of the south. If you have dreamed of a mountain top wedding, you will find it in Gatlinburg.
The Northern U.S.
Another good choice for romantic elopement locations would include The Poconos in the Northeastern United States. For weddings that are an intimate elopement or an elaborate ceremony, the Poconos are an ideal getaway for love and romance. Most of the Pocono resorts are lakefront. Their suites offer amenities such as a split level design with a king sized bed in the sunken bedroom. Guests can choose between classic resorts or those that cater to the younger and hipper crowd. The newer resorts offer suites with a 20 square foot glass and tile shower for two and a heart-shaped whirlpool bath. The country-club style of the popular classic resort features a 32,000 square foot entertainment and sports center. Their suites feature a cathedral window for a panoramic view of the grounds.
The Western U.S.
Northern California is a perfect elopement destination idea for couples who have always dreamed of getting married in a romantic vineyard. Most ceremonies are held in gazebos of private gardens. Napa Valley offers excellent food and wine in addition to romantic cottages that may also accommodate your guests. The awesome scenery of Lake Tahoe in Northern California is also a great romantic getaway. There are lakefront-wedding chapels with very affordable packages. Emerald Bay is a secluded location on the edge of a cliff located only 30 minutes from the nearest resort or hotel.
Puerto Rico.
Some of the most amazing beaches in the world are in Puerto Rico. There are many hotels, resorts and spas available to host your wedding. In the Northeastern part of the island there is a six-story fortress built by the Spanish explorers in the 1540′s called El Morro. It is one of the most attractive wedding destinations in Puerto Rico. There is also a botanical garden in the heart of the rain forest called El Yunque, which is uniquely popular for a destination wedding ceremony.
Jamaica.
The sights and sounds of Jamaica along with its storied tradition are not to be underestimated as a memorable location for your destination wedding ceremony. From the perfect white sand beaches to the cascading waterfalls to the majestic mountain ranges, the breathtaking natural scenery of Jamaica is a classic and magical location for your ceremony. Maybe you envision yourself getting married under a wedding canopy on the beach. There are highly rated resorts in Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. Be sure to inquire about tours and excursions offered by the local wedding planner authorities.
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
The perfect marriage of modern amenities and classic charm is Jade Mountain in St. Lucia. With over 600 acres of beachfront, this futuristic resort is inspired by organic architecture. Passion does however have a price. This location is probably at the top of the list in terms of cost. They do offer a complimentary wedding with a minimum five-day reservation, but the room rates begin at $1150 per day. Jade Mountain does not perform dozens of weddings every day. Their goal is to make you feel special on your special day. Afterward, for your honeymoon, there are plenty of day and evening activities. There are soft sand beaches, immaculate coral reefs, scuba diving and snorkeling as well as windsurfing and sailing. They have a five-star restaurant with all food grown, fished and harvested locally.
Be sure to check the marriage license policies of the elopement wedding locations that you select. There could be long waiting periods, required documents or tests that need to be conducted prior to the ceremony. Also, be sure to research international travel and document policies when leaving the country to get married. Finding the right location is the first part in planning a perfect destination wedding ceremony.
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